188 replies to this topic

[Vitesse2]

Perhaps I was the only TNFer listening to Wogan this morning? (Actually Johnny Walker as Sir Tel's on yet another holiday )

There was a request played for "the two Marks". They turn out to be Mark Stewart and Patrick Mark of Mark Stewart Productions, who have just completed a new 1-hour documentary about Graham Hill, previewed last night in the presence of Bette, Damon and the rest of the family. There was more than a hint that the BBC have bought this for future broadcast

Mark Stewart is - of course - the "other" son of Sir Jackie Stewart. The company made the "Flying Scot" series for C4, "Racing Stewart" for ITV and so on. If it's half as good as "Flying Scot", it'll be worth watching!

[Terry Walker]

Sounds great! Wonder how long it will take to filter down here?

[RTH]

Mark Stewart also did the Ken Tyrrell Story and a superb documentary about the building of the circuit at Bahrain all his productions I have seen are absolutely top class.

This Graham Hill programme sounds just what is needed look forward to seeing it .

[paulhooft]

I saw Graham in a BBC program with Terry Wogan?,
that was great!
Hope they include it..
Paul

[Gary C]

it makes a change for Mark Stewart to produce a programme where his father isn't the subject!!
I do hope he's done a decent, the Tyrrell dvd was indeed excellent!

[Coral]

Wow! That does sound great. Can't wait to see it.

[Doug Nye]

This documentary has been made for Mark Stewart Productions by director Mark Craig - a v. nice bloke who is also a genuine motor racing enthusiast and very knowledgeable in his own right. It makes ALL the difference.

They have used a trailer-truckload of good archive material and unless they have managed to screw it up badly the programme should be very good indeed. Disclaimers - I'm in it somewhere apparently - but I haven't seen it yet - couldn't attend the preview screening. As broadcast TV people go MSP are very good guys...

DCN

[FLB]

Good! SpeedTV showed The Flying Scot in North America. I hope they do the same for this one

[RTH]

I wonder if anyone knows if there are any more retrospective motor racing documentaries in production ? Or indeed if any of the rumoured feature films based on biographies of drivers from the past are going to be made ?

[Andrew Kitson]

I have heard rumours of an Archie feature film doing the rounds from a couple of people, but as yet, nothing confirmed. Now that would be good! Hope these rumours become reality.

[FrankB]

Originally posted by Andrew Kitson
I have heard rumours of an Archie feature film doing the rounds from a couple of people, but as yet, nothing confirmed. Now that would be good! Hope these rumours become reality.

There was a short piece on our local BBC news / features programme (Look East) about 3 months ago which was extended in their "Inside Out" programme a few days later. The extended item was only five or ten minutes. Could it have been the making of this that you heard about?

Edit...

Doesn't time fly, it was October last year.

http://www.bbc.co.uk...ng_wrecks.shtml

You need to scroll down past the "Wrecks" stories (although they are interesting in themselves).

[Stephen W]

Originally posted by FrankB


There was a short piece on our local BBC news / features programme (Look East) about 3 months ago which was extended in their "Inside Out" programme a few days later. The extended item was only five or ten minutes. Could it have been the making of this that you heard about?

Unfortunately unless you live in the region who makes the short feature you never get to see it.

In our North West version of "Inside Out" there was a feature on Basil Davenport. Like the one about Archie it was just ten minutes on a half hour show. I wonder if someone could get hold of all these bits & bobs and put them onto a DVD?

[Vitesse2]

Originally posted by Stephen W


Unfortunately unless you live in the region who makes the short feature you never get to see it.

Unless you have Sky ;) On channels 971-988 you can find all the BBC regional feeds. With a bit more effort, you can also get ITV regional feeds as well: they're hidden, but findable.

Of course, it's less likely you'll know about them in advance - at least without the help of other TNFers. I saw the BBC East feature on Archie, and I live near Bath.

[Gregor Marshall]

To me this sounds terrible.

