Scroll down for a selection of our Blogs & News – latest first:
Waverley – Steaming Round Wight is released
For the last few weeks we’ve been working with producer Chris Phillips of Heritage Ships Films to add footage and update Waverley – Steaming Round Wight. The new footage we shot and edited features various locations around the Island, including the Farringford Estate (former home of Alfred Lord Tennyson), Totland Pier, Shankling Chine and the IOW Steam Railway.
More information by scrolling down our On-Demand Page .
NEW RELEASE** RMS QUEEN MARY Regal & Retired **NEW RELEASE
We are very pleased to release RMS QUEEN MARY Regal & Retired, the story of one of the most significant ships in maritime history, on DVD and to stream on-demand. Please follow the links for more details and how to watch this exciting new programme. CLICK HERE And here’s a peek at the trailer…
Southampton in the Past Volume 2 now available On Demand
Another collection of fascinating 20th century archive content, added to our view on demand service. To see this and other titles please click here View on Demand This and other programmes are also available to buy on DVD. Please click here Online Shop
THE LATEST CLIP FROM THE RESTORATION OF LYNX HELICOPTER XZ179…
As well as following the full restoration, the programme will look back at the history of the Lynx and the important role it’s played within the British Army Air Corps. Here’s the aircraft taking to the air for further tests and adjustments, a huge milestone in XZ179’s story…
More clips of the Lynx restoration at: Our YouTube Channel
WORK RESUMES ON OUR NEW HISTORY DOCUMENTARY:
Here’s the poster! More news as we progress through spring 2022!
NEW TITLES On Demand:
We’re adding further titles to our view on demand service. They include the archive series Places in the Past. To see Southampton in the Past Volume One visit View on Demand
In spite of restrictions imposed by these strange times, we are really pleased work is now underway on a new film documenting the rebuilding of Lynx helicopter XZ179, commissioned by the aircraft’s owner Graham Hinkley.
As well as following the re-build, the programme will look back at the history of the Lynx and the important role it’s played within the British Army Air Corps. Here’s the moment the restored gearbox was reinstalled at Weald Aviation, a small milestone in XZ179’s restoration back to being fully air-worthy…
Our latest documentary, Cold War East Anglia, produced for Wattisham Station Heritage, is now available to watch online – click here for all the details… OnDemand
It’s official… Cold War East Anglia is completed, released and on sale in our online shop!!!
Visit the online shop for all the details: More Details Here
Countdown to the Cold War – new film on its way:
We’re at the latter stages of the new Cold War documentary we are making for Wattisham Station Heritage, which will be released at the end of November. Stay in touch for more details. Meanwhile, here’s the new trailer…
NEW TITLE – on DVD and to view OnDemand
Britain’s Last Paddle Steamers & the People Who Saved Them
We are excited to announce the release of this new documentary film marking 60 years of the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society. Full details are HERE. Meanwhile, here’s a quick trailer!..
2nd Clip in support of the Waverley Boiler Refit Appeal…
More details about the Save The Waverley Appeal including how to donate can be found here Waverley
PS Waverley and a new paddle steamer documentary…
Following news that all PS Waverley’s 2019 sailings are cancelled a £2.3 million Appeal has been launched to pay for the ship’s boiler refit. As the world’s very last sea-going paddle steamer Waverley is historically very significant. We are supporting the Appeal with regular film clips to remind us all how important it is to Save The Waverley. Here’s the first. Scroll down for some other important information…
More details about the Save The Waverley Appeal including how to donate can be found here Waverley
You may also be interested to know we are currently working on a new documentary film: Britain’s Last Paddle Steamers & The People Who Saved Them. The programme marks the 60th Anniversary of the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, who saved Waverley first time round back in the 1980s. The film is currently in production and includes exclusive interviews with key people who helped rescue Britain’s four last remaining paddle steamers along with contemporary footage and some fantastic archive film from the PSPS Archive. It will be available to buy on DVD and watch ondemand. Profits from DVD copies purchased through the PSPS will go to the Waverley Appeal. More details to follow. To be released this summer, so get ready for a real treat!!
