Media in Manchester!(film, television, radio, newspapers, etc, etc!)

[jrb]

Taken from todays MEN!

Any doubts about the BBC's move to Manchester have been quashed! :)

Apparantly the BBC's relocation to Manchester is still going ahead as planned despite the rumours, speculation and resignation of Peter Salmon.

However the relocation will be re-brended as the BBC North Project instead of the Move to Manchester.

Manchesteronline:

City name dropped in BBC jobs switch
THE BBC is to re-brand its big move to Manchester - by dropping the city's name.

To spark enthusiasm and debate among London-based staff, it will headline the move as the BBC North Project.

The corporation says plans to switch 1,800 staff to Manchester are still on track despite the resignation this week of the man leading the move.

Project director Mark Thomas said: "Putting the Manchester label in the early strategy was helpful because people knew where we were going. But the benefits stretch much wider than Manchester."

Five BBC departments, including Sport, Children's and Five Live, are to move to the city by 2010 as part of the £500m project.

London employees affected by the move will be given the choice of moving to Manchester or taking redundancy. They have already been consulted about their concerns via a BBC questionnaire, with the first results expected within weeks.

Early indications are more positive than many BBC managers expected, and they are keen to get staff talking about their personal issues over the move.

Interested

Mr Thomas told Broadcast magazine: "With the timeline we've got and the number of people who are indicating that they're interested in moving, I don't think we're going to have a problem."

BBC director general Mark Thompson has always made clear that Manchester will act as a hub for increased production across the north, including centres in Leeds, Newcastle and Hull.

The team organising the move are also anxious to emphasise the wider picture, having been dealt a blow by the decision of BBC executive Peter Salmon to leave for a new post outside the corporation.

Mr Salmon, who was head of sport, was steering the move to Manchester. The director of nations and regions, Pat Loughrey, who was already working on the project, will now take over responsibility.

In a message to BBC staff, he described Mr Salmon as "a great leader of the Manchester project".

Mr Loughrey said: "I have now been asked by Mark Thompson to take the lead in that work - this is the single biggest and most exciting change plan in the modern BBC. With the director general's firm support, and the active involvement of you and department heads in Manchester, we're going to make this happen." :cheers:

[Accura4Matalan]

Still looks pretty positive for the BBC move. I think they were right to rename it, if its going to be the whole north benefiting and not just Manchester.

Interesting Fact:
Manchester is covered by both Cheshire Life and Lancashire Life magazines :D

[jrb]

A very clever marketing ploy by the Beeb!

Gives the impression that the whole of the North will benefit and not only Manchester!

Whether that will happen only time will tell!

Atleast our Southern friends at the Beeb seem a bit more optimistic and positive about the move to Manchester! Cough! Sorry, 'the North' :)

[Accura4Matalan]

I would love to see it benefit the rest of the north too. If the BBC have a little more presence in Lancashire, that'd be well good :)

[dgnr8]

The small boy in me loves the fact Manchester is reaping all. The grown man in me is shaking his head at the hypocrisy. We whinge about the over centralisation of Britain around London yet here we are quite happy to become the London of the North.

Being a human upsets me.

[Diggler]

The small boy in me loves the fact Manchester is reaping all. The grown man in me is shaking his head at the hypocrisy. We whinge about the over centralisation of Britain around London yet here we are quite happy to become the London of the North.

Being a human upsets me.

A guy in work really detests everything London "because they get everything". But is quite happy for Manchester to get everything else.

Not thought of that before, but with all that is going on in Manc, the other cities must feel like him in regards to Manchester, surely?

[GShutty]

The fact that you want to see everythiing going to Manchester is not such a bad thing. As things stand the difference between Manchester, Liverpool Leeds, Birmingham, Galsgow....., is non-existent compared to the gap between any of the said and London. The North of Engaland and Britain needs to have a realistic alternative and geographically, Manchester makes sense. That said any move North increases the profile and appeal of all of the above cities.

I`ve got to say that there`s no reason why and indeed this is happeneing that all of these cities and their surrounding areas cannot improve and the decentralisation of Whitehall as well as the projects going on accross the board are good examples of this, but until this matures the North would be well served by a spotlight city, that can be compared on certain levels to our Capital.

This said, i'll Personally be delighted if Blackpool gets the Casino vote, giving it the modern unique selling point (and catalyst) that it so desperately needs, though the Sport City Project was exciting. The more 'beacons'/London alternatives and quality areas the better for everybody.

Just to point out, this is not an anti-London rant as the capital too gets better and better, but as the world economy gets tougher one city cannot carry the burden for a whole country and why should it-who wants it to?...next stop-register my support for 2012!

[Gareth]

Ooh wait 'till Liverpolitan see this thread. :banana:

[Born in the North]

Diggler you are spot on ! Here in Leeds you would not believe the jealousy felt by many Loiner's. Many are jealous of Manchester's continued dominance of all things outside London, whether it be the size of Manchester Airport (even though 10,000's of thousands of us good Yorkshire folk use it every year), constant news coverage of Manchester, your cities massive developments, (things on this front in Leeds have gone very stale lately), Manchester's leapfrogging of Leeds in the commercial and retail sector post 1996, the list goes on and on with all the great things happening in your city but i have to say in recent times the jealousy of Man Utd's wealth and success has really wound up many fellow Loiner's, thank god i support the Rhino's.

I know your cities success winds up many of my fellow Loiners so think how bad the Scousers feel, at least my city of Leeds is on the up. The Livepudlians on the other hand must have lost out big time to Manchester in all departments but in particular investment, I was horrified when i last went to Liverpool, it is dirty, smelly, scruffy and large parts of the city are derelict and in serious decay. I felt ashamed but mostly sad at what had happened to Liverpool.

[Gareth]

I know your cities success winds up many of my fellow Loiners so think how bad the Scousers feel, at least my city of Leeds is on the up. The Livepudlians on the other hand must have lost out big time to Manchester in all departments but in particular investment, I was horrified when i last went to Liverpool, it is dirty, smelly, scruffy and large parts of the city are derelict and in serious decay. I felt ashamed but mostly sad at what had happened to Liverpool.

Your entitled to your opinion, but I'm entitled to tell you to

GO FUCK YOURSELF!
http://img110.exs.cx/img110/9992/swivel1my.png

[Gareth]

Seriously what the fucks happening to this site. We've recently had that prat Sargo spamming this and the Liverpool forum and now this cock!

I'm sure SSC wasn't like this only a year back.

[Gareth]

And Sargo hasn't been banned either.

What the fuck?

[Born in the North]

Your entitled to your opinion, but I'm entitled to tell you to

GO FUCK YOURSELF!
http://img110.exs.cx/img110/9992/swivel1my.png


Gareth, what an intelligent reply ? Now put your handbag away sonny and lets get back the thread in hand !

[dgnr8]

Every post from Born in th north has been along the lines of "Being from Leeds, it's amazing to see how much better Manchester is than anywhere else ever". I hate to be a cynical fairy but considering the influx of spanners we've had over the past year, you really don't know which way to look.

[morestoreysplease]

I think "the North" has benefitted from Brum's downgrade of the BBC. We used to have great facilities at Pebble Mill, now it's all gone to an office space in The Mailbox with an entrance where the great British public can wander into and interact with all things Beeb! Good luck to you though..cough!

[highriser]

Something was being filmed in the NQ on sunday afternoon,,,70's i think ,,cos there was a lot of 70's cars aand an old 70's bus,,,,and the actors were in 70's gear,,,does anyone know what it was ?

[GreatMoor]

Something was being filmed in the NQ on sunday afternoon,,,70's i think ,,cos there was a lot of 70's cars aand an old 70's bus,,,,and the actors were in 70's gear,,,does anyone know what it was ?

Probably

"a new BBC1 drama series provisionally titled ‘Life on Mars’. The series revolves around a police officer who goes back in time to 1973 and we are going to be filming scenes for this on Back Turner Street and Kelvin St. With the series being set in 1973, we are dressing the street as it was in that year so would appreciate your co-operation in keeping the street clear of vehicles.

The dates for this filming will be Sunday 24th and Monday 25th April between the hours of 09:00 and 20:00."

[chasedwar]

how refreshing to see a sheep shagger from Leeds telling the truth about how ace Manchester is and how jealous others cities are.
not to mention a spot on review of Liverpool. hey Garth - truth hurts, dont it?

they just cant stay away from our Manc threads, cos fook all is happening else where.

[chasedwar]

oh and thanks Garth for wayne Rooney he scored a belter the other day.
you can take the scouser out of the pool, but u cant take the pool out of them

ie, wayne and his shell suits and of course his wife beating exploits.

goal of the season, well done my son. (I forgive him for his place of birth.)

[Gareth]

What another wonderful forumer.

This site just gets better. :ohno:

[Gareth]

oh and thanks Garth for wayne Rooney he scored a belter the other day.
you can take the scouser out of the pool, but u cant take the pool out of them

ie, wayne and his shell suits and of course his wife beating exploits.

goal of the season, well done my son. (I forgive him for his place of birth.)

Ooh you've hurt Garths feelings.

Boohoo! :cry:

[jrb]

Got some very interesting news and articles! :)

More major developments planned!

Will post the info later on! :runaway:

[dgnr8]

Hehehe, you're a right bastard for that. If you didn't come up with the goods as often as you do, I'd call you a shit. But you're a bastard, you leave us on tenderhooks and then always post something substantially fluffy and cool. I want to hate you, yet I can't. Still, good work, I look forward to the update.

[jrb]

Dgnr8 your worth £3.50!

Taken from this weeks EGi

Thats only the tip of the iceberg as to what might be proposed! :)

The other article is alot more interesting and exciting! :cheers:

Lots more to follow, unfortunately you'll have to wait until Wednesday!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/item1.jpg

[Potato Man]

I'm really saddened by this. The black box should be a listed building imo - Manchester's first curtain walled building, there was no way I expected to see it demolished. I was expecting a major refurb of this important 20th c. building - the first post war commercial building in the city.

I do hope that the next generation look back at this in the same way we look the decision to demolish the Milne Buildings in order to build Eagle Star

http://www.images.manchester.gov.uk/web/objects/common/webmedia.php?irn=1998&size=313x399

Anyway, I hear a major BBC announcement will be made in October.

[Accura4Matalan]

Good news IMO. Will be a shame to see the familiar neon sign go though.

[dirtyred619]

Will be a shame to see the familiar neon sign go though.

Yeah your right, but it does look very dated now.

[SleepyOne]

Interesting but this has been trailed for a long time - Granada moving into the bonded warehouse.

I think decent 60s architecture would be valued much more by people if there wern't so many poor quality, ill thought through and prominent examples in our city centre. Most of them - it has to be said - have that infamous little red oval sign atop of them. So much so, that we get to the stage that even average examples become lauded. I'm not sure which category the Granda TV building falls into architecturally (analogies with the Milne Buildings is pushing it IMO) but it is, without question, an important piece of Manchester's modern heritage.

[highriser]

Very interesting article about Granada ,cheers jrb
im not surpised about this though,,it was on the cards after they merged,
Seeing that they are aready planning a masterplan for it,it should'nt be long before we hear something
Potatoman the black box your on about ,is it the building that in the pic on the article?

[Potato Man]

Indeed it it highriser. Another image looking across what is now Rossetti Place:

http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/ewm/ic6/52.jpg

What we have to remember that this building was built to such a high standard that even now, 45 years after construction began just about the only external work that has been done is window cleaning. I very much doubt that 2 Hardman St or Rossetti Place will look this good half a century from now. And let's face it - that is probably what will replace it.

This building is the real deal - 'modern, original' if you want a soundbite and I think that with a little tlc this building could be brilliantly re-engineered at the heart of a mixed use 21st century development.

http://www.c20society.org.uk/docs/building/granada.html

[GreatMoor]

Very interesting article about Granada ,cheers jrb

Seeing that they are aready planning a masterplan for it,it should'nt be long before we hear something


Are we talking about the sale of Granada bldg to Allied London and accompanying masterplan?


http://photobucket.com/albums/y9/neilbarton/?action=view&current=GranadaLeftbankPlan.gif

[GreatMoor]

[QUOTE=GreatMoor]Are we talking about the sale of Granada bldg to Allied London and accompanying masterplan?


Help please. How do I post a photobucket plan?

[highriser]

Im not sure if Allied are involved ,i think its a separate materplan,,,we'll find out sooner or later

[dgnr8]

Great moor, if you've got something that needs uploading, send it to me if you wish

dh

If you just want webspace and all that shit, get an account with photobucket and upload your pics. Then copy the link of the picture (example, http://www.massivefatcocks.com/members/northbeachandhis12inchesoflove.jpg) and post within (IMG) (/IMG)

Change the () for []

[GreatMoor]

Are we talking about the sale of Granada bldg to Allied London and accompanying masterplan?


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y9/neilbarton/GranadaLeftbankPlan.gif

[caw123]

Greatmoor I've edited your post so the image shows up, you had the URL of the page the image is on between the , not the URL of the image itself.

And that looks juicy, where did you find it?

[GreatMoor]

Greatmoor I've edited your post so the image shows up, you had the URL of the page the image is on between the , not the URL of the image itself.

Many thanks for your help. As the Chinese say 'Give a man a fish and he comes back hungry. Teach him to fish and he lives.'


http://www.driversjonas.com/?doc=1594

[Isaac Newell]

Will be a shame to lose the Granada buildings, one of Manchester's better office blocks. Would make a nice boutique hotel a la Ian Schrager, like the Sanderson in London, named after the offices it now occupies.

[Accura4Matalan]

That masterplan looks fantastic. If this happens and Allied London do as well as they have for Spinningfields, I'll be over the moon.

[dgnr8]

Surely that's defunct? The Edge isn't on there and Rosetti place 2 (Bauhauss, whatever) is linked up to the Granada block, which we all know isn't happening. Good find and all, I just fear it's not happening.

[caw123]

Well the Edge isn't part of the masterplan, it'd be right up in the top right. Though Hardman Square is also outdated..........

[skymann]

Surely that's defunct? The Edge isn't on there and Rosetti place 2 (Bauhauss, whatever) is linked up to the Granada block, which we all know isn't happening. Good find and all, I just fear it's not happening.

Definitely must be old, coz the bit with Trinity Way is wrong. The dual carriageway goes right up to the railway in reality. In this plan there're buildings in between which is now impossible. They could still do all the bits off water street where the SAAB garage and other sheds are. That would look good. Also on the big car park on Water Street. All that could happen.

[dgnr8]

Sorry, my mistake, but I still don't have much hope for it. CJC isn't even added and the very old Hardman SQuare mini masterplan is on it.

And if I'm not mistaken, the Vie development is the wrong shape and there's no St Georges Wharf.

[Accura4Matalan]

Okay, it may be old and outdated, but at least we know people have big plans for the area :) That old masterplan, added onto jrb's recent article looks pretty promising.

[highriser]

very interesting find ,,,,thats the first ive heard the Allied are even involved with the Granada complex,,,and Granada Leftbank where did that come from,,,im not sure this is old,sounds like Allied are extending there Spinningfields site across Quay St to me :)

Exciting prospect whatever's going on,,,jrb said there more at the end of his last post,so who knows :)

[EarlyBird]

very interesting find ,,,,thats the first ive heard the Allied are even involved with the Granada complex,,,and Granada Leftbank where did that come from,,,im not sure this is old,sounds like Allied are extending there Spinningfields site across Quay St to me :)

Exciting prospect whatever's going on,,,jrb said there more at the end of his last post,so who knows :)

I've mentioned the fact Spinningfields was only one part of a larger master plan a few times now but people never believe me...

[dgnr8]

Is it any wonder?

[caw123]

I've always known that those big surface car parks off Regent Road would be developed....... :yes:
http://www.webbaviation.co.uk/manchester/sch-mf06.jpg

I just hope they don't build anything on the Harry Ramsdens site! :cry:

[Chogmook]

That masterplan is on one of the first pages of the spinningfields threads i'm sure of it - seen it before about 2 yrs ago!!!

