694:(1989) When an administrative error causes 13-year-old Gavin to be sent to the wrong school, he begins truanting with a "gang" of younger kids. After his new friend Mark is hospitalised following a swimming race in the ocean, Gavin begins to suspect a nearby power station of leaking its waste into the sea. After organising a protest and gaining media attention, Gavin enlists the aid of a sympathetic teacher to help him break into the power station with a
29:
554:(1983) Returning to the school where he is a chorister, after an unhappy Easter holiday, John Owen faces the daunting task of singing the Beekeeper's solo in an ancient ritual at Whitsuntide. After refusing his duty, he is helped by the Head Chorister and the organist to uncover the 400-year-old mystery behind the beekeeper's service, and to regain his self-esteem by laying a ghost to rest.
618:(1986) Having taught for fifteen years in Inner London schools, Neil and Penny are delighted when a pools win enables them to buy a school in the country to develop as a healthy centre of private education. But its history as a reform school and their unruly children do not endear them to the locals. When funds threaten to run out, the children lend a hand... by kidnapping an old lady.
174:
571:(1984) Lisa and Jamie are residents in a children's home, which is threatened with closure. They escape to the seaside, where they encounter Mr. Skeeter, an elderly eccentric who befriends them. Jamie is convinced that Skeeter is a millionaire in disguise and that all their troubles are over. But in fact they are just beginning.
233:, was organised with the children learning acting skills working upstairs in the area used for administration, tea-making, and toilets, while those studying the technical aspects of film-making worked downstairs in two small rooms filled with old props and a plethora of donated equipment, which included a
134:
was a unique
British film production unit which offered children from the ages of 10 to 16 the opportunity to learn about all aspects of filmmaking, and to participate as part of the crew in the making of professional-quality feature films. The children were directly involved from the initial concept
213:
would be shot during weekends. Although all the films were then edited by director Colin Finbow, the children were given the opportunity to participate in the post-production process, within the limits of the post-production facilities and their own school schedules. Between features, the children's
293:
The CFU frequently employed the services of friends in the film and television industry, both in the creative fields, and also the areas of equipment hire, post-production facilities, and distribution/publicity, who regularly donated their time or equipment. One regular collaborator was composer,
587:(1984) Set in an idyllic valley, the story centres around a group of children surviving after the death of their elders. Three boys set out on a quest to determine who will be the tribe's next leader, and the discoveries of the youngest reveal the alarming truth behind their primitive existence.
201:
The CFU operated outside of normal school hours, when during regular weekend and holiday workshops the children were trained to a high level of competence in all aspects of filmmaking, including camera-work, lighting, sound, acting, writing, and costume. Although some of the CFU's children did
830:(1993) Crabbe College faces closure when parents start withdrawing their children (and fees) due to the recession. A possible solution is found in the shape of truants and young offenders who, it is hoped, will benefit from the rural surrounds and return to society the better for it.
866:
to the posh country house of 13-year-old Zander, where he is forced to endure Zander's snobbery and bullying. His only friends are Zandar's nanny and a young soldier named Blake. When Willie's father unexpectedly turns up in the woods having deserted the army, disaster strikes.
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1199:
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and Laura
Beaumont, this is the story of Felicity, whose habit of throwing things under her bed, including an uneaten bowl of cereal, moldy apples cores, family heirlooms, and even elderly relatives, leads to the birth of "Heap", a monster with an insatiable appetite.
795:(1992) Edwardian drama about a girl who dreams of becoming a doctor, but is unable to pursue her ambitions due to the social constraints of the era. By supernatural means she encounters a girl from the 1990s who is also unhappy, and the two friends swap places.
424:(with which the CFU often was confused in popular media) and was never shown on TV in the UK, while the last three films in the filmography listed below were only ever shown in the small hours of the morning, as Channel 4 shifted its focus in the later 1990s.
664:(1988) An accidental meeting between bored schoolgirl, Kelly, and suicidal schoolboy, Max, leads to the two children stealing a Ferrari and running away together in it. They briefly enjoy a love-hate relationship before the real world catches up with them.
1056:
932:
The CFU continued to operate for the first decade of the new millennium, but lack of funding prevented them from making any further feature films. On 9 August 2011 the
Children's Film Unit was removed from the register of UK charities.
722:(1990) A group of teenage boys are tricked into accompanying their teacher on a survival holiday to a deserted island, but after he suffers a nervous breakdown and turns hostile, the boys are forced to fend for themselves.