Swanage Pier is reopened by actor Timothy West…
After extensive renovation and the development of a new Visitor Centre, the beautiful Victorian pier at Swanage in Dorset was reopened by actor Timothy West. Timothy West is also Patron of the National Piers Society; we recorded a brief interview with him on the day (03-04-2019)…
For more details of Swanage Click Here!
Latest from Les…
Our friend and colleague Les Carvall is continuing plans for a journey around the world in a Suzuki Vitara for 2020 – not once, but twice!! He’s also administrating his charity Heaven Can Wait I’m Busy and took time out to visit the Ladies of the Pink Champagne Dragon Boat Team. Here’s what happened:
For all the latest on the World Challenge/ Ultimate Challenge 2 project see www.heavencanwaitimbusy.org
COLD WAR East Anglia – The Front Line
During the last few weeks the team has been making good progress with the new Cold War documentary and the more we probe and film the more we’ve come to realise how important recording this relatively recent history is. So far we’ve been blessed with some superb interviewees and astonishing locations.
You can follow our occasional vlogs here, on facebook or through the new Wattisham Station Heritage WSH Blog
For more information get in touch at: wsh.film@gmail.com
WAVERLEY on London’s River
To mark 40 years of the vintage paddle steamer Waverley visiting the River Thames we are delighted to have been working again with Chris Phillips and Heritage Ships Films. Waverley remains the last sea-going paddler in the world and has earned a unique place in maritime history. This programme, featuring stunning aerial shots and wonderful archive footage, is available to buy on DVD from Heritage Ships Films and will shortly be available through our OnDemand streaming service.
Here’s a quick taster…
IN FAMILIA
We recently had the huge pleasure of being asked by writer, director and actor James Murray to work on his short film IN FAMILIA featuring veteran actor Robert Hardy and Nina Sosanya. It was a real privilege to be involved and as it happens proved to be Robert Hardy’s last performance – he died shortly after, in August 2017 aged 91.
Here’s what James (Jim) Murray has to say…
“I made this film with Tim (or ‘Robert’) and Nina because he was my friend and I wanted to show others, perhaps a younger generation, what a fine actor and one-off human he truly was, even at 91! This turned out to be his final performance which makes the film all the more precious. He was also incredibly supportive of The Murray Parish Trust so if this short film tickles you in any way please feel free to make a small donation (on the charity website). Enjoy and thank you. xx“
WATTISHAM – The Cold War Years: a new documentary
[June 2018] We are very pleased to announce work has just started on a new documentary about the Cold War. Working with our colleagues at Wattisham Station Heritage in Suffolk, the film will include a variety of Cold War installations dating back to the 1950s and 60s previously surrounded in mystery and secrecy, together with interviews with people who served in the military at that time and civilians’ first-hand accounts.
The programme will illustrate the key role played by the RAF at Wattisham Airfield and other locations in East Anglia, often regarded as the Front Line during a very dangerous period in world history. More details will be posted as we progress, both here and via Facebook.
Here’s a trailer of some of what’s to come…
The Ultimate Challenge 6-part series now available to stream
This year we began our new Video on Demand service powered by Vimeo. The ultimate Challenge is the second title after Wattisham: Both Sides of the Fence to be available on demand. You can buy the whole series or individual episodes, stream for a limited 48-hour period and, of course, the programmes are still available to purchase as a double DVD.
Viewpoint Productions scoops another RTS Award!!!
We have received an RTS Award for our recent documentary film Wattisham Both Sides of the Fence. This is our third RTS award and we are absolutely delighted!!! Judges described the film as “…a well told and well covered oral history – it is hugely watchable.” We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the programme both as interviewees and behind the scenes. Also a huge thank you to the Army Air Corps for providing such generous access to the Base and of course, the RTS.
