Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
Nov 15th 2008, 2:48 am
#31
The Kwisatz Haderach
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Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
No jet lag tips from me, I usually walk about all bleary eyed for a couple of days, then pass out and find myself on schedule.
But yours is worse going OZ to UK. I only go US (west coast) to UK.
Good luck with the sleep.
But yours is worse going OZ to UK. I only go US (west coast) to UK.
Good luck with the sleep.
Nov 15th 2008, 3:09 am
#32
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Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
Great thread keep it coming!
I remember having to do cross country on the Clent Hills at school many moons ago!
I remember having to do cross country on the Clent Hills at school many moons ago!
Nov 15th 2008, 6:10 am
#33
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Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
Yup, that's the one! Who's your cousin then and which producer and director did they have...and how did they find the experience? I'll never watch a program in the same way again knowing how many 'takes' are required etc. We're getting quite used now to having to greet people several times at different angles! The worst thing is that we're just so damn tired and jetlagged and the filming is all day - we really feel like we just need half a day to collect ourselves and go somewhere as a family without being miked-up or filmed.
It's lovely being taken to these glorious locations, but what we want to do is to escape to city parks and streets and get a feel for the local youth - chavness, intimidation, drugs, gangs etc, etc.....you won't be seeing that on the program!
It's lovely being taken to these glorious locations, but what we want to do is to escape to city parks and streets and get a feel for the local youth - chavness, intimidation, drugs, gangs etc, etc.....you won't be seeing that on the program!
Hi Ezzie
Her name's Caroline but I'm not sure which producer/director she had. I only really found out about it from some odd "Facebook Status" things she had LOL. She ended up choosing France but found it really hard apparently.
You must be knackered!
Nov 15th 2008, 7:19 am
#34
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Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
Have dragged family into filming for a 'Poms thinking about returning to UK' type program. Its been a bit of a rollercoster, but we've now arrived in the UK and have been filmed for the last two days. Yesterday the sun shone and I have to admit that it was nowhere as cold as I thought it would be. I can't tell you how marvellous it was to see the fields, hedgerows and tiny villages as we sped up the motorway. We're staying in a small cottage on a farm-type place....small, but comfy. Not having enough hot water reminded us that we were in England, but then so did the friendliness of people...not a superficial 'how are you' type friendliness, but people who'd stop and chat.
Our trip to the supermarket was fabulous. I was expecting high meat prices and so was pleasantly surprised. The range of food and products was just mindblowing!
We were taken to see a house yesterday...the rooms were teeny...apart from the bathroom, which was enormous. Cracks everywhere, a kitchen with steps in the middle (I'd have broken a leg in no time!). The asking price was 350,000 quid!!!!! They thought we'd be fine with taking out a mortgage, but with the recession it'd be the last thing we'd do. However, after we took ourselves off to an estate agent we found there are properties that would suit us in the 250,000 range - just need to look in different areas, but they are around.
Weather yesterday was typically British - wet, overcast and grey. It didn't spoil the countryside, but driving through some of the inner city areas was pretty bloody grim. In fact we all fell into a bit of depression just looking at it...never mind living there!
We're off to look at a school today - however, it's a grammar school which we'd have NO chance of actually getting our kids into in reality! At least it will provide some benchmark as to standards of ed in the UK.
The thing that we noticed most, if we had to list the main difference, is the level of engagement people have with each other. The weather may have been bleak yesterday, but we generally saw beaming smiles and met some real characters.
Lots to think about, lots to do...I'll write more if anyone's interested!
Our trip to the supermarket was fabulous. I was expecting high meat prices and so was pleasantly surprised. The range of food and products was just mindblowing!
We were taken to see a house yesterday...the rooms were teeny...apart from the bathroom, which was enormous. Cracks everywhere, a kitchen with steps in the middle (I'd have broken a leg in no time!). The asking price was 350,000 quid!!!!! They thought we'd be fine with taking out a mortgage, but with the recession it'd be the last thing we'd do. However, after we took ourselves off to an estate agent we found there are properties that would suit us in the 250,000 range - just need to look in different areas, but they are around.
Weather yesterday was typically British - wet, overcast and grey. It didn't spoil the countryside, but driving through some of the inner city areas was pretty bloody grim. In fact we all fell into a bit of depression just looking at it...never mind living there!
We're off to look at a school today - however, it's a grammar school which we'd have NO chance of actually getting our kids into in reality! At least it will provide some benchmark as to standards of ed in the UK.
The thing that we noticed most, if we had to list the main difference, is the level of engagement people have with each other. The weather may have been bleak yesterday, but we generally saw beaming smiles and met some real characters.
