Word came in today that BBC's esteemed documentary series Storyville, programmed by Nick Fraser, is potentially facing severe budget cuts. That reduction would be a big blow to doc financing, since Storyville is a key pillar of support for filmmakers worldwide. Fraser was a key commissioning editor behind the Why Democracy? project that's being showcased this year at TIFF with three films including the crowd pleaser, PLEASE VOTE FOR ME (pictured).

You can sign an on-line petition that reads in part:

The BBC is conducting an intensive internal spending review and, according to well-placed sources, the Corporation is planning to reduce Storyville?s annual budget from £2.2m to £1m - a 60% cut.

The impact will turn Storyville into an acquisition strand by abolishing funding for its UK co-productions. This means there will be some 25 less documentary commissions a year for UK directors and producers.

Make your voices heard!