You can watch the trailer, stream the programme via Video-on-Demand and buy the double DVD by clicking below.
Wattisham – Both Sides of the Fence is LAUNCHED!
We are very pleased to announce the launch of Both Sides of the Fence – the story of Wattisham Aerodrome. This has been a long and on occasions, exhausting project and we have loved every minute! Well virtually every minute. It’s a sad fact that two of the elderly contributors who gave interviews concerning the earlier years of Wattisham’s history have passed away since recording. Whilst this is sad and our thoughts are with their families, it has highlighted further the importance of making the programme, both for today’s audience and generations to come.
We would like to thank the Army Air Corps for their fantastic support and allowing us access to make the film and Maggie Aggiss and Keith Rimmer from Wattisham Station Heritage who co-produced the project. And, of course, all those who contributed on-screen and off.
A double DVD of the film is available through the online shop.
Scroll down to the Blog below to watch the Trailer.
That’s by no means the end of the story – there’s more Wattisham Aerodrome and aircraft-related history to come!
New Trailer: Wattisham – Both Sides of the Fence
A new documentary marking 80 years of the aerodrome that’s played a unique role in British aviation history – for release Autumn 2017
The programme is produced for Wattisham Station Heritage. Click here for more information about WSH
Ultimate Challenge 2 is launched – it’s HUGE!!!
Les Carvall has just launched Ultimate Challenge 2, in which he and the team with drive not once, but twice around the world in an attempt to set a new record and raise money for charity. Viewpoint has been asked to record everything for a new series, starting with Les Carvall and Guy Foster putting a Vitara to the test on the skidpan and off-roading at Thuxton Racing in Hampshire. The huge project is ambitious by any standard, even more so when you consider some members of the team will be nearly 80 years old! The two 4×4 Suzukis will cross the start line in Spring 2018 – a countdown and updates can be found on the project website: http://www.heavencanwaitimbusy.org And you can buy the six-part series featuring the original Ultimate Challenge journey around the world in our online shop – Click Here
Our fourth in a series of programmes for historicshipsdvds.co.uk
Kingswear Castle is Britain’s last coal-fired paddle steamer. Beautifully restored she now steams once again on her native River Dart in Devon. This is the full story of this historic vessel from her origins through decommissioning and restoration, her days on the Medway steaming from Chatham and the most recent chapter, her triumphant return to the Dart after decades of absence! Features excellent private archive footage and compelling interviews with those who were there and her operator today.
Available to buy direct from: www.historicshipsdvds.co,uk
We are privileged to be working with The Murray Parish Trust
Sarah Parish and her husband, fellow actor James Murray, recently launched their charity, The Murray Parish Trust. Viewpoint Productions was commissioned to make a short film about the Trust.
The charity is working to support the building of Southampton’s new Children’s Hospital, with initial emphasis at on the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), in honour of the couple’s late daughter Ella-Jayne.
New Project for Viewpoint
Wattisham Aerodrome – Both Sides of the Fence
Viewpoint Productions is delighted to have been chosen to work with Wattisham Station Heritage to produce a broadcast quality documentary featuring the historic Wattisham Aerodrome in Suffolk.
The Aerodrom was built in the 1930s on requisitioned farm land in anticipation of the Second World War and famously became home to Blenheim Bombers, P51 Mustangs and later the Phantom Jet. The world-renowned Black Arrows Display Team was also based at the Station. The programme is set to include a variety of significant interviews from ,both sides of the fence’, as well as archive footage and reenacted scenes.
Programme is scheduled for release to mark the 80th anniversary of Wattisham Aerodrome in September 2017.
If you or a member of your family served at Wattisham, if you worked at the base or have archive footage of the area, or would like to know more about Wattisham Station Heritage, please visit: http://www.wattisham stationheritage.org/wsh-documentary.html
P&O Cruises Celebrating 175 Years of Heritage
P&O Cruises recently celebrated 175 years of heritage, a huge landmark in maritime history and Viewpoint Productions were asked to produce a programme that traces the early years of P&O through to P&O Cruises today.
