Channel 4 and Boundless Reunite with Ed Stafford to Spend 60 Days With The Gypsies

2 March 2020

Channel 4 has recommissioned the 60 days format

2nd March 2020: Channel 4 today announces the commission of 60 Days with the Gypsies with ex-soldier and explorer, Ed Stafford, following the success of 60 Days on the Street which aired in March 2019.

The 3 x 60’ series, a Boundless production (part of Fremantle in the UK), will see Ed immerse himself into Romani Gypsy and Irish Travelling culture for 60 days, to provide an honest, unflinching insight from the inside. Shot in the same style as 60 Days on the Street, the series will combine self-shooting techniques alongside a small crew who will capture Ed’s journey.

At a time when the Government is considering new police powers which will make the traditional Travelling way of life more difficult, Ed will delve beneath the stereotypes, building relationships with individuals in an endeavour to question everything we think we know about the Gypsy and Traveller lifestyle.

60 Days with the Gypsies will also look at why the conflict between settled communities and Gypsies is so prevalent. As part of the production team, Boundless has brought on Jake Bowers, a Romani journalist and filmmaker, as a consultant to help navigate these stories in an authentic and sensitive way.

Ed Stafford said: ‘'Like homelessness, Gypsy and Travelling communities are often shrouded in negativity despite very little understanding and I want to learn more.  I have no qualms about immersing myself in every ritual, tradition and aspect of the culture in order to get to know the individuals and unpick the existing stereotypes.”

Neil Smith, MD of Boundless said: “Ed’s raw and honest portrayal of life on the streets struck a chord with the British public and we’re back to tell another important story of a marginalised community from their perspective.”

Ian Dunkley, Commissioner, Factual Entertainment at Channel 4 said, “The series promises to bring an authentic and revelatory take on an often misunderstood section of society. By living with, and alongside, different Travelling communities Ed can give a unique insight into the challenges they face in their everyday lives.”

60 Days with the Gypsies is a 3 x 60’ series produced by Boundless (part of Fremantle in the UK). It was commissioned by Ian Dunkley, Commissioning Editor for Factual Entertainment at Channel 4. The Executive Producers for Boundless are Ben Mitchell and Ewen Thomson.

 

ENDS

 

Notes to Editors:

Boundless (part of Fremantle UK)

Boundless is the factual entertainment label of Fremantle in the UK. Boundless has established a reputation of producing innovative, creative and thought-provoking content with a heart.  It produces long-running, award-winning, much-loved programmes.

Fremantle is one the largest and most successful creators, producers and distributors of scripted and unscripted content in the world. A global entertainment powerhouse, Fremantle has an outstanding international network of production teams, companies and labels in over 30 countries. We produce in excess of 12,000 hours of original programming, roll out more than 60 formats and air 450 programmes a year worldwide. The group distributes over 20,000 hours of content in more than 200 territories. We are also a world leader in digital and branded entertainment, with more than 300 million subscribers across 1,400 social channels and over 100 billion views across all platforms.

We are part of RTL Group, a global leader across broadcast, content and digital, itself a division of the international media giant Bertelsmann.

Currently on air and in production:

Great Asian Railway Journeys (BBC Two), Great British Railway Journeys (BBC Two), Great American Railroad Journeys (BBC Two), Escape to the Country (BBC One), The Apprentice (BBC One), You’re Fired (BBC Two), Grand Designs (Channel 4), Grand Designs: House of the Year (Channel 4), Kevin McCloud’s Rough Guide to the Future (Channel 4).

www.boundlessproductions.tv