Lots to think about, lots to do...I'll write more if anyone's interested!
Which channel will it be aired on? hopefully I can persuade my family to tape it for me.
Good luck to you all and hope you are getting over your jet-lag.
Nov 15th 2008, 12:35 pm
#35
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Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
Is it the "No Place Like Home" programme? It's just my cousin who lives in France has just taken part in that.
I think I'll have to look in getting hold of the whole series - I hadn't realised they were doing so many programmes and doing outside of Europe. Will be very interesting I reckon
I think I'll have to look in getting hold of the whole series - I hadn't realised they were doing so many programmes and doing outside of Europe. Will be very interesting I reckon
Nov 15th 2008, 3:00 pm
#36
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Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
Another early morning today as we dashed off to film my kids (who are musical) playing with a local(ish) community band. Actually, had already organised for my kids to do some practice with the band, but filming it just seemed to be a good idea. The conductor is a passionate Scots chap and the welcome we received was truly wonderful. The big thing we notice is that back in Oz, it's always us making the first move to generate a conversation and then having to put the energy in to keep it going....here, you're met half way and then the conversation just rolls - so naturally, so easily; loads of colourful quips and friendly banter. The TV crew mention it too, so maybe it's just a Midlands thing, but I don't think so.
It was interesting to meet a couple in the band who were thinking of moving to Oz. We asked why and it seemed they'd heard it was more 'laid back' in Oz plus, with them working around the Birmingham and East Midlands area, they said the type of people they saw around them left them feeling that Britain had had it's day. They said the type of people they come across lack any respect for others and are essentially a lower form of life. We know what they mean and this is why we want to get into the cities to check it out for ourselves. The band members themselves were a smashing lot, all full of interesting stories and ranged from the amateur through to one chap who had played in Aka Bilk's band! Iain, the conductor, couldn't have possibly made the kids feel more welcome, nor the rest of the band.
However, after a brilliant time chatting and playing music with the wonderful band of Alverley, we headed off to Bewdley for a brief trip on the steam train. We had no idea that Bewdley was so lovely...escaped for an hour to the town and loved the streets filled with black and white buildings, flower and sweet shops. Lunch in a nice pub....around 6 quid for a baguette with salad. Had a smashing time watching the swans whiz down the fast flowing Seven, obviously enjoying the thrill of the ride, then paddling madly back up the river to the bridge to start the whole process over again.
The steam train took us through handsome valleys scattered with cottages, farms and sheep. Was suprising to see so many people out walking along footpaths....lots of waving at the train going on. The highlight was chatting to the many volunteers of the railway who looked very smart in their jackets and hats. Some were putting up Christmas decorations and the banter between them all was hilarious to listen to. They reckoned the station had been bought up by the NHS after the decision to oust the mentally ill out into the community as most train enthusiasts are nutters!
Another thing I've noticed since I've come back....I don't think I've ever laughed so much!
It was interesting to meet a couple in the band who were thinking of moving to Oz. We asked why and it seemed they'd heard it was more 'laid back' in Oz plus, with them working around the Birmingham and East Midlands area, they said the type of people they saw around them left them feeling that Britain had had it's day. They said the type of people they come across lack any respect for others and are essentially a lower form of life. We know what they mean and this is why we want to get into the cities to check it out for ourselves. The band members themselves were a smashing lot, all full of interesting stories and ranged from the amateur through to one chap who had played in Aka Bilk's band! Iain, the conductor, couldn't have possibly made the kids feel more welcome, nor the rest of the band.
However, after a brilliant time chatting and playing music with the wonderful band of Alverley, we headed off to Bewdley for a brief trip on the steam train. We had no idea that Bewdley was so lovely...escaped for an hour to the town and loved the streets filled with black and white buildings, flower and sweet shops. Lunch in a nice pub....around 6 quid for a baguette with salad. Had a smashing time watching the swans whiz down the fast flowing Seven, obviously enjoying the thrill of the ride, then paddling madly back up the river to the bridge to start the whole process over again.
The steam train took us through handsome valleys scattered with cottages, farms and sheep. Was suprising to see so many people out walking along footpaths....lots of waving at the train going on. The highlight was chatting to the many volunteers of the railway who looked very smart in their jackets and hats. Some were putting up Christmas decorations and the banter between them all was hilarious to listen to. They reckoned the station had been bought up by the NHS after the decision to oust the mentally ill out into the community as most train enthusiasts are nutters!
