Oh what a Carry On!
A legal wrangle has encased one of the UK's most famous series, the Carry On films. The case goes back 20 years when Carlton tried to put a trademark lock on the films. Carlton would later merge with Granada to the all powerful ITV and it is they who are being sued. Brian Baker a businessman says that they did not have the right to place the trade marks on the Carry On name. One effect if ITV lose the case would be that they may be new Carry On films produced.
Sunday, 30 July 2017
Saturday, 29 July 2017
Casualty at 31
Tonight on BBC1 Casualty will be a special episode in which there will be only 1 take. The reason for this is to celebrate it's 31st anniversary. The show has seen many changes over the years, one of the major ones being going from being produced in Bristol to Cardiff though since it is set in the fictional city of Holby this is something that can be explained with. One complaint about the show is how is turned from it's stated aim of being a drama about the state of NHS to what some would call nothing more than a medical based soap as it is on nearly all year round. The reason for this is partly down to the period in the early 1990's where BBC1 suffered a long list of drama flops from new shows like Moon & Son that were supposed to replace long running hits like Bergerac. So Casualty found itself being turned into a soap. One can not deny that Casualty has outlasted many attempts to replicate it's formula (can anyone remember Medics with Tom Baker?) but can anyone say that it is the same show as the one that started in 1986.
Tonight on BBC1 Casualty will be a special episode in which there will be only 1 take. The reason for this is to celebrate it's 31st anniversary. The show has seen many changes over the years, one of the major ones being going from being produced in Bristol to Cardiff though since it is set in the fictional city of Holby this is something that can be explained with. One complaint about the show is how is turned from it's stated aim of being a drama about the state of NHS to what some would call nothing more than a medical based soap as it is on nearly all year round. The reason for this is partly down to the period in the early 1990's where BBC1 suffered a long list of drama flops from new shows like Moon & Son that were supposed to replace long running hits like Bergerac. So Casualty found itself being turned into a soap. One can not deny that Casualty has outlasted many attempts to replicate it's formula (can anyone remember Medics with Tom Baker?) but can anyone say that it is the same show as the one that started in 1986.
Thursday, 27 July 2017
The trouble with Chris
The recent disclosure of BBC stars pay has put Chris Evans under microscope again. It was revealed that Evans was paid £2.2 mil. There was his brief reign as Top Gear host last year. But the most intriguing chapter in his relationship with the Beeb came when he became host of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show. When then host Steve Wright in 1995 resigned the job when he became unhappy with the direction the station had taken under the stewardship of Matthew Bannister which saw many of Wright colleagues being sacked or resigning. All this change saw declining ratings for the station Bannister and the BBC's head of music production Trevor Dann needed a godsend and Dann thought it came after a conversation with one of Evan's associates that suggested that he would be interested in hosting the Breakfast show. However after Evans signed the deal to host the show, Dann found out that Evans had come with firm ideas. The main sticking point was that the show would be produced by Evans's own production which would put it outside the control of Dann. However Evans's various demands for Bannister that he refused to give Evans Friday off so he could his TV chat show TFI Friday for Channel 4, this prove too much for Bannister who refused the request. Evans then quit in 1997. Evans then returned to BBC to work for Radio 2 in 2005 taking over the Breakfast Show from the late Terry Wogan. Chris Evans will always be someone to ruffle feathers.
For more on the Radio 1 situation you can watch a documentary called Blood on the Carpet on Youtube.
The recent disclosure of BBC stars pay has put Chris Evans under microscope again. It was revealed that Evans was paid £2.2 mil. There was his brief reign as Top Gear host last year. But the most intriguing chapter in his relationship with the Beeb came when he became host of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show. When then host Steve Wright in 1995 resigned the job when he became unhappy with the direction the station had taken under the stewardship of Matthew Bannister which saw many of Wright colleagues being sacked or resigning. All this change saw declining ratings for the station Bannister and the BBC's head of music production Trevor Dann needed a godsend and Dann thought it came after a conversation with one of Evan's associates that suggested that he would be interested in hosting the Breakfast show. However after Evans signed the deal to host the show, Dann found out that Evans had come with firm ideas. The main sticking point was that the show would be produced by Evans's own production which would put it outside the control of Dann. However Evans's various demands for Bannister that he refused to give Evans Friday off so he could his TV chat show TFI Friday for Channel 4, this prove too much for Bannister who refused the request. Evans then quit in 1997. Evans then returned to BBC to work for Radio 2 in 2005 taking over the Breakfast Show from the late Terry Wogan. Chris Evans will always be someone to ruffle feathers.
