Back in October, I reported that Britain's Sky 1 television network had worked in conjunction with the United Grand Lodge of England to create a five-part documentary about the 300th anniversary of the 1717 formation of the grand lodge in England, entitled Inside the Freemasons. Originally envisioned as a four-parter in one hour segments, when production wrapped, both UGLE and the producers felt there was enough footage and public interest that a fifth episode was warranted.
Well, Freemasonry Today has announced that the first episode will air on Monday, April 17th at 8PM on Sky 1.
What makes this program hopefully different, and less lurid and dodgy than previous ones over the years has been what is described as "unique and unprecedented access" and cooperation of UGLE and its lodges with the Emporium Productions team. John Hamill is now the director of special projects for the UGLE, which is also a very good sign.
The show sounds like it will be a history lesson, a myth debunking, and an exploration of why 21st century men still want to join a 300+ year old fraternal organization that suffers from lots of public suspicion and derision in Britain in the first place. That may be the most important aspect of this program in the end, given the fraternity's challenges there.
Unfortunately, this isn't likely to air on BBC America (who seems to air more Star Trek than English television these days), and no U.S. or Canadian distribution of the program has been announced at this point.
There has been a steer from UGLE to private lodges that interest and enquiries are apt to increase after the airing of the broadcast. Here in England and Wales suspicion of Freemasons and Freemasonry is pretty rife so if the production is at all favourable we will gain from it. I expect the Daily Mail and other scandal sheets will make a lot of hay out of it.
ReplyDeleteW.Bro Chris Hansen
I'd love to get a copy of the first episode to show at the 300yr anniversary open house we are holding at our Masonic Temple in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. Do you know if it's possible to get a copy?
ReplyDeleteW. Bro. Andrew Sugden
Kempenfeldt #673
No, there's no current US or Canadian distribution deal, and attempts to post the episodes on Youtube have been shut down within hours. UGLE has said a DVD release is "coming" for us over here, but no date given. Last episode hasn't aired just yet in Britain, so I'm sure they are waiting for that so it doesn't affect the on-air viewership. Once it has had its original run, they will probably announce it pretty quickly. I think they realize there is pent-up demand for it over here.
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