Welsh indie Telesgop wins first network commission

Fast-growing Welsh independent Telesgop has won its first network commission for BBC 4.
‘Valley Of Song’, is a six-part, 30-minute observational series which goes behind the scenes of an amateur rural Welsh orchestra, as they dress up in costumes, cope with the demands of their enthusiastic and perfectionist conductor (who is also a parish priest) and above all, indulge in their passion for making music.
The series has been commissioned by BBC Four Controller Janice Hadlow, and BBC Wales’ David Jackson, with executive producer Gethin Scourfield. The series is already in production and will be delivered early next year for transmission in Spring 2006.
Shot by John Hunter and filmed in various locations, the commission of Valley of Song is an important step for Telesgop, signalling a departure from the natural history, agricultural and science themes which have put Telesgop at the forefront of Welsh broadcasting.
Established in 1993 by science journalist and broadcaster Elin Rhys, the broadening of Telesgop’s production slate is the realisation of a long held ambition made easier since its move from the heart of the rural countryside to the vibrant Swansea Docks.
As S4C’s main supplier of countryside programming, having a rural base helped seal Telesgop’s reputation as Wales’ leading provider of countryside programming. Now relocated to the city, Telesgop is steaming ahead with a raft of new commissions.
Rhys said: “We have always been forward thinking and innovative in our approach and ideas, and our move to Swansea is helping us to fulfil many of our long term ambitions, taking Telesgop into an extraordinary period of growth and development. Our future plans stretch from documentaries to drama, although countryside and rural themes remain our heartland.”
Recent productions include ‘Starstruck’ (BBC Wales), a series about the Swansea stage school, and ‘Market Day’ (ITV Wales) about Swansea’s historic market. Meanwhile, ‘Ffermio’, Telesgop’s groundbreaking farming series for S4C is now in its tenth year and continues to go from strength to strength.
Further new commissions include ‘Under the Doctor’ for BBC Wales, commissioned by BBC Wales’ Head of Programmes, Claire Hudson with commissioning editor for Independents, Martyn Ingram executive producer.
Valley of Song is produced by Caitrin Roberts and Elin Rhys, with executive producer David Jackson.
(GB)