What an interesting video and fond memories seeing how TVC used to be. There is an awful irony at 11:53 talking about how to put out a fire with Grenfell Tower standing immediately behind them.
During the early 90’s John Burt introduced a concept called ‘Producer’s Choice’ basically meaning you did not have to make your BBC programme at the BBC and likewise outside productions could use BBC facilities. This started a series of redundancies which did not go down well surprisingly. In Studio 4 where I worked someone put a scaffold pole through a camera lens and kept on smashing it until it came out other side and destroyed the camera sensor. This was repeated for all cameras. Then fires started breaking out. The TVC evacuation plan was done in zones so if you had a fire you just tipped out people in that area. As more fires started London Fire Brigade ordered the previously unheard of evacuation of the entire site. TVC never did recover after the John Burt era.
BECTU brought up an interesting argument against obligatory display display of ID Cards. Employees could cash personal cheques at the various Cash Offices, in extremis if they bounced Personnel would punch a hole in the corner, valid for a Year? Once it was realised how many Staff Directors and Producers might be affected the idea was dropped! Good to see Reg, Doc, Cox, a fellow Asst Dubbing Mixer.
So, if there is a fire you phone for hell? (Isn't that what 666 is all about?). Perhaps it comes from a spelling mistake and it should have been HELP? Just a thought!
If you hear the clanging of jewelery, and the smell of a cigar run in the opposite direction.
What an interesting video and fond memories seeing how TVC used to be. There is an awful irony at 11:53 talking about how to put out a fire with Grenfell Tower standing immediately behind them.
During the early 90’s John Burt introduced a concept called ‘Producer’s Choice’ basically meaning you did not have to make your BBC programme at the BBC and likewise outside productions could use BBC facilities. This started a series of redundancies which did not go down well surprisingly.
In Studio 4 where I worked someone put a scaffold pole through a camera lens and kept on smashing it until it came out other side and destroyed the camera sensor. This was repeated for all cameras.
Then fires started breaking out. The TVC evacuation plan was done in zones so if you had a fire you just tipped out people in that area. As more fires started London Fire Brigade ordered the previously unheard of evacuation of the entire site.
TVC never did recover after the John Burt era.
Great insider insight ❤
I would have been a fresh-faced seventeen year old YTS trainee at the time! Doc Cox was a presenter on That's Life.
BECTU brought up an interesting argument against obligatory display display of ID Cards.
Employees could cash personal cheques at the various Cash Offices, in extremis if they bounced Personnel would punch a hole in the corner, valid for a Year? Once it was realised how many Staff Directors and Producers might be affected the idea was dropped!
Good to see Reg, Doc, Cox, a fellow Asst Dubbing Mixer.
Isn't that "In Bed With MeDinner"'s Bob Mills trying to deliver a suspicious script to a BBC chairman at 10:05?
He’s often been called that but that’s actually Jamie Langton the director doing a cameo 🤣
Doc Cox, otherwise known as Ivor Biggun
Great fun looking back. Do you have any footage shot in Transmission / Pres suites on 4th floor?
I will have a look but not hopeful 👍
Richard Haires, any relation to Tony ?😂
Dick Haires?
I thought dialling 666 put you through to catering.
Richard head?
So, if there is a fire you phone for hell? (Isn't that what 666 is all about?). Perhaps it comes from a spelling mistake and it should have been HELP? Just a thought!