GEORGE JESSE TURNER

George Jesse Turner grew up in Southport and after working for a computer company he joined Mancunian Films in 1963. 

He subsequently joined Granada Television and became a camera assistant in the World In Action unit in 1966.

So began a long association with the programme with George shooting the principal footage for some 600 of its 1,400 editions.

He is also known for his work on the Up series, starting with the 21 Up edition in 1977 and was awarded a BAFTA for his ongoing work on the programme in 1999, shortly before his retirement from Granada.

He was made a Fellow of the Royal Television Society in 2013.

Interview highlights

George Turner on his early interest in film-making

George Turner on his first job at Mancunian Films

George Turner on getting the call to work on World in Action

George Turner on his early days at Granada

George Turner on the ethics in filming

George Turner remembers how a camera crew operated in 1963

George Turner reflects on the awards he has received

George Turner on the relationship between camera operator and producer

George Turner sums up his work on World In Action

George Turner on the importance of Granada being in Manchester

George Turner talks about how long World In Action filming took

George Turner on some of the memorable World in Action programmes he worked on

George Turner on the team work on World In Action

George Turner on his work on the Up series

George Turner comments on changing technology

George Turner on filming distressing scenes

George Turner’s memories of Sir Denis Forman and David Plowright