In this specially commissioned film we look back to the company’s founding and early line voyages , though life at sea in past eras to the evolution of Britain’s favourite cruise line. Exclusive interviews and compelling archive.
Now available on DVD through the online shop
New broadcast quality programme made for historicshipsdvds.co.uk
Steaming Round Wight features Waverley, the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world, as the vessel takes us on an informative guided tour around the Isle of Wight’s historic coastline with commentator Chris Phillips.
Features the spectacular Needles, the towering cliffs of Tennyson Down, St Catherine’s Point, Osborne House Yarmouth and much more. Available on DVD direct from www.historicshipsdvds.co.uk
Produced by Chris Phillips. Running time approx. 47 minutes. Filmed & Edited by Viewpoint Productions
We’ve done it again!!!
Second RTS Award for Viewpoint Productions
To receive one Royal Television Society Award is good; to receive a second is a real honour. Viewpoint’s first was for Best Factual Programme and this one is for multi-skills in programme production.
We are well and truly chuffed!!
Los Ninos – The Story of Exiles from the Spanish Civil War
In May 1937, at the onset of the Spanish Civil War, more than 30,000 children were displaced, leaving their families and homeland for refuge abroad. Four thousand, known as Los Ninos, came to Britain. They arrived at the Post of Southampton and were housed temporarily in a make-shift camp at Stoneham before being sent to homes around the UK. Directed by Steve Bowles, this is their story, told by them and illustrated with rare archive footage.
Presented as a double DVD with a second programme featuring modern day exiles who have found refuge in Britain, the material is divided into modules for use in education. If you work in education or have a special interest in this subject, please contact the Education Officer at Hampshire Record Office (01962 846141).
The Great British Home Movie Roadshow, BBC2
Viewpoint Productions has assisted in the production of the BBC TV archive series Home Movie Roadshow and our very own David Ellery (pictured right) is part of the on-screen presentation team!
The 5-part series for BBC2 was produced by Diverse Production and looks back at life across the decades through personal archive footage.
programme on both sides of the Atlantic!
Picture: Presenters Robin Baker, Binny Baker and David Ellery, on location at the National Maritime Museum, Falmouth
An RTS Award for Viewpoint!
We are very proud to announce we have received the Royal Television Society Award for Best Popular Factual Programme for the documentary Regal & Retired – the Story of RMS Queen Mary.
A panel of 17 judges voted unanimously for the programme and Director, David Ellery, received the award on behalf of Viewpoint Productions at the RTS annual awards dinner. We would like to thank everyone who took part in the
Their Past Yours Future is Released
Their Past Your Future is an educational double DVD produced for Archives and Social Studies at the Hampshire Record Office for use in schools. The Programme features a collection of case studies across a range of Hampshire schools. Each undertook a contrasting learning cycle researching their community’s connection with world conflict since 1914 and learning why we hold Remembrance Day and associated activities.
The programme is designed to encourage and illustrate use of resources available through local archives and museums. For more details contact: archive.enquiries@hants.gov.uk or call 01962 846154
Beeching’s Tracks, BBC One (and on DVD)
Viewpoint Productions has been commissioned to make a 30-minute documentary for BBC One as part of the BBC’s Railway Season. Presented by Joe Crowley, the programme takes a journey around the south of England and discovers how Beeching’s axe changed people’s lives and the very landscape itself. From East Grinstead where Beeching lived, through Lancing where 2000 people were made redundant, to Hayling Island, Shillingstone and the Isle of Wight and the restored station in Horsebridge, Hampshire.
Interviewees include broadcaster and writer Nicholas Owen and artist, conservationist and steam enthusiast David Shepherd OBE. Programme now available to buy in the online shop.