281:
etc.) was usually hired-in as needed, along with much other additional hardware. But despite the cramped conditions, the children of the CFU still found space to build interior sets when required. The CFU later moved to
965:
602:(1985) Unhappy schoolboy, Nick Foster, is sent to a psychiatrist after developing sores and hearing strange voices. She is at hand when a series of terrifying supernatural events threaten to destroy him.
1318:
1323:
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in South East London. The standard of the work Finbow and his students produced so excited professional film makers due to its quality and freshness that, after one of their films,
1333:
1313:
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CFU films had a theatrical release, as well as being shown on
British and overseas television, and were exhibited (and sometimes winners) at international film festivals.
1308:
1338:
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created the on-set effects for many of the films, and were among the industry professionals who gave lectures and demonstrations during weekend workshops.
205:
Generally the CFU produced one feature-length film per year, with the bulk of the production schedule occurring during the summer holidays. After
323:
and featured several members of the CFU in interviews and voice-over. The documentary concluded with scenes of the Royal
Premiere at
728:, Susan Curnow, Michael Bond, Damian Hodges, David Issacs, Danny Joy, Russell Lyesight, Hayden Peters, Carlton Taylor, Ben Wheeler
202:
perform in their films, they only played the roles of children. All adult characters were performed by professional adult actors.
709:
283:
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training consisted of making short films, and attending regular lectures and demonstrations from industry experts, such as
942:
421:
162:
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and relocated to the countryside, where he begins a series of schemes to try and accrue sufficient funds to return home.
1191:
1104:
1012:
416:
financed and televised most of the CFU's output, and
Watchmaker Films handled worldwide distribution. However,
298:, who composed the original music for most of the CFU's films. Ray and Tom Harris from special effects company
234:
182:
315:
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received critical acclaim, it was suggested that more children should benefit from this unique experience.
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based on the 1840 press account of a real case. Captain
Stirrick leads a gang of child
374:
923:
Cast includes: Daniel Cogan, David
Comerford, Tom Golding, Shanie Hanley, Rachel Malin
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891:
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412:, had a theatrical release, and been distributed in territories around the world.
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888:(1995) A break in the country has sinister repercussions for the Brady Family.
343:
Several films by the
Children's Film Unit received Royal Premieres, including:
907:
Cast includes: Danielle Hawley, Danny
Barnham, Ian Johnstone, Gordon Griffin,
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905:(1996) Two children are left alone in the house of their dead grandfather.
185:
writer, Colin Finbow. It had begun life as the film studies department at
557:
537:
London, but their attempt to rob a Lord ends in murder and a trip to the
229:
The CFU's tiny premises at Studio 4, Berrytime Studios, Queenstown Road,
141:
The CFU was a registered educational charity. Official patrons included
782:
538:
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Colin Finbow on location for "Doombeach" (1989) Photograph by Kit Ellis
181:
The Children's Film Unit was formed in 1981 by schoolteacher and ex-
398:
360:
250:
246:
172:
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documentary crew for an episode of the popular children's series
332:
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1319:
Television production companies of the United Kingdom
514:– First prize at the Youth Film Festival of Flanders
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327:, and merged its own credits with the credits from
118:
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135:of a film right through to the completed product.
1324:Educational charities based in the United Kingdom
1222:
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1218:
1279:"Bergman's Celebration of Life's Joy and Terror"
1304:Film production companies of the United Kingdom
666:Cast includes: Francesca Camillo, Max Rennie,
638:Cast includes: Nicola Stewart, Thomas Arnold,
743:drama follows young Howard Grainger as he is
620:Cast includes: Jenni Barrand, Jeremy Coster,
408:Almost all of their films have been shown on
8:
1334:2011 disestablishments in the United Kingdom
21:
1314:Mass media companies disestablished in 2011
1230:"Saturday morning pictures – Young at Art"
1198:. London. 17 November 1984. Archived from
245:cameras, one Arriflex 16BL camera, a 16mm
27:
20:
1329:1981 establishments in the United Kingdom
1010:http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/472044
422:Children's Film and Television Foundation
1309:Mass media companies established in 1981
309:(1991), the CFU crew were followed by a
1111:. London. 14 March 1992. Archived from
954:
507:Frankfurt, Belfast, Brighton, Edinburgh
420:was produced in collaboration with the
1226:Article about the CFU in its decline.
455:Frankfurt, Chicago, Dulu, and Duisburg
331:. This episode was first broadcast on
319:. This episode covered the filming of
161:CBE, QC. The President of the CFU was
7:
980:including some history of the CFU.
498:Frankfurt, Sydney, Chicago, London
463:– Awarded Prix Danube, Bratislava
14:
1228:Finch, Hilary (7 December 1995).