[highriser]

All those webaviation pics are really out of date now,,,would be good to see a lastest pic ,to compare ,and see how much as changed over the last few years :)

[jrb]

As promised! :)

The full article from EGI on the four possible sites for the BBC or Manchesters new Media Quarter?
The article also includes interviews with Howard Bernstein and representatives from the four possible sites!
Areas under consideration. BBC Oxford Road, (to be re-developed) ITV site,(new media quarter) Piccadilly Place, Spinningfields.
A good article with lots of interesting news, views and talking points!
All in all more great news for Manchester! :cheers:
Ps. A better rendering of No3 and No4 Hardman!(we have seen it before though)


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/egi5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/egi6.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/egi3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/egi4.jpg

[highriser]

Cheers for that jrb,,,very interesting indeed :) i think they should redevelop there Oxford Rd site, just to keep Bruntwood's paws off it :)
But if they were going to move else where,i like the sound of the Granada option best,and creating a media quarter.

[andyains]

It would be good to see a media quarter with them taking some of the space on the Granada site. I can't quite see it happening, purely for political reasons.

Good pics of Hardman Square tho'

[SleepyOne]

Thanks jrb, very interesting. Pure speculation at the moment though, what it tells us is that everything is up in the air and all options are open. Good read though and some nice pictures.

[jrb]

Crackers back!

"Twenty Bensons!"

"we only sell Park Drive in Manchester now!"

10 years is along time and much has changed in Manc!

Imagine the back drop! Crane city! :)

Back for another Cracker!

http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/ContentResources/952.$plit/C_17_Articles_181985_BodyWeb_Detail_0_Image.jpg

BACK IN THE ROLE: Robbie Coltrane as Fitz

IT'S been 10 years but Robbie Coltrane is finally back in Manchester filming the return of award-winning Cracker.

The Harry Potter star reprises the role of criminal psychologist Edward "Fitz" Fitzgerald in a new feature length ITV1 drama.

Written by creator Jimmy McGovern, it promises to be one of the TV events of 2006.

The story - Nine Eleven - sees Fitz return to Manchester after 10 years in Australia with wife Judith (Barbara Flynn) and young son James.

He finds the city centre virtually unrecognisable following extensive regeneration after the IRA bomb and realises how much he's missed Manchester.

Australia

A Granada spokesman said: "Brightly lit, modern, metallic and glass buildings have replaced the rundown office blocks and the skyline he knew so well. And as he comes to terms with the new look Manchester, he knows he can't go back to Australia."

Although meant to be a fleeting visit to see daughter Katy marry, Fitz immediately rediscovers his old passions for excessive gambling, drinking and smoking - and can't wait to "crack" his first case back in town.

Again featuring Rochdale-born actor Kieran O'Brien as Fitz's eldest son Mark, the much anticipated return involves an ex-soldier haunted by his tours of duty in Northern Ireland.

Fitz

Executive producer Andy Harries said: "Seeing Robbie Coltrane return as Fitz was one of my biggest drama ambitions. Helping to reunite the words of Jimmy McGovern with the acting talent of Robbie Coltrane is a huge thrill."

Originally screened between 1993 and 1996, Cracker won several Bafta awards, including Best Actor for the Scottish-born leading man, who went on to global fame as Hagrid in the Harry Potter films.

Classic episodes included To Be Somebody, the story of psychopath skinhead Albie (Robert Carlyle), who held police to blame for the Hillsborough disaster and killed both an Asian shopkeeper and DCI David Bilborough, played by Dr Who actor Christopher Eccleston.

[Northbeach]

I've heard rumours that in true Freddy vs Jason/Alien vs Predator style, next year they plan to pit Cracker against Vincent.
This was quality drama once - hope they can resurrect that...given that ITV 1, 2, 3, 4 make my face sick off these days, I hope they don't quant up Chief Contstable Professor John Coltrance too much.

[vertigosufferer]

They might do a scene in the Arndale!

[rolybling]

nice one! I used to love Cracker

[dgnr8]

The golden shots
Nicola Dowling

FORGET Hollywood, Manchester is the new Mecca of the movie world.

Apparently the city is in the grip of a filming frenzy, with drama makers falling over themselves to get here.

It's good news for the economy, with more than £30 million of investment and hundreds of new jobs.

A record year is being celebrated by North West Vision - the film and TV agency for the region which funds productions and helps develop new talent.

It says crews spent 840 filming days here last year. But with another six weeks to go before the end of 2005, last year's record has been smashed already.

Alison Morrison, NWV's chief executive, said: "This is fantastic news. Filming brings in a significant amount of inward investment and creates thousands of jobs for local talent."

Remake

In 2003, the remake of Alfie, starring Jude Law, saw Manchester transformed into New York for the lavish production, and it is hoped more big screen projects will follow.

But the city's main strength is as a hook for TV dramas such as Vincent starring Ray Winstone and former Corrie star Suranne Jones; Cold Blood, with John Hannah and Matthew Kelly; and Eleventh Hour starring Star Trek's Patrick Stewart.

The city's growing popularity is put down in part to the BBC decision to move the sports, children's TV, Five Live, new media and formal learning departments here.

City council spokesman Roy Walters said: "Manchester is an ideal filming location offering dramatic Gothic backdrops and striking modern architecture as well as traditional friendly communities and countryside parks."

[jrb]

Stalingrad battle - in Manchester

http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/ContentResources/884.$plit/C_17_Articles_191902_BodyWeb_Detail_0_Image.jpg

UNDER ATTACK: Extras during the filming about Stalingrad.

ONE of the bloodiest battles in history and a major turning point of the Second World War is being replayed on a Manchester building site.

The Battle of Stalingrad claimed the lives of more than a million people but proved a crucial victory in defeating the Nazis.

And now a city centre site, which will become a modern property development next year, has been tranformed into the Russian city set in the freezing winter of 1942.

Manchester-based producer and director Jez Freeston is spending two days filming on Cambridge Street, near the Mancunian Way, for a new drama-documentary.

Jez, who has already spent three years making the series for the History Channel, said: "We have filmed in Stalingrad itself, but we were delighted to be given the opportunity to re-create battle scenes here.

"The remains of old factory buildings and rubble provided the right backdrop for a very authentic setting.

"Stalingrad was a major turning point during the war in that it was the first time the seemingly invincible German army came badly unstuck.

"By late 1942 they had invaded deep into the Russian interior. The last obstacle that remained in their way was the city of Stalingrad, but it proved their undoing."

Jez and the Granada TV crew have gone to great lengths to re-create the battle and try to explain the extraordinary Russian victory.

He said: "The Germany army was modern, well trained and well led, with state-of-the-art military equipment, high morale and a string of victories behind it. The Red Army was inexperienced, old fashioned and ill-equipped.

"We have looked at all manner of issues that could have explained the astonishing Russian victory, including weapons and clothing available to both sides, and medical evidence.

"And another factor was that the Soviets had made an art of sniper fire." The site is owned by Taylor Woodrow, who have given permission for the land to be used for filming.

Jez, who has also made films about Waterloo and the Battle of Britain, added: "We have been able to use what are basically cinema techniques to produce dramatic reconstructions, with a format that is both science and history combined.

"We apply cutting edge technology to bring new subject matter on famous battles before a viewing audience."

Many of the extras who took part belong to historic war re-enaction societies spent almost £3,000 buying their own kit.

Paul Dalby, who runs a Second World War group in Barnsley, said: "We are all fascinated by this period of history, and it takes up a huge amount of our time.

"Some might think it a little strange, but if it wasn't for people like us, and the many others who are involved in so many different historical groups, people would not be getting the quality drama documentaries that they do."

The programme - called Battlefield Detectives: Stalingrad - is due to be screened by the History Channel in the spring.

[Kidder]

The Livepudlians on the other hand must have lost out big time to Manchester in all departments but in particular investment, I was horrified when i last went to Liverpool, it is dirty, smelly, scruffy and large parts of the city are derelict and in serious decay. I felt ashamed but mostly sad at what had happened to Liverpool.


But don't forget which city will be the European Capital of Culture in 2008... It will make a big difference to Liverpool...

[Legin]

I wish Liverpool the best of luck on this one - but will it make such a big difference - I doubt it ! For instance which city is the European Capital of Culture for 2005 - or for that matter 2006 and 2007 ? I've absolutelty no idea! Do you get my drift ! Pardon my ignorance - this thing may be done every four years etc - but I just can't name a previous Capital of Culture.

[Sir Miles Platting]

I wish Liverpool the best of luck on this one - but will it make such a big difference - I doubt it ! For instance which city is the European Capital of Culture for 2005 - or for that matter 2006 and 2007 ? I've absolutelty no idea! Do you get my drift ! Pardon my ignorance - this thing may be done every four years etc - but I just can't name a previous Capital of Culture.
There's a 'Capital' every year and it's mainly awarded to cities who require major regeneration. I know generally not many can name what the current capital is or last years for that matter. I do know that Glasgow held the title in 1990 but that is because I believe Glasgow was the last British city to have it. It made a significant improvement to that city and I think it has had subsequent positive ramifications ever since.
It's success probably depends on how the host city handles it, I'm sure Liverpool will milk it for all its worth and glean maximum brownie points.
It will have benefits for the whole northwest as well, thats why Mcr backed Lpl to get it against tough competition from the favourites---Newcastle.
It was a close race.

[Farsight]

Capital of culture, pah. This sort of titular sop is no substitute for proper city government instead of the deliberate divide and rule that keeps places like Liverpool weak.

[Isaac Newell]

Isn't Liverpool sharing the title with Stavanger ?

[Sir Miles Platting]

Isn't Liverpool sharing the title with Stavanger ?
I think they're trying to keep that under wraps.... ;)

[Sir Miles Platting]

I think they're trying to keep that under wraps.... ;)
The Stavanger people that is..... :)

[neil]

Cork Ireland was/is the European Capital of Culture 2005

[jrb]

Life On Mars!

Another hit TV programme for Manchester! Superb! :)

Great shot of the derelict building's around Anocats/New Islington.

Seeing those orange and white buses brought back memories! :)

http://images.google.co.uk/images?q=tbn:HUbxR731BVgJ:http://homepages.enterprise.net/beulah/norwest/Images/12143095.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/lifeonmars/images/450x187/home.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/lifeonmars/

[fallowfieldian]

Lif On Mars!

Another hit TV programme for Manchester! Superb! :)

Great shot of the derelict building's around Anocats/New Islington.

Seeing those orange and white buses brought back memories! :)

http://images.google.co.uk/images?q=tbn:HUbxR731BVgJ:http://homepages.enterprise.net/beulah/norwest/Images/12143095.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/lifeonmars/images/450x187/home.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/lifeonmars/

over the summer they filmed some of it on the street where i live. suppose i should watch to see if i can spot me house.

[rolybling]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/rolybling/2006-01-11-1357-37_edited.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/rolybling/granada2.jpg

[majormystery]

Cant wait to read this story. Soon as i find my magnifying glass.

[rolybling]

better for ya?

[majormystery]

Excellent. Cheers rolybling.

[yesevil]

Mostly covered in the article provided by "rolybling" but one or two extra points from todays media Guardian:

http://media.guardian.co.uk/broadcast/story/0,7493,1684083,00.html

[yesevil]

Plus more about bbc move, again from the media guardian...

http://media.guardian.co.uk/broadcast/story/0,7493,1684061,00.html

[rolybling]

if only we all had emails and passwords for that site

[yesevil]

it's free to register...i've never paid a penny yet can get full access!

[skit_uk]

IS it me or is that a brief glimpse of Urbis on the new AA adevert?

[Northbeach]

Yes. Breif - not sure why they didn't go the whole hog whilst there.

[skit_uk]

I'm thinking they prob did all the city scenes in Manc but can't recognise any of it yet.

[Potato Man]

Also noticed St Peters church in Ancoats

[Pietari]

Isn't Liverpool sharing the title with Stavanger ?

Issac,

The scheme used to use the term `European City of Culture` and this is what was used when Glasgow won the accolade in 1990 (previous places including the likes of Lisbon in Portugal.)

Liverpool was awarded an updated accolade of `European Capital of Culture` and a little later Stavanger was included with `European City of Culture`

This link may be of interest.

eu.int/comm/culture/eac/other_actions/cap_europ/historic_en.html

OVERVIEW OF THE EUROPEAN CITIES AND CAPITALS OF CULTURE


1985: Athens 1990: Glasgow 1995: Luxembourg
1986: Florence 1991: Dublin 1996: Copenhagen
1987: Amsterdam 1992: Madrid 1997: Thessaloniki
1988: Berlin 1993: Antwerp 1998: Stockholm
1989: Paris 1994: Lisbon 1999: Weimar


2000: Avignon, Bergen, Bologna, Brussels, Helsinki, Cracow, Reykjavik, Prague, Santiago de Compostela.


2001: Porto + Rotterdam 2003: Graz
2002: Bruges + Salamanca 2004: Genova + Lille
2005: Cork 2006: Patras
2007: Luxembourg + Sibiu 2008: Liverpool + Stavanger


THE EUROPEAN CULTURAL MONTHS

1992: Cracow 1995: Nicosia 1998: Linz, Valetta
1993: Graz 1996: St.-Petersburg 1999: Plovdiv
1994: Budapest 1997: Ljubljana 2000: ———


2001: Basel + Riga 2002: ——— 2003: St.-Petersburg

[skymann]

IS it me or is that a brief glimpse of Urbis on the new AA adevert?

Yeah, I noticed this the other day. It's also got them in Anita Street in Ancoats, with St Peters Church there too and below a bridge/viaduct, which I think is the one above Trafford Street at Gmex - right next to Beetham.

[Pietari]

You can see Birmingham in the `Learn Direct` advert.

In Liverpool with `Coca Cola` we `taught the world to sing` (Inside St Georges Hall...) and others too many to mention.

If you have difficulty spotting Manchester no wonder everyone else does.

[jrb]

You can see Birmingham in the `Learn Direct` advert.

In Liverpool with `Coca Cola` we `taught the world to sing` (Inside St Georges Hall...) and others too many to mention.

If you have difficulty spotting Manchester no wonder everyone else does.

How can Manchester possibly compete? Awesome! :lol:

[b4mmy]

If you have difficulty spotting Manchester no wonder everyone else does.

I seen Manchester in a few Boddingtons adverts.

I hear it's quite popular in the USA as well...

[rolybling]

theres an advert for something called Multibiotica?? something like that, some tablet capsule thing I think, thats filmed in Manchester too, you can quite clearly see the Urbis and Printworks, it even uses the Printworks screen to impose some of the images on.

[Metrolink]

Aren't all DFS adverts filmed inside No1 Deansgate?

[jrb]

Life on Mars returns

http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/ContentResources/558.$plit/C_17_Articles_210712_BodyWeb_Detail_0_Image.jpg

STARS: Simm (l) and Glenister.

THERE’S Life on Mars as the best selling show starts filming a new series in Manchester and Stockport.

The boys – and girl – are back in town to shoot a second season of the huge BBC1 hit, acclaimed by viewers as one of the top TV dramas of recent years.

John Simm plays modern day detective Sam Tyler, mysteriously transported back to 1973 after an accident beside the Mancunian Way.

Advertisement your story continues below
Place your bets on the lawman beating up the wrong guy – his boss in seventies Manchester is Det Chief Insp Gene “Genie” Hunt, played by Philip Glenister.

Their TV double act has already achieved cult status. Speaking on location yesterday, John told the M.E.N: “It’s great to be back in Manchester. It feels like we’ve never been away. I think I might have dreamt my time off.”

Philip – who plays a self-styled Sheriff of Manchester – said: “The first episode centres around a casino, so Gene’s in his element. It’s very sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll. And he still has to deal with Sam Tyler. He’s still acting as an aggravating cyst on Gene’s sideburns of life.”

Guest artists

Also returning are main cast members Liz White (WPc Annie Cartwright), Dean Andrews (Det Sgt Ray Carling) and Marshall Lancaster (Det Con Chris Skelton). They are joined by new regular cast member Kevin McNally, who plays Supt Harry Woolf, and a host of guest artists, including Hustle star Marc Warren, as casino owner Tony Crane in the opening story.

With a title taken from the David Bowie song, Life On Mars has sparked an avalanche of speculation and comment on internet message boards about whether Sam really is back in 1973, or in a coma, imagining events on screen.

