Archive Crime Drugs Vice Paul Ferris and Donal MacIntyre
| Paul Ferris and Donal MacIntyre |
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A self-proclaimed gangster and an undercover reporter who has made a speciality of exposing crime are to appear together in a debate at the Edinburgh Television Festival. Paul Ferris and Donal MacIntyre are to take part in a debate about the broadcasting industry's coverage of crime and whether crime and criminals are glamorised by British TV. Roger Graef, managing director at Films of Record, will chair the session. Mr Ferris has been the subject of of a MacIntyre documentary, Vendetta, which investigated the criminal underworld in Glasgow. Said Mr Ferris: "I have led a life of crime. But now I have vowed to go straight I'll not turn my back on those who still walk that walk. That's their choice, their lives. People like me who have been steeped in crime don't hate the media - as long as they tell it how it is. That was why I was happy to take part in the documentary with Donal MacIntyre. He was truthful to me and I was truthful to him." He continued: "What you see is how it is. What more can anyone expect? Some people support what I do, others criticise. That's everyone's right. By appearing at the International TV Festival I expect to meet both and welcome that opportunity. If I can help film makers understand how a documentary like this can be made - that will be worth it. If I can persuade more film makers to keep it real then I'll be a very happy man." In 1992, after the longest ever murder trial in UK history, Ferris was acquitted of the murder of the son of his former employer, the supposed ‘Godfather' of Glasgow's ganglands. In 1998, he was jailed for seven years for trafficking guns and explosives. Shortly before his release in 2002 he said he intended to renounce crime, and pursue a writing career that he hoped would rival that of Ian Rankin and James Ellroy. His first book, ‘The Ferris Conspiracy', which is based on his criminal past, has been sold to a film company resulting in a £14m movie production starring Scottish actor, Robert Carlyle. MacIntyre is currently a television reporter at Five. He made his reputation with his journalism and undercover reporting for the BBC's ‘MacIntyre Undercover', as well as ITV's ‘World in Action'. His recent work for Five includes the series ‘MacIntyre's Millions', in which he exposed trades in endangered animals, stolen organs and weapons in Eastern Europe and the strand ‘MacIntyre's Underworld' which included ‘Vendetta' and ‘Gangster', a 72-minute feature documentary which he directed and produced himself. Five has recently recommissioned further programmes for this strand. He is also a tireless campaigner for higher standards of care for the elderly and learning disabled. Also appearing in the debate: Anne Widecoombe MP, former Shadow Home Secretary, and John Pridmore, a 'born again gangster now anti anti-crime campaigner'. The Festival - sponsored by the MediaGuardian - is open to anyone working in the broadcasting industry and offers delegates a varied programme of sessions, screenings, masterclasses, interviews, keynote lectures and networking opportunities from leading UK and international media figures. It takes place between August 26 and 28 and is expected to attract over 1600 delegates from all sectors and levels of the industry. Visit http://www.mgeitf.co.uk
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