Another thing I've noticed since I've come back....I don't think I've ever laughed so much!
Nov 15th 2008, 3:03 pm
#37
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Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
I think we were picked because we've older kids and have been away for so long....maybe we also looked compliant! The pressure of being filmed and recorded is relentless and exhausting. I don't think we quite realised we'd be filmed every moment of the day. I think you had a lucky escape to be honest.
Ahh what a coincidence, we were also 'interviewed' for that programme, well we got to the point of filling in a questionnaire, sending photos in of ourselves, making a little home video and courier-ing it to them, then we never heard another word....We were dealing with Jenny, she was lovely and was hoping that we'd get picked, but at the end of the day it was up to ITV and it wasn't too be. I think the reason we didn't get 'picked' was that we are not totally a british expat family, I am the only british expat in our family, my hubby and the kids are South Africans, and I think their accents would have maybe put people off, who knows, but it sounded all very exciting and I wish you all the best Ezzie and keep us informed, I'm loving hearing about your experiences.
Nov 15th 2008, 11:49 pm
#38
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Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
Ezzie, thanks for posting, I am thoroughly enjoying reading your thoughts and updates. 
Nov 16th 2008, 1:42 am
#39
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Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
It all sounds great - and I am sure you are getting the genuine thing not just a play for the cameras because they are on show as well to some extent.
Interesting that you have had the conversation with the wannabees who are busting to get here - I wonder if you gave them food for thought about actually heading over here!
Interesting that you have had the conversation with the wannabees who are busting to get here - I wonder if you gave them food for thought about actually heading over here!
Nov 16th 2008, 2:23 am
#40
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Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
Certainly did Quoll....horrible though to burst their bubble. However, I do understand why they wanted to get out....we've only just skirted around the city, but it was pretty depressing driving through it, I'm sure if we had to work on a daily basis with some of the dregs of the country, it'd soon get to you. Walking through Bewdley, hubby accidently knocked into a woman and apologised profusely...he got a pretty mean look and a snarling at for his trouble. Still, I found a proper sweet shop and bought a quarter of Gray's Herbal Candy (a great choice as the kids can't stand it so I don't have to share it!)
We went out for a drink to a lovely pub last night....brilliant to be able to have the kids with us. They allowed the over 14's in there in the evening. It was the 'meet the friends' scene of the program and it was so lovely to see them. The pub was miles from either of them and yet they both made the effort to be there....and the partner of one had even dressed-up in a suit....I nearly didn't recognise him. This reminds me of something else the Brits do....making an effort when it comes to dressing! We've been to weddings in Sydney where people have turned-up in shorts and t-shirts!!!! My friend had brought her mum too who's a real character and has a very typically 'dry' sense of Brummie humour. So dry in fact, that the film crew actually thought she really was going to try out for Dancing on Ice (she's 80)...hilarious! Made me think how the Aussies struggle with the British dry wit, so there's obviously shades of grey to it. My friends mum was determined not to laugh for the cameras as she's lost a front tooth....I'm not telling my kids this as they always tease about British teeth!
Nice posh friendly pub, bar grub looked around the 5-7 quid, with meals...which looked fabulous being between 7 & 10 quid. There was a beautiful restaurant attached to the pub...very posh - didn't even bother looking at the prices there, I was too busy trying the real ale there. However, I did have a Pimms to celebrate being British!
We went out for a drink to a lovely pub last night....brilliant to be able to have the kids with us. They allowed the over 14's in there in the evening. It was the 'meet the friends' scene of the program and it was so lovely to see them. The pub was miles from either of them and yet they both made the effort to be there....and the partner of one had even dressed-up in a suit....I nearly didn't recognise him. This reminds me of something else the Brits do....making an effort when it comes to dressing! We've been to weddings in Sydney where people have turned-up in shorts and t-shirts!!!! My friend had brought her mum too who's a real character and has a very typically 'dry' sense of Brummie humour. So dry in fact, that the film crew actually thought she really was going to try out for Dancing on Ice (she's 80)...hilarious! Made me think how the Aussies struggle with the British dry wit, so there's obviously shades of grey to it. My friends mum was determined not to laugh for the cameras as she's lost a front tooth....I'm not telling my kids this as they always tease about British teeth!
Nice posh friendly pub, bar grub looked around the 5-7 quid, with meals...which looked fabulous being between 7 & 10 quid. There was a beautiful restaurant attached to the pub...very posh - didn't even bother looking at the prices there, I was too busy trying the real ale there. However, I did have a Pimms to celebrate being British!