New documentary celebrating veteran liner Queen Mary made by Viewpoint Productions for the BBC
RMS Queen Mary is the last surviving 1930s ‘superliner’ left in the world. Viewpoint Productions has produced Regal & Retired – the Story of RMS Queen Mary for BBC television. The programme includes a significant quantity of archive footage, much of which is new even to those familiar with the ship’s long history. The programme was shot on location in California (where the ship remains today), Scotland and Southampton and features 20 exclusive interviews.
Written and Directed by David Ellery
The Living Album – Hampshire’s Gypsy Heritage
Viewpoint Productions is delighted to have been selected to produce a landmark resource for education.
The Living Album is an educational DVD used in schools across Hampshire and beyond. It is split into five modules with distinct themes like Historic Background, Fairs & Gatherings and Youth Culture, and includes teaching notes. We’ve had the great privilege of working closely with the Gypsy Traveller Community while making this film.
The DVD Programme is not commercially available, but if you work in education or have a special interest in this theme, further details can be obtained from the Education Officer at Hampshire Record Office (Tel: 01962 846141).
Our latest documentary, Cold War East Anglia, produced for Wattisham Station Heritage, is now available to watch online – click here for all the details… OnDemand
It’s official… Cold War East Anglia is completed, released and on sale in our online shop!!!
Visit the online shop for all the details: More Details Here
Countdown to the Cold War – new film on its way:
We’re at the latter stages of the new Cold War documentary we are making for Wattisham Station Heritage, which will be released at the end of November. Stay in touch for more details. Meanwhile, here’s the new trailer…
NEW TITLE – on DVD and to view OnDemand
Britain’s Last Paddle Steamers & the People Who Saved Them
We are excited to announce the release of this new documentary film marking 60 years of the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society. Full details are HERE. Meanwhile, here’s a quick trailer!..
2nd Clip in support of the Waverley Boiler Refit Appeal…
More details about the Save The Waverley Appeal including how to donate can be found here Waverley
PS Waverley and a new paddle steamer documentary…
Following news that all PS Waverley’s 2019 sailings are cancelled a £2.3 million Appeal has been launched to pay for the ship’s boiler refit. As the world’s very last sea-going paddle steamer Waverley is historically very significant. We are supporting the Appeal with regular film clips to remind us all how important it is to Save The Waverley. Here’s the first. Scroll down for some other important information…
More details about the Save The Waverley Appeal including how to donate can be found here Waverley
You may also be interested to know we are currently working on a new documentary film: Britain’s Last Paddle Steamers & The People Who Saved Them. The programme marks the 60th Anniversary of the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, who saved Waverley first time round back in the 1980s. The film is currently in production and includes exclusive interviews with key people who helped rescue Britain’s four last remaining paddle steamers along with contemporary footage and some fantastic archive film from the PSPS Archive. It will be available to buy on DVD and watch ondemand. Profits from DVD copies purchased through the PSPS will go to the Waverley Appeal. More details to follow. To be released this summer, so get ready for a real treat!!
Swanage Pier is reopened by actor Timothy West…
After extensive renovation and the development of a new Visitor Centre, the beautiful Victorian pier at Swanage in Dorset was reopened by actor Timothy West. Timothy West is also Patron of the National Piers Society; we recorded a brief interview with him on the day (03-04-2019)…
For more details of Swanage Click Here!
Latest from Les…
Our friend and colleague Les Carvall is continuing plans for a journey around the world in a Suzuki Vitara for 2020 – not once, but twice!! He’s also administrating his charity Heaven Can Wait I’m Busy and took time out to visit the Ladies of the Pink Champagne Dragon Boat Team. Here’s what happened:
For all the latest on the World Challenge/ Ultimate Challenge 2 project see www.heavencanwaitimbusy.org
COLD WAR East Anglia – The Front Line
During the last few weeks the team has been making good progress with the new Cold War documentary and the more we probe and film the more we’ve come to realise how important recording this relatively recent history is. So far we’ve been blessed with some superb interviewees and astonishing locations.