For more on the Radio 1 situation you can watch a documentary called Blood on the Carpet on Youtube.
Wednesday, 26 July 2017
More gameshow returns
In the last week the return of 2 famed gameshows have been announced.. The Generation Game will return with Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc taking the role of hosts that had been previously taken by Bruce Foysth, Larry Grayson and Jim Davidson. Making a one off return for this year's Children in Need night is the Weakest Link with Anne Robinson as ever to deliver sharp barbs at unfortunate contestants.
In the last week the return of 2 famed gameshows have been announced.. The Generation Game will return with Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc taking the role of hosts that had been previously taken by Bruce Foysth, Larry Grayson and Jim Davidson. Making a one off return for this year's Children in Need night is the Weakest Link with Anne Robinson as ever to deliver sharp barbs at unfortunate contestants.
Monday, 24 July 2017
From Compo to Cersei
Further to my piece about Steven (From Jasper to Brad) Knight, here is another one with an unlikely career path. Mark Mylod began his career in 1992 as a production manager on Last of the Summer, the wistful sit-com about Compo, Clegg and Foggy 3 men who may be old in age but not in heart as they tried out various ideas that would cause havoc. Mylod would later graduate to the director's chair to work on such shows as Cold Feet, the remake of Randall and Hopkirk Deceased and the original British version of Shameless. In 2002 Mylod made his feature film directing debut with Ali G in Da House which saw Sacha Baron Cohen wannabe gangster become a MP with a supporting cast including Michael Gambon, Charles Dance and Martin Freeman. With a move to the US Mylod worked on such shows as Entourage, the American version of Shameless. However it is his work on Game of Thrones that has put Mylod name in the spotlight though not for reasons he wanted. Fans of the show have called his episodes the worst in it's history though given the massive viewership of the show it is doubtful if he cares. Mark Mylod has come a long way from working on Last of the Summer Wine.
Further to my piece about Steven (From Jasper to Brad) Knight, here is another one with an unlikely career path. Mark Mylod began his career in 1992 as a production manager on Last of the Summer, the wistful sit-com about Compo, Clegg and Foggy 3 men who may be old in age but not in heart as they tried out various ideas that would cause havoc. Mylod would later graduate to the director's chair to work on such shows as Cold Feet, the remake of Randall and Hopkirk Deceased and the original British version of Shameless. In 2002 Mylod made his feature film directing debut with Ali G in Da House which saw Sacha Baron Cohen wannabe gangster become a MP with a supporting cast including Michael Gambon, Charles Dance and Martin Freeman. With a move to the US Mylod worked on such shows as Entourage, the American version of Shameless. However it is his work on Game of Thrones that has put Mylod name in the spotlight though not for reasons he wanted. Fans of the show have called his episodes the worst in it's history though given the massive viewership of the show it is doubtful if he cares. Mark Mylod has come a long way from working on Last of the Summer Wine.
Sunday, 23 July 2017
Radio review: Brothers
Drama starring Tom Burke and Jack Lowdon
BBC Radio 4, Saturday, 2:30 pm
Perhaps best know for his career writing films including winning an Oscar for All the President's Men William Goldmen also had a career as novelist. Without a doubt the most famous of these being Marathon Man which was turned into a film starring Dustin Hoffman, Laurence Oliver and Roy Schider. In 1986 Goldman wrote a sequel called Brothers which featured the supposedly dead character of Doc (Schider in Marathon Man) coming back from exile. Following a radio version of Marathon Man being broadcast last weekend, Brothers was broadcast. Now some might dismiss it as a standard airport thriller about world peace being threatened by terrorist attacks but Brothers has a satirical edge to it. One example being the description of the then US President as a celebrity is probably just as apt now, while other I do not what to disclose for fear of giving away the plot.The production has a very hard boiled feel to it, a case in point being the some what amplified sound effects used during the fight scenes. Tom Burke as Doc gives a suitable world weary performance that fits the material. Brothers is a production that keeps twisting and turning until the end.