Are Bette, Damon, Smanatha and Bridget included??

I know nothing "not true" but if the people above aren't involved then what's the f in point?????!!!!!*.

DCN & AK want to elaborate?

P.S. AK - If you give MH the signed print and he sends it to me tomorrow then I will get BH to sign on Weds (at my Mum's) and DH I will sort out shortly, need some leverage which hopefuolly BH will provide!

GM

[Vitesse2]

Originally posted by Gregor Marshall
To me this sounds terrible.

Are Bette, Damon, Smanatha and Bridget included??

GM

Originally posted by Vitesse2
,,, previewed last night in the presence of Bette, Damon and the rest of the family.

Why "terrible", Gregor?

It seems obvious to me that - for the first time in either print or film since Graham's death - this documentary must have at least a certain amount of approval from the family.

For which we must be grateful.

I hope this just might be the prequel to an authorised (even if it is a "warts and all") biography. Neither Rudlin's nor Tipler's books can be said to be either fully accurate or definitive.

I'd press DCN to do it, but I'd like him to finish BRM first!!!

[RTH]

You may have read on another forum that the future of 'Top Gear' is by no means certain.
Clarkson himself said they did not know when they would come back.Contracts are up, May it was reported is paid about 1/10 of JC's fee for each programme Hammond gets something in between .

It is said BBC management are concerned about image being portrayed now the programme has 7M viewers, driving standards which might be emulated by young people on the road, environmental responsibilities, public opinion and so on. Given these issues and possible presenter line up changes ( one, all or none of them may return in any new series ) apparently it is looking very unlikely that the series of motoring programmes will return before the Autumn at the earliest.

On a more interesting note there is a strong rumour that James May could front an all new series of programmes about the history of Motor engineering, in perhaps the way that the late and great Fred Dibnah did for steam power and victorian engineering, now that could be very interesting.

[RTH]

Has nobody ever suggested a feature film about the life and times of Sir Stirling Moss ?
Unlike stories about deceased drivers this could be got right by the man himself !

[Kingsleyrob]

Quote by RTH: I wonder if anyone knows if there are any more retrospective motor racing documentaries in production ? Or indeed if any of the rumoured feature films based on biographies of drivers from the past are going to be made ? (can't do the posh quote wotsit - sorry!)

Richard, the following link gives some info on the planned Bruce McLaren film. You may know of it already as I know it's been mentioned in another thread - I'm not claiming to have found anything new...

http://www.thebrucem...e.com/index.htm

Cheers

Rob

[RTH]

Thanks for that Rob lets hope it gets made.

[Gregor Marshall]

I Think certain people might have mis-understood my comments (LI??) earlier!!

I don't mean to be rude and what I wanted to say is that I know that my Dad is a completely differant kettle of fish, but I can tell you that if someone offered to make a documentary on my Dad then I wouldn't be interested. Differant cg=haracters I know!

I know there is a new GH picture book coming out. brilliant, but all I wanted to say is that sometimes people forget that their heroes do have families too!

[mspfast]

Originally posted by Vitesse2

Perhaps I was the only TNFer listening to Wogan this morning? (Actually Johnny Walker as Sir Tel's on yet another holiday )

There was a request played for "the two Marks". They turn out to be Mark Stewart and Patrick Mark of Mark Stewart Productions, who have just completed a new 1-hour documentary about Graham Hill, previewed last night in the presence of Bette, Damon and the rest of the family. There was more than a hint that the BBC have bought this for future broadcast

Mark Stewart is - of course - the "other" son of Sir Jackie Stewart. The company made the "Flying Scot" series for C4, "Racing Stewart" for ITV and so on. If it's half as good as "Flying Scot", it'll be worth watching!