You can follow our occasional vlogs here, on facebook or through the new Wattisham Station Heritage WSH Blog
For more information get in touch at: wsh.film@gmail.com
WAVERLEY on London’s River
To mark 40 years of the vintage paddle steamer Waverley visiting the River Thames we are delighted to have been working again with Chris Phillips and Heritage Ships Films. Waverley remains the last sea-going paddler in the world and has earned a unique place in maritime history. This programme, featuring stunning aerial shots and wonderful archive footage, is available to buy on DVD from Heritage Ships Films and will shortly be available through our OnDemand streaming service.
Here’s a quick taster…
IN FAMILIA
We recently had the huge pleasure of being asked by writer, director and actor James Murray to work on his short film IN FAMILIA featuring veteran actor Robert Hardy and Nina Sosanya. It was a real privilege to be involved and as it happens proved to be Robert Hardy’s last performance – he died shortly after, in August 2017 aged 91.
Here’s what James (Jim) Murray has to say…
“I made this film with Tim (or ‘Robert’) and Nina because he was my friend and I wanted to show others, perhaps a younger generation, what a fine actor and one-off human he truly was, even at 91! This turned out to be his final performance which makes the film all the more precious. He was also incredibly supportive of The Murray Parish Trust so if this short film tickles you in any way please feel free to make a small donation (on the charity website). Enjoy and thank you. xx“
WATTISHAM – The Cold War Years: a new documentary
[June 2018] We are very pleased to announce work has just started on a new documentary about the Cold War. Working with our colleagues at Wattisham Station Heritage in Suffolk, the film will include a variety of Cold War installations dating back to the 1950s and 60s previously surrounded in mystery and secrecy, together with interviews with people who served in the military at that time and civilians’ first-hand accounts.
The programme will illustrate the key role played by the RAF at Wattisham Airfield and other locations in East Anglia, often regarded as the Front Line during a very dangerous period in world history. More details will be posted as we progress, both here and via Facebook.
Here’s a trailer of some of what’s to come…
The Ultimate Challenge 6-part series now available to stream
This year we began our new Video on Demand service powered by Vimeo. The ultimate Challenge is the second title after Wattisham: Both Sides of the Fence to be available on demand. You can buy the whole series or individual episodes, stream for a limited 48-hour period and, of course, the programmes are still available to purchase as a double DVD.
Viewpoint Productions scoops another RTS Award!!!
We have received an RTS Award for our recent documentary film Wattisham Both Sides of the Fence. This is our third RTS award and we are absolutely delighted!!! Judges described the film as “…a well told and well covered oral history – it is hugely watchable.” We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the programme both as interviewees and behind the scenes. Also a huge thank you to the Army Air Corps for providing such generous access to the Base and of course, the RTS.
You can watch the trailer, stream the programme via Video-on-Demand and buy the double DVD by clicking below.
Wattisham – Both Sides of the Fence is LAUNCHED!
We are very pleased to announce the launch of Both Sides of the Fence – the story of Wattisham Aerodrome. This has been a long and on occasions, exhausting project and we have loved every minute! Well virtually every minute. It’s a sad fact that two of the elderly contributors who gave interviews concerning the earlier years of Wattisham’s history have passed away since recording. Whilst this is sad and our thoughts are with their families, it has highlighted further the importance of making the programme, both for today’s audience and generations to come.
We would like to thank the Army Air Corps for their fantastic support and allowing us access to make the film and Maggie Aggiss and Keith Rimmer from Wattisham Station Heritage who co-produced the project. And, of course, all those who contributed on-screen and off.
A double DVD of the film is available through the online shop.
Scroll down to the Blog below to watch the Trailer.
That’s by no means the end of the story – there’s more Wattisham Aerodrome and aircraft-related history to come!