543:Cast includes: Julian Silvester,
457:– Awarded Lucas Prize, Frankfurt
1339:British children's entertainment
873:, Philip Boddy, Gordon Griffin,
735:(1991) Adapted from the book by
353:, on Saturday 17 September 1988
100:Colin Finbow (Artistic director)
982:Robinson, David (4 June 1982).
631:(1988) Adapted from a story by
284:Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden
103:Brianne Perkins (Film producer)
16:British film production project
1277:Brown, Geoff (22 April 1983).
700:Cast includes: Jeremy Coster,
604:Cast includes: Arnaud Morell,
391:, WC2, on Thursday 4 May 1995
1:
1252:Brown, Geoff (18 June 1982).
1189:in the London Film Festival.
869:Cast includes: Lee Turnbull,
858:(1994) 10-year-old Willie is
821:, Lally Percy, Gordon Griffin
556:Cast includes: Oliver Hicks,
1063:. London. 17 September 1988.
1029:The Lowdown: The Big Picture
966:Entry for charity no. 283918
964:Charity Commission Website,
753:Cast includes: Ben Brazier,
367:, on Sunday 4 November 1990
1105:"Weekend Royal Engagements"
1081:"Weekend Royal Engagements"
797:Cast includes: Anna Jones,
674:, Jenni Barrand, Luke Jones
381:, on Sunday 15 March 1992.
339:Exhibition and Distribution
1355:
1087:. London. 3 November 1990.
1057:"Today's Royal Engagement"
943:Children's Film Foundation
253:III, and assorted lights,
1015:28 September 2012 at the
405:, on Monday 3 March 1997
191:"The Custard Boys" (1979)
26:
335:at 17:10 on 5 May 1992.
22:The Children's Film Unit
1192:"Listing of Dark Enemy"
1171:. London. 3 March 1997.
351:Odeon Leicester Square
178:
1160:The Gingerbread House
1147:. London. 4 May 1995.
1039:. London. 5 May 1992.
903:The Gingerbread House
395:The Gingerbread House
389:Prince Charles Cinema
305:During production of
207:principal photography
176:
1287:Page 15, issue 61513
1238:Page 38, issue 65444
1212:Page 20, issue 61989
1173:Page 22, issue 65827
1149:Page 22, issue 65258
1125:Page 14, issue 64280
1089:Page 14, issue 63854
1065:Page 12, issue 63189
1041:Page 10, issue 64324
992:Page 11, issue 61251
518:Selected filmography
471:London & Chicago
428:Festivals and awards
132:Children's Film Unit
1262:Page 1, issue 61263
1141:"Royal Engagements"
747:from London during
679:Infantile Disorders
577:, Louise Rawlings,
446:London & Munich
197:The 1980s and 1990s
23:
836:, Gordon Griffin,
827:The Higher Mortals
616:School For Vandals
467:School For Vandals
187:Forest Hill School
179:
1249:Captain Stirrick.
898:, Jarrah Venables
670:, Amanda Murray,
640:Tim Brooke-Taylor
624:, Sebastian Knapp
220:Lord Attenborough
143:Lord Attenborough
128:
127:
1346:
1288:
1286:
1269:
1263:
1261:
1245:
1239:
1237:
1224:
1213:
1211:
1209:
1207:
1202:on 23 March 2015
1180:
1174:
1172:
1165:"Court Circular"
1156:
1150:
1148:
1132:
1126:
1124:
1122:
1120:
1115:on 23 March 2015
1096:
1090:
1088:
1072:
1066:
1064:
1048:
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1040:
1025:
1019:
1007:The Big Picture.
999:
993:
991:
978:Captain Stirrick
974:
968:
962:
805:, Toby Gregory,
668:John Louis Mansi
562:Frank Middlemass
523:Captain Stirrick
379:Leicester Square
325:Leicester Square
147:Steven Spielberg
49:Film, television
31:
24:
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1162:Royal Premiere
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1138:Royal Premiere
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1102:Royal Premiere
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1078:Royal Premiere
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1054:Royal Premiere
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1031:
1027:TV listing for
1026:
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1017:Wayback Machine
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996:
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975:
971:
963:
956:
951:
939:
930:
911:, Wendy Jones,
890:Cast includes:
875:Edward Highmore
844:, Tat Whalley,
832:Cast includes:
767:Richard Digance
759:Paul Brightwell
724:Cast includes:
683:Cast includes:
593:, Douglas Storm
589:Cast includes:
573:Cast includes:
564:, Douglas Storm
547:, Douglas Storm
520:
430:
341:
209:was completed,
199:
171:
123:Film production
114:Motion pictures
106:
94:
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40:Limited Company
17:
12:
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5:
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1289:
1273:A Swarm in May
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