Writers on the drama have revealed that the lyrics do contain some clues. They include: “Take a look at the lawman, beating up the wrong guy – wonder if he’ll ever know? He’s in the best selling show. Is there Life On Mars?”

The series – described as The Sweeney meets Back To The Future – took seven years to bring to the screen. It has also led to a revival in seventies’ nostalgia, inspired by the outfits, music, cars, sets and props used by the Manchester TV team for the time travel cop show.

Drama

Ally McBeal creator David E Kelley is developing a US version of Life On Mars for American TV network ABC, while BBC America has snapped up the rights to broadcast the original eight-part first series.

Other countries, including Australia and New Zealand, are also planning to buy the drama.

It’s turned seventies detective Gene into an unlikely sex symbol, thanks to his no-nonsense policing methods, robust handling of a Ford Cortina and classic lines, including the scene where he met Sam for the first time. Asked by the confused 2006 cop who he was and what year he was in, he replied: “Gene Hunt. Your DCI. And it’s 1973. Almost dinnertime. I’m having ‘oops.”

[jrb]

20,000 join TV festival

MANCHESTER is to host a major free TV festival this summer.

Over 20,000 tickets will be given away for events at 30 different venues at the first Sky Festival.

Among the highlights will be racing cars driving through the city streets and the chance to find out if you could be the next top model.

Advertisement your story continues below
Described as the UK's biggest free entertainment festival, today's announcement is yet another feather in the city's cap - and comes just days after the huge success of BBC TV's Manchester Passion.

Over 25 television channels will be staging more than 30 events between Friday August 11 and Sunday August 13 at venues including Albert Square, Piccadilly Station, The Museum of Science and Industry, Harvey Nichols and The Lowry in Salford.

"The Sky Festival promises to be one of the most high profile events in Manchester this year," said Coun Mark Hackett, Manchester city council's executive member for culture and leisure.

Activities

"Local people and visitors to Manchester can expect a feast of engaging and entertaining activities to enjoy."

Sky's managing director of networks and channels Dawn Airey said: "The Sky Festival will bring the best in entertainment to one of the greatest cities in Europe. Manchester's thoroughly deserved reputation as a vibrant, passionate and culturally stimulating city makes it the perfect partner for the inaugural Sky Festival."

Other activities during the festival will include the chance to learn to read the news with Sky News, get your car "pimped" by MTV and sing along with the English National Opera.

Children will be able to meet some of their favourite characters from Nickelodeon and attend free screenings and activities.

Sports fans can test their bowling at the Sky Sports Natwest Cricket Event, get active with gold medal-winning athlete Dame Kelly Holmes and take a cycle ride around Manchester, inspired by the Tour de France.

Other planned highlights include cooking with celebrity chefs Brian Turner, Simon Rimmer and Andrew Nutter, a stand-up comedy workshop and a live VH1 performance for just 200 people - with the name of the act kept secret until just days before.

Police expect tens of thousands of people will attend the festival over the three days.


Submit your comments

[Manc Guy]

20,000 join TV festival

MANCHESTER is to host a major free TV festival this summer.

Over 20,000 tickets will be given away for events at 30 different venues at the first Sky Festival.

Among the highlights will be racing cars driving through the city streets and the chance to find out if you could be the next top model.

Advertisement your story continues below
Described as the UK's biggest free entertainment festival, today's announcement is yet another feather in the city's cap - and comes just days after the huge success of BBC TV's Manchester Passion.

Over 25 television channels will be staging more than 30 events between Friday August 11 and Sunday August 13 at venues including Albert Square, Piccadilly Station, The Museum of Science and Industry, Harvey Nichols and The Lowry in Salford.

"The Sky Festival promises to be one of the most high profile events in Manchester this year," said Coun Mark Hackett, Manchester city council's executive member for culture and leisure.

Activities

"Local people and visitors to Manchester can expect a feast of engaging and entertaining activities to enjoy."

Sky's managing director of networks and channels Dawn Airey said: "The Sky Festival will bring the best in entertainment to one of the greatest cities in Europe. Manchester's thoroughly deserved reputation as a vibrant, passionate and culturally stimulating city makes it the perfect partner for the inaugural Sky Festival."

Other activities during the festival will include the chance to learn to read the news with Sky News, get your car "pimped" by MTV and sing along with the English National Opera.

Children will be able to meet some of their favourite characters from Nickelodeon and attend free screenings and activities.

Sports fans can test their bowling at the Sky Sports Natwest Cricket Event, get active with gold medal-winning athlete Dame Kelly Holmes and take a cycle ride around Manchester, inspired by the Tour de France.

Other planned highlights include cooking with celebrity chefs Brian Turner, Simon Rimmer and Andrew Nutter, a stand-up comedy workshop and a live VH1 performance for just 200 people - with the name of the act kept secret until just days before.

Police expect tens of thousands of people will attend the festival over the three days.


Submit your comments


Now this to me, is something very good! SkyTv right? Mint!

[Mez]

Among the highlights will be racing cars driving through the city streets ...


That reminds me, Isny it about time we got the British Grand-Prix dusting it through our streets? :banana:

[frozenmusic]

Out of interest, am I the only one who thought that Life on Mars was really awful. Only watched one episode round my parents house and was bored to death. Quite enjoyed seeing Vantage Quay in one scene as I remember though.

[markydeedrop]

The Board of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) today (Thursday 20th April) confirmed an investment of over £60 million in the Northwest economy, reaffirming its commitment to two of the transformational actions in the new Regional Economic Strategy.The NWDA confirmed £32.7 million for National Museums Liverpool to develop the Museum of Liverpool, a world-class cultural facility within an architecturally striking building, located at the heart of the city's World Heritage Site.

It also confirmed a further £30 million for the development of a Media Enterprise Zone in Greater Manchester subject to government and European Commission approval, which forms a key part of the BBC's proposals to relocate a significant part of its commissioning and production to the Northwest.

Today's decision marks a significant step forward for the two projects that will cement the Northwest's reputation as a world class cultural and creative hub.

Steven Broomhead, NWDA Chief Executive said: "The new Regional Economic Strategy identifies a number of key transformational activities that will drive forward the sustainable economic development and regeneration of England’s Northwest.

"We are therefore delighted to be able to support the development of the new Museum of Liverpool, which will significantly boost the cultural offer of Liverpool and the Media Enterprise Zone in Greater Manchester, which will become one of the primary media hubs in Europe."

Source: NWDA press release

[kebabmonster]

There was a programme on last night, can't remember which channel, just caught the tail end before ten.

Anyway, seemed to be about some old guy with mental health issues.

Filmed in Manchester,lot's of North Manchester shots, tower blocks, grimness.

[Isaac Newell]

There was a programme on last night, can't remember which channel, just caught the tail end before ten.

Anyway, seemed to be about some old guy with mental health issues.

Filmed in Manchester,lot's of North Manchester shots, tower blocks, grimness.

That was Jim Broadbent in The Street. Heavily advertised on the BBC for the past month.

[The Longford]

I noticed they used the lovely Renold Building as a stand in for the court. It loooked great.

[Manc Guy]

Yeah its not alf bad that program. Got to feel for the old man. I suspect a few Manc forumers will be following in his 'retiring' footsteps rather soon :lol:

[Irish Blood English Heart]

They used Geoffrey Manton building as a stand in for the hospital in the first episode. It was a tad dull last night I felt.

[b4mmy]

I missed it this week. But I did play bagatelle, and it was brill. 9 rounds of 12 balls each and me and seb scored EXACTLY the same at the end, 3299 pts! We both howled when we added em up. And then celebrated with a nice cool fanta.

[The Longford]

I missed it this week. But I did play bagatelle, and it was brill. 9 rounds of 12 balls each and me and seb scored EXACTLY the same at the end, 3299 pts! We both howled when we added em up. And then celebrated with a nice cool fanta.

How did the away mission go with young Alexander btw?
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f85/garybaldy/tngep273.jpg

[Chorltonred]

Manchester passion

The BBC and Google are coming, the best TV dramatists won't leave, and the local press is making big changes. Riazat Butt reports on the north-west media revival

Monday April 24, 2006
The Guardian


In the winter of 1888 hundreds of Oglala Sioux Indians settled in Salford Quays, on the freezing banks of the River Irwell. Many of them were veterans of the battle of Little Big Horn and had come to England after joining Buffalo Bill's Wild West Circus while it was on tour in Europe. During a five-month stay in Salford the circus performed to sell-out audiences who marvelled at warriors and their cowboy counterparts recreating gunslinging scenes from the Wild West and performing daring acts of horsemanship.
More than a century later Salford Quays is once more a battleground, but this time the stakes are higher. Salford Council is locked in a duel with neighbouring Manchester to provide the site for the BBC's expanded presence in the north-west. Two locations remain on the BBC's shortlist - a 200-acre site in Salford Quays and a 20-acre site in Manchester city centre. The corporation's decision is under wraps until June and depends on the level of the licence fee settlement from the government. But all being well, the lucky city will benefit from thousands of extra jobs, and hundreds of millions of pounds in additional revenue and prestige.

Manchester council's chief executive Sir Howard Bernstein says the BBC's final decision will have a "remarkable outcome" for the city in terms of job creation. A move to Manchester will be the "cornerstone" of the city's growth over the next 10 years and key to "unlocking the potential for creating another 100,000 jobs".

The Salford team has not revealed the details of its proposal nor talked about the significance of the relocation. But Felicity Goodey, who is chair of the Central Salford Urban Regeneration Company and intimately involved with the bid, concedes the rewards will be "huge". She says: "We're going to build a media city, the UK's first, and at the core will be the BBC but it won't be an end in itself. The site is 10 times the size of Manchester's and the scale of the development is of national and international significance. Media is the new manufacturing."

Rivalry aside, both councils agree the BBC's relocation would boost the region's reputation as a centre of excellence for media companies. Figures from the Northwest Development Agency show the region's media industry to be worth £3bn to the regional economy - £2bn of this comes from Manchester alone. North West Vision, an agency that supports film and television companies in the region, says that 18 of the 32 production companies in Greater Manchester are based in the city. Alice Morrison, chief executive of North West Vision, says the agency notched up around £50m worth of new business last year. "We've got eight major dramas on the go at any one time. We've seen a 30% increase in production in the first quarter of this year. In the past year, six independent production companies - including Baby Cow and Hat Trick North - have opened a base in Manchester. That's a proper base, not an office and a phone line. It's absolute boom time."

Local companies, she says, are also breaking into new markets and winning new and different commissions. "We love people based here, they have a stake in the region and use local talent. Peripatetic companies, once they've filmed here, come back time and again. We love them too. The biggest writers currently on TV are people who have grown up here or lived here. They've honed their craft to become a real force and having local talent creates its own cluster."

With or without the BBC, there has never been a bigger buzz about Manchester. Google is opening its first regional office there. It is a fillip for the city's cause with the BBC, especially as Google's office will be within walking distance of the council's proposed Media Zone. Despite the merger of Manchester-based Granada with Carlton in London, ITV still employs 1,200 people in the north-west. On a smaller scale, Guardian Media Group has invested in Channel M, a TV channel for Manchester.

Sensing the gathering momentum, Sky TV is hosting a three-day festival to promote its channels with tie-in events including a motor race around Manchester's streets. Sky's managing director of channels and services, Dawn Airey, says: "London is the capital, there's nothing you can do about it and it has a disproportionate amount of influence and talent. But there's a joie de vivre about Manchester and we know it's a great cultural, social and industrial city. There are some fantastic people who have relocated and there are others who have insisted on staying."

One of Manchester's biggest champions is Paul Abbott, responsible for hits such as Shameless and Clocking Off, and one of Britain's most respected dramatists. He says: "I've never been based in London. I've lived in Manchester since I was 21, I'm now 46. Manchester just makes better telly. In practical terms it's easier to get things done and, from a writer's point of view, you're away from the cogs and engines of the industry and that distance gives you perspective.

"I'm not apologetic about being here. People see what you're doing, they like it and you tell them they have to come here, not the other way around. You force it to happen and there's a daisy chain effect. Because we're creating a magnet for people to come and work here there's a real excitement about programme-making."

Abbott, who is about to start shooting the fourth series of Shameless, estimates that his productions have put £100m into Manchester in the past 10 years. "I've just sold three shows that will be made in Manchester." It is these creative forces that are responsible for the atmosphere, he says: "The BBC buzz is artificial because it's about financial benefits and buildings, not ideas. Ideas cost nothing and you're only as good as your last idea."

Andrew Critchley, managing director of Red, probably Manchester's most successful independent production company, explains the advantages of having a regional presence: "Manchester is home. We didn't move from somewhere else to here. Our first two commissions were from Russell [T Davies] and Paul who both live here and were set in the region so it would have been daft to base ourselves anywhere else.

"Cast and crew from the region like working for us, so we benefit from the goodwill of these people. There's loyalty that works both ways because we always try to use people from the region wherever possible. The media industry is a vital part of Manchester's future - the council is very committed to continuing the region's great record in producing and broadcasting."

An integral part of this broadcasting legacy is Granada which, for decades, produced flagship drama, entertainment and factual programmes for ITV. There was speculation that the merger with Carlton would dilute Granada's status in Manchester but Jane Luca, controller of regional affairs, denies this. "We still employ around 1,200 people on site and no jobs have moved down south. A report from Manchester Business School, published last November, shows that ITV Granada brings in £127m to the local economy and that we support an additional 4,500 jobs.

"We are still making drama and entertainment programmes from here, including the new episode of The Royle family and the new series of Cracker. We also made See No Evil: The Moors Murders, to be aired in May. The name of the company is still very much associated with the region and we're not reducing our base here. The BBC move is important and we will all benefit as it would create a vibrant production community."

[Chorltonred]

MEN faces strike threat

Stephen Brook, press correspondent
Monday April 24, 2006


Manchester Evening News staff are to be balloted on strike action after they rejected a revised offer from management over disputed evening shifts.
Management at the paper last week made a revised offer of a premium payment to staff working more than a certain number of shifts.

But the National Union of Journalists' MEN chapel rejected the offer, claiming the number of evening shifts was still too high.

The new offer came after conciliation service Acas failed to resolve the dispute over the increased evening shifts, which were introduced after the paper stepped up its morning editions.

The paper is facing the threat of industrial action as it is plans a radical move to distribute 50,000 free copies of the paper in the centre of Manchester, while it remains 35p in the suburbs.

Research carried out by the MEN found that out of 150,000 people who commute to Manchester city centre, only 7,000 purchased the afternoon paper.

"We are still looking at the likelihood of a considerable number of staff, mainly subs, working up to 100 evening shifts a year - that is an horrendous prospect for journalists hired to work daytime shifts on an evening newspaper," said the MEN NUJ mother of chapel, Judy Gordon.

"However, there is still time to work out an acceptable deal before any industrial action could begin."

The union is offering to take the dispute to binding arbitration - but management has not yet indicated if they will accept the offer.

"We are disappointed that all of our proposals to resolve this dispute have been rejected by the MEN NUJ chapel," said the MEN editor, Paul Horrocks.

"However, as always, we remain available to talk if any constructive suggestions are put forward."

Management believe staff will have to work about 80 evening shifts a year, but the NUJ chapel thinks they are more likely to have to work 100 shifts.

Ms Gordon indicated staff wanted only about 50 late shifts a year.

As a gesture of goodwill, staff are working the new rota, with shifts ending at 9pm and 11pm.

In February, the MEN announced 35 redundancies, including 27 journalists - more than 20% of the paper's editorial staff. The paper is published by Guardian Media Group, which owns MediaGuardian.co.uk.

The group's management announced the cuts after commissioning a review conducted by management consultants Collinson Grant. It blamed a slump in advertising revenue for the cuts.