Hello. I should say that Mark Craig was the other Mark this time! We have produced a few motor racing films together. He is a great guy and a real pleasure to work with.
The new one hour film is called Graham Hill "Driven" and we have only just finished making it. The first ever screening of it was last Thursday (8th of March) and the whole Hill family were there as well as some of Graham's BRM and Lotus mechanics. Mrs. Rudd (wife of Tony) made it too along with 60 other guests that had good reason to be there. The only sad point was that Doug Nye could not make it. He was a great help to us with his vast experience and knowledge. He plays a key part in the film. I have a lot of respect for Doug and he has been a great help to us at Mark Stewart Productions. We need more people like that.
This film comes from the heart. Graham was a great British personality that should never be forgotten. A real champion. We have tried to put together a balanced story that shows the ups and the downs.
The Hills are very much included in the film and with out there blessing I would not have made it.
We are now trying to put it on the box so that as many people see it as possible. It is sitting on a number of desks in a number of TV stations around the UK and the world including Australia. So lets see what happens.

Mark Stewart

[Vitesse2]

Originally posted by mspfast
Hello. I should say that Mark Craig was the other Mark this time!

After Doug's post I realised I'd probably made a wrong assumption

Originally posted by mspfast
Graham was a great British personality that should never be forgotten. A real champion.

Amen.

Originally posted by mspfast
We have tried to put together a balanced story that shows the ups and the downs.
The Hills are very much included in the film and with out there blessing I would not have made it.

Thanks for taking the time to post, Mark. It's very good to know that your film has the family's approval.

Originally posted by mspfast

We are now trying to put it on the box so that as many people see it as possible. It is sitting on a number of desks in a number of TV stations around the UK and the world including Australia. So lets see what happens.

Mark Stewart

Best of luck! There's a whole bunch of NGH fans around the world waiting to see this!!!

[Gary C]

Indeed!

[Garagiste]

http://www.autosport...icle.php/id/938

Consider me clamouring then.

[Coral]

Oh that is a great review...I just can't wait to see this documentary...especially if it features not only Graham but Jimmy too!

[Kingsleyrob]

Great to hear the background 'from the horse's mouth' - can't wait to see it!

Maybe there is some mileage as Richard (RTH) suggests for further really professional documentaries including Sir Stirling and other living legends who spanned the era (50s- 60s) that's a fascination for many of us? Sir Jack and Dan Gurney spring to mind, especially with the angle on becoming successful constructors.

On reflection it's easy to understand why these might be seen as more specialist programmes - and therefore less commercially attractive. So on the basis that the general public will enjoy an insight into Graham's life due to his popularity, that leaves Sir Stirling as the obvious next choice.

From what I've read so far I'm sure the Graham Hill programme will get 'Top Marks' from us all...can't wait!

Rob

[mspfast]

Yes I would love to produce a film on Sir Stirling and he is indeed an obvious choice. These films take a lot of time and cost a great deal to make though. They usually don't produce much return either! So I will need to make a few more "earners" to enable me to do such a project comfortably again. I hope that this will not take too long. However, more importantly, I would need Sir Stirling’s blessing first!
Thank you for your support and i do hope that you all like the film when it comes out. I'll try and let you know somehow.

Originally posted by Kingsleyrob
Great to hear the background 'from the horse's mouth' - can't wait to see it!

Maybe there is some mileage as Richard (RTH) suggests for further really professional documentaries including Sir Stirling and other living legends who spanned the era (50s- 60s) that's a fascination for many of us? Sir Jack and Dan Gurney spring to mind, especially with the angle on becoming successful constructors.

On reflection it's easy to understand why these might be seen as more specialist programmes - and therefore less commercially attractive. So on the basis that the general public will enjoy an insight into Graham's life due to his popularity, that leaves Sir Stirling as the obvious next choice.

From what I've read so far I'm sure the Graham Hill programme will get 'Top Marks' from us all...can't wait!

Rob

[RTH]

Nice to hear from you on the forum Mark.

I am most impressed by your productions, they have a most distinctive polish and impressive attention to detail and are always most enjoyable.

