media company wanting a "talking Head"

[subaqua]

------------------------------ Original Message ------------------------------
Subject: Mentorn Media - Driving Documentary
From: "Sophie Oliver" <SOliver@mentorn.tv>
Date: Tue, April 24, 2012 4:03 am
To: "contact@criticalmasslondon.org.uk" <contact@criticalmasslondon.org.uk>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello,
I hope you are well. I work for a television production company called Mentorn
Media. We have been producing programmes for 26 years which include Question
Time, Traffic Cops and An Idiot Abroad. Please see here for further
information: http://www.mentorn.tv/
We are currently producing a documentary on driving for Channel 5 to be
broadcast May 2012. We have gathered footage from around the world, with a
view to showing a selection. We will feature a range of international clips
and interviews. In keeping with Mentorn's programming, the series is a factual
one retelling powerful stories using user generated content and witness
testimony.
As part of our documentary we are looking into the relationship between
cyclist and drivers and featuring footage caught on helmet cams, mobile phone
and CCTV and talking to cyclist that have been involved in incidents first
hand. We are now looking for a 'talking-head' that is passionate about the
issues that cyclist face to talk on camera about such issues and also comment
on videos that capture these moments.
If there was a person that springs to mind that you think would be ideal to
feature in the programme I would be grateful if you could pass on their
contact details.
We are on an extremely fast turnaround so please do not hesitate to get in
touch with me as soon as possible.
Regards,
Sophie

Sophie Oliver
Researcher
Mentorn Media
Elsinore House 77 Fulham Palace Road London W6 8JA
0207 258 6734 - direct
020 7258 6800 - switchboard
020 7258 6888 - fax
07738 018528

 

[sheddy]

Vicky Pendleton would do it, but she is a bit busy at the moment

 

[oldfatfool]

Give Mathew a nudge

 

[downfader]

I was asked by another TV company but didnt like the rights-grab thing... felt they could twist things around or use it/sell it for other purposes, so said no.

Anyone who takes part would have to have these criteria:

- get a guarantee that it will be used to highlight road safety
- written contract of licence and retaining of your copyrights
- you really must not take payment, there are higher purposes and things to be gained rather than money
- footage should not be sub-contracted out
- footage should not be edited to suggest another series of events

Ideally those taking part should know the relevant laws and high way code sections that back up the complaint or incident.

 

[dellzeqq]

It's a telly programme, DF. They want somebody who's young, looks good, has a nice voice and is going to click in to gear when they see a vid of a car doing something stupid. That's it.

 

[subaqua]

It's a telly programme, DF. They want somebody who's young, looks good, has a nice voice and is going to click in to gear when they see a vid of a car doing something stupid. That's it.

ah so nobody here then , and definitley not you know who

 

[dand_uk]

What about Jon Snow. Been impressed with his campaigning recently and it seems he "gets" cycling

 

[dellzeqq]

it's a nigh-on zero budget thing. They swipe some youtube footage, the cyclist does a piece to camera, hopefully in some funky cycling milieu. It's about an hour's work. And there's no money.

 

[downfader]

It's a telly programme, DF. They want somebody who's young, looks good, has a nice voice and is going to click in to gear when they see a vid of a car doing something stupid. That's it.

Thats not the point I was making, the point I was making was to beware of rights grabs and make sure you know how it is being used. Some companies have offered fees. It works the same way as when I did still photography and was submitting to competitions. Your work can end up in all kinds of unsavoury situations if you dont read the small print.

 

[dellzeqq]

DF - they grab the rights. End of. If you put something on youtube they can take it. There's no small print. There's no contract. They just take it. And, as I say, they're not even paying for the talking head.

 

[Banjo]

You wont get any guarantees as to what they use it or how its edited / in what context.

They will be looking for dramatic stuff which will inevitably either make cycling look more dangerous than it really is or make cyclists look like idiots on the road.

Cyclists riding safely and considerately with motorists doing the same wont make a TV programme.

This isnt a serious documentary its just "entertainment" for the masses.

I would love to be proved wrong.