POV . Extended Michael Apted Interview . 49 Up | PBS

In an extended interview, filmmaker Michael Apted talks about the making of his film "49 Up" which premieres on PBS as part of the P.O.V. series on Tuesday, October 9, 2007. (Check local listings at pbs.org/pov.)

Apted talks about the origins of the Up series and the difficulty of approaching all the participants every seven years. Clips from the film show the participants growing from bright-eyed children to parents and grandparents, and the story of Neil from ages 7 to 49 is briefly outlined.

The film is the seventh film in a series of landmark documentaries that began 42 years ago when UK-based Granada's World in Action team, inspired by the Jesuit maxim "Give me the child until he is seven and I will give you the man," interviewed a diverse group of seven-year-old children from all over England, asking them about their lives and their dreams for the future. Michael Apted, a researcher for the original film, has returned to interview the "children" every seven years since, at ages 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 and now again at age 49.

In this latest chapter, more life-changing decisions are revealed, more shocking announcements made and more of the original group take part than ever before, speaking out on a variety of subjects including love, marriage, career, class and prejudice.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• 49up
• up
• series
• apted
• britain
• aging
• reality

[pobasted]

I have two questions that I have literally been trying to find the answer to for years. Please help.

1. In the 7 Up series directed by Michael Apted, what is the name of the song that plays at the children's party at the beginning?

2. Where can I find the 7 up series that were produced in other countries: USA, USSR, South Africa, and Japan?

[povborders]

Great questions! We'll check in with the filmmaker and respond as soon as we can. Theresa @ P.O.V.

[pobasted]

Thanks so much! There is a small group of us on the imdb boards who have been trying figure this out for so long I almost gave up hope. You have my eternal gratitude for whatever you can find out.

[povborders]

The one piece of information I have gleaned so far is that First Run Features has the rights to 21UP in South Africa (though not coming out on DVD till Summer 08). They are checking on the rest of your questions. I will post here as soon as I get more info. Happy to help! Theresa @ POV

[xymonau]

This has been one of the most meningful pieces of film I have ever encountered. I don't think the "stars" realise how much they are loved, or the depth of interest that exists in their lives and well-being.

[flowergirl1313]

First reality tv.

My favorites are Tony and Nick. They knew what they wanted and did it. Tony had a few ups and downs, but he lives life.

. Neil's mental illness always made me sad.

And Paul never had much confidence even though he is a great guy.

Love, love, love the series.

[CapitalBhoy78]

Simon and Paul #1

[putango123]

neil story made me cry. also when lynn was asked if everything she had done was worth it and she answered yes, i also felt like crying.

[Clivepom]

Best films ever. Worst musical theme ever. Hope its sorted.

[paperino1001]

Tony and Nick are my favorite as well. I totally agree with you when you say: "They knew what they wanted and did it. Tony had a few ups and downs, but he lives life."

[OutOnBailNow]

Not sure what you mean. Although he is not shown as an adult in the above clip Bruce has appeared in all the programmes. In the last series, as a 49 year old he had moved from the East End and was teaching at a private school in St Albans I think. He was married with a couple of kids.

[SPONSORSHIPAMENTS]

Where is Bruce in all this? He was my maths teacher for gods sake!