News - Summer Autumn 06
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The Vicar Of Dibley Specials 2006 - The Vicar of Dibley comes to a close with two special-length episodes due to air at Christmas on BBC 1.   Filmed on location in the tiny village of Turville, this popular award winning British sitcom, stars Dawn French as a reverend who breathes life into in a small town parish.  Written by Richard Curtis, the specials have been directed by, Ed Bye, with John Sorapure as DOP.  The rest of the camera department was made up of Geraint Owen and Matt Wicks.

The Sarah Jane Adventures - This new children's drama is a spin-off from the ever-popular Dr Who series and will air on the CBBC Channel and CBBC on BBC 1.   Written by Russell T Davies, it is set in present day West London and features the Doctor's old companion, investigative journalist, Sarah Jane Smith.  The series will begin with a 60-minute special, shot on location in Wales by, John Sorapure (DOP).  Assisting John on this shoot was emerging talent, Matt Wicks.

Star Stories - This tongue-in-cheek "in no way made up truth" series, from Objective Productions, received very favourable reviews during its run on Channel 4 and E4.  Star Stories re-enacts the tabloid stories of Britain's favourite celebrities including the Beckhams, George Michael and many more.  The DOP for the series was Pete Rowe.  He was ably assisted by Alistair Upcraft and Ian Pearce.  The series is directed by Elliot Hegarty.

Little Britain Christmas Specials 2006 - This 2 part special was recently shot on location in the UK and Spain, and will be titled Little Britain Abroad.  The well known cast took some of the nation's favourite characters to new surroundings, closely trailed by Blue Planet's crew!  John Sorapure was deservedly entrusted as DOP, with Ian Chisholm Focus Pulling throughout.  In Spain, Mark Puffett was loading for the S16mm days, while Oli Lockett assisted the team back on UK soil. 

These specials are highly anticipated viewing for the Festive period.

Comedy Showcase - CBBC will be host to a new Comedy Showcase.  Blue Planet crews have been involved in the making of Episode 6: "Trevor Island" (inset), Ep.7: "Driving Me Mad" and Ep.8: "Life In The Underpass". 

DOP, Jeremy Hewson, led the camera department, with Roy Estabrook on 2nd camera.  Camera assisting throughout was Matt Roche, with Oli Lockett joining the team on separate unit days.                                                     

National Trust Gardens - As part of Sky TV's Treasures Of The National Trust HD launch, this 10 part documentary series follows the highly acclaimed National Trust Properties series, shot earlier in the year.  Focusing on Gardens of the National Trust, this series took the crew all around the country, including the grounds of Sissinghurst Castle, Kingston Lacey, Biddulph Grange & Hidcote Manor.  Returning for the second series, were DOP, Jon Woods and Camera Assistant, Ian Pearce. 

Titty Bang Bang (Series 2) - Returning for another season was this Pett Television production.  Producer's Bob Mortimer and Lisa Clark, once again entrusted John Record as DOP.  Geraint Owen was close at hand as Focus Puller, with Matt Wicks as camera assistant.  Additional camera days saw Ian Pearce joining the team, as 2nd unit Focus Puller.  Titty Bang Bang (series 2) is due to be shown on BBC 3 this autumn.

Neighbours - Cast members from the Australian soap Neighbours have just wrapped filming scenes for the programme at various locations in London, with Blue Planet crew providing the local technical expertise.  UK viewers of the popular soap will have to wait until next year to see the London storyline, which involves Jackie Woodburne (Susan), Alan Fletcher (Carl) and Natalie Bassingthwaighte (Izzy).  Pete Rowe was at the helm as DOP, with Geraint Owen as Focus Puller.  Additional camera days brought out Will Jacob (camera) and Ian Chisholm (assistant).   Sound was recorded by the team of Joe Walters and Stuart Piggott.

Don't Get Me Started - This series returned for another successful run on Five, with controversial programmes about topical liberal dilemmas.  The factual topics were brought forward by a range of media figures and included, Selina Scott on Television, Stewart Lee on Blasphemy, Anne Widdecombe on Vanity and Ted Honderich on Terrorism.  Roy Estabrook and Ben Turley provided Lighting Camera expertise, with Stuart Piggott and Annie Needham as sound recordists.

The Late Edition – Currently in production, this late night satirical talk show

is continuing to make current affairs funny. Airing on BBC 4, The Late Edition aims to interview those currently in the news and expose any hidden hypocrisy, deceit or lunacy with the intent of making us laugh.  Jon Wood is shooting this series, with a host of Blue Planet regulars on sound, including, Joe Walters, Keith Branch and David Ferguson.

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