[eccles cake]

Stuff filmed in and around Greater Manchester over the years , we'll have to start with , of course,
coronation street--sherlock holmes--strangers--bullman--the lovers
shameless--albion market--sex,chips and rock'n'roll--medics
steve coogan stuff/paul calf etc--stretford wives--phoenix nights
cracker--prime suspect --top of the pops--clocking off--making out
hetty wainthrop investigates--university challenge--cold feet
mrs merton--queer as folk--having it off--the royle family
dead man weds--early doors--life on mars--always and everyone
ideal--linda green--cutting it--burn it--eleventh hour
tough love--lenny blue--vincent--stars in their eyes/soapstar superstar
fallen hero--blue murder--mastermind--the street--waterloo road
extremely dangerous--cops--where theres muck--city central
red dwarf--hyperdrive--northern lights-- g.b.h--sorted--families
the cuckoo waltz--new street law--bob and rose--stan the man
a question of sport--i love the 70's,80's,90's--dragons den
the wheeltappers and shunters--the heaven and earth show
world in action--
and other big stuff like Brideshead Revisited and Jewel In The Nile
were done by Granada and had the Manchester stamp on them .
Anyways what have I missed off there , there must be stuff that you remember thats not on the list.

[eccles cake]

Oh yeah , all the kids stuff like Chorton And The Wheelies, Danger Mouse etc by the boys at Cosgrove Hall in Chorlton.

[Potato Man]

Add to that List Longford. A film made by HBO and telling the story of one of the northwest's most esteemed architectural commentators.

Urm sorry, make that a film made by HBO and Granada starring Jim Broadbent. It's about penal reform campaigner Lord Longford and is due to air on Channel 4 later this year.

http://www.channel4sales.com/news/news-article.aspx?year=2006&id=34

Lets just hope it proves better than the last film named after a Mancunian SSC member - Sex lifesof the Potato Man.....

[rolybling]

Wasn't Pheonix Nights set in Chorley? Chorley FM coming in your ear? Stretching it a bit saying it's Manchester, more Preston than anything. Good list though Eccles Cake

[Isaac Newell]

http://www.hellisacity.com/hellisacity.jpg

http://covers.dvd.img.compricer.com/5/105085.png

[eccles cake]

Rolypoly
Phoenix Nights was mostly filmed in Bolton, but alot of the club scenes were done at
the Folly Lane Rugby League club house on Station Rd , Swinton. Deffo the bit where they had the performing horse inside the club, that was F.L.R.L.C, Swinton.
I.Newy
My list was just t.v stuff , but yeah I've seen that film and its a belter .There have been loads of films done in Manc, remember that there was even a Mancunian Film Company. Have a look here, www.itsahotun.com and also www.cplee.co.uk for some info. Sorry that there not directly linking , but there well worth a look.

[eccles cake]

Oh now it seems the links work.

[rolybling]

ahh ok eccles cake I wasn't aware it was filmed in good old Bolton, always thought it was Chorley.

I'll get my coat.:clown:

[kebabmonster]

Phoenix Club outside/a lot inside is in the Farnworth/Kearsley area, near Bolton.

The infamous "Pennine Suit" is 100% Folly Lane RLFC, Swinton.

Courtesy of the commentary on the DVD.

[kebabmonster]

Films include "Raining Stones" (Rhodes, Middleton) and Taste of Honey (Salford).

[Accura4Matalan]

ahh ok eccles cake I wasn't aware it was filmed in good old Bolton, always thought it was Chorley.

I'll get my coat.:clown:
Its an easy mistake. Chorley gets mentioned way more than Bolton cos of the fake radio station.

[rolybling]

nice one accy, don't you just love Peter Kay? Funny as fuck. Nay funnier!!!

[highriser]

Oh this thread as just reminded me, there was a loads of film crew's filming some shots on Dale St the other day,,,as anyone got any idea's what that was for,,there where 2 girls dressed as policewomen extra's,,

[rolybling]

HAS HAS HAS :drunk:

[Jongeman]

Oh this thread as just reminded me, there was a loads of film crew's filming some shots on Dale St the other day,,,as anyone got any idea's what that was for,,there where 2 girls dressed as policewomen extra's,,

The next series of Life on Mars? Could have been

[The Longford]

A film about me????
Or about an empty cinema in Stretford?

One of the Bloody Sunday films (cant remember which one - two came out at the same time) was shot in an old estate near Phillips Park to the north of Alan Turing Way. Its all been pulled down now and there is a huge fish warehouse there now!

Hell is a city is an amazing film!

[kebabmonster]

Life on Mars series 2 is being filmed.

I had the pleasure of talking to a few of the actors in Walkabout last week, really dead-on guys by the way. Needless to say, they didn't give away any of the plot.

That series with Ray Winstone is also being filmed. There were loads of extras/film crews knocking about over the Easter Weekend around Hilton St.

[Dwayne Benzie]

Check out New Street Law on BBC1 now - based in Manchester. They even go in my local Tesco!

[Irish Blood English Heart]

Yeah some nice shots of Manc so far, the more exposure of Manchester the better!

[skymann]

Yeah some nice shots of Manc so far, the more exposure of Manchester the better!

It was a good drama in its own right and Manchester looked superb.

[rolybling]

Caught the end of it, will try and watch it in full next week if I think on. I didn't see much of the city in the scenes I saw, then waddayaknow the next programme is set in Manchester as well, The Street.

[Dwayne Benzie]

Caught the end of it, will try and watch it in full next week if I think on. I didn't see much of the city in the scenes I saw, then waddayaknow the next programme is set in Manchester as well, The Street.

You beat me to it! It was actually this programme where they did the drug deal in the Tesco car park - I used to push trolleys around there in my student days!

[rolybling]

Is that Didsbury?

[Legin]

Just noticed Channel M is now available on Sky - for those of you who live in the outskirts and couldn't pick it up through terestrial.

[Chorltonred]

They are currently filming in Chorlton. Apparently it's a new drama for the BBC about postmen called 'Sorted' (Geddit!!)

Out in July apparently.

That's according to the fat roadie bloke anyway.

[Latic]

National Geographic were filming a reconstruction of the Iraninan embassy siege at a hotel in Didbsury according to the MEN. We're becomming a real hotbed of media activity, and the BBC haven't even moved here yet!

[Northbeach]

And they were also filming around Ladybarn yesterday - props man asked my missus where he could get a spare bulb from...suggested Sainsburys in fallowfield (was evening time) but apparantly that was too far for the lazy get.
I'd like a major film (aside from Alfie) to be shot here one day.

[The Longford]

I'd like a major film (aside from Alfie) to be shot here one day.

......but i thought the battle scenes for Lord of the Rings were shot at Boggart Hole Clough?
:horse:

[Bachy Soletanche]

Dunno if this is the right place to put it, but...

The new Beautiful South Single is called Manchester, it does mention rain, and being the Beautiful South is f*cking terrible.

[skymann]

Dunno if this is the right place to put it, but...

The new Beautiful South Single is called Manchester, it does mention rain, and being the Beautiful South is f*cking terrible.

Fucking 'ell didn't know they were still going. They've always been shit and their lyrics crap and unimaginative.

[Bachy Soletanche]

Manchester
© Heaton / Rotheray

From Northernden to Partington it's rain
From Altrincham to Chadderton it's rain
From Moss Side to Swinton hardly Spain
It's a picture postcard of 'wish they never came'

And whilst that deckchair in the garden it makes no sense
It doesn't spoil the view or cause offence
Those Floridas, Bavarias and Kents
Make gentlemen wear shorts but don't make gents

So convertibles stay garage-bound
Save after-sun for later
If rain makes Britain great
Then Manchester is greater
As you dry your clothes once again
Upon the radiator
What makes Britain great
Makes Manchester yet greater

From Cheetham Hill to Wytenshawe it's rain
Gorton, Salford, Sale pretty much the same
As I'm caught without my jacket once again
The raindrops on my face play a sweet refain

And as winter turns reluctantly to spring
For the clouds above the city there's one last fling
Swallows build their nests, chaffinch sing
And the sun strolls into town like long lost king
So convertibles stay garage-bound
Save after-sun for later
If rain makes Britain great
Then Manchester is greater
As you dry your clothes once again
Upon the radiator
What makes Britain great
Makes Manchester yet greater

And the mood of this whole sodden place is melancholy
Like the sun came out to play, shone through the clouds
But dropped its lolly
And everyone looks so disappointed, so, so sorry
Like the rain blew into town, kidnapped the sun
And stole it's brolly

So convertibles stay garage-bound
Save after-sun for later
If rain makes Britain great
Then Manchester is greater
As you dry your clothes once again
Upon the radiator
What makes Britain great
Makes Manchester yet greater

[kids]

rain forever man!

http://static.flickr.com/39/105355302_2c88c30fda.jpg?v=0

[9462]

See them wooden planks on the window?

They are fitted for illegal immigrants who might 'fall out'- Its the law. Stupid i know, i mean why dont i have safetly planks on my windows for free by the council? Although i couldnt fall out if i tried.

[The Longford]

See them wooden planks on the window?

No!

[frozenmusic]

No!

me neither

[skymann]

Manchester
© Heaton / Rotheray

From Northernden to Partington it's rain
From Altrincham to Chadderton it's rain
From Moss Side to Swinton hardly Spain
It's a picture postcard of 'wish they never came'

And whilst that deckchair in the garden it makes no sense
It doesn't spoil the view or cause offence
Those Floridas, Bavarias and Kents
Make gentlemen wear shorts but don't make gents

So convertibles stay garage-bound
Save after-sun for later
If rain makes Britain great
Then Manchester is greater
As you dry your clothes once again
Upon the radiator
What makes Britain great
Makes Manchester yet greater

From Cheetham Hill to Wytenshawe it's rain
Gorton, Salford, Sale pretty much the same
As I'm caught without my jacket once again
The raindrops on my face play a sweet refain

And as winter turns reluctantly to spring
For the clouds above the city there's one last fling
Swallows build their nests, chaffinch sing
And the sun strolls into town like long lost king
So convertibles stay garage-bound
Save after-sun for later
If rain makes Britain great
Then Manchester is greater
As you dry your clothes once again
Upon the radiator
What makes Britain great
Makes Manchester yet greater

And the mood of this whole sodden place is melancholy
Like the sun came out to play, shone through the clouds
But dropped its lolly
And everyone looks so disappointed, so, so sorry
Like the rain blew into town, kidnapped the sun
And stole it's brolly

So convertibles stay garage-bound
Save after-sun for later
If rain makes Britain great
Then Manchester is greater
As you dry your clothes once again
Upon the radiator
What makes Britain great
Makes Manchester yet greater

Wonder why they didn't write it about Plymouth or Cardiff given that it rains more there - or fucking Hull for that matter. I should imagine it's because the Beautiful South can only deal in cliches and stereotypes not reality. I can see their next song "smoggy London", "thieving Liverpool", "Concrete Brum". I thought they were a shit group before, but I think their utter shit now.

[Bachy Soletanche]

Wait till you hear the 'Choon', that's assuming you can find it of course.

Dunno about you lot but I ever hear I love you from the bottom of my Pencil case, but I want to start punching people in the face...

Prefrably members of the Beautiful south...

[kids]

http://www.itv.com/news/story2092259_160x120.jpg
The Beautiful South singer Paul Heaton has been talking about the group's new album, Superbi.

The first single from the new set is called Manchester, a tribute to the city and its rainy weather.

He explained: "It was actually a poetry composition set up in Manchester, and so the song started as a poem.

"I was asked to contribute a poem for like a re-generation of the centre of Manchester, to cover the buildings and such, but I never ended up sending it in.

"I used it as a song instead so I think they're a bit upset with me!"

The group will be touring the UK in support of the new album which drops May 15.

:pet:

[skymann]

:pet:

He's aged! Obviously gone senile as well.

[The Longford]

Quick flash of the Peveril of the Peak on the new BBC World Cup trailer.

[Northbeach]

^^ Just seen it!
Splendid boozer, long may it reign. Berlin looked handy as well.

[The Longford]

Where was that REALLLLLLLLY big stadium at the end i wonder?
Or the one that got up and walked?
Ive never seen either of them before on Granada Soccer Night.

[neil]

Out of today's Manchester Evening News business section

Call for capital channel switch.

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to move at least one major TV channel out of London.
While it is accepted BBC1 will never move out of London, the international Media Centre at Salford University is campaigning to get one of BBC2, ITV1, Channel 4 or FIVE to move its headquarters from the capital.
Several cities, including Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow and Bristol would be in the running to provide a home for a new broadcasting centre.
Members of Parliment in a variety of regions have pledged their support.
A propsal to consider moving a channel from London to the nations or regions was put forward by Ofcom, the communications regulator.
A wide variety of organisations, including development agencies, TV production companies, trade unions and universities, responded arguing that broadcasting in Britain has become heavily over centrailised in London.
Former World in Action editor Ray Fitzwalter, now professor of Television Studies at Salford, is leading the campaign. He said "There are nearly 30 mainstream network TV channels in Britain, every one in London, which, considering the fact the vast majority of viewers and licence payers live in the nations and regions, seems indefensible.
"As long time campaigners for quality TV, we believe in the importance of reporting, reflecting and representing all parts of Britain. We are tired of the same old stuff coming out of London and are looking for commitment to diversity."
Although the BBC is working to move thousands of staff to Manchester or Salford, its plans do not include the relocation of a mainstream broadcaster.
And although it was founded in Manchester as Granada, ITV now calls London its home.
Mr Fitzwalter added: "We welcome the BBC's plans to move some departments to Manchester. However, that doesn't compare to moving the real power associated with a major channel."

[Metrolink]

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/214/214097_manchester_reveals_bbc_media_zone_bid.html?

Manchester reveals BBC media zone bid
Ian Wylie


IT'S a vision of the future - and one that will become a reality if the BBC locate their new media zone in Manchester.

Office buildings will mix with studios, cafes, shops, restaurants, bars, hotels and public spaces in the "heart of the city" proposal.

Manchester-based Ask Developments, which owns most of the 22-acre Central Spine site, today released these new images of the plans. They say it "will act as a magnet for creative talent" leading to an explosion of ideas.

Advertisement your story continues below
Media Zone Manchester is described as "a sharp modern take on a classical colonnade winding through top-notch new buildings, via an arcade of railway arches, an event square and a market place".



Manchester's shortlisted site lies between the Mancunian Way and Whitworth Street, near the "Oxford Road corridor".

The £400m move north of five BBC departments and 1,500 staff is due to start in 2010 with the creation of a media zone in either Manchester or at Salford Quays. Salford's plans have already been revealed.

BBC governors meet on June 15 to consider both bids, but the final go-ahead depends on a satisfactory licence fee deal from the government. An announcement on that is due later next month.

BBC Sport, Children's BBC, Radio Five Live, Formal Learning and New Media are all due to move north.




The BBC's existing 800 Manchester staff will also transfer to the new media zone, as the plans include the closure of the current Oxford Road HQ.

Those backing the move to Manchester promise a world class development, near the university, other leading research facilities and existing cultural, creative and media activities.

Independent consultants estimate the BBC North project could generate 4,400 jobs and add £1.5bn to the region's economy over 10 years.

Mark Ridley, head of the Manchester office of property firm Savills, says: "The creative energy generated by the city centre will be the key to attracting the liveliest and brightest people to grow the talent pool.




Media Zone Manchester is not only where you want to be, it's where your clients, partners, friends and family will want you to be."

Property agent Ken Bishop, director of DTZ, is also supporting Manchester. "It's not just a 22-acre site. The media zone will be a hub, a focus, a sweet spot in the city centre - the possibilities are endless."

A later phase of the development includes proposals to construct a taller building which would contain both a hotel and residential accommodation.

Ask Developments' website highlights their plans for Media Zone Manchester at www.mzmanchester.com

[Northbeach]

Good site that Kurt - Saville's neon's are plastered all over it like new squeezy marmite.
Flash images unfortunately - haven't had time to set up a photobucket account yet otherwise would've screen grabbed them. Looks the part (very Berlin) and I like how they have incorporated the arches on Whitworth street into the scheme - very truth to material.

It’s business and pleasure together. Media Zone Manchester will have the looks and the brains to make the media community in the city and the North burst to life. Picture this: a sharp modern take on a classical colonnade winding through top notch new buildings, via an arcade of railway arches, an event square and a market place. Imagine these features and others built to the highest design standards and with a commitment to quality in the materials so it becomes almost a tactile as much as a visual experience.