New Trailer: Wattisham – Both Sides of the Fence
A new documentary marking 80 years of the aerodrome that’s played a unique role in British aviation history – for release Autumn 2017
The programme is produced for Wattisham Station Heritage. Click here for more information about WSH
Ultimate Challenge 2 is launched – it’s HUGE!!!
Les Carvall has just launched Ultimate Challenge 2, in which he and the team with drive not once, but twice around the world in an attempt to set a new record and raise money for charity. Viewpoint has been asked to record everything for a new series, starting with Les Carvall and Guy Foster putting a Vitara to the test on the skidpan and off-roading at Thuxton Racing in Hampshire. The huge project is ambitious by any standard, even more so when you consider some members of the team will be nearly 80 years old! The two 4×4 Suzukis will cross the start line in Spring 2018 – a countdown and updates can be found on the project website: http://www.heavencanwaitimbusy.org And you can buy the six-part series featuring the original Ultimate Challenge journey around the world in our online shop – Click Here
Our fourth in a series of programmes for historicshipsdvds.co.uk
Kingswear Castle is Britain’s last coal-fired paddle steamer. Beautifully restored she now steams once again on her native River Dart in Devon. This is the full story of this historic vessel from her origins through decommissioning and restoration, her days on the Medway steaming from Chatham and the most recent chapter, her triumphant return to the Dart after decades of absence! Features excellent private archive footage and compelling interviews with those who were there and her operator today.
Available to buy direct from: www.historicshipsdvds.co,uk
We are privileged to be working with The Murray Parish Trust
Sarah Parish and her husband, fellow actor James Murray, recently launched their charity, The Murray Parish Trust. Viewpoint Productions was commissioned to make a short film about the Trust.
The charity is working to support the building of Southampton’s new Children’s Hospital, with initial emphasis at on the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), in honour of the couple’s late daughter Ella-Jayne.
New Project for Viewpoint
Wattisham Aerodrome – Both Sides of the Fence
Viewpoint Productions is delighted to have been chosen to work with Wattisham Station Heritage to produce a broadcast quality documentary featuring the historic Wattisham Aerodrome in Suffolk.
The Aerodrom was built in the 1930s on requisitioned farm land in anticipation of the Second World War and famously became home to Blenheim Bombers, P51 Mustangs and later the Phantom Jet. The world-renowned Black Arrows Display Team was also based at the Station. The programme is set to include a variety of significant interviews from ,both sides of the fence’, as well as archive footage and reenacted scenes.
Programme is scheduled for release to mark the 80th anniversary of Wattisham Aerodrome in September 2017.
If you or a member of your family served at Wattisham, if you worked at the base or have archive footage of the area, or would like to know more about Wattisham Station Heritage, please visit: http://www.wattisham stationheritage.org/wsh-documentary.html
P&O Cruises Celebrating 175 Years of Heritage
P&O Cruises recently celebrated 175 years of heritage, a huge landmark in maritime history and Viewpoint Productions were asked to produce a programme that traces the early years of P&O through to P&O Cruises today.
In this specially commissioned film we look back to the company’s founding and early line voyages , though life at sea in past eras to the evolution of Britain’s favourite cruise line. Exclusive interviews and compelling archive.
Now available on DVD through the online shop
New broadcast quality programme made for historicshipsdvds.co.uk
Steaming Round Wight features Waverley, the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world, as the vessel takes us on an informative guided tour around the Isle of Wight’s historic coastline with commentator Chris Phillips.
Features the spectacular Needles, the towering cliffs of Tennyson Down, St Catherine’s Point, Osborne House Yarmouth and much more. Available on DVD direct from www.historicshipsdvds.co.uk
Produced by Chris Phillips. Running time approx. 47 minutes. Filmed & Edited by Viewpoint Productions
We’ve done it again!!!
Second RTS Award for Viewpoint Productions
To receive one Royal Television Society Award is good; to receive a second is a real honour. Viewpoint’s first was for Best Factual Programme and this one is for multi-skills in programme production.
