About this season
Video Diaries was a BBC television programme produced by the Community Programme Unit. The series of programmes was created in 1990 by producer Jeremy Gibson. The programme's production team offered members of the public basic video training and ongoing support. The diarist was then left to gather their material with a camcorder. They would then have further support in editing and post-production During 1991 - 1992 Bob Long was a producer. By 1993 the programmes was developed into the Video Nation project.
Episodes (5)
1. Lost Cowboys
Aired 31 July 1999
Hank Wangford and his band travel to meet real cowboys in the Falklands during Camp Sports - the week in which the islanders let their hair down after a year's work on farms. As well as uncovering a passion for country music, Wangford encounters the local wildlife, including penguins, dolphins and albatrosses, and displays his aptitude for shearing sheep.
2. The Perfect Hostess
Aired 7 August 1999
When Tim and Debbie Stevenson made a decision that Debbie should become a surrogate mother for her cousin, they had little idea of how it will impact on their lives. After first attempts at an implant failed to reap rewards, regular hormone treatment - and the accompanying emotional strain and physical discomfort - became part of their daily life. However, the problems really began when the long-awaited baby was finally due to be born.
3. Not Stupid
Aired 14 August 1999
Anna is prepared to go to any lengths necessary to make sure her sons are afforded a decent education. But no school within an hour's drive from her house in west London is prepared to admit them because they are autistic. Frustrated at officialdom's lack of positive response, she applies to renovate a derelict school and run it herself as one of Europe's largest specialist establishments. This film follows Anna as she tries to balance the demands of being a full-time carer for her sons with raising funds, running a charity and wading through bureaucracy.
4. Giving Away Baby
Aired 21 August 1999
Following an accident, Frances Rodgers 's life fell apart in the space of six months: she lost her job, her flat and her boyfriend. Now, five months pregnant, she tries to survive on just £37 a week in a council flat in Chesterfield. Determined to give her unborn child the happy family she never had, she has decided on adoption. Cameras follow her in the final months of pregnancy until the day comes when she must walk away from her baby.
5. Spit It Out
Aired 22 August 1999
Actions most people take for granted, such as making phone calls and buying travel tickets, are daily struggles for Anuraag Parashar, who has a stammer. Recently graduated and looking for work, Parashar decides it's time to take action. Armed with a camcorder to record his progress, he embarks on a speech therapy course in London.