Features
Calling All Story Tellers!
My Story: the search for the greatest real life stories never told
They say there's a book inside every one of us. This autumn, the BBC will be inviting the whole country to share their untold real life stories with the hope of finding that book.
In September the My Story website is launching, which will ask the public to submit their true untold real life stories in 300 – 1500 words. Up to fifteen of the most compelling storytellers will get the chance to appear in a major TV series on BBC ONE in 2010. There will also be the chance for five of the storytellers to have their book published which could see the story of their lives available to buy in shops alongside their favourite authors, after the programmes transmit.
Mark Bell, Arts Commissioner, The BBC commented: "My Story aims to get the whole nation reading, writing and telling their most remarkable stories. The BBC believes that the arts should be accessible to all and we're proud as a publicly funded broadcaster to be at the heart of the nation’s storytelling."
Wannabe storytellers are invited to come to one of six My Story road shows across the country, aiming to inspire people from all walks of life to tell their stories. We will be in All Saints Square, Rotherham Town Centre on Saturday 26th September, 10am – 5pm. Drop-in for inspiration and advice from our story gatherers, provided by the Open University, take part in workshops with your local radio team and film your story with Video Nation. You can also watch interviews with our host, Look North Presenter Christa Ackroyd, meeting familiar faces to share their own true stories. Celebrity guests include:
- Gervaise Phinn: Best selling Author and Presenter.
- Tricia Stewart: One of the original members of the Rylstone Women's Institute in North Yorkshire that inspired the British film Calendar Girls.
- Peter Duncan: BBC Presenter, also famous for his role in Flash Gordon.
- Anne Foy: Former CBBC Presenter spotted at the age of 15 and now presenting for Al Gore's award winning Current TV.
No prebooking required and families are welcome.
The My Story website will be packed full of videos and interactive tools to help people plan and structure their stories as well as tips on writing styles and skills. In addition, short videos presented by Nina Wadia (EastEnders) and Lenny Henry (returning to the part of Deacus) will show audiences how easy it is to get started and explore simple ideas to get the creative juices flowing. There are also cameo appearances from Peter Duncan, Tara Palmer Tomkinson, Stephen K Amos and Roland Rivron.
My Story is a part of the BBC's commitment to the arts and culture in association with Princess Productions.
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