The visit was part of a joint day out organised by the Society of Television Lighting Directors (STLD). This saw the LDs visit the busy working studio of The Bill in the morning, to look at the techniques and technology used to light a realistic drama on the hectic schedule demanded by a show that is broadcast twice weekly, year round in a tour organised and hosted by The Bill's John O'Brien. After touring the various set inside and outside the studio - offices, cells, even a complete parade of shops - and hearing about the show from the cast's point of view (courtesy of Graham Cole, now best known for playing PC Stamp, but who was a casual technician at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley earlier in his career), the LDs adjourned to White Light for lunch.
The LDs were shown around White Light's facilities and given the chance to experiment with some of the latest items of equipment in the White Light hire and sales stocks, including the Lancelot arena followspot from Robert Juliat, and the more compact GLP Impression moving-head LED washlight.
"We've been trying to organise an event like this for years," comments White Light's managing director, Bryan Raven. "With The Bill's studios being so close to us, it seemed like the perfect combination. It's taken so long because The Bill's team have always been so busy, generally working six or seven days a week and only scheduling a few weeks in advance. We're glad to have finally achieved it, and that we got a chance to introduce so many television lighting designers to the wide range of products that White Light can offer."
(Jim Evans)