It all sounds great - and I am sure you are getting the genuine thing not just a play for the cameras because they are on show as well to some extent.
Interesting that you have had the conversation with the wannabees who are busting to get here - I wonder if you gave them food for thought about actually heading over here!
Interesting that you have had the conversation with the wannabees who are busting to get here - I wonder if you gave them food for thought about actually heading over here!
Nov 16th 2008, 5:43 pm
#41
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Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
Depressed! Horribly, horribly depressed. Shown a house for 269,000 quid today. Butchered by a DIY convert, one of the bedrooms had a bed in....that's it, just a bed, not possible to fit anything else in, not even a dead fly would have found room to lie down in there. You could have grown mushrooms in the windows, there was a mildly pornographic picture in the top attic room (yes, of course the kids noticed it!) and the 'glorious view' was of the high rise flats of Halesowen! It 'was' in a lovely area next to a great school...but, I can understand why Brits look at what their money will buy them in Oz and go...yup, let's go!
I'm sure the voice-over will be about us being unrealistic, but there are good properties out there within our price range, it's just not possible to find them in couple of days. Nevertheless, your dollar doesn't buy an awful lot over here and it's compounded by the dollar crashing. Also, with the recession, a lot of properties are being taken off the market. Rents are very high, we'd need to pay at least 800 quid for anything approaching decent per month.
Tomorrow they're taking us to an outdoor adventure park...watch this space!
I'm sure the voice-over will be about us being unrealistic, but there are good properties out there within our price range, it's just not possible to find them in couple of days. Nevertheless, your dollar doesn't buy an awful lot over here and it's compounded by the dollar crashing. Also, with the recession, a lot of properties are being taken off the market. Rents are very high, we'd need to pay at least 800 quid for anything approaching decent per month.
Tomorrow they're taking us to an outdoor adventure park...watch this space!
Nov 16th 2008, 7:40 pm
#42
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Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
When we were traveling with young kids we'd play a game where they could earn money spotting certain things as we were driving about, then when we stopped somewhere, we'd split their kitty and let them buy whatever they wanted from a charity shop. Helped keep them happy and of course a lot of the books and toys were different to what they saw in Canada, so that was a thrill.
Bev
Bev
Nov 16th 2008, 7:57 pm
#43
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Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
I tried to get on a simular show as well. but i'm a child expat, IT was my parents that had decided about the move...so it didn't count with me...as i had not done schooling in the UK and no experiences there...darn it!!!(would have jumped at the chance).
but.... hands down, for you to try it...it sounds like a great way to check out England and see if it anything tempts you into immigrating back..
for me, i thought the free flight back/forth was great..and if we wanted to move back AFTER the show. they paid the flight!!!!!!!! and having a tour-guide to show you things, people have to pay for that usually...ie) garringtons(housing)
so when are you moving back then.......lucky you!
but.... hands down, for you to try it...it sounds like a great way to check out England and see if it anything tempts you into immigrating back..
for me, i thought the free flight back/forth was great..and if we wanted to move back AFTER the show. they paid the flight!!!!!!!! and having a tour-guide to show you things, people have to pay for that usually...ie) garringtons(housing)
so when are you moving back then.......lucky you!
Nov 16th 2008, 8:17 pm
#44
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Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
Depressed! Horribly, horribly depressed. Shown a house for 269,000 quid today. Butchered by a DIY convert, one of the bedrooms had a bed in....that's it, just a bed, not possible to fit anything else in, not even a dead fly would have found room to lie down in there.
Tomorrow they're taking us to an outdoor adventure park...watch this space!
Tomorrow they're taking us to an outdoor adventure park...watch this space!
Keep the updates coming. I love it!
Nov 16th 2008, 8:35 pm
#45
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Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
Great reading Ezzie, thanks for reporting back. So are you staying over there or are you coming back to Oz?
How do you feel now you've got over the jet lag and your brain is functioning fully again?
Britain's cities are depressing, some of the towns are too. This is an age thing more than anything and a lack of investment. The one thing that stands out in Australia is the cleanliness of the modern towns and cities, I always noticed this in comparison to Britain.
I always lived in rural England so never had to deal with inner city dwellers but i can understand why people who do live and work in cities want to escape.
How do you feel now you've got over the jet lag and your brain is functioning fully again?
Britain's cities are depressing, some of the towns are too. This is an age thing more than anything and a lack of investment. The one thing that stands out in Australia is the cleanliness of the modern towns and cities, I always noticed this in comparison to Britain.
I always lived in rural England so never had to deal with inner city dwellers but i can understand why people who do live and work in cities want to escape.