British Library

Sometimes a project comes along that makes our hearts sing here at Citizen. Making a short film for the British Library to celebrate their 50th anniversary was just such a production. We were honoured to be asked to collaborate with the Library’s brilliant marketing team, Chief Exec Roly Keating (who let’s face it, knows a thing or two about film-making), to direct a performance with Michael Rosen, record with Lemn Sissay, and to film with staff and library users. We filmed in London and Yorkshire to convey the breadth and scope of a much-loved library that is so much more than a library. The British Library cares for a living, breathing collection that grows every day, just like the knowledge it fuels. From scientists to novelists, from family historians to students, it has answered thousands of questions. It looks after the UK’s culture and heritage, both physical and digital, curating and preserving for future generations. The film was directed by Gretchen Shoring, Citizen Founder and lead Producer, who having directed factual TV at the BBC for many years, takes the director’s seat when budgets especially need to be optimised, to deliver the best possible return for investment on screen. This was a real passion project for us, and we hope you like it.