You can hear Brothers on the BBC website for month
Drama starring Tom Burke and Jack Lowdon
BBC Radio 4, Saturday, 2:30 pm
Perhaps best know for his career writing films including winning an Oscar for All the President's Men William Goldmen also had a career as novelist. Without a doubt the most famous of these being Marathon Man which was turned into a film starring Dustin Hoffman, Laurence Oliver and Roy Schider. In 1986 Goldman wrote a sequel called Brothers which featured the supposedly dead character of Doc (Schider in Marathon Man) coming back from exile. Following a radio version of Marathon Man being broadcast last weekend, Brothers was broadcast. Now some might dismiss it as a standard airport thriller about world peace being threatened by terrorist attacks but Brothers has a satirical edge to it. One example being the description of the then US President as a celebrity is probably just as apt now, while other I do not what to disclose for fear of giving away the plot.The production has a very hard boiled feel to it, a case in point being the some what amplified sound effects used during the fight scenes. Tom Burke as Doc gives a suitable world weary performance that fits the material. Brothers is a production that keeps twisting and turning until the end.
You can hear Brothers on the BBC website for month
Saturday, 22 July 2017
A return of music?
It has been announced that BBC1 will be airing in the Autumn in peak time viewing a new show that will be music based with some interviews and comedy sketches. This will be the first time since the demise of Top of the Pops (except for the annual Xmas specials) that BBC1 will be showing a music based show that is not a talent contest. There will be many keen observers in both the TV and music industries who will seeing if the new show turns out to be a success.
It has been announced that BBC1 will be airing in the Autumn in peak time viewing a new show that will be music based with some interviews and comedy sketches. This will be the first time since the demise of Top of the Pops (except for the annual Xmas specials) that BBC1 will be showing a music based show that is not a talent contest. There will be many keen observers in both the TV and music industries who will seeing if the new show turns out to be a success.
Friday, 21 July 2017
The age of Who
Colin Baker the 6th Doctor has commented on the perceived unpopularity of Peter Capaldi is down to younger viewers of the show being only familiar with David Tennant and Matt Smith (2 actors with boyish good looks) playing the role. With the first female Doctor making her debut next year who knows what their reaction will be?
Colin Baker the 6th Doctor has commented on the perceived unpopularity of Peter Capaldi is down to younger viewers of the show being only familiar with David Tennant and Matt Smith (2 actors with boyish good looks) playing the role. With the first female Doctor making her debut next year who knows what their reaction will be?
Thursday, 20 July 2017
From Jasper to Brad
Steven Knight has perhaps one of the most interesting career tracetorys of any British writer working in Film and TV today. As Steve Knight he wrote episodes of The Detectives the sit-com starring Jasper Carrot and Robert Powell as a pair of incompetent policemen. The show was based on a skit that appeared on Canned Carrot which was a showcase for Carrot's comic skills. The show ran between 1993 and 1997 featuring guest appearances by the likes of John Nettles, Leslie Grantham and Anthony Head, with early roles for Philip Glenister and Carrot's own daughter Lucy (currently to be seen in Wonder Woman as Etta Candy) Davis. Knight now has become more known for serious fare. His first major success was Eastern Promises the London based crime thriller which saw Viggo Mortonsen earn an Oscar nomination. the most recent film that Knight wrote was the Brad Pitt vehicle Allied. Among his future cinema projects is Girl in the Spider's Web Hollywood's latest crack the Lisbeth Salander character after David Fincher's overly expensive production methods cut in to that film's profit margin. Knight still works in TV with both Peaky Blinders and Taboo still running. And just for variety Knight also worked on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
Steven Knight has perhaps one of the most interesting career tracetorys of any British writer working in Film and TV today. As Steve Knight he wrote episodes of The Detectives the sit-com starring Jasper Carrot and Robert Powell as a pair of incompetent policemen. The show was based on a skit that appeared on Canned Carrot which was a showcase for Carrot's comic skills. The show ran between 1993 and 1997 featuring guest appearances by the likes of John Nettles, Leslie Grantham and Anthony Head, with early roles for Philip Glenister and Carrot's own daughter Lucy (currently to be seen in Wonder Woman as Etta Candy) Davis. Knight now has become more known for serious fare. His first major success was Eastern Promises the London based crime thriller which saw Viggo Mortonsen earn an Oscar nomination. the most recent film that Knight wrote was the Brad Pitt vehicle Allied. Among his future cinema projects is Girl in the Spider's Web Hollywood's latest crack the Lisbeth Salander character after David Fincher's overly expensive production methods cut in to that film's profit margin. Knight still works in TV with both Peaky Blinders and Taboo still running. And just for variety Knight also worked on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
Wednesday, 19 July 2017
Charlie and his pay
One of the most intriguing disclosures from the BBC's pay revelations was that the highest paid actor was Derek Thompson for the role of nurse Charlie in Casualty, which he has done the show's creation in 1986. Thompson beat out higher profile names like David Jason, Emila Fox and the departing star of Doctor Who Peter Capaldi. Former BBC head Michael Grade has said that one consequence of the disclosures is that agents will now start demanding higher fees for their clients who will feel on seeing what their colleagues are getting paid are they being underpaid.
