2nd Sep 2022, 3:52 pm | #121 |
Dekatron
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Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.
A glance at the quite involved application form indicates that the 'back-story' is a central plank on which the application (one of very many, only a few of which get selected), will stand or fall. It's interesting to note that the application form is for 'casting'. The owner of the item is applying to be a member of the cast of a TV programme, with all that entails.
https://www.ricochet.co.uk/casting/t...shop_1071.aspx The bit I always struggle with is that they state: "If you have a damaged heirloom, a prized antique, a loved one’s treasured possession or anything else that needs restoring, apply now..." Very few of the items I've seen on the programme can be described as 'heirlooms', prized antiques, or 'treasured possessions' or they wouldn't have got into such a dreadful state of disrepair and dilapidation. They have mostly been poorly stored, neglected, or otherwise mistreated. Whether an item is selected depends on the quality of the application: Quote: "We receive a great many applications, so please do help yours stand out by giving as much detail as possible about the item and what it means to you. If you are able to include a short video as part of your application, that will also help your item get noticed". "You can FAST TRACK your application by sending us a video (no more than 3-4 minutes!) Simply record a short video on your smart phone or iPad. Introduce yourself, your item, tell us why you’d like it repaired and why it has sentimental value to you. Don’t forget to show us the damage! If you're not sure what to say you can use a selection of questions from the above application form as a guide". What is the history behind your item? Where is the item from and how did it come into your possession? *(Prized family heirloom, found in the attic etc.) Please give as much detail as possible. Tell us why the item is of special or emotional significance to you. Please give as much detail as possible. What would it mean to you to see it restored/repaired and working again? End quote. The programme formula seems to chime with the millions of viewers: Disconsolate applicant turns up with a dilapidated item, hoping against hope that it can be at least repaired if not restored to its former glory. The team gets to work, the applicant returns for the big reveal, and is tearfully overcome with joy and emotion at the transformation. It works every time: All's well that ends well - put the kettle on. In a troubled world in which nothing seems to be going right, it's escapism, and if it lifts the viewers spirits, there's no harm in that. After all, TV has been described as 'the opiate of the masses' and maybe still is for some, but I think social media probably wears that crown these days.
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2nd Sep 2022, 4:00 pm | #122 | ||
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Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.
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2nd Sep 2022, 4:27 pm | #123 |
Tetrode
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Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.
Wow, I've had exams that were easier than that application form, good grief!!
You only have to look around to 'see the tv landscape' as it were. Reality tv is now the standard, the default setting. It didn't used to be, but it is now. Sad, but true. We have finally reached the bottom of the barrel....and continue to scrape.....very hard.... TV production companies produce 'content' - 'shows' not 'programmes'. As an aside, I remember Piers Morgan on Question Time a few years ago: "...the last time I was on this show...." to which David Dimbleby instantly cut across him: "It's not a show - it's a programme!" So 'The Repair Shop' is a 'show'; it's not a documentary; it's not 'Horizon' or 'Civilisation' or 'The Secret War' (perish the thought) I watched the 'show' last night; a nice old Fergie. Interesting that no electronic repairs were shown; just a quick once-over, some other chap making a new part, and the girl fitting some new grille cloth. Oh, and a bit of paint scraping for good measure.... They must have footage of Mark's electronic repairs - in his interview I remember him saying that everything has to be done on camera at the barn - it just must end-up on the cutting-room floor; or in the Recycle Bin of the Editor's IMac.... |
2nd Sep 2022, 4:33 pm | #124 |
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Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.
Some might say "If you don't like it, don't watch it."
They seem to forget that it's permissible to indulge in a bit of mickey taking of an otherwise mostly enjoyable TV programme. One mustn't forget the comedy element of this programme. I like Jay Blades, he's very involved in this programme, yet hardly does anything. Yes you see him plane a bit of wood sometimes but it's usually unconnected with any project. I bet he feels better that the producers no longer require him to wear that stupid looking unblemished glossy designer leather full length apron, with the unused 1" paintbrush stuck permanently in the top pocket. That always made me smile. |
2nd Sep 2022, 4:36 pm | #125 |
Tetrode
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Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.
It makes me laugh how he never takes off his titfer......
I was always taught that ladies can wear a hat indoors, but gentlemen should remove them... |
2nd Sep 2022, 4:48 pm | #126 | |
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Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.
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He presented a historical series on Britain a few years ago. In one episode "six men" (I'm joking, but I bet it needed more than two), hoisted him up in a harness and crash helmet to examine a feature on the ceiling of a church. He was filmed as he went up and then we were shown a close-up taken with a camera on "zoom" from the church floor, of the feature about which he wanted to talk. So there was absolutely no necessity for him to be hauled up there. But it was a "show" wasn't it? He probably thought he looked good. I though at his age, he looked daft. |
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2nd Sep 2022, 5:10 pm | #127 | |
Heptode
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Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.
Paul
Watch the video interview with Mark linked in post 94 He states they get very little forewarning of what they have to do, and even less time to do it Fred Quote:
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2nd Sep 2022, 5:26 pm | #128 |
Nonode
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Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.
It's a global market in TV, and the production company will also sell into other countries.
So whilst made in the UK which is probably the primary market (it is shown on more than one UK channel) there may be other audiences and versions for distribution. I would be interested in seeing a "version" made elsewhere to a simular formula. |
2nd Sep 2022, 6:23 pm | #129 | |
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Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.
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Sometimes stuff has to be sent away for sandblasting or re-chroming. Same with as I mentioned before, specialised equipment has to be brought in for some jobs that wasn't in the barn in the previous episode. "It takes as long as it needs to do the job, then it's edited down to fit the time available on the show." It's "show business." |
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2nd Sep 2022, 6:40 pm | #130 |
Heptode
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Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.