Even though Sir Stirling Moss has been retired now for 45 years , he is amazingly perhaps still a houshold name , even by people who were not even alive when he was racing. I was only a child myself at the time but he was truly dominant and typically competed in may be 60 or more important races in all sorts of cars in a single year.

I would have thought a programme or better still a series based on him and the whole post war racing scene up to the mid 1960s would have found a buyer in CH4 CH5, BBC3, BBC4, UK History which can be seen on digital freeview now by the majority of the UK audience would have a popular response. Top Gear for instance attracts 7-8 Million viewers in the Uk weekly plus many repeats and substantial overseas sales and its quality is variable to say the least. So mainstream car/racing subject matter can have wide appeal.

I really do think there would be an appetite for this, but as Stirling enters his late seventies it really does need doing while we still have him with us.

I really do wish we could get him to relate some of his tales on this medium here !

If you look at the airtime Fred Dibnah, Adam Hart-Davis, industrial wonders, Salvage Squad and many other factual engineering series get still !, then material like this must be popular with viewers.
Indeed Brian Sewell even got a two part 2hr programme on the history of Rolls Royce 'Ghosts & Phantoms ' Quentin Willson's 'The car's the star ' series ran for several years. Nigel Roebuck had 'Grand Prix 500 ' on BBC 2

Then those two brilliant Motor racing through the night evening discussion and film 6 hour marathons in '97 & '98 with our own Doug Nye on Channel 4 of fond memory !

Mark could I ask you to list your productions on car/racing matters available on DVD and where to find then , because it is just up the street of regular readers of TNF and I know they would not be disappointed.

clip

http://www.markstewa...dex_flash8.html

I wonder if you can reveal what you are working on at present ?

[Paul Parker]

Given the seemingly limitless, mindless pap serrved up on most mainstream TV (mainly because it is cheap) there surely must be a market for properly informed programmes on the famous racers of the 50s/60s/70s.

It needs somebody with wit, style and imagination to produce something that not only TNFers and pundits can enjoy, but also the uninformed and those new to the genre. Not dumbed down or 'accessible' (so beloved of those who want to trivialise everything) but entertaining and accurate. It needs to be 90 or 120 minutes too, 60 is insufficient but no doubt this would be dictated by the broadcasters and accountants on commercial stations worrying about their ads revenue.

I would start with Sir Jack Brabham/John Surtees and go from there. Perhaps the fuel or tyre companies or even some manufacturers could be persuaded to sponsor a series.

[RTH]

How about a big 12 part documentary on the history of the motor car tracing its origins from the first steam powered passenger road vehicle of 1802 up to the present day with particular concentration on the period 1900 to the 1960s. Apparently in 1900 there were over 100 British car manufacturers ! neary 40M people in Britain hold driving licences there is widespread devotion to personal transport.........surely this would have widespread appeal set in the social context of the various eras ?

[LOTI]

I have 24 hours worth of outtakes from the John Surtees day at Brands Hatch which I couldn't give away to television..... well I did eventaually and BBC2 showed the half hour film from it one afternoon. Maybe with the numerous digital channels now it would have stood a better chance, but the average television executive [what ever that is] is not interested in different. I wish the Marks the best of luck, I'm not sure the man in the street [as opposed to the in TNF] would know who Graham was. sad really.
Loti

[MonzaDriver]

Originally posted by mspfast

The new one hour film is called Graham Hill "Driven" and we have only just finished making it.

Dear Mark Stewart, your productions are really professional and therefore beautiful to wacht.
I have seen many many times, " The Flying Scot" not only because your father's personality,
but also for the fact that it is a real documentary. Beautiful.

Sorry but this one about Graham Hill is titled " Driven" ???
Just like the Stallone's movie??? There is no one other title available ???

I dont want to be unpolite, but this choice it's strange.
With great esteem.
MonzaDriver.