Imagine warmth and life as well, think Greenwich Village, think Soho. Media Zone Manchester will not be a series of wind-swept corporate campuses. It’ll be the very model of a modern city centre district, a tooled up barrio for business. There’ll be coffee shops, restaurants, stores, hotels and apartments alongside the studios and technical facilities, the Media Enterprise Centre and the Open Centre (for new and emerging talent).
The site itself will reflect and help communicate the values of the BBC as an accessible, open, interactive public broadcaster. It will be distinctive but it won’t be exclusive. It will be enmeshed in the city centre, as indivisible from it as Exchange Square a kilometre and a half away with its BBC screen. And like Exchange Square, Media Zone Manchester will be a natural place for public performances and broadcasts. It will be a place for people to work, live, learn and play; a pause between other places, a tourist destination for a day, or even the backdrop for a life.

And in time it will grow along the cardinal points of communication, taking in adjacent areas. The Media Zone will become the core of activity not its entirety. This will mean a variety of rents and service charges to suit all, from the headquarters of major players to the single unit and studio needs of start-up businesses.

The gloves are orf chaps.

[Northbeach]

'angabout - coolthwacked my PB acc:

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g193/NorfBech/BBCCSPFrontpage.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g193/NorfBech/BBCCSP1.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g193/NorfBech/BBCCSP2.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g193/NorfBech/BBCCSP3.jpg

Looks like 'in the future' it was decided the only way to stop the whistling was to lop the blade off...

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g193/NorfBech/BBCCSP4.jpg

[Metrolink]

Personally I would perfer the city centre option, like things to be concentrated in the centre of Manchester.

Having said that, I won't be upset if it does go to Salford, so long as the move does proceed I don't really care.

[Northbeach]

Another one (cheers for the link Kurt):

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g193/NorfBech/BBCCSP5.jpg

[kids]

That tower looks awesome.

I want this one.

[Metrolink]

It's like Andy in Little Britian

"I want that one"

[kids]

I've just watched that video and it's fantastic.

This will definately win.

[The Longford]

Peter Saville, huge Teletubbies and realistic concepts vs bits of polystyrene with felt tip rendering and impossible empire building?
If i was choosing it is a one horse race.

Still no ethnics in the renders though!

[Northbeach]

What about the tubbies?
There are a few 'ethnics' on this one....plus you get the lycra ass shot from Roller Blade Girl tm.

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g193/NorfBech/BBCCSP3.jpg

Bernstein already knows the winner.

[Manc Guy]

Bernstein already knows the winner.


When will we?

[kids]

I think there's over 60 floors on that tower.

When will we?

June 15

[kids]

I forgot to answer one of your questions jrb, and your box is full. I'll just post my reply here for now:

i don't think it's anything to do with original modern. Its just the graphic design for both campaigns is done by Peter saville.

Lots of street views etc of central spine. Unfortunately my prnt screen button is un-functional.

[BeardedGenius]

I've got one thing to say about that video - moving render people are even more freaky than still ones - I'm scared. You should be too.

[M13]

Been seeing adverts for this round manchester.... Watching giant burning ants on a pleasant saturday evening at Castlefield Arena- thought it might be some peoples cup of tea..

June 2,3 Theater Titanick (Germany) - "INSECT"
Castlefield Arena, Liverpool Road,
Castlefield, Manchester City Centre
9.45 - 11pm / £1 donation at entrance

We launch the summer with a large scale spectacular outdoor show with fire, water and giant machines! You may remember the first visit of Titanick, which thrilled 8,000 people at Streets Ahead in 1997... we are delighted at last to have them return to Manchester, with their new show.

'Insect' is based around an East German morality tale and describes living creatures' ever-present urge to fly. In this case, the creatures are wingless ants, who, in the gradual evolution of all life, produce their first offspring with wings. The show plays out the jealousy and rage of the parents, juxtaposed with their pride of and need to protect their young. In true Theater Titanick style, the show is performed on an epic scale. The ants are enormous mechanical creations; there is fire, water, things arrive by crane and take off along a runway. The struggle for flight will never seem the same again!

Link (complete with burning ant...!) (http://www.streetsahead.org.uk/projects-1-1.html)

[The Longford]

Sounds like Northbeach's cup of surrealist tea!

[BeardedGenius]

On a serious note, I don't know if I'm just very impressionable, but that video has won me round. Instead of the Salford conceptual wow factor approach, the Manchester bid team seem to have thought things through properly - from providing public spaces to linking different parts of the city together to creating a 24-hour environment. It has the potential to possibly become the focal point of the city - fed by human traffic from both Deansgate and Oxford Road.

This excites me far more than grassy roofs and fancy pods in the river.


(...and I love Peter Saville's comment that it's more a case of the BBC getting Manchester rather than Manchester getting the BBC - typical Manc attitute - love it!)

[kids]

On a serious note, I don't know if I'm just very impressionable, but that video has won me round. Instead of the Salford conceptual wow factor approach, the Manchester bid team seem to have thought things through properly - from providing public spaces to linking different parts of the city together to creating a 24-hour environment. It has the potential to possibly become the focal point of the city - fed by human traffic from both Deansgate and Oxford Road.

This excites me far more than grassy roofs and fancy pods in the river.


(...and I love Peter Saville's comment that it's more a case of the BBC getting Manchester rather than Manchester getting the BBC - typical Manc attitute - love it!)

Yes - exactly!

The quality is there. Rather than focusing on scale, they've gone for quality. The architecture is quality, the planning is quality. Everything about it is immensley quality.

Quality. They've won already.

[kids]

Regards the video. Have you tried downloading the ipod format version?
You may be able to view that in itunes.

[rolybling]

Quality

[jrb]

Lights out for Northern drama

A MANCHESTER-filmed hit TV drama starring Robson Green is to be moved to London, despite winning huge ratings.

Crew working on Northern Lights are angry at the shock decision by ITV1 bosses to switch production to the capital and re-name the show City Lights.

A new six-part series was due to begin filming in Manchester in August, with exterior scenes again shot at Weeton Barracks, near Blackpool.

Advertisement your story continues below
But Geordie actor Robson and co-star Mark Benton, who play brothers-in-law Colin and Howie, will now make London their TV home.

One staff member at ITV Granada in Manchester, who did not wish to be named, said the move had caused a great deal of anger and bad feeling.

Upset

"It's upset a lot of people here, as Northern Lights was doing very well. It was loved by viewers because it was northern, and if it moves to London it won't be. But the decision has been made."

More than 100 members of Manchester-based crew and support staff were due to be employed on the series until December.

"So much work has gone into this and then the rug is just pulled," said the TV insider. "They've not given a second thought to the people who are being left behind. There's no logic to it."

The comedy drama originally began life as the one-off 2004 festive film Christmas Lights, which was watched by more than 11 million viewers, making it one of the biggest TV hits of that year.

It was then turned into a series, with the name changed to Northern Lights, and regularly attracted audiences of six million - even though it was up against Manchester and Stockport-based BBC1 hit Life On Mars.

Producer Hilary Martin said: "Series One gave us a group of characters that audiences took to their hearts.

"Part of its charm was how much they loved their lives in Manchester, however, to surprise and stimulate our audience, we wanted to keep the show fresh and bold."

DO you think Northern Lights should move to London? Have your say.

[The Longford]

Mark my words - this is just the start.
My Granada House rants go beyond my post war building fixation - productions made outside the south east are vital to the cultural integrity of this country and the whittling away of Granada is systematic of the blood sucking London media consilidating their power.
This is a bad thing and i'm afraid just the start of it.
V V Bad!

[jrb]

Mark my words - this is just the start.
My Granada House rants go beyond my post war building fixation - productions made outside the south east are vital to the cultural integrity of this country and the whittling away of Granada is systematic of the blood sucking London media consilidating their power.
This is a bad thing and i'm afraid just the start of it.
V V Bad!

We'll find out on the 15th of June if things have changed once and for all or not Mr L?

[rolybling]

That's disgraceful, as if London doesn't get a big enough piece of the pie already, they want to take the whole fuckin lot. They wonder why people in the north get so pissed off with London but they go ahead and pull stunts like this. Is it any wonder that in the north there's total apathy towards things like the London's Olympics. They expect us to show support for them while they bend us over and screw us up the arse. Anyway, if the past is anything to go by, this series will now fall flat on it's big fat cockney arse as London based drama's are rarely any good and never get the sort of ratings northern based/written stuff does.

[The Longford]

There is a programme on tomorrow night about Thomas Heatherwick so i'm sure the B of the Bang will feature heavily in it.
He did of course study in Manchester aswell so we are sure to get a mention (although i'm also sure the stuff he has done in London will get the most coverage!)

[jrb]

Manchester gets the Tube

CULT music show The Tube is to be brought back to life by a new Manchester-based media business.

The programme, which catapulted Jools Holland and Paula Yates to fame, will be produced on behalf of Channel 4 by new-start independent radio compamy UK ONE FM.

UK ONE FM is a business launched this week by former Piccadilly and Manchester City boss, Chris Bird, and Rob McLoughlin, an award-winning TV and radio broadcaster and producer.

The duo previously worked on an unsuccessful bid for the new Manchester FM licence, recently won by XFM Manchester, and could also use UK ONE FM as a vehicle to bid for the latest FM licence being offered for Manchester.

The Tube will be just one of the innovative programmes which they plan to make. Unlike the original Tube, which was broadcast live on television, the new version of the music show will be broadcast from September on the newly-launched Channel 4 Radio.

The Tube will be produced by UK ONE FM and beamed from a secret location in Manchester and will feature new and unsigned acts and established big names. Audiences will be able to listen to it live or download it from channel4radio.com.

Service

In addition, UK ONE FM will soon launch an online service for Manchester called "UK ONE.FM - Manchester".

UK ONE FM's Rob McLoughlin is The Tube's executive producer.

He said: "The BBC's decision to axe Top of the Pops leaves the way clear for a show which is varied and relevant and emphasises live and raw performances.

"We hope to build on the original's ability to mix styles, genres and generations. Manchester is the right venue. It is the city that launched Oasis, The Smiths and Simply Red. Through the `In the City' festival, Manchester will be home to hundreds of unsigned bands in the autumn. Madonna made her first British TV appearance here in Manchester, on The Tube."

Commenting on The Tube's return, Nathalie Schwarz, Channel 4's Director of Radio, said: "The moment is right to bring a re-invigorated and re-energised Tube back and to the city which genuinely lays claim to being a music capital."

She added: "The original Tube was not only enormously popular; it broke new bands and discovered fresh talent in Jools Holland and Paula Yates. It was fresh, unpredictable and edgy. These are qualities that we wish to emulate."

[High-Fi]

Great news, but I'm not sure about using Simply Red in the same sentence as The Smiths!!!

[b4mmy]

CULT music show The Tube is to be brought back to lifeexcellent! I hope the first word is 'fuck' and i hope they dont apologise for it.... and i hope its live!

[jrb]

excellent! I hope the first word is 'fuck' and i hope they dont apologise for it.... and i hope its live!

FUCK!

Sorry!

[Northbeach]

Zig Zag Productions Heads up North in domestic expansion.
08/08/2006


Zig Zag Productions the UK based international production company has announced its latest expansion move in the form of the launch of its new regional office, Zig Zag North, based in Manchester.The company is part funded by North West Vision through its Regional Attraction Fund (RAF) and supported by Channel Four which is funding a development researcher.

Zig Zag Productions has produced over 350 hours of factual programming in its six year history for both terrestrial and satellite channels globally. The remit for Zig Zag North is to continue to exploit the company brand and to build on this success within the factual genre.

Zig Zag's output includes observational and archive documentaries, current affairs, high-volume reality series and formatted factual entertainment series, including recent commissions, The Passion and The Fury (Channel 4), Bad Boy Racers and Stranger Than Fiction 'Death in the Deep Freeze' (Five).

Heading up the operation is Creative Director, Bob Sandy, an ex BBC Manchester and independent sector series producer with MacIntyre's Toughest Towns for Five, Ultimate Game Show Moments for Channel Four and Three Lions for Sky One amongst his credits.

Other key staff include former Head of Development at Thumbs Up Productions Terri Langan, who takes up the same role at Zig Zag North and Head of Production, Natalie O'Hara, former Production Executive at Zig Zag.

Bob Sandy commented on this latest move: "Zig Zag has strong links with Manchester, many of the company's staff started their careers working here, so it seemed the obvious place for us to set up a regional base.

"Now the city has a thriving independent sector and I'm delighted that Zig Zag North will be part of this."

Danny Fenton Managing Director of Zig Zag Productions commented: "Zig Zag North heralds the next stage in the growth plan of the Zig Zag brand, after the huge amount of work we've put in to build bases both here and overseas, I’m extremely excited by the opportunities it presents."

Chris Moll, Head of Funds at North West Vision added:
"Zig Zag is one of nine renowned independent TV companies who have over the past twelve months seen the Northwest as the best region in which to establish a second base and we are delighted to be able to support them.

This highlights that our Regional Attraction Fund (RAF) is acting as a catalyst for the TV industry in Manchester and across the Northwest."

[The Longford]

Bad Boy Racers?
MacIntyre's Toughest Towns?
Ultimate Game Show Moments?

What a pedigree!
More quality broadcasting from Manchester Zig Zag expected soon!

[Northbeach]

Still...it's not ITV!

[Irish Blood English Heart]

I saw yesterday the N.West Enquirer is laying a lot of staff off as its only selling 10k copies a week rather than the 15k it expected.

[jrb]

Can a new film heal Smiths' rift?

http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/ContentResources/591.$plit/C_17_Articles_221927_BodyWeb_Detail_0_Image.jpg

BACK IN THE DAY:

The band outside Salford Lads ClubTWO members of The Smiths are to re-visit the story of the band's acrimonious split nearly 20 years ago in a major new TV documentary film.

Drummer Mike Joyce and bass player Andy Rourke will speak for the first time on camera about their time in the iconic 1980s Manchester band.

Their film - Inside The Smiths - has been made without the co-operation of songwriting duo Morrissey and Johnny Marr, whom they sued in a bitter legal wrangle over royalties.

And the musicians have had to call in specialist lawyers to scrutinise every inch of film to ensure the band members do not end up being reunited in the courts again.

Rourke, now 42, said the crew had spent two years filming him and Joyce.

Something special

"I thought it was finally the right time to make the documentary to get our point across," he told the M.E.N. "From the start, I think all the band members knew we had something special.

"But we never thought people would still be interested in us after 20 years." Film-maker Stephen Petricco, of Manchester-based Tib Street Films, said: "This is the first time they have ever spoken on film about their time in The Smiths. The film is not about cashing in. It is about mending bridges, not opening old wounds."

The Smiths formed in 1982, winning critical acclaim and a devoted fan base with songs including This Charming Man and Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now.

Joyce was awarded £1m by the high court in 1998 after he claimed he was entitled to a greater share of the band's royalties.

Rourke, who opted out of the legal action, was declared bankrupt the following year.

The documentary, due to be released on DVD in March, features contributions from other Manchester music legends, including Peter Hook of New Order and The Fall's Mark E Smith, and features previously unseen photographs.

Inside The Smiths is to be screened on the MTV channel VH1 next spring.

[Chogmook]

Andy Rourke's also on XFM, whilst Mike Joyce is on the far superior show 'Alternative Therapy', on the far superior (in my opinion) 96.2 The Revolution!!

[eccles cake]

Some great shots of Manny in "Blue Murder " on friday night .
Some views from high up in No 1 Deansgate( the apartment looked amazing )
and some general street scenes around the Cathedral and St Peters Sq.
looked the bizz.

[BeardedGenius]

Major new BBC drama series based in Salford...



The Innocence Project

Starts Thursday 9 November at 8.00pm on BBC ONE

http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/images/bank/programmes_tv/drama/innocence/300mainshot.jpg

The Innocence Project is a major new eight-part BBC ONE drama series from Tightrope for BBC Northern Ireland. This original and vibrant series follows a group of ambitious law students.

The Innocence Project is about the law – but not about lawyers or the police. It's about failures in the process and cracks in the system. It's about young people with fire in their bellies and a healthy disregard for authority.

Jane Tranter, the BBC's Controller of Drama Commissioning, says: "It's great to be working with the creative powerhouse of Hilary Bevan Jones and Paul Abbott, and to have the attention of Tightrope focused on smart, pre-watershed drama on BBC ONE.