The prized and much loved heirloom that has at in the loft/garage/garden/shed (your choice) for 50 years until someone comes along and offers to repair it for free AND you get to be on the telly.
I used to watch it and admire the skills of some of the staff but like some others here I cannot stand the weepie bits so have stopped watching it. And yes, I accept it is purely entertainment for the masses, not the technically inclined. I find Salvage Hunters - The Restorers a much better programme. |
2nd Sep 2022, 6:54 pm | #131 | |
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Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.
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I could never see the sense of having "one of the usual subjects" inbetween the camera and the object. I'd rather have a closer look without them, I'd rather have a voice over instead. Far too many of those on permanent contracts to a channel use the programme as a "showcase for their talents" with their eye on a possible future presenter opportunity, so indulge in a lot of "showboating." |
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2nd Sep 2022, 9:35 pm | #132 | |
Octode
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Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.
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Civilisation would never be made today. |
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3rd Sep 2022, 12:49 pm | #133 |
Dekatron
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Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.
Ref post #121 -= "TV is the opiate of the masses". Karl Marx would be turning in his grave. Or perhaps not...
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3rd Sep 2022, 1:06 pm | #134 | |
Heptode
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Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.
Quote:
He’s helped them out on a number of occasions and says there’s rarely much time to organise anything properly! |
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3rd Sep 2022, 1:17 pm | #135 |
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Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.
I would like to see some ad-lib breaking of the 'fourth wall' to insert a bit of humour. Then again it would likely be edited out. It would also be good to see the cock-ups- and we know they happen, it's just a fact of life!
Dave |
3rd Sep 2022, 1:59 pm | #136 | ||
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Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.
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It would be likely that the item would have been given a final check the day before the hand over to ensure there wouldn't be a problem. That doesn't say the repair wasn't weeks in the restoration. I don't think the repairs are recorded in sequence. There's "the usual suspects" plus several others that are brought in for particular jobs. Common sense tells me that more than one of these specific jobs would be filmed at the same time and slotted later into different programmes. It's not mentioned in the long list of credits, but I bet someone is responsible for continuity. It's "telly" after all. |
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3rd Sep 2022, 3:32 pm | #137 |
Tetrode
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Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.
If you haven't already; it's well worth watching the interview with Mark Stuckey posted further up this thread. He describes a lot about the filming process, and camera use, etc.
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5th Sep 2022, 10:21 pm | #138 |
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Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.
I must admit to loving the repair shop - it corresponds to and England I would have liked - the outside views with the Robins, horses, birdies and verdant brass - with not a cow or horse dropping in sight. The barn seems a bit weird as soldering you would think nowadays it would have be done with an extractor fan (health and safety) due to the old lead content. I find the ladies with the teddy bears a bit goulish at times 'Now dear mary we CUT off the head' etc but love whatg they do. I just wish there was more video of the actual repairs rather than all the emotional weeping and wailing that goes on. Of course here in NZ we get the programms yonks later but the only one I recall thinking 'hmm' to was when a turntable was being restored and the restorer glued a new cartridge (the olds one had disintegrated) in place on the tone arm rather then mounting it with bolts etc. But it seemed to play OK and I suppose can always be reglued. Jay Blades is like everybody's favourite London uncle so overall it does give the warm fuzzies still. I must admit though I'd love to see the bloopers ie ' did you notice the pattern was complete again on the plate - before you dropped it?' or 'Here's our grandad - he 's not moving, breathing, and smells JUST awful - can you fix him??'
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6th Sep 2022, 12:21 am | #139 | |
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Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.
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I can understand, it's a case of "the realms of the possible," as far as repairs go. They must get asked about a lot of stuff that is unrepairable or lacking in general interest. The "back story." has to be of appeal, it's 50% of the content. Sometimes they don't do a complete job. I remember with the repair of a pinball machine, the type that uses the solenoid powered bumpers and huge ball bearings, they didn't get the accumulative points score going and didn't mention it. With an old National cash register they got the sale part working but admitted they couldn't repair the function that gave the day's sales. But it "looked good" which for the viewers is considered all that matters. The clocks are always complete repairs and are very impressive. Wear is usually limited to bearings which can be replaced. It's harder with ceramics as they are, "painting over repaired cracks." The colour as it's not fired, could wear off or fade over time. Some repairs are a bit short term. As I've mentioned before with a portable radio. As they informed us, 90v batteries were now, as we say, "made of unobtainium," soldering together ten small 9v batteries in series, could only be a short term solution. "For demonstration purposes only?" At least the owner could listen to it for a short time. |
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7th Sep 2022, 9:18 pm | #140 |
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Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.
Tonight's was a good episode.
A lot of work went into the repair of the Olympic torch. The burner was mentioned and its heat shield that needed replacing. It looked as if it had been at the "reveal," but it wasn't mentioned again. The end result was impressive, but " no flame." I imagine there were 'elf n' safety concerns. I wondered why they didn't put some filler between the joints of the planks on the big wooden sign, they were visible from the ground. It's where rainwater had got in and started the rot before. The jukebox repair, a 1980 Ami R1-3 Jewel, was far more detailed than others they've done before. It was right that they kept the original hand-written title cards and not run off a new batch which would have been so easy to do. I shudder to think how much this repair would have actually cost. This era of machines (circa late seventies, 1980s and later) with their computers are often considered unrepairable unless a computer from a donor machine is found. I was impressed with the selection of records chosen by the original owner of the machine, from the brief look we got of the title cards. I noticed a few were the same as mine, including this seventies classic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmAJUOXBwTQ&t=7s The mechanisms and electrics in mine, from 1969 and 1976, had hardly changed since the forties. Last edited by Doghouse Riley; 7th Sep 2022 at 9:44 pm. |