The notion of EastEnders and other mainstay BBC dramas being forced to move to new premises ahead of the supposed HD revolution is not exactly a new one. However the story seems to have come back in recent days, with attention turning to the 20-odd year old Albert Square set on the back lot at Elstree Studios.
A memo to BBC drama producers would seem to be the cause of the panic, stating:
“Using HD will highlight scenery defects such as repeat taping and painting over scenery flattage joins, knocks and damage, dirt and scuff marks. Knocks, scratches, general wear and tear are distinctly noticeable and need additional time and effort to rectify.”
which would seem to be an exercise in stating the bleeding obvious. I wonder if the writer of the memo has any eggs he can teach the producers to suck while they’re about it.
I would be happy putting money on EastEnders moving studios sometime in the next five years, but the location of such a move seems to be causing some furrowed brows. Wales seems to be the name bubbling to the top of the list, for reasons that I’m not sure why. Has it become the default setting since Doctor Who set up shop there four years ago? I know Wales has found itself a burgeoning TV industry in the last couple of years, which is all to the good, but has nobody thought of all the practicalities involved in this?
It’s relatively easy to base shows like Doctor Who and Torchwood down in Cardiff. They have small regular casts and guest actors are hired for a few weeks here and there. Same for. The crews, for the most part, will be taken from the local talent pool – as it should be. But really, let’s think for a second about EastEnders…
It’s a four nights a week drama - is it really practical to move a production with a massive cast of London based actors, not to mention crew, up to Wales? With this in mind, you seriously cut down your casting opportunities when scouting for new, long-term cast members who would be prepared to sign a contract committing them to two years based in Wales. And would the crew be willing to relocate? So you risk throwing the baby out with the bathwater in one fell swoop.
Seriously, I do not see Wales in EastEnders’ future, and think it far more likely a move to Pinewood would be on the cards as a more realistic option. Check back in five years and we’ll see who’s right… (fingers crossed). And just so as we’re clear here, this is nothing against Wales, just thinking about the practicalities of moving EastEnders there…
Staying on the subject, this comment from “a source” had me choking on my lunchtime cuppasoup:
“There will be some great in-jokes for the viewers, with people growing daffodils and leeks in their gardens.”
Oh yes, hysterical! If this what we can look forward to, bring the move on now, I can’t wait for this level of wit and sophistication. And Charlotte Church as a “bolshy babe on the market”? Not on my watch, sunshine. You’ve just made ‘Enders great again, let’s not screw up it now, eh?
Not to mention the obvious of 'why move a London based soap to Wales/Manchester'! What are they all thinking of!
And how many people who have HD even CARE enough to zoom in and check to see if Dot's door frame has been painted recently? I think TV execs worry unnecessarily. And why do you think they'll move at all? Unless a newer studio has better access and facilities I don't see why they'd want to.
They are going to use the 2012 Olympics as a storyline. The whole area is going to be 'rejouvinated' so i'd expectth actual momve to be some time in 2010, as they will want to get it HD asap.