One of the most intriguing disclosures from the BBC's pay revelations was that the highest paid actor was Derek Thompson for the role of nurse Charlie in Casualty, which he has done the show's creation in 1986. Thompson beat out higher profile names like David Jason, Emila Fox and the departing star of Doctor Who Peter Capaldi. Former BBC head Michael Grade has said that one consequence of the disclosures is that agents will now start demanding higher fees for their clients who will feel on seeing what their colleagues are getting paid are they being underpaid.
Monday, 17 July 2017
Too much Ed
Game of Thrones returned for it's 7th season yesterday. While the opening episode had rave notices there were some complaints about the cameo of Ed Sheeran as a Lannister soldier with fans complaing about him taking up screen space and time for little effect. The series it self continued to earn it's reputation as one of the most blood thirsty of TV shows with the mass poisoning of the Frey clan. The next 6 episodes will even more scenes of that vein.
Game of Thrones returned for it's 7th season yesterday. While the opening episode had rave notices there were some complaints about the cameo of Ed Sheeran as a Lannister soldier with fans complaing about him taking up screen space and time for little effect. The series it self continued to earn it's reputation as one of the most blood thirsty of TV shows with the mass poisoning of the Frey clan. The next 6 episodes will even more scenes of that vein.
Sunday, 16 July 2017
Calling Doctor Jodie
The 13th actor to play the title role in Doctor Who has been announced, and for the first time a woman will play the part of the Doctor. Jodie Whittaker will start in the role next year. The announcement has of course set the Internet alight with some calling it stunt casting and political correctness gone mad. Perhaps the 2 cases of casting anywhere near the uproar that has caused are that of blond haired Daniel Craig playing James Bond who in the original Ian Fleming novels had dark hair and Michael Keaton who had built a reputation for comedy being cast as Batman, history showed that both actors proved their doubters wrong. We can see if Whittaker can do the same to hers next year.
The 13th actor to play the title role in Doctor Who has been announced, and for the first time a woman will play the part of the Doctor. Jodie Whittaker will start in the role next year. The announcement has of course set the Internet alight with some calling it stunt casting and political correctness gone mad. Perhaps the 2 cases of casting anywhere near the uproar that has caused are that of blond haired Daniel Craig playing James Bond who in the original Ian Fleming novels had dark hair and Michael Keaton who had built a reputation for comedy being cast as Batman, history showed that both actors proved their doubters wrong. We can see if Whittaker can do the same to hers next year.
Monday, 10 July 2017
I am in charge now, you are axed
Here are 3 TV shows that were axed by incoming bosses
The House of Eliott
The brainchild of Eileen Atkins and Jean Marsh who also created Upstairs, Downstairs, it was the BBC's most expensive drama until the infamous Eldorado. Also notable for being the last drama series to be made at BBC TV Centre. The show was axed Alan Yentob who become controller of BBC1 who it was said to have a dislike for it. An number of cliffhangers were left unresolved as the Third and final season had made before the decision.
Throne
SKY1 made adaptions of 2 of Mark Billingham's books featuring Police detective Tom Thorne starring David Morrisey. They were well received so plans were made for a third book to make the transfer to the screen. However according to Billingham an new head of drama at SKY did want anything to do with they predecessor's project so Thorne was axed. Though fans of Billingham's books will be interested to know that BBC1 will be screening In the Dark based on another of his novels.
