THE Edinburgh television festival has added more star names to its illustrious guest list, as it announced yesterday the appearance of David Attenborough.
The 91-year-old is joining an array of celebrities from politics, sport and comedy scheduled to hold talks, workshops and question-and-answer sessions between August 23 and 25.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Channel 4 anchorman Jon Snow, writer Charlie Brooker and footballer-turned-broadcaster Rio Ferdinand are but a few of the illustrious figures scheduled to impart their knowledge to those lucky enough to get their hands on tickets.
Attenborough’s appearance comes in the 60th anniversary year of the Natural History Unit, famous for producing landmark programmes including Planet Earth and The Blue Planet.
He said: “I’m delighted to be at the Edinburgh TV Festival to recall the history of what was the first Natural History Unit to be set up in the world and to celebrate some of its milestones.”
Joining the doyen of nature programmes to discuss some of the groundbreaking moments from the Unit's 60 years as well as the positive impact it has had on our understanding of the environment will be its head, Julian Hector.
He said: “The NHU has been part of my life ever since David’s Life On Earth was first broadcast in 1979, and I look forward to sharing with the TV festival all of the astonishing work that goes on behind the scenes to make these incredible series.”
Attenborough, who has graced our screens for close to half a decade, will no doubt be the main attraction for many television festival visitors and staff alike.
The event's director, Lisa Campbell, is similarly enthused by the prospect of welcoming Sturgeon back to the festival for the second time, after her popular Alternative MacTaggart lecture two years ago.
“Nicola Sturgeon spoke to a packed auditorium in 2015 and it was by far one of the most popular sessions that year," Campbell said. "A fantastic orator, smart and quick-witted, she demonstrated the effectiveness of her unspun approach to political discourse and refused to shy away from any topic, whether it was the representation of women in the media or the future of the Union. We’re delighted to welcome her back.”
Following what will be a short keynote speech delivered by Sturgeon, the audience can take part in Q&A chaired by TV journalist Kirsty Wark. She and the First Minister will discuss the election, diversity in the media and everything in between.
Those looking for something a bit different may opt for a “masterclass” with writer, director and television star Charlie Brooker.
Fans of Black Mirror, the award-winning anthology series which taps in to societal fears of the modern world, are being afforded the opportunity to hear from Brooker, its creator, and Annabel Jones, its executive producer.
Jones said she was “flattered” by the invitation and “relieved to be asked to share the misery and despair that is making Black Mirror.”
Brooker quipped: “We’re looking forward to testing everyone’s patience with our mindless wittering”.
Established in 1976, the Edinburgh Television Festival is also a charity, which helps identify and nurture the next generation of talent, regardless of background.
Its two talent schemes offer novices a pathway into the television industry and support those at the early stage of their media career.
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