"Oliver Brown is an extraordinary and bright new writing talent, and his first major drama series is packed full of engaging characters and stonking stories."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/images/bank/programmes_tv/drama/innocence/300stephen.jpg

Champion of the underdog and a brilliant teacher, Professor Jon Ford (Lloyd Owen: Miss Potter – film for release 2007, Monarch of the Glen) sets up The Innocence Project, peopled entirely by a hand-picked group of law students.

His passion for his subject ignites something new and exciting in his students. They take on cases pro bono that nobody else wants to know about: cases that people have forgotten, cases that others have given up on.

They take on "clients" with no hope, those who have possibly been wrongly convicted – because sometimes the English justice system fails.

Smart and with an infectious enthusiasm, Ford's team is made up of fresh-faced 19-year-old university students who choose to make a difference, while still going through the serious business of growing up.

Their job is part-investigator, part-lawyer – and all before they're out of full-time education.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/images/bank/programmes_tv/drama/innocence/300lloyd.jpg

The cast of exciting, young talent includes: Christine Bottomley (The Street) as Sarah – a mine of useless information, but who knows what's what socially, sexually and intellectually; Irish newcomer Ruth Bradley as Beth – brilliant, driven and passionate; Stephen Graham (Goal, Gangs of New York) as Andrew – a competitive and persistent mature student on sabbatical from the police; Oliver James (What a Girl Wants) as Nick – a charmer who always gets what he wants; and Luke Treadaway (Brothers of the Head – film for release 2006) as the idealistic Adam.

The Innocence Project is created and lead written by Oliver Brown (Waking the Dead, Bon Voyage); directed by Bill Anderson (Lewis, The Lakes), Morag McKinnon (Buried) and Peter Hoar (Wire in the Blood); and produced by Kirstie Macdonald (Outlaws).

The series was commissioned for BBC Northern Ireland (Murphy's Law, The Amazing Mrs Pritchard) by Patrick Spence and Kate Evans, and executive produced by Hilary Bevan Jones and Paul Abbott (Tightrope – The Girl in the Café, Dad, To the Ends of the Earth and All in the Game).

A Tightrope production for BBC Northern Ireland, The Innocence Project was filmed entirely on location in Salford.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/images/bank/programmes_tv/drama/innocence/300shelley.jpg

Introduction by Oliver Brown

"I stumbled across the real Innocence Project while researching another series idea. Like most of my ideas, that one failed to materialise into anything that would get even close to actually being made – but the story of law students battling the system on behalf of the wrongly convicted immediately sparked my interest.

"I'm not convinced about the 'stranger than...', but reality is often more interesting than fiction.

"As a failed, or at least frustrated, lawyer myself, the thought of writing a legal show had an obvious attraction. If you can't write about what you know, I figure you might as well write about what you think you know.

"But I struggled to remember what I learnt about criminal law while doing my degree; I realised that much of what I'd been taught was no longer true.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/images/bank/programmes_tv/drama/innocence/300ruth.jpg

"And not just the small stuff – not a minor adjustment here or a change in emphasis there. Some fundamental principles have either disappeared completely or been seriously diluted. Ideas which used to be central to English criminal law – such as double jeopardy, the right to silence and even the premise of innocent until proven guilty – have all suffered in the last 15 years.

"Many people would try to justify such changes – and they have. But it's always struck me as at least mildly ironic that such basic safeguards have been altered at the same time as science has provided such a leap forward in investigative resources and techniques. The individual, guilty or innocent, is assailed from all sides.

"Everybody knows about the most famous miscarriages of justice – those involving Irish terrorism and, more recently, cot deaths. They've made headlines, as they should.

"But for every newsworthy case, there are plenty that barely get a mention – which, to me, are both the most interesting and the most worrying.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/images/bank/programmes_tv/drama/innocence/300luke.jpg

"They're not about a political issue and they're not about police corruption. They're simply about mistakes which inevitably occur within the system and then what happens once they've been made.

"The show itself has been a pleasure to work on. Partly because, instead of being stuck in solitary writing, I've been fortunate enough to be based at the production office.

"But mostly because of all the ideas I would never have had on my own."

Oliver Brown studied Law at university and The Innocence Project marks his first major series. Other television writing credits include: an original two-part drama, Bon Voyage, and episodes of Waking the Dead and Rescue Me.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/images/bank/programmes_tv/drama/innocence/300cristin.jpg

The real Innocence Project was founded by Barry Scheck in 1992 at the Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University in New York. It was, and still is, a non-profit legal clinic and criminal justice resource centre. The Project usually handles cases where post-conviction DNA testing can yield conclusive proof of innocence.

Several similar pro bono legal clinics and legal advice centres have been set up attached to universities throughout the UK – including Manchester, Leeds, Cardiff and Bristol.

This year alone, over 300 students signed up at Manchester University's voluntary legal advice centre to work on pro bono cases.


Regular cast

Professor Jon Ford ... Lloyd Owen

Sarah Shawcross ... Christine Bottomley

Beth McNair ... Ruth Bradley

Andrew Lucas ... Stephen Graham

Nick Bentiz ... Oliver James

Adam Solomons ... Luke Treadaway

Dr Eve Walker ... Shelley Conn

Lizzie Williams (Ford's ex-wife) ... Charlotte Emmerson

Mary Jarvis (Nick's girlfriend) ... Ruta Gedmintas

Philippa Lucas (Andrew's wife) ... Andrea Lowe

Dizzy (boy that Adam mentors) ... Thomas Turgoose

[skit_uk]

If anyone want's to be famous!

Saint Anns street is going to be closed off to traffic all day tomorrow for "A unique TV event" (whatever that might be) Apparently deansgate is going to be closed at the bottom of Saint Anns street for sections of the day as well.
Padestrians are free to roam although they will be controlled at certain points.

Anyone got any idea what this might be?

Oh it's Granada by the way

[Northbeach]

National Royal Television Award for Manchester-based visual effects specialists.

A BAFTA award-winning visual effects team from Manchester have been singled out for praise by the Royal Television Society, and presented with a National Royal Television Award.
Red Vision was presented with an Outstanding Achievement in Craft Award, recognising its premier position within the UK’s Film and TV industry.

In addition, the Canal Street company has been named February’s Facility of The Month by North West Vision, the film, TV and digital media development agency for the Northwest.

"We're absolutely delighted with these latest accolades," said Dave Mousley, MD of Red Vision, who believes the use of computer generated imagery (CGI) in film and TV is set to explode.

"Instead of employing a cast of thousands just to appear in the odd scene, production companies ask facilities like Red Vision to supply computer generated characters," explains Dave. "It means they can apply higher resources to the front end of their film or drama, and leave us to fill in the background."

So suddenly having an army of thousands marching majestically across a battlefield, is feasible - even for low-budget features. But it's got to look realistic.

"Absolutely!" says Chris Lunt, Red Vision's Business Development Manager. "People want to watch TV and films that looks the business, and that's exactly what we do. We can do big and epic, even on a micro budget."

Whether its graphics or visual effects, computer generated extension or removal, the Manchester operation offers it all. With an impressive track record of introducing CGI to re-create historical and natural events, Red Vision has also had considerable success with drama documentaries.

"When the BBC asked us to get involved with their Ancient Voices programme, Death on the Nile, we were probably the first to use virtual characters in drama documentary." says Chris.

Red Vision was bought out by Inspired Gaming Group Plc in June 2006, in a reported £20 million deal. But it wasn’t just their film and TV work which attracted the attention of Inspired. It was computer generated gaming.

Dave Mousely explained: "If we didn't have the virtual gaming arm to the business, we'd be faced with the same issues as many other UK based TV graphic companies, and wouldn't have the resource to plough into the research and development that delivers the high production values and cost savings that are the hallmark of Red Visions Cgi and visual effects.

"The virtual gaming division enables us to recruit and deploy a highly skilled team of developers who produce software tools and code that has application across both the TV and gaming areas of operation.

"The revenues generated in the betting and gaming industry by our virtual gaming products over the last five years, has now exceeded £4 billion, and that gets people's attention. It's also enabled us to plan strategically for the medium and long term."

Just as Red Vision made inroads in the gaming sector, so too will they try to venture into other areas not previous explored.

"We've just completed some work for Oceans 13 for Warner, so we’ll continue to do bespoke work for film and TV. But we also have other collaborative projects of our own in development, including a film, television drama and an animated series. We’ve got some exciting plans." said Dave.

"Manchester and the Northwest have some hugely talented production companies, and we are always looking at ways of working with like-minded people to extend what we do and to collaborate to grow.

"The way I see it, what we do is an important part of the mix, and although you might say that using computer generated imagery is just another colour in the palette of the producer, it's a really important factor in delivering high production values in many cases.

"Some stuff doesn’t have computer graphics in it, but an awful lot does and I'm convinced that trend will continue."


Source: North West Vision press release.

[BeardedGenius]

Life on Mars spin-off - Ashes to Ashes

http://www.itv.com/uploads/images/1128358394000_0.9010756251715956.jpg

LIFE On Mars may be ending as we know it but there’s good news for fans of the hit TV drama set in 1973.

BBC1 bosses today confirmed they are developing a spin-off show – also to be named after a David Bowie song – which could be filmed in Manchester next year.

Ashes To Ashes is set in the 1980s and is due to feature some cast members from the original show, if it gets the go-ahead.

The BBC told me this morning that they are in talks with Life on Mars production company Kudos about the proposed new drama.

But it’s still early days and the project has not yet been fully green lit.

A BBC spokeswoman said: “It is in development with Kudos and it is set in the 1980s. No cast, characters or any further details have been confirmed as yet.”

That hasn't stopped BBC1 controller Peter Fincham getting rather excited about the whole idea. “We’re thrilled to have this spin-off in development,” he said at a TV industry lunch.

“It will be more Miami Vice than The Sweeney. Hopefully, we’ll have several main characters rolling their sleeves up for us.”

The second, and final, series of Life On Mars – filmed in Manchester and Stockport – is due on screen in January.

By the end, viewers will finally learn how modern day detective Sam Tyler, played by John Simm, ended up stranded in 1973.

But his fate, along with that of seventies cop Det Chief Insp Gene Hunt, played by Philip Glenister, is in the balance in what is promised to be a “natural and explosive climax”.

Sam was transported back in time after an accident beside the Mancunian Way at the start of the first series.

The idea for the spin-off, which would be broadcast in 2008, is to re-visit at least some of the seventies Manchester police team some eight years later.

“It will be interesting to see how their lives have changed in that time,” added Mr Fincham. “No doubt they’ll have swapped their flares for shoulder pads.”

[b4mmy]

Why can't they do Queen Bitch and follow wives of Bowdon and Hale doing their husbands over in the divorce courts ... they could have a good guy solicitor (working for dad) and the bad guy solicitor (working for the bitch) and it could be a six parter, ending of course with dad donning a batman suit sitting on the Town Hall tower chucking eggs at the cops... with his little fella next to him in a Robin suit.... much more entertaining! :)


O8oGyGo1q-k

[jrb]

The five year deal should run out at roughly the same time that Mediacity is completed.

A Shameless move to join the soap set

http://www.metronews.co.uk/ContentResources/C_52_Article_3272_BodyText_TextSection_0_Image.jpg

ALL CHANGE: The Shameless cast is switching to a new home in Wythenshawe

BAFTA award-winning show Shameless is moving to a purpose-built set in Wythenshawe.

The hit Channel 4 drama, featuring the shambolic Gallagher family, was filmed on location in West Gorton with studio sets inside a Salford warehouse.

But Shameless will now join long-running soaps like Coronation Street and EastEnders in having a permanent home.

Producers Company Pictures has signed a five-year deal worth more than £1.2m to lease the former Umbro building on the Roundthorn Industrial Estate near Wythenshawe Hospital.

The unit, renamed the Aviator Building after Umbro's departure, will provide 48,000sq ft of warehouse space and 18,000sq ft of office accommodation.

A spokesperson for Company Pictures said: "It's a very exciting time for Shameless - getting its very own Shameless village. It is currently under construction and we start filming series five in May. The next series will be 16 episodes so it made complete sense to move the production offices, studio and exterior locations, to one area.

"It will make filming much easier - and the cast will get proper dressing rooms."

Residents of West Gorton welcomed the cast and crew when they arrived to film the first series in 2003, holding mass viewings of the show in the Wellington pub, on which fictional local The Jockey is based.

The show follows colourful characters living on the fictional Chatsworth Estate, in Stretford, with the set on Gorton Villa Walk.

But programme makers also faced difficulties.

In 2004, two 16-year-olds were given Asbos after their gang persistently interrupted filming of the show, harassing and intimidating cast and crew, as well as local residents.

Executive producer and writer Paul Abbot based characters in the show on people from his childhood.

The first three series proved a massive hit for Channel 4, with the fourth series currently on air.

Frank Gallagher, played by David Threlfall, leads a cast that includes some new faces in series four.

Francis Hopkinson, Channel 4's senior commissioning editor for drama, said: "Shameless is now an iconic British drama staple and series four has as much attitude and originality as ever."

[The Longford]

Why can't they do Queen Bitch and follow wives of Bowdon and Hale doing their husbands over in the divorce courts ... they could have a good guy solicitor (working for dad) and the bad guy solicitor (working for the bitch) and it could be a six parter, ending of course with dad donning a batman suit sitting on the Town Hall tower chucking eggs at the cops... with his little fella next to him in a Robin suit.... much more entertaining! :)


Sounds like your biopic. You could be 'technical advisor'.

[jrb]

October joins city indie boom

OCTOBER Films has joined the increasing number of independent production companies in Manchester.

The new venture, October North, will specialise in popular factual and current affairs programming and will be headed by former BBC Manchester executive producer Emma Worthington.

She will be responsible for increasing October Films' output of popular factual programming and in particular pre-watershed series. She has 14 years experience as a producer/director and executive producer. She worked for Granada for four years before moving to BBC Manchester where she has spent the last 10 years.

Her credits include Liquid Assets, How the War Was Spun, Honey We're Killing The Kids and Real Estates, which won an RTS best documentary award.

"Heading up the company is a fantastic and exciting opportunity," she said.

"The city is growing rapidly and is filled with great new talent. The BBC's move to Manchester will only increase its reputation as a creative centre."

The launch builds on October Films' recent popular successes with Celebrity Sex Tapes Unwound (currently Channel 4's top VOD download), The Boy Who Lived Before (five) and Medical Mavericks (Discovery).

[jrb]

Academy aiming high in £2.2m makeover

ONE of Manchester's most popular gig venues is to have a £2.2m makeover.

Big names from Oasis to Coldplay, David Bowie and Kylie are among the artists to have performed at The Academy on Oxford Road since it opened 17 years ago.

Owned and run by Manchester Students' Union, the venue is a favourite with performers and students alike as a capacity crowd of 1,500 people can generate one of the best atmospheres in the city.

The building will close in the summer for refurbishment, opening again in September.

Work includes a new front with a 36ft-high multi-coloured glazed tower, a new lobby, cloakroom, toilets, ticket office and bar.

Union spokesman Rob Owen says they are keen to retain its atmosphere. He said: "This is about improving the quality of the venue.

"We need to make it more accessible for disabled customers and performers and improve the standard of facilities. We've been open for almost two decades and in that time what is expected of a top class venue has changed, so we need some refurbishment work.

"We want to bring the facilities up to the standard you find in London venues, keeping The Academy's atmosphere. It's essentially just a shed with a great atmosphere."

The building opened its doors in 1990 with a gig headlined by the Buzzcocks and now hosts about 50 concerts a year.

The new multi-coloured tower will be illuminated at night.

David Britch, of architects Britch, said: "We have tried to build on the success of the venue by redesigning elements that were weak in the original design, including the entrance, disabled facilities, toilets and bars.

"But we wanted to retain the feeling of the original large, robust concert hall."

[jrb]

The new entrance.

http://www.metronews.co.uk/ContentResources/C_52_Article_3314_BodyText_TextSection_0_Image.jpg

[SleepyOne]

More images

http://www.architectsbritch.co.uk/images/projects/academy1.jpg

http://www.architectsbritch.co.uk/images/projects/academy3.jpg

http://www.architectsbritch.co.uk/images/projects/academy2.jpg

[The Longford]

http://www.architectsbritch.co.uk/images/projects/academy1.jpg

THERES A FUCKIN BUS COMIN YOU STUPID STUDENT!