Gamesmaster
The show that remains the high water mark for computer and video gaming on UK TV is said to have fallen foul of a person feud. in 1997 Micheal Jackson was made controller of Channel 4 and axed Gamesmaster on the basis that were too many entertainment programmes on the channel. Others say the decision was more to do with a long running spat between Jackson and Gamesmaster producer Jane Hewland that dated back to the start of their careers at LWT.
Here are 3 TV shows that were axed by incoming bosses
The House of Eliott
The brainchild of Eileen Atkins and Jean Marsh who also created Upstairs, Downstairs, it was the BBC's most expensive drama until the infamous Eldorado. Also notable for being the last drama series to be made at BBC TV Centre. The show was axed Alan Yentob who become controller of BBC1 who it was said to have a dislike for it. An number of cliffhangers were left unresolved as the Third and final season had made before the decision.
Throne
SKY1 made adaptions of 2 of Mark Billingham's books featuring Police detective Tom Thorne starring David Morrisey. They were well received so plans were made for a third book to make the transfer to the screen. However according to Billingham an new head of drama at SKY did want anything to do with they predecessor's project so Thorne was axed. Though fans of Billingham's books will be interested to know that BBC1 will be screening In the Dark based on another of his novels.
Gamesmaster
The show that remains the high water mark for computer and video gaming on UK TV is said to have fallen foul of a person feud. in 1997 Micheal Jackson was made controller of Channel 4 and axed Gamesmaster on the basis that were too many entertainment programmes on the channel. Others say the decision was more to do with a long running spat between Jackson and Gamesmaster producer Jane Hewland that dated back to the start of their careers at LWT.
Sunday, 9 July 2017
TV shows that most people do not know are still being made
Here is a list of 3 TV shows that had a high profile but have slid into the past but are still being producing
Blue Peter
The show that became a national institution found itself in digital exile when the BBC moved all it's children's programming onto the digital CBBC channel where it has seen diminished ratings.
The South Bank Show
The long running arts and culture programme that was such a Sunday night fixture was axed by ITV in 2010. However presenter (Lord) Melvyn Bragg brought the show to the Sky Arts Channel which produces new episodes
South Park
The late 1990's pop culture hit (it even spawned an Oscar nominated film) that would often push the boundaries of taste with such scenes like a fight between Jesus Christ and Santa Claus. Yet most people would think it finished years ago yet is still being produced.
Here is a list of 3 TV shows that had a high profile but have slid into the past but are still being producing
Blue Peter
The show that became a national institution found itself in digital exile when the BBC moved all it's children's programming onto the digital CBBC channel where it has seen diminished ratings.
The South Bank Show
The long running arts and culture programme that was such a Sunday night fixture was axed by ITV in 2010. However presenter (Lord) Melvyn Bragg brought the show to the Sky Arts Channel which produces new episodes
South Park
The late 1990's pop culture hit (it even spawned an Oscar nominated film) that would often push the boundaries of taste with such scenes like a fight between Jesus Christ and Santa Claus. Yet most people would think it finished years ago yet is still being produced.
Friday, 7 July 2017
Thursday, 6 July 2017
TV Review: The Windsors
Starring Harry Enfield, Haydn Gwynne
10pm Wednesday Channel 4
The Windsors is probably the most cheeky take on the Royal family seen on UK TV. In the opening episode of the second series the Royals are ordered by Prime Minister Theresa May to host a Chinese delegation in order to secure a trade deal despite Prince (Enfield) Charles objections. In addition to the main plot there are some side plots such as a falling out between Kate and Pippa Middleton which has Pippa placing a Gypsy curse on Kate that threatens her hopes of giving out trophies at Wimbledon. The highlight of the show by far is a cat fight between Camilla and Theresa May which impress the Chinese so much they agree to a trade deal. The show's one minor sticking point is that you can tell that it has been made some months ago as the show idea of May makes her rather powerful and given the recent General Election result that is not the case. All in all a show is that very funny for not being very respectful.
