So, back in August I agreed to go film for Channel 4′s post-news programme 4thought.tv on the following topic:
“Most mainstream religions teach us to commit to one person in marriage and that happiness comes in the form of a stable married life with healthy children. Yet growing numbers of people in the UK are choosing to live alone or to redefine what it means to be part of a ‘normal’ relationship. This week 4thought.tv asks, “Is it a sin to be single?”
Well, my piece is now online and will be broadcast today, Tuesday 2nd of October, at 6.55pm on Channel 4
I’d like to hear your thoughts. Personally, my initial reaction was that the final piece avoided many of the really interesting questions of consequence which we filmed, and skipped over some of my favourite answers. It’d be good to hear how it comes across to people who don’t know what actually went on in the interview. Is it as contentless as I fear?
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I do not think it is contentless. It is short and succinct, but the point it gets across is a good one I think. I obviously don’t know what was left out, but I feel like with what little time was given to you, that the stuff said was good stuff, bold stuff, and a lot of the important backbone of being non-monogamous. You shared your own story and made it accessible in a very real way. It was not sensationalized, it was just real.
My only complaint, as an audio/visual professional is that I question some of the ‘still’ shots they chose, and some of the cuts. Some the shots I feel made you look kind of sad, and I wonder if there were better shots they could have chosen. This is obviously a minor thing though, and me basically just questioning the video editor. lol
Thanks, Allie. That’s really nice feedback :)
RT @Manda_Jones: RT @Manda_Jones: My @4thoughttv piece is now online and will be broadcast today, Tuesday 2nd of October, at 6.55pm on Channel 4…
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Allie has a very good point there – they did use a few additional shots where you looked kinda sad. That was a shame because, for some people, it might detract from what you were saying and give it an emotional angle that isn’t actually there. Overall though, the basic points they chose were good and it’s a nice summary. Shame there couldn’t have been Poly 101 and Poly 201 versions made!
I know! I said SO MUCH more that would have been interesting …
Maybe we should make our own fi .. *lightbulb*!!
Agree with both Allie & Lori that I looked pretty miserable, and a bit grumpy, in some of those shots! Shame, but I think it matches the “serious” tone the series goes for. For context, they filmed me for 3 minutes just sitting there after the interview for the cutaways. I didn’t know where the camera was focussed and I *think* that’s my ‘caffeine-drop, home is far’ face ;)
Expect some haters. Clark French did one last week about how marijuana helps with his MS. got some very nasty comments. (and lots and lots of positive ones) Can’t imagine this going any more smoothly. :(
Hi Caspar, thanks for your thoughts. I don’t expect anything other than a mixed response. I didn’t do it to win any popularity contests, just to get people thinking about alternative relationship formats in a way people aren’t often exposed to. I was 25 before I *even considered* that I could pursue a strong emotional attachment without destroying a wonderful relationship I already had.. and that this could be done with honesty and consent. It’s only fair people know it is an option, even if that just allows them to confirm their personal stance against it.
Yes, I think it’s fantastic and courageous thing to do. I’m sure you’ll find the hatred more amusing/pathetic than anything else.
I doubt it’ll be “hatred” so much as a backlash of confusion and fear which, far from pathetic, is kind of understandable, don’t you think?
Just watched this.
I thought it was good and, distancing myself from the fact that I know the three of you, I think it should at least offer some people a view that there are other options/life choices out there. I thought it was well paced and your choice of words and delivery were very good (especially the … pause… “cheat” part).
Having seen some of the comments and responses you’ve tackled on twitter I think that as ever, it’s outside the comfort zone of some people but I guess that’s the point of the series.
As for the edits, I kinda agree, and the music choice didn’t help. Would’ve been nice to have seen that lovely smile!
No, it isn’t contentless at all! But knowing what you probably said, I know what you mean. I was sure, watching it, that there were probably more meaty, punchy comments you made but that they chose not to put in, but that’s just because I know what kind of speaker you are, not because of the piece itself. Everything in it is great and positive for our community, which is so lovely and welcome. Not to mention rare! Thank you. xxx