No wonder they are always getting run over!

[jrb]

http://www.architectsbritch.co.uk/images/projects/academy1.jpg

THERES A FUCKIN BUS COMIN YOU STUPID STUDENT!

No wonder they are always getting run over!

It's OK Longy. It's not a UK North Bus. Good find Sleeps.

[jrb]

http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/documents/newsletters/CreativeIndustriesinthenorthwest_php8FMSkA.pdf

[jrb]

Podcasts celebrate Manchester music

http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/ContentResources/776.$plit/C_17_Articles_236630_BodyWeb_Detail_0_Image.jpg

HOOK: Musical heritage

MANCHESTER'S musical heritage is being used to attract visitors to the city.

The website of Marketing Manchester will feature six exclusive podcasts devoted to the history of the Manchester music scene over the coming months.

Each podcast will be presented by a member of the Manchester music community. Those confirmed include The Smiths' drummer Mike Joyce, Elbow front-man Guy Garvey and New Order bassist Peter Hook.

Advertisement your story continues below
The podcasts have been produced by the city's All Out Productions company, specialists in audio-related projects for the web and radio.

"Manchester is a hot-bed of musical talent, and we are proud to have welcomed on board some of the city's most successful exports," says All Out managing director David Cook.

Proud

"Although our work takes us all over the UK, our home city is close to our hearts and we are proud to be doing our bit promoting what Manchester has to offer."

Andrew Stokes, of Marketing Manchester said: "We are thrilled with this new and exciting tourism concept.

We hope that the music podcast will be the first of many themed podcasts that will serve to make Manchester even more inspiring and accessible to both new and existing visitors."

The Manchester Music podcasts are produced by Elizabeth Alker for All Out Productions and will be available every three weeks. The first podcast hit the Marketing Manchester website earlier this month.

The podcasts will be downloadable from visitmanchester.com/podcasts.

[Potato Man]

Just on the Timeout Chicago website. While I was browsing I couldn't help but notice that issue 1 of the Manchester magazine was published on 21 September 2006. So 5 months on and no sign of issue number 2.

So off I went on a google search and turned up this from yesterdays Guardian. It would be a shame if nothing ever comes of it. I'd probably subscribe.

A Time Out time-out

The pilot edition of Time Out Manchester launched with quite a fanfare in autumn last year. Timed to coincide with the Labour party conference, the magazine had a print-run of 30,000 and was advertised on posters all over the city with the strap-line "Made in Manchester". At the champagne-soaked launch party, Tony Elliott, Time Out's chairman and founder, made a rabble-barnstorming speech saying that a city as vibrant and creative as Manchester demanded its own Time Out. The weekly magazine proper was to launch in March this year, aiming for a circulation of 15,000-20,000 copies.

Odd, then, that nothing has been seen or heard of it of late. Last week key contributors to the launch issue, who had been promised staff jobs when the finances were in place, were called to a meeting with the editor-in-waiting, ex-Loaded hack Bill Borrows. Time Out Manchester would not be up and running until September "at the earliest", they were told. In the interim, the timeout.com/manchester site would be expanded, building on copy from the forthcoming Time Out Shortlist Guide to Manchester. All present would be invited to contribute. There was just one problem: the budget, of just £500 a week, which was supposed to cover 40 listings of 200 words each, every week. That's 8,000 words for £500.

Many walked out fearing the worst. Flic Everett, who was earmarked as features editor, says: "We couldn't tell if there was any concrete plan, or whether they'd decided to save money for now by just running a website with a much smaller budget. Because of the various reversals and delays, we were confused about the long-term plans."

But Elliott scoffs at suggestions that the magazine is being shelved. "We remain completely committed to Manchester and will launch in autumn," he says. "We are still in the process of raising investment. We need about £1m, and we have people working on that. We just do not have the liquidity to set it up on our own, though we have always said we really want to run Manchester ourselves, like we do in Chicago and New York."

[Potato Man]

Yet Manchester media-watchers are sceptical that Time Out Manchester will ever see the light of day. Mike Barnett, press officer for the Library theatre, who worked for 18 years on City Life (the Manchester listings magazine that folded in December 2005), says: "I would be very surprised, albeit pleasantly, if they launched at all now because the longer they put it off, the more difficult it will be to capitalise on the goodwill they built up with the pilot edition. But speaking on behalf of the theatre, I often meet with the PRs from the other city venues and not a meeting goes by without someone saying 'when's Time Out launching?'. We all miss having a credible, comprehensive, authoritative what's on guide to Manchester, which I think Time Out could be

Sorry. Bit of wonky mouse action there - missed off the end of the article.

http://media.guardian.co.uk/site/story/0,,2015976,00.html

[BeardedGenius]

The Manchester Evening News website has had a revamp:

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/

...although the ManchesterOnline is still going:

http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/

...I thought the ManchesterOnline website was the MEN's website? (or is it just a legacy site?)

[flange]

City's star role in hit dramas

THE big BBC move to Salford may still be four years away, but Greater Manchester is adding to its reputation as a TV drama capital.

Former Ballykissangel actress Dervla Kirwan is filming a new Manchester TV serial by Eccles-born Debbie Horsfield.

With scenes shot in and around the city, True Dare Kiss is Debbie's first project for BBC1 since Cutting It.

It joins a growing list of BBC, ITV and Channel 4 dramas filmed in the area, including Life On Mars, New Street Law, Waterloo Road, Cold Blood, Instinct, The Good Samaritan and Shameless.

Six-parter True Dare Kiss co-stars Manchester-born actress Lorraine Ashbourne, who was in Playing The Field and Housewife, 49. The `sparky, raw and disturbing' drama - originally performed as a stage play over 25 years ago - is described as an `unfolding saga of intrigue, passion, revenge and redemption'.

Debbie said: "I've always been intrigued by family feuds and the way a single event can have catastrophic and long-standing consequences.

"I'm also fascinated by the tricks memory plays, how six people can witness the same event, but each remember it differently and will act according to their own particular interpretation - often with disastrous consequences."

Dublin-born Dervla plays prodigal daughter Phil, who returns to find her childhood home unchanged but her family virtually unrecognisable.

'Thrilled'

Debbie's previous TV dramas include Sex, Chips & Rock 'n' Roll, Born To Run, The Riff Raff Element and Making Out.

Kate Harwood, BBC drama head of series and serials, said: "We are thrilled to be producing a new Debbie Horsfield serial."

The original theatre production of True Dare Kiss, set in Manchester and Salford, was also later performed as part of Debbie's 1986 Red Devils' Trilogy.

A spokeswoman for North West Vision, the film, TV and digital media development agency, said: "It's boom time in Greater Manchester for TV drama. We're delighted that True Dare Kiss is going to be hitting our screens this year. It's one not to miss."

SHAMELESS creator and writer Paul Abbott has spoken about the boom in Manchester's TV drama industry.

He told students at a media careers information day at the Manchester Central Convention Complex, the former G-Mex centre: "Now is one of the most exciting and best times to be a trainee in this city.

"In the next five years there will be so many more opportunities."

[Caiman]

The Manchester Evening News website has had a revamp:

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/

...although the ManchesterOnline is still going:

http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/

...I thought the ManchesterOnline website was the MEN's website? (or is it just a legacy site?)
I think it was, manchestereveningnews.co.uk used to just redirect to the news area of that site I think.

I much prefer what they've done with it though, a tonne better.

[macc]

Have you seen it when you click on a picture attached to a story? The screen 'dims' into a transparent grey/black and the picture pops up in the middle. It looks top!

I always navigate through manchesteronline.co.uk because its shorter, but I wouldn't loose any sleep if the dropped the old style completely.

[flange]

ya the M.E.N website is loads better now and also with some news article they have more than the one picture which is cool

[jrb]

wt.

[jrb]

wt.

[jrb]

http://www.metronews.co.uk/ContentResources/C_52_Article_3465_BodyText_TextSection_0_Image.jpg

A NEW £3.8m plan has been unveiled to reopen the legendary Manchester live music venue Band On The Wall.

For almost 200 years, it was the city's most eclectic music showcase. The Swan Street building, which began life as the George and Dragon in 1803, played host to everyone from travelling musicians and buskers, to punks, jazz greats and 90s club DJs.

But the historic Shude Hill venue closed in 2005 after falling into disrepair and the renovation project suffered several setbacks with costs spiralling to more than £6m.

Now it is ready to be born again, complete with recording studios, mixed-media equip- ment, educational facilties and plans to make live performances available for download over the internet.

Plans have been streamlined and grant bids submitted to several funding bodies.

Construction is planned to start in September, with the venue reopening in autumn 2008.

Ian Croal, chief executive of owners and registered charity Inner City Music, said: "We are very much hopeful that Band On The Wall will reopen.

"Detailed design proposals and a business plan have been submitted to Arts Council England, Manchester Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund. We expect the three organisations to make decisions on the project by July. "The original plans included the redevelopment of the Grade II listed building next door on Swan Street and the Cocozza Wood building to the rear, on Foundry Lane.

But the Cocozza Wood building has been dropped from the plans and a separate solution is being explored by its owners and Manchester Council. The new project to renovate Band On The Wall will cost £3.8m, which includes £700,000 from Manchester Council. Mr Croal (pictured right) said: "The project is about the rebirth of the venue, with new spaces, new facilties, new tech- nology and new ideas. The existing main performance space will not be radically changed but will be enhanced, with heritage features conserved and the audience capacity improved.

"We will have a new multi-use public space, which we are calling the Picture House, in the Grade II adjacent building on Swan Street. The building, unoccupied for many years, was built by the original owners of Band On The Wall in around 1865. It is believed to have become the first cine picture house in Manchester around the end of the 19th century.

"We also plan to create a music archive - a growing store of knowledge in the form of recordings or music and oral history interviews, images and materials. These will be available online and displayed in the Picture House, which we also see as a networking hub for the Northern Quarter and the city's creative industries, as well as a second performance space."

It was during the 1930s that owner Ernie Tyson literally put a band on the wall, with a drummer and accordion player on a small shelf, next to a piano, away from the flying fists and glasses.

By 1975, the people had moved away and the market and pub were in decline. It was saved by Steve Morris - a saxophonist entrepreneur and son of a Ancoats bookie. He turned the ailing pub into a jazz venue, christening it after its nickname even though the band on the wall was long gone.

Over the next quarter of a century, it played host to jazz, blues and reggae greats, including Art Blakey and Desmond Dekker, as well as the likes of Joy Division, The Buzzcocks, Mick Hucknall and Bjork. In the 90s it welcomed club culture, before the best of drum 'n' bass, hip hop, nu jazz and broken beat after the millennium.

[The Longford]

Is it only me who thinks Life on Mars is rubbish?

[highriser]

No Longchops ,,i think its fucking shite to

[Sir Miles Platting]

Is it only me who thinks Life on Mars is rubbish?
Probably....:nono:

[The Longford]

Probably....:nono:

Thats usually they way! :dunno:

[Sir Miles Platting]

What don't you like about it guys? The acting? The dialogue? The photography? The costumes?

Let's have it then.

Remember to show your working....

[The Longford]

The acting is lame, the script is dubious, the photography is ok but nothing special and the costumes and production design just lapse into Heartbeat territory in so much everything looks like 2007 trying to be 1973 as apposed to actually looking like 1973. 1973 looked a bit more grubby than i think they like to think it is.

[Sir Miles Platting]

I hate it when 2007 tries to be 1973.

These upstart oughties.

There ought to be a law....

Seriously, Life on Mars is a bit awkward in some respects but I honestly think that it's a lot to do with the Beeb's forced austerity.

You lot are getting all you're prepared to pay for. (Cheapskates)

It's virtually being carried by Glenister sp? and Simms? Nary a Manc between the pair of them. Not if that matters anyroad. Glenister does fairly well with the accent, but Simms (for a Yorky) has the most flawless and credible Mancunian twang I've heard in an actor, he's definitely done his homework. The cop with the tache should apply to Coronation St. He'll be right at home with all the yorkies on that show.

[Awayo]

John Simm is from Nelson.

[The Longford]

Simm does carry it somewhat - he is consistently good in fings wot he has been in.
The irony is you cant move for actors in manchester so why not employ some. The accents and overt Manc references do grate a bit but thats just me being an uppity Manc.
I must admit ive only watched it once and was just thinking to myself "Wots all the fuss 'bout guvnor?"

[Isaac Newell]

Is it only me who thinks Life on Mars is rubbish?

No, it's this "TV Manchester Accent" that has started to appear, that bares no reference to the real thing.

I blame Shaun Ryder, Bez, Ian Brown and all those other blokes with machismo issues who think it's sounds good to come across as a carefree village idiot on smack.

[The Longford]

I think the only programme with 'consistent' accents was Early Doors - although there was some Lancashire slipping in you did actually hear some proper Manchester whine.
Isaac is right - the only time you hear that 'village idiot' Perry-when-he-came-back-from-manchester-with-a-drawn-on-beard accent is when some student is getting all manc on you.

[Isaac Newell]

I think a lot of Mancunians are just as guilty. My idea of a Manchester accent is (and I've droned this line many times before) is Peter Hook's voice, that's what I remember the older blokes sounding like when I started going to United in 1975.

his sidekick Bernard put's on the Perry version a bit to much for me. Even Liam G sounds more genuine that most of his contemporaries and that always surprises me.

[macc]

Its popular and it gets good reviews. It raises the profile of the city and is therefore good and worth having.

I've seen it a coupe of times and did find it quite entertaining, plus the bird is it is quite fanciable.

Coronation street on the other hand, is shite (as are all soaps) but I'm still glad its on because its good for the city.

There's load of shit films come out of LA but it never does the Hollywood any harm. I'd like as many programs as possible to be made in Manchester. Even if they are crap.

[Isaac Newell]

Its popular and it gets good reviews. It raises the profile of the city and is therefore good and worth having.

I've seen it a coupe of times and did find it quite entertaining, plus the bird is it is quite fanciable.

Coronation street on the other hand, is shite (as are all soaps) but I'm still glad its on because its good for the city.

There's load of shit films come out of LA but it never does the Hollywood any harm. I'd like as many programs as possible to be made in Manchester. Even if they are crap.

They don't all have people talking like Snoop Dog in them though.

[Sir Miles Platting]

John Simm is from Nelson.
Thanks Awayo. I stand corrected, I must have got the idea he was yorks when I read he initially had drama training in Leeds.

Nelson ain't a million miles from the 'border' though....:)

[kebabmonster]

John Simm was born in Leeds, but brought up in Nelson.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0799591/


Simm does carry it somewhat - he is consistently good in fings wot he has been in.
The irony is you cant move for actors in manchester so why not employ some. The accents and overt Manc references do grate a bit but thats just me being an uppity Manc.
I must admit ive only watched it once and was just thinking to myself "Wots all the fuss 'bout guvnor?"

There are hardly any Manchester accents on Life on Mars, but that is true in real life :-) On my shift of about 14, there's only five PC's and the Sarge from Gtr Manchester.

As for Coronation St, I think the amount of Yorkies/East Lankys is disproportionate, as is the number of Lankys/Southerners on Emmerdale.

[Potato Man]

Glitterball, now that is a programme that has done wonders for Manchester's bid to be named as the official centre of the universe.

I note that Dragon's Den is made by BBC Manchester, anybody got any idea where it is filmed? Looks like it could be an interesting building.

[TouristMan]

Sorry for the OT, but I'm from ROME and I am quite angry.
Why english people are so childish?


The following document, whilst quite lengthy, contains some very important information regarding the forthcoming match in Rome. PLEASE will you carefully read all of the information provided.

It is particularly Important that you take advantage of the public transport shuttles leaving at 5pm from the Piazzale delle Canestre. Fans of other English clubs who have made their way independently to the stadium have reported on a number of occasions problems with getting back to the City Centre after the game and there is a real danger of being attacked by the 'Ultra' fans of AS Roma. We realise that fans travelling independently may not wish to give up that independence but we ask you to consider your own safety and welfare as being of paramount importance.

We are told that you must definitely not take the metro trains to the Piazza Faminio or attempt to use the Ponte-nenni bridge as these are habitual routes taken by the 'Ultras' to the stadium.