Starring Harry Enfield, Haydn Gwynne
10pm Wednesday Channel 4
The Windsors is probably the most cheeky take on the Royal family seen on UK TV. In the opening episode of the second series the Royals are ordered by Prime Minister Theresa May to host a Chinese delegation in order to secure a trade deal despite Prince (Enfield) Charles objections. In addition to the main plot there are some side plots such as a falling out between Kate and Pippa Middleton which has Pippa placing a Gypsy curse on Kate that threatens her hopes of giving out trophies at Wimbledon. The highlight of the show by far is a cat fight between Camilla and Theresa May which impress the Chinese so much they agree to a trade deal. The show's one minor sticking point is that you can tell that it has been made some months ago as the show idea of May makes her rather powerful and given the recent General Election result that is not the case. All in all a show is that very funny for not being very respectful.
Tuesday, 4 July 2017
Overly expensive seats?
Spectors at the centre court at Wimbledon were in for a massive disappointment. Matches involving previous champions Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic were both aburtply cut short when both of their opponents pulled out injured. John McEnroe who had been commentioning on the Federer match suggested that any one who did the same in the future should on receive half the prize they would be given. Given how expensive seats are at centre court perhaps he has a point.
Spectors at the centre court at Wimbledon were in for a massive disappointment. Matches involving previous champions Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic were both aburtply cut short when both of their opponents pulled out injured. John McEnroe who had been commentioning on the Federer match suggested that any one who did the same in the future should on receive half the prize they would be given. Given how expensive seats are at centre court perhaps he has a point.
Monday, 3 July 2017
Sunday, 2 July 2017
A meeting of Doctors
Last night's finale of Doctor Who featured a surprise twist that nobody knew in this day and age of the internet. The 12th Doctor as played by Peter Capaldi falls out of the TARDIS exclaiming that he is The Doctor only for a figure to come out on the snow bound mist, it turns out to be the 1st Doctor as played David Bradley. Bradley will play the 1st Doctor in this year's Xmas special that will see Capaldi's departenture from the role. This is not the first time Bradley has entered the world of Who, he played the villainous Solomon 2012's Dinosaurs on a Spaceship written by incoming show runner Chris Chibnall and played William Hartnell himself in An Adventure in Time and Space which was about the show's early days. What was an already much anticipated episode has become even more so.
Last night's finale of Doctor Who featured a surprise twist that nobody knew in this day and age of the internet. The 12th Doctor as played by Peter Capaldi falls out of the TARDIS exclaiming that he is The Doctor only for a figure to come out on the snow bound mist, it turns out to be the 1st Doctor as played David Bradley. Bradley will play the 1st Doctor in this year's Xmas special that will see Capaldi's departenture from the role. This is not the first time Bradley has entered the world of Who, he played the villainous Solomon 2012's Dinosaurs on a Spaceship written by incoming show runner Chris Chibnall and played William Hartnell himself in An Adventure in Time and Space which was about the show's early days. What was an already much anticipated episode has become even more so.
Saturday, 1 July 2017
The original Baby Driver
This weekend saw the release of the new Edgar Wright film Baby Driver, the story of a getaway driver who listens to music when he is on bank heists. This not the first time that Wright has explored the premise, in 2003 he directed a pop promo for British Trip Hop (then) duo Mint Royle track Blue Song, The promo features a gang played by Mighty Boosh duo Noel (as the driver) Fielding and Julian Barrett plus regular Wright collaborators Nick Frost and Michael Smiley. The promo sees Fielding jiving away to the track in his seat while the rest of the gang go off to do the robbery. You can see the promo on Youtube but those of you out there who have the third series of The Mighty Boosh on DVD where it is an extra.
This weekend saw the release of the new Edgar Wright film Baby Driver, the story of a getaway driver who listens to music when he is on bank heists. This not the first time that Wright has explored the premise, in 2003 he directed a pop promo for British Trip Hop (then) duo Mint Royle track Blue Song, The promo features a gang played by Mighty Boosh duo Noel (as the driver) Fielding and Julian Barrett plus regular Wright collaborators Nick Frost and Michael Smiley. The promo sees Fielding jiving away to the track in his seat while the rest of the gang go off to do the robbery. You can see the promo on Youtube but those of you out there who have the third series of The Mighty Boosh on DVD where it is an extra.
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