My legs were once in an episode of Grange Hill, sticking out, road side from under a Ford Granada.
The BBC were already using properties in the area but had decided to do some moving street shots with dialogue, on local side roads, one of which was mine.
Aunty Beeb normally give residents prior notice of filming but had neglected to inform anyone on my street.
Early that morning I was fitting a new exhaust to my housemates car, he was a mini cab driver and needed the car for work that afternoon.
So there I was at 8am, under the car busily removing the old exhaust, AC/DC playing loudly on the stereo, when a 'charming' assistant with a clip board popped her head under the car, much to my surprise, and said 'Look you can't do that now, we are filming here all day today.'
I explained that I had not been informed and I had to get the repair done so my friend could get to work at midday.
When she started to argue with me, I said I would only speak to the Director.
He came over, I said how we had not been warned of the filming and explained my position. He offered me £20 to not fix the car while they filmed that day.
I then explained he would have to compensate my friend who would not be able to go to work and would be earning much more than that.
The Director said that would not be possible so I said I'd make a concession and turn the music off but I still had to, and was going to continue to work on the car.
I also added that if he'd like me to contact his Producer I was happy to do so, and begrudgingly, I believe we reached an agreement.
And so, somewhere lurking in the BBC archives there is an episode of Grange hill with me laying under a car in the background!
Tea anyone?
