Swindon Viewpoint is very special in many ways
Viewpoint was set up in 1958 and began programming in 1973, so is Britain’s earliest public-access television service (and probably Europe’s as well). It is also notable as a media service that is fully owned by and accountable to its public.
You, yourself, are welcome and encouraged to make the programmes – and to retain editorial control as you do.
Besides original production, films from earlier times have also been gathered, restored, and digitised; and together with recent output, form a catalogue of several thousand and growing.
It already comprises the largest collection of films on local life of any town in the country, – and represents a major component of both our national and local heritage.
Viewpoint is a focal point for our visual life and times
It concentrates on what is happening now, – but it has done so for long enough that you can also see what we once looked like, and how we have developed, what people have thought and cared about in the past; and the diversity of lifestyles and entertainments we have known.
You can use it to teach children our history, improve your own understanding, help older folk reminisce, or get up to date with events of the moment and current debates; – as well as join in with them.
The oldest film here was made in 1913 ( the most recent probably this week). We regularly add more and more films newly made, or from the vaults, and the catalogue of media we offer via our partner, Western Film Archive now stretches back across more than a century.
As you might expect, the range of programme types we have carried is enormous; extending from the parochial to international significance – and from social action to arts and entertainment.
For example: To find films on the Visual Arts – search Artpoint
The Artpoint strand features the work of local artists, visiting residencies, – and those of international renown that can be found in the spectacular ‘Swindon Collection’
You can find many features on our vibrant music scene in the ‘Spotlight’, ‘Tune-in’ or ‘Beatown’ strands….
From the ‘Spotlight’ series: – our own Anish Harrison gives a world-class vocal rendition of the Muddy Waters standard ‘I’m a Woman’, with backing from Swindon’s Teddy White band. This performance was recorded at a Swindon Viewpoint fundraising concert.
Besides making programmes, you can also use our other sections to raise issues and discuss and debate subjects that arise from these programmes – or that matter to the town.
To find out issues that are, or have been, cared about try the terms ‘social action‘ or ‘community action‘ in the search box.
Find young people’s voices…..
This youngster eloquently describes her feelings.
And, for example, – public service videos on Domestic Violence and other important issues:
This film was made for and with Swindon Women’s Aid
In the 21st century Viewpoint moved to being an online operation and now reaches even further, with regular viewers from around the world supplementing our local catchment. – Due to its groundbreaking history, many college media departments and professionals in media circles regularly check in.
Statistics from the old website (before this rebuild) indicate regular – that is repeat viewers in excess of 60,000.
Try typing History in the videos search box and you will come up with a wealth of interesting material.
Above is the oldest known film made in Swindon (1913). It depicts the building of a locomotive in the great Swindon Works.
So if you want to make films or videos, – for enjoyment, or to get a message across, – and get them seen; Viewpoint gives you a considerable audience. But you can also find people who might be willing to volunteer help, and possibly locate resources. You can seek advice on how to approach projects, or on training. If you would like to see a programme of yours aired by the service, or need help in making such a programme, please contact us.
An additional benefit we aim for is the provision of media training and practice to our young (and not so young) people. A great many of them have seen their communication skills, self-confidence, organisational ability and understanding of local issues greatly enhanced as a result.
Current Viewpoint Trustees:
Viewpoint aims to be open and welcoming. It offers a number of ways you can participate in a unique ‘living diary’ of local life – an activity that is both enjoyable and rewarding.
Find out more on our History page…..