We are well and truly chuffed!!
Los Ninos – The Story of Exiles from the Spanish Civil War
In May 1937, at the onset of the Spanish Civil War, more than 30,000 children were displaced, leaving their families and homeland for refuge abroad. Four thousand, known as Los Ninos, came to Britain. They arrived at the Post of Southampton and were housed temporarily in a make-shift camp at Stoneham before being sent to homes around the UK. Directed by Steve Bowles, this is their story, told by them and illustrated with rare archive footage.
Presented as a double DVD with a second programme featuring modern day exiles who have found refuge in Britain, the material is divided into modules for use in education. If you work in education or have a special interest in this subject, please contact the Education Officer at Hampshire Record Office (01962 846141).
The Great British Home Movie Roadshow, BBC2
Viewpoint Productions has assisted in the production of the BBC TV archive series Home Movie Roadshow and our very own David Ellery (pictured right) is part of the on-screen presentation team!
The 5-part series for BBC2 was produced by Diverse Production and looks back at life across the decades through personal archive footage.
programme on both sides of the Atlantic!
Picture: Presenters Robin Baker, Binny Baker and David Ellery, on location at the National Maritime Museum, Falmouth
An RTS Award for Viewpoint!
We are very proud to announce we have received the Royal Television Society Award for Best Popular Factual Programme for the documentary Regal & Retired – the Story of RMS Queen Mary.
A panel of 17 judges voted unanimously for the programme and Director, David Ellery, received the award on behalf of Viewpoint Productions at the RTS annual awards dinner. We would like to thank everyone who took part in the
Their Past Yours Future is Released
Their Past Your Future is an educational double DVD produced for Archives and Social Studies at the Hampshire Record Office for use in schools. The Programme features a collection of case studies across a range of Hampshire schools. Each undertook a contrasting learning cycle researching their community’s connection with world conflict since 1914 and learning why we hold Remembrance Day and associated activities.
The programme is designed to encourage and illustrate use of resources available through local archives and museums. For more details contact: archive.enquiries@hants.gov.uk or call 01962 846154
Beeching’s Tracks, BBC One (and on DVD)
Viewpoint Productions has been commissioned to make a 30-minute documentary for BBC One as part of the BBC’s Railway Season. Presented by Joe Crowley, the programme takes a journey around the south of England and discovers how Beeching’s axe changed people’s lives and the very landscape itself. From East Grinstead where Beeching lived, through Lancing where 2000 people were made redundant, to Hayling Island, Shillingstone and the Isle of Wight and the restored station in Horsebridge, Hampshire.
Interviewees include broadcaster and writer Nicholas Owen and artist, conservationist and steam enthusiast David Shepherd OBE. Programme now available to buy in the online shop.
New documentary celebrating veteran liner Queen Mary made by Viewpoint Productions for the BBC
RMS Queen Mary is the last surviving 1930s ‘superliner’ left in the world. Viewpoint Productions has produced Regal & Retired – the Story of RMS Queen Mary for BBC television. The programme includes a significant quantity of archive footage, much of which is new even to those familiar with the ship’s long history. The programme was shot on location in California (where the ship remains today), Scotland and Southampton and features 20 exclusive interviews.
Written and Directed by David Ellery
The Living Album – Hampshire’s Gypsy Heritage
Viewpoint Productions is delighted to have been selected to produce a landmark resource for education.
The Living Album is an educational DVD used in schools across Hampshire and beyond. It is split into five modules with distinct themes like Historic Background, Fairs & Gatherings and Youth Culture, and includes teaching notes. We’ve had the great privilege of working closely with the Gypsy Traveller Community while making this film.
The DVD Programme is not commercially available, but if you work in education or have a special interest in this theme, further details can be obtained from the Education Officer at Hampshire Record Office (Tel: 01962 846141).