Nick Whines

Nick Whines

I was born in 1947. I began working at the BBC in 1972, my final year at the BBC was 1997.

Education

Bishop Wordsworth School, Salisbury. University of Cambridge (Social Anthropolgy). University of London (Postgraduate Certificate of Education). University of Middlesex (MA Digital Arts). University of Winchester (Postgraduate Certificate Writing for Children).

Previous Jobs

Teacher in a Middle School 1970-72

How I joined the BBC

I saw the job advertised in the TES: a producer was wanted to make history programmes for primary school aged children. I had been brought up on Children's Hour and loved radio drama. This was almost my perfect job.

My first impressions of the BBC

I was convinced I needed to acquire a blue suit. After a couple of days I realised that was just for management. I had an office in 1PP and was quite lonely to begin with. I hadn't a clue what I was supposed to be doing. I had a part share in a very tall and impressive secretary who I was told had a black belt in some form of martial arts. I was therefore very respectful when I asked her to do any typing for me.

Broad BBC career

My first task was to devise a two year cycle of history programmes for 9-12 year olds, over fifty 20 minute dramas. Year one was devoted to a chronological account of the 20th century. Year two dipped into the history of earlier periods of English history. I was expected to commission the scripts, edit them and the direct them in the studio. I also had to produce notes for teachers to help them make best use of the programmes and a pamphlet for pupils so they had something to look at while listening to the broadcast.

My training at the BBC

Radio Production. Film Direction. Senior Management.

Periods at the BBC

1972 until 1980

I was a Producer. We were based at 1PP., at that time run by Dr Charles Armour.

My main mentors for the period were

Joe Reid

I worked on the following programmes during this time at the BBC:

History:Not so long ago/Long ago

From 1973 I worked as a Series Producer on History:Not so long ago/Long ago.

1980 until 1985

We were based at I PP., at that time run by Clare Chovil.

I worked on the following programmes during this time at the BBC:

In the News

From 1982 I worked as an Editor on In the News.

Awards: Sony Best Children's Programme 1984?

1985 until 1988

I worked on the following programmes during this time at the BBC:

Landmarks

Links

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVf8JvXErPs
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spywatch
• [sas-space.sas.ac.uk/3234/2/Nick_Whines.doc sas-space.sas.ac.uk/3234/2/Nick_Whines.doc]