AH
Well, just to update, the tour was completed yesterday, and I was mostly impressed! The tour guides (Amrita & Gary) knew their stuff. We got to see the newsroom (from behind a glass wall), got to go on the floor of TC3 (currently empty), blue Peter set in stores, TC7 (being set up for Andrew marr show), blue screen action outside weather studio, outside to fountain through Stage Door, and onto interactive studios for news-reading and weakest link comp
They made 2 members in my party whose birthday were this weekend very welcome, and we were allowed to take lots of pics except tc7 and newsroom
The shop was overpriced, but overall was worth the money and I'm glad I did it before they bulldoze the place.
Ash
They made 2 members in my party whose birthday were this weekend very welcome, and we were allowed to take lots of pics except tc7 and newsroom
The shop was overpriced, but overall was worth the money and I'm glad I did it before they bulldoze the place.
Ash
NU
I did the MediaCityUK tour a few weeks ago and I was a little disappointed.
We started off with an interactive thing where they got 2 volunteers to do a fake Breakfast news insert, not on the real set or using proper kit of course. I'm sure that appeals to some people but for me it was just a waste of time.
They then took us to the reception of the building containing the sports newsroom where we looked in through the glass. Anybody passing could do the same. Then it was the Halle rehearsal room and the audio studio, both of which were interesting but empty of any kit (no good if you're a geek like I am). They provided us with several anecdotes but it was all a bit watered down, not very technical at all.
Then we eventually were taken to one of the TV studios where the Question Of Sport set was standing. It was interesting enough, but with just the working lights on it didn't really feel very exciting. The most interesting thing was a Technocrane - I was having a nosey around the back of it and got told off!
They topped it off with a visit to the Blue Peter Garden which again, anyone passing can go to. More anecdotes and we were off on our way.
I actually did the New Broadcasting House tour a few years ago and that was far better - we saw the GMR studios, the big studio there (although it was empty), and the North West Tonight studio, which was all lit up and operational. They also took us into the NWT gallery which was good if you like looking at kit.
For anyone who has been on either the MediaCityUK tour or BBC Broadcasting House, what do you typically see?
I did the MediaCityUK tour a few weeks ago and I was a little disappointed.
We started off with an interactive thing where they got 2 volunteers to do a fake Breakfast news insert, not on the real set or using proper kit of course. I'm sure that appeals to some people but for me it was just a waste of time.
They then took us to the reception of the building containing the sports newsroom where we looked in through the glass. Anybody passing could do the same. Then it was the Halle rehearsal room and the audio studio, both of which were interesting but empty of any kit (no good if you're a geek like I am). They provided us with several anecdotes but it was all a bit watered down, not very technical at all.
Then we eventually were taken to one of the TV studios where the Question Of Sport set was standing. It was interesting enough, but with just the working lights on it didn't really feel very exciting. The most interesting thing was a Technocrane - I was having a nosey around the back of it and got told off!
They topped it off with a visit to the Blue Peter Garden which again, anyone passing can go to. More anecdotes and we were off on our way.
I actually did the New Broadcasting House tour a few years ago and that was far better - we saw the GMR studios, the big studio there (although it was empty), and the North West Tonight studio, which was all lit up and operational. They also took us into the NWT gallery which was good if you like looking at kit.
SP
If TC5 still has MOTD set up, and the gallery is being stripped out - there's obviously no demand for that size studio space now, or in the future... is that the case?
If TC7 is going the same way (e.g. keep a BBC news set up once they've vacated), it really starts to indicate many parts of TVC are ceasing to be operational anymore - which is sad!
I'm sure TC1 will still have many uses for some time to come yet!
If TC7 is going the same way (e.g. keep a BBC news set up once they've vacated), it really starts to indicate many parts of TVC are ceasing to be operational anymore - which is sad!
I'm sure TC1 will still have many uses for some time to come yet!
PE
The MOTD set isn't the full set though, the big front protection screen has been replaced with a cardboard mockup of it.
Pete
Founding member
They have kept the BBC Sport Set Up in TC5 for Tours but I was wondering whether they will keep the BBC News Set Up in TC7 when they vacate it to when tours stop. Will They?
The MOTD set isn't the full set though, the big front protection screen has been replaced with a cardboard mockup of it.
MW
The MOTD set isn't the full set though, the big front protection screen has been replaced with a cardboard mockup of it.
Yes because without a gallery they can't operate the screens, the set itself is still extant though!
They have kept the BBC Sport Set Up in TC5 for Tours but I was wondering whether they will keep the BBC News Set Up in TC7 when they vacate it to when tours stop. Will They?
The MOTD set isn't the full set though, the big front protection screen has been replaced with a cardboard mockup of it.
Yes because without a gallery they can't operate the screens, the set itself is still extant though!
NG
The MOTD set isn't the full set though, the big front protection screen has been replaced with a cardboard mockup of it.
Yes because without a gallery they can't operate the screens, the set itself is still extant though!
Yep - and the projectors are big-ticket items that have high running costs (the bulbs are not cheap...) I suspect the projectors have been removed from the set as well as they will have significant residual value.
noggin
Founding member
They have kept the BBC Sport Set Up in TC5 for Tours but I was wondering whether they will keep the BBC News Set Up in TC7 when they vacate it to when tours stop. Will They?
The MOTD set isn't the full set though, the big front protection screen has been replaced with a cardboard mockup of it.
Yes because without a gallery they can't operate the screens, the set itself is still extant though!
Yep - and the projectors are big-ticket items that have high running costs (the bulbs are not cheap...) I suspect the projectors have been removed from the set as well as they will have significant residual value.