​                                          Insight 
 
This was a group of thirteen programs produced as part of the Overseas Television Service in 1983 as one of a group of  “packaged” programs for sale to television stations. 
 
The concept for the series arose from conversations that the London Television Service (LTS), the marketing arm of Film Division set up in 1976 had with television stations that were purchasing programs from  LTS. In effect Film Division took a market led proposal and devised a series of subjects that reflected the Foreign Office information objectives 
 
The Insight series commenced production in 1983 having been delayed for nearly a year through industrial action taken by the film union the ACTT following a report on the overall staff levels of COI by Sir Ronald Melville that recommended cuts.  
 
It was a series of single subject programs on a range of topics from fashion to sport, from bridge builders to new aircraft. The concept for the package was to be able to offer television stations a series that would take a broad brush look at aspects of Britain in the 1980s. Annabel Olivier–Wright was the Producer for the series.  
 
All the programs are easy viewing and were designed to meet the needs of those television stations that were looking for high quality products midway between entertainment and information to help balance their schedules. 
 
The programs were: 
 
The BAE 146 Commuter Jet was designed to be a commuter airliner for inter city or feeder service in effect a bus stop jet for fast travel in countries where there is no practical way to get about overland. It was quieter and cheaper per passenger mile. Insight was able to go behind the scenes to see the design and building of this new airliner. 
 
                                  
Builders of Bridges was about the building of the Humber Bridge in Eastern England that was the longest single span suspension bridge in the world at the time. Highlights the work of Thomas Telford, Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Robert Stevenson. Director Bill Metcalfe script Malcolm Brook 
 
 
Offshore Doctors was about the doctors who  lived and worked on North Sea oil rigs. The location of the film was Brent oil field some 300 miles into the North Sea. 
 
                                  
Zandra Rhodes was a top fashion designer whose clients included Princess Anne, Bianca Jagger and Elizabeth Taylor.  The film shows the hectic weeks before the presentation of her latest collection. The film was directed by Peter Greenaway, edited by John Wilson with photography by John Rosenberg. 
 
                                  
Eating in England asked whether there was such a thing as a British cuisine. Insight showed that good local food has been a well kept secret. Directed by Pat Ward 
 
                                 
Justin Fashanu was about the rise to fame of a young black football player in Britain’s top division. Insight shows him at home, training, coaching local children and preparing for a match. Directed by Pat Ward, Script Jenny Ranson 
 
                                  
Minting Money was about the Royal Mint where Britain’s coins and banknotes are produced. Insight traces its history from its beginnings in the Tower of London to its location in the green valleys of South Wales. 
                                   
 
A New Heart – A New Life counterpoints the human story of some of the people whose loves have been changed by the availability of heart transplant surgery with exclusive film of one of the world’s most extraordinary and controversial operations. Program follows a heart transplant operation and recovery of patient at the Papworth Hospital. Director Bill Metcalfe Script Jenny Lucas Photography  John Rosenberg. 
 
Rare Breeds looks at the work of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust which was committed to the preservation of breeds of farm animals that are at risk. Director Ken Ashton  Script Malcolm Brook 
 
Pantomime- A Fairy Tale Theatre looks at the fantasy world of the British ‘panto’ where everything is topsey turvey. Insight looks at this magical  world both on the stage and behind it and meets some of the artists  who have made ‘panto’ their life’s work. Insight goes behind the scenes and during rehearsal of "Babes in the Wood" at the Empire theatre at Liverpool. 
 
 
Oxford Scientific Films - Special Effects tells the story of the appearance on British television of a series of dramatic films of tales of menace and struggle. The stars of the films were insects and the filmmakers were a company called Oxford Scientific Films. The company blossomed to become famous in the world of special effects for cinema films with contributions to major feature films such as Exorcist 2, Saturn3 and Flash Gordon. Produced and written by Annabel Olvier-Wright Edited by Mike Willcox 
  
The Welsh and Rugby investigates the passion and devotion of the Welsh nation to rugby football. Insight looks at the background to this fervour through visiting a small mining community who have produced some of the greatest rugby heroes. 
 
                                  
Terence Conran  is  a man who has made a tremendous impact on industrial design in Britain. He was also the founder of the chain of shops who revolutionized the interior design of homes. Directed by Peter Greenaway, edited by John Wilson. 
 
                                   
 
The series was very successfully marketed because its structure as a 13 part series of different aspects of Britain easily fitted into television program schedules. Foreign language versions were marketed in Arabic, French and Latin American Spanish. ​