When we visited the stadium recently we also met with representatives of The British Embassy and received some specific advise to pass on to our fans. Will you please, therefore, note the following:-

In terms of the approach to the stadium we are advised that there will be an outer ticket cordon at which full searches will take place. Please be mindful that perfume, make-up bags and bags of coins are prohibited and will be confiscated and will not be returned later.

It is customary in all areas of the stadium for spot checks to be carried out and proof of identity sought. Acceptable proof of identity documents are a passport or a photo driving licence – photocopies are not acceptable.

Whilst this game is taking place in the Olympic Stadium, fans will find some of the facilities fairly primitive. Toilets, particularly female toilets, do not contain the usual toilet pan. There are refreshment facilities but these are quite limited.

MOST IMPORTANT

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE A HOLD BACK AFTER THE GAME. THIS IS USUALLY FOR A PERIOD OF 90 MINUTES.

We voiced our reservations about this but the police in Rome advised us that it is necessary for the safety of supporters. There is a large video screen in the stadium and we propose to take with us some match action videos to play on the screens, however, the screens will be blank until the stadium is empty of AS Roma supporters.

All tickets are bar coded and there is a sophisticated entry system with full length turnstiles. Supporters with tickets for other sectors will not be permitted to approach those turnstiles and will not be relocated in to our sector. Fans with tickets for AS Roma sectors may be admitted but they do so most certainly at their own risk. The authorities state quite clearly that there will be no alternative.

Important points
Supporters should make sure that they have proper travel tickets (which can be purchased at newspaper stands, tobacconists and machines inside the metro stations) if they intend to use the metro or local buses. Tickets must also be stamped in the relevant machines. There is an immediate 50 euro fine for passengers who do not have a stamped ticket and if this fine is not paid immediately, it increases to 100 euros plus the cost of the ticket.

Places to avoid
Please stay far away from CAMPO DE FIORI which is the meeting point for the AS Roma fans and a place where there has been a lot of trouble in the past with `Ultra` AS Roma fans.


Crime
Levels of crime are generally low but there are higher levels of petty crime in the big city centres. Take care on public transport and in crowded areas where pickpockets and bag snatchers may be operating. In Rome, take particular care around the main railway station, Termini, on the number 64 bus, which goes to and from St Peter's Square, and when unloading your baggage from airport/city coaches. Also take care in and around railway stations in other large Italian cities. Be particularly wary of groups of children who may try to distract your attention whilst trying to steal from you. Passports, credit cards, travel tickets and cash should not be carried together in handbags or pockets. Only carry with you what you need for the day. Consider making use of safety deposit facilities in hotels.

Cars, at rest stops and motorway service stations are targets for robbers. You should treat with caution offers of help if you find yourself with a flat tyre, particularly on the motorway from Naples to Salerno, as sometimes the tyre will have been punctured deliberately.

Always lock your vehicle and never leave valuables in the vehicle even if you will only be away for a short time or are nearby. There have been a number of cases of cars containing luggage, or of luggage left in cars being stolen. You should avoid leaving luggage in cars overnight or for any length of time.

Be vigilant when travelling on sleepers/night trains. Thieves sometimes operate on trains in Italy and may take the opportunity, during the night, to rob sleeping travellers. Theft can also take place on trains during the day. Do not leave bags containing valuables unattended.

Police in Europe have issued warnings that counterfeit Euro notes are in circulation on the continent. You should take reasonable precautions to ensure that any notes received from sources other than banks and legitimate Bureau de Change are genuine.
Mindful that this information can create the impression that there are serious concerns for United fans surrounding this match, we wish to make it clear that this isn’t the case. Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and the officials of AS Roma have been courteous and helpful in their dealings with us. We want you to enjoy your visit and enjoy the game.

Finally…We are advised by AS Roma that the law in Italy prohibits the issue of duplicate tickets therefore, lost tickets CANNOT be replaced.

[BeardedGenius]

TouristMan - sadly, subsequent events show warnings were necessary.

[TouristMan]

TouristMan - sadly, subsequent events show warnings were necessary.

This is an irresponsible and dangerous article!

1) English people are not children, they are able to pay attention to themselves!

2) Rome, with 0,4 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, is the safest capital city in Europe and one of the safest capital city in the world. This is the result of a European study, published by la Repubblica (the most important italian newspaper)
http://209.85.135.104/search?q=cache:qclrfQegEogJ:it.wikinews.org/wiki/Criminalit%C3%A0_in_calo_in_Europa_e_l%E2%80%99Italia_%C3%A8_la_pi%C3%B9_sicura+*Roma+risulta+capitale+pi%C3%B9+sicura+mondo*&hl=it&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=it
http://it.wikinews.org/wiki/Discussione:Criminalit%C3%A0_in_calo_in_Europa_e_l%E2%80%99Italia_%C3%A8_la_pi%C3%B9_sicura

3) In this article I haven't read an important advice to Manchester supporters: "DO NOT GET DRUNK, PLEASE!"

4) In Italy we use to say: "chi semina vento raccoglie tempesta".
Do you understand?

bye bye

[majormystery]

I agree the warning were unnecessary and Rome is perfectly safe. :nuts:

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42768000/jpg/_42768017_manutd_ap203.jpg

[TouristMan]

I agree the warning were unnecessary and Rome is perfectly safe. :nuts:



Are Hooligans better?


Rome is not HELL, is not BAGHDAD!
Is it difficult to understand???

I am not justifying italian police, but you can't say us HOW to defend public order. It depends on italian police, you are in our stadium and you have to respect our law.

[majormystery]

The Hooligans were dressed in police riot gear.

[Manc Guy]

This is an irresponsible and dangerous article!

1) English people are not children, they are able to pay attention to themselves!

2) Rome, with 0,4 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, is the safest capital city in Europe and one of the safest capital city in the world. This is the result of a European study, published by la Repubblica (the most important italian newspaper)
http://209.85.135.104/search?q=cache:qclrfQegEogJ:it.wikinews.org/wiki/Criminalit%C3%A0_in_calo_in_Europa_e_l%E2%80%99Italia_%C3%A8_la_pi%C3%B9_sicura+*Roma+risulta+capitale+pi%C3%B9+sicura+mondo*&hl=it&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=it
http://it.wikinews.org/wiki/Discussione:Criminalit%C3%A0_in_calo_in_Europa_e_l%E2%80%99Italia_%C3%A8_la_pi%C3%B9_sicura

3) In this article I haven't read an important advice to Manchester supporters: "DO NOT GET DRUNK, PLEASE!"

4) In Italy we use to say: "chi semina vento raccoglie tempesta".
Do you understand?

bye bye

Puhlease! All I ever saw all night were bottles being thrown at United supporters! Then that thing you itallians call a law enforcing ( obiding? :lol: ) police force battered mostly underserving fans in an attempt to gain control, no fuck control, they probably wanted the fight as much as the Roma fans did! They went ridiculously over the top.

Before you come on here dishing out ultimatems, realize, your leagues a wreck constantly under scrutiny and your clubds are full of scumbag cheating players, fans, and coaches. Now kindly do-one!

[BeardedGenius]

This is an irresponsible and dangerous article!

1) English people are not children, they are able to pay attention to themselves!

2) Rome, with 0,4 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, is the safest capital city in Europe and one of the safest capital city in the world. This is the result of a European study, published by la Repubblica (the most important italian newspaper)
http://209.85.135.104/search?q=cache:qclrfQegEogJ:it.wikinews.org/wiki/Criminalit%C3%A0_in_calo_in_Europa_e_l%E2%80%99Italia_%C3%A8_la_pi%C3%B9_sicura+*Roma+risulta+capitale+pi%C3%B9+sicura+mondo*&hl=it&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=it
http://it.wikinews.org/wiki/Discussione:Criminalit%C3%A0_in_calo_in_Europa_e_l%E2%80%99Italia_%C3%A8_la_pi%C3%B9_sicura

3) In this article I haven't read an important advice to Manchester supporters: "DO NOT GET DRUNK, PLEASE!"

4) In Italy we use to say: "chi semina vento raccoglie tempesta".
Do you understand?

bye bye

What you have to understand is that this is not a warning against Rome the city, it's against the problems that could potentially (and in actual fact did) arise around a football match.

AS Roma's Ultras do not represent the average Roman in the street - everyone understands this.

Rome is beautiful and great place to visit - the scenes last night were not.

[The Longford]

Wasnt there trouble at the Lille game?
Can you spot the common denominator?
Not condoning the behaviour of the police on both occasions but it seems like too much of a coincedence that United fans have been the 'victim' both times in Europe.

[TouristMan]

La Repubblica writes: "Manchester supporters unbridled"
I don't know what and "where" is the true, probably it is "in the middle".
So I think a self-criticing from both the parts is convenient.

In Italy TV and sport magazines were angry because of that article, Roman supporters speak only about this article.

1) Be particularly wary of groups of children who may try to distract your attention whilst trying to steal from you.

2) Whilst this game is taking place in the Olympic Stadium, fans will find some of the facilities fairly primitive. Toilets, particularly female toilets, do not contain the usual toilet pan. There are refreshment facilities but these are quite limited.

These words are very offensive (and false).

[Tony Sebo]

yeah.. they're a horrible lot, aren't they?

[majormystery]

Wasnt there trouble at the Lille game?
Can you spot the common denominator?
Not condoning the behaviour of the police on both occasions but it seems like too much of a coincedence that United fans have been the 'victim' both times in Europe.

And what is the common denominator for the frequent violence at domestic Serie A games?

[TouristMan]

Is this the first time that Manchester United publishes this kind of advice on its site??

[TouristMan]

And what is the common denominator for the frequent violence at domestic Serie A games?

Italian stadium are not modern and safe like English stadium. They were all realised for Italy '90.
And italian law is "soft" with this violent supporters.

[The Longford]

And what is the common denominator for the frequent violence at domestic Serie A games?

Do Lille have a 'rep' aswell?
All i'm saying is that perhaps Untied fans arent entirely blameless in all of this.

[Sir Miles Platting]

Do Lille have a 'rep' aswell?
All i'm saying is that perhaps Untied fans arent entirely blameless in all of this.
I think he was referring to 'heavy-handed police' (common denominator).

[paulmac35]

John Simm was born in Leeds, but brought up in Nelson.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0799591/




There are hardly any Manchester accents on Life on Mars, but that is true in real life :-) On my shift of about 14, there's only five PC's and the Sarge from Gtr Manchester.

As for Coronation St, I think the amount of Yorkies/East Lankys is disproportionate, as is the number of Lankys/Southerners on Emmerdale.


Your not wrong! I would say there is probably even more Leeds actors and actresses than Manc ones on corry (liz mcdonald, ivy tyldesley, don brennan, vera duckworth, david platt, alf roberts, to name but a few). and whats with the Wigan sounding accent that synbad (off brookey) is portraying. if he cant do a full blown Manc accent he should just talk in his normal tones! his accent just sounds so put on and he repeatedly slips back into scouse tones.

in emmerdale you have cane dingle (real manc), and mandy dingle, butch dingle, marlon dingle, zach dingle from the oldham/bury/bolton area (am not sure if they are all still in it as it nowadays as i have given this soap up!).

some more corry points (am a corry nut i have to admit!). Liam Connor is turning more into Liam Gallagher by the day! (Amazingly his surname in real life is Gallagher!). the most over acting award must surely go to dev alahan (the guy from the corner shop!). did you see his performance on the golf course with steve mcdonald! Way way over the top!

[paulmac35]

regarding the terrible scenes at the olympic stadium in Rome last night, i would like to make a few points (from a neutral angle). the carnage witnessed last night could have equally happeend to any of other English clubs who were unfortunate to be drawn against them.

i am a liverpool fan. in 1984 my dad and his mates went to watch liverpool beat roma at the european cup final in their own backyard. after the game, the few thousand liverpool fans were well and truely set upon by the roma ultras (or should that be cowards). the police did little to help stop the trouble. the scenes that night were that bad, that my dad had never been to an away match since.

i think the trouble and resentment that occured that night, probably was a major factor in what happened the following year at heysel in the final between juventus and liverpool (though of course I and all decent fans am ashamed at what some liverpool fans did that day).

years later, in 2001 liverpool played roma in the 2 legged uefa cup quarter final and once again there were several stabbings of liverpool fans in rome. similar things happened again last season when middlesborough went overthere. these stories do tend to follow them around dont they?

i am amazed at how some sections of the media are blaming united fans at what happened last night (did you hear that prick james whale on talk sport after the match blaming everything that happened on the English hooligans?). from what i could see, the main problem was roma fans pelting the united fans with missiles all through the match and making obscene throat cutting gestures (safe in the knowledge that the rome police wouldnt dare attack them). sure some united fans ran to taunt them back (espically after wayne rooney equalised). but can you blame them? surely, its human nature to reply in this way when you have been taunted all night and attacked in the streets. And the scenes of the cowardly rome police savages attacking defenceless men, women and children must never ever be forgotten. i think uefa should sling them out the tournament and ban them till they get clean up their act (both the fans and the so called police). mind you, the lille police in northern france werent much better were they?

[TouristMan]

English Hooligans are all Saints! :cheers:
How could I forget it??? :lol:

[Sir Miles Platting]

Unfortunately paulmac, the spineless UEFA and our own useless FA will ignore the credible eyewitness reports and most of the video footage.

I think our English fans should boycott the (known) trouble venues but that would be difficult to organise.

Ideally the clubs should make a stand and refuse to play in these dangerous stadia but again, it's not gonna happen is it?

[The Longford]

If the actual clubs themselves gave a shit about the people who spend their hard earned to follow them then they would take more of a stand - threatening to boycott games (and countries) where their fans get battered.
That, of course, would be too much in lost revenue and therefore unthinkable.
Of course i'm not a professional footballer but if had seen what had happened to the people who keep me in Bentleys and tattoos i would a) walk off the pitch b) refuse to play in that stadium/ country again until someone was brought to task. Thats probably why i'm not a footballer though.
I think footballers should be made to sit in the stands once in a while - i think they are way too detached from the people that watch them nowadays (especially johnny foreigner).

[URBANISER]

Do you know Longford that the king of the Bentley and tattoo mob, non other than Beckham and his mate Gary Neville have been known to sit with the away Utd support when they were out of the team due to injury/suspension. Fans have said how amazed they have been to see Beckham a few seats away and actually joining in with the vocal support.

[The Longford]

I can believe that of Beck and Nev* but can you imagine someone like Diouf or Drogba going to Plymouth on a wet Tuesday night for a cup tie?

* i cant stand Gary Neville but i admire the passion he shows for his club and you get the sense he feels proud to in the position he is in and doesnt just sees it as a meal ticket. Like wise i dont begrudge Beckman anything because he too always seemed proud to pull on his shirt be it Utd or England and actually seemed bothered when the team he was playing for played badly. I do however question the mans sanity for marrying the worlds most unattractive women.

[URBANISER]

Talk about all tits and nought else! I mean, she's like a stick insect, and all that money and so miserable. I bet he has a bloody hard time with her behind closed doors. You can't blame the bloke for shagging that Loos women, at least she looked like a proper bird.

[Metrolink]

TouristMan - I was in the ground on Wednesday, I got hit on the nose by a missle thrown by one of the great Roma fans meaning I got blood all down my face and on my clothes.

As far as I saw it, when Scholes got his red card, and when Roma scored the first goal, the Roma fans to our left charged the 'fence' between the rival fans.
They then started throwing coins, bottles, batteries and LIT FIREWORKS into the United fans.

Unfortunately some United fans reacted - they should not have, but did - at which point, the Roma police took delight in beating up any United fans they could get their hands on - if you are happy living in a state that will quite happily leave visiting people to be pelted with heavy objects, and then attempt to justify the total over-reaction of your police force then stick to watching football in Italy.

You must be so proud of the Italy hooligans that stabbed the 11 United fans who all ended up in hospital - one of whom required 2 emerency operations to save his live.

We travel with an unwarranted reputation that was gained over 20 years ago - unfortunately, the culture in Italty (and France for that matter)seems to believe it is totally ok for the police to literally batter people, people who are guilty of doing nothing wrong whatsoever, whilst turning a blind eye to the real problems in their own society.