'Happy Birthday Brucie!'
We were really happy to be asked by the production team to help with filming sequences for the opening of the programme to be broadcast to mark Bruce Forsyth's 80th birthday.
The B.B.C. production team visited school on Wednesday, 30th January, 2008 and filmed children in the classroom, putting on coats in the cloakroom, leaving the school building, getting off the bus at 'The Angel of the North', walking towards the Angel and releasing balloons printed with an image of Bruce himself.
Years Three, Four and Five had a great time, which, besides allowing a short experience as an actor, also gave an insight into the work of a T.V.production team, consisting of a Director, a Researcher, two Runners, a Cameraman and a Soundman.
The team was very grateful for the help given by the school, especially Mrs.Heath, who arranged transport and organised the distribution of a series of permission forms required prior to filming.
We are looking forward to seeing how much of what was filmed appears in the opening of the programme, scheduled to be screened at the end of February.
Here are some excellent reports of the afternoon's events from members of Year Five:
Here are some photographs of the afternoon:
Mr.Skilbeck hopes these scenes hit the cutting-room floor!
To the coaches and 'The Angel of the North'.
Looking forward to an interesting afternoon!
Having collected balloons from 'Ravensworth Bowling Club', everyone heads for 'The Angel'.
Gathering below 'The Angel', waiting for the camera crew to join them.
Amanda, the Director, checks that Bruce's image can be seen by the camera.
Is everyone ready?
There they go!
Amanda checks that the filming is what she expected!
Here is a BBC announcement about the programme:
'Bruce Forsyth, the undisputed king of British Saturday night entertainment television, reaches his landmark 80th birthday in February 2008.
To mark the event the BBC will celebrate the life of this remarkable entertainer with a one off spectacular at BBC Television Centre.
As host of Sunday Night at The London Palladium, The Generation Game and Strictly Come Dancing Bruce Forsyth has entertained millions for more than 60 years, and is loved by generations.
The evening will include star studded song and dance numbers from an array of international performers, along with tributes from some of Bruce’s friends and professional colleagues. We will revisit some of Bruce’s greatest television moments and will spring a few birthday surprises on the man himself.' from BBC Strictly Come Dancing website.
Date of recording of the show: 12 February Venue: BBC Television Centre
Date of screening is to be announced.