April 1st: Today’s Feature

April

Terry Jervis, born in 1962, is a well-established British media producer, entrepreneur, and business executive with an extensive career spanning over three decades in the entertainment industry. Initially starting as a broadcast journalist, Jervis has successfully ventured into various domains such as film, music, and television. Throughout his illustrious career, he has had the privilege of collaborating with renowned musicians like Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Elton John. Following his remarkable 20-year tenure at the BBC, Jervis took the bold step of establishing his own independent venture, Jervis Media Entertainment, further solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the industry.

Biography

Jervis hails from Hackney, east London, and was raised in a single-parent household in a housing estate. During a 1996 interview with Sarita Malik, he recounted his early days in the television industry, revealing that his passion for filmmaking began in the late 1970s when he produced movies on 16mm and Super-8mm film. One of his notable works was a film titled From Gospel To Soul, which depicted the life of Sam Cooke.

Following a successful screening of his film at a local cinema, attended by prominent figures such as Sam Cooke's daughter and Bobby Womack, Jervis caught the attention of Channel 4 and the BBC. Channel 4 approached him with an offer to collaborate on some of their productions, marking the beginning of his journey in television production.

Subsequently, Jervis transitioned to the BBC, where he spent 15 years honing his craft. At the young age of 27, he established his own department within the BBC and achieved acclaim for his work as a producer and director, notably with the comedy series The Real McCoy. His contributions to the BBC also included being the mastermind behind groundbreaking shows like BEHIND THE BEAT, which aired on BBC 1 & 2 and reached a peak viewership of 10 million, revolutionising the landscape of music programming and leaving a lasting impact on the record industry, paving the way for the era of multi-media entertainment.

Additionally, he spearheaded the international collaboration OUR COMMON FUTURE, a co-production between BBC and CBS, which captivated a staggering 300 million viewers worldwide, marking a significant milestone as the first global environmental entertainment program of its kind.

Jervis established his own production company, Jervis Entertainment Media (JEM), in 1999, where he continued to create highly acclaimed programming. Among the notable documentary shows he directed was "Raising Tennis Aces: The Williams Story," which delved into the fascinating relationship between tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams and their father Richard.

In addition to his work in television, Jervis embarked on various other ventures, including the establishment of his Motown-affiliated record label, Down To Jam, and the development of animation projects like the captivating calypso-based "Tropical Island."

Furthermore, Jervis has shown a deep commitment to honouring the contributions of Africans, West Indians, and black individuals in the Second World War, including the remarkable former RAF officer Cy Grant.

Notably, Jervis's photograph was prominently featured in the esteemed 2019 National Portrait Gallery exhibition titled "Black is the New Black: Portraits by Simon Frederick.”

Terry Jervis is a highly accomplished and versatile individual, known for his exceptional skills as a writer, television producer, and director. With a vast background in various forms of media communication, including radio, print, multi-media, and digital platforms, Terry has established himself as a prominent figure in the industry. His expertise extends to major live international broadcast TV events, where he has showcased his talent as a record producer.

In addition to his impressive portfolio, Terry has had the privilege of working with the iconic Motown label for many years. Not only was he the first person outside of America to secure a record label deal with the company, but he also produced numerous video and TV specials, as well as compilation albums, including the renowned MOTOWN 30TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL.

Terry Jervis’ contributions to the entertainment industry are further exemplified by his involvement with the Royal Air Force and Marvel organisations, where he has made significant contributions to projects such as Iron Man, Black Panther, and Spiderman. Furthermore, Terry produced his own African Superhero animation titled Spirit of the Pharaohs, showcasing his creativity and passion for storytelling. It is worth noting that Terry possesses one of the largest comic collections in the UK, a testament to his deep appreciation for the art form.

Jervis has successfully built a strong network of international connections spanning the globe and remains actively engaged in various business ventures. In addition to his other professional endeavours, he maintains a deep involvement in the music industry. Recently, he accomplished a remarkable feat by overseeing the creation of the highly anticipated 'Back To Black' box set, which delves into the rich history of black music over the past century. This extraordinary compilation was released under the prestigious Universal Records label, further solidifying Jervis' contributions to the industry.