[mspfast]

I have noted your point. It is always tough to think of a title for a film. Graham Hill "Driven" makes sense to me as he was a driven man in all sorts of ways. "Driven" is strong, quick, easy to say and remember. I would hope that this film has is a very different feel to the one you point out. I had forgotten that Sylvester had called his "Driven". Oops! I remember feeling it was rather difficult to watch!java script:smilie(':blush:')

[MonzaDriver]

Originally posted by mspfast
......... I would hope that this film has is a very different feel to the one you point out.....

I am pretty sure it will have a different feeling.
If my observation is useful, I am happy.

MonzaDriver.

[Coral]

Don't worry, I don't think too many people will remember the Sly Stallone effort. I'm still trying to forget it...

[Gary C]

Has anyone heard what has happened to this DVD / programme?

[Gary C]

I have! This pogramme will air on BBC4 here in the UK on Bank Holiday Monday at 9pm --- and I'll be in America, brilliant!!

[Macca]

Set your video/DVD.........I'll be in darkest Devon, so I'll have to as well.

Paul M

[frogeye59]

Originally posted by Gary C
I have! This pogramme will air on BBC4 here in the UK on Bank Holiday Monday at 9pm

Bracketed at 8pm by programme featuring Chuck Yeager/sound barrier & Malcolm Campbell/water speed record and at 10pm LSR at Bonneville.

All repeated during early tuesday morning but in different order.



David

[paulhooft]

A pity we cannot get BBC 4 here in The Netherlands...
PcH

[ensign14]

Originally posted by paulhooft
A pity we cannot get BBC 4 here in The Netherlands...
PcH

Pfft, you get most of the Beeb gratis without having to pay for it as it is.

[Kpy]

Originally posted by paulhooft
A pity we cannot get BBC 4 here in The Netherlands...
PcH

But you can, just as I get it in France:

http://info.internat...bbc_europe.html

[RTH]

IMPORTANT TELEVISION PROGRAMME ( well I think so )


This coming Monday evening ( Bank Holiday Monday ) at 9.00 PM On BBC 4 (that is ch 9 on Freeview in the UK )



GRAHAM HILL - DRIVEN


Its on for one hour and made by Mark Stewart Productions

This is likely to be very good and I think not to be missed !

[sterling49]

Originally posted by RTH
IMPORTANT TELEVISION PROGRAMME ( well I think so )


This coming Monday evening ( Bank Holiday Monday ) at 9.00 PM On BBC 4 (that is ch 9 on Freeview in the UK )



GRAHAM HILL - DRIVEN


Its on for one hour and made by Mark Stewart Productions

This is likely to be very good and I think not to be missed !

Finally got my freeview box Richard, so I will bookmark this not to be missed programme, probably the best television for the holiday week-end, oh, nearly forgot, it Eurovision tonight

[RTH]

Tomorrow night Monday 9.00 pm BBC 4

[bradbury west]

Followed it seems by a one hour programme on Craig Breedlove and Art Arfons and their LSR efforts.
Roger Lund

[Phil Rainford]

If you do happen to miss the 9.00pm slot.....it is on again at 12.30am and 3.30am on the Tuesday morning

Also on at 8.00pm on the Monday evening is " Days that Shook the World " which will show Chuck Yeager 's attempt to break the sound barrier in 1947 and Donald Cambell's attempt to break the water speed record 20 years later

Kind regards

Phil

[RTH]

Tonight Monday 9.00pm

[Philip Whiteman]

I'm looking forward to the Graham Hill programme, but I'd be interested in knowing what you all think/thought of the Yeager and Cambell 'Days that Shook the World'. My brother Matthew made this film on a tiny budget – which made it very difficult to make the dramatisations authentic – but only after a good deal of research and the casting of an actor who looked especially like Donald Cambell (Matthew was especially pleased to get that bit right).

The E type Jaguar you see in the Cambell section is actually Matthew's own car – another 'economy' prop!

[RTH]

9.00pm tonight