Call for Proposals

Sydney Newman and The Development of Television and Film in the United Kingdom and Canada, 1941-1984

The Museum of Broadcast Communications describes Sydney Newman as “the most significant agent in the development of British television drama.”[1]  But this is only one aspect of Sydney Newman’s (1917-1997) professional experience.  Newman enjoyed a long and interesting career in broadcasting and films.  He played a significant role in the production of television and film both in his native Canada and the United Kingdom. While his ‘claim to fame’ might very well be as creator of Doctor Who and The Avengers, he also worked at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation as Supervising director of features, documentaries, and outside broadcasts (1952-1958), the Associated British Corporation as head of Drama (1958-1962), the British Broadcasting Corporation as head of Drama (1962-1967), and the National Film Board of Canada as a film editor (1941-1949) and as Commissioner (1970-1975).  He then became a special advisor on film to the Canadian Secretary of State, and was Chief Creative Consultant for the Canadian Film Development Corporation (1978-1984).

His work at these institutions was critical in the development of Canadian and British broadcasting, and popular culture.  His influence was far-reaching.  But thus far, while there have been some studies which have taken into account the particular roles which he has played during his career, no study has taken into account his full career, to provide a more complete picture.

This peer-reviewed collection seeks to understand Sydney Newman’s career in both Canada and in Britain by curating a number of studies on his various professional roles and works. This includes providing an understanding of the development of broadcast television and film, in both countries during the 50s-70s, and the visions of culture he articulated in his work.   Articles can deal with specific aspects of his career, specific institutions (CBC, BBC, NFB), specific programs he developed, his influence as a producer/filmmaker, or administrator.  Biographical articles and critiques are welcome.

The aim is that the collection taken as a whole, will provide a balanced and transnational look at his varied career during periods of significant development and change in the entertainment industry of both Canada and the United Kingdom.

Proposals should be approximately two hundred words, and sent to gilliandoctor@gmail.com by the 30th of October 2023.  A decision will be communicated by the 30th of November, and final articles should be submitted by the 15 August 2024.

Gillian I Leitch, PhD

Independent Scholar

Co-Chair, Science Fiction Fantasy Area, PCA/ACA

Key Words: Canada, United Kingdom, National Film Board of Canada, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, British Broadcasting Corporation, Associated British Corporation, television, film, policy, public broadcasting

[1] http://www.museum.tv/eotv/newmansydne.htm [Accessed 2 April 2017]