An anthology series of short films and documentaries offering unique perspectives on contemporary Britain.
An experimental strand from BBC Bristol, 10 x 10 presented short films, often ten minutes in length, from a wide variety of filmmakers. The brief was broad, resulting in a mix of drama, documentary, and animation. Early series featured themed collections such as The Last Haircut and The Gypsy Worker. Later seasons, under the banner 10 x 10: New Directors, continued to champion emerging talent, with contributions from film schools and productions supported by regional arts bodies. Notable dramatic entries included Markheim, an adaptation of the Robert Louis Stevenson story starring James Vaughan, and Storm, a short drama which featured Liam Neeson and Geraldine James.
Created by BBC Bristol as a dedicated space for innovation, 10 x 10 became an important incubator for new British film talent throughout the 1990s. Its flexible format allowed for a stylistic freedom rarely seen in mainstream television, mixing gritty documentary with stylised drama and animation. By commissioning work from film schools and regional arts councils, the programme gave a national platform to voices from outside the London production bubble. While the quality was variable by design, the series provided a vital and often surprising outlet, launching the careers of numerous writers and directors and capturing an eclectic snapshot of the nation at the close of the twentieth century.
Broadcast: BBC Two, 11 Series, 21 March 1989 – 13 July 2000
Executive Producer: David Pearson
Series Producers: Colin Rose, Jeremy Howe
Selected Cast: James Vaughan (Markheim), Oscar Quitak (Markheim), Malcolm Jamieson (The Monochrome Man), Miranda Richardson (Secret Friends), Liam Neeson (Storm), Geraldine James (Storm), Jason Donovan (Galleria), Tara Fitzgerald (Galleria)
