Channel 4 programme about Reverse Migration

[Sophie Chandler]

I am writing to you from a production company called Ricochet. We specialise in documentaries, feature programming and factual entertainment for all the major broadcasters, including 'Extreme Dreams' with Ben Fogle for the BBC, Channel 4's 'No Going Back' series which followed people from the UK upping sticks and moving abroad to follow their dreams of setting up their own business, and 'Blood Sweat and T Shirts' for BBC3, which took young fashion addicts to India to see where their clothes actually come from. You can find out more about us at www.ricochet.co.uk.

We are now working on an exciting new prime time series for Channel 4, that follows the trend of 'Reverse Migration'. With the current economic down turn in the UK and a wealth of skilled job opportunities abroad in growing economies (especially in fields such as medicine, I.T, finance and constuction) it seems more and more people in Britain are now seriously thinking about a move. We are looking for people who are relocating with their job and it is with this in mind that I am contacting you.

The series will give four families, who long to discover whether life might be better in the country their parents or grandparents come from, the opportunity to 'road test' a new life there by visiting the country for several months, to find out about the job situation, business start up (if they are considering starting their own venture), schools for their children and housing.

We are interested in talking to 2nd or 3rd generation British Asian families who are considering making a life changing move like this, and would be interested in taking some time off to give it a try. Ideally, at least one of our families would decide they liked it so much they want to stay. We may also find people who are planning to relocate with their current job, or people who have already committed to going but who would welcome a research period before they go.

It would be fantastic to speak to you with any thoughts you may have. Please don’t hesitate to contact me on 01273 224816 or via email sophie.chandler@ricochet.co.uk

Kind regards

Sophie Chandler

[architect]

I do not know about the situation in UK. It is happening a lot in the United States in the last few years. May be you want to do a program in the United States also.

[SuperGoose]

Sounds like this will make for some horrible (excellent?) reality TV.

But seriously, on what facts do you base this so-called trend ?

The 海龟/归 phenomenon is quite well known, but it isn't what you're talking about.

My anecdotal experience is nothing to draw statistics from, but from the overseas born Chinese that I've met here, most are either teaching English, hooked up with some kind job through relatives, or doing basically nothing because their families back home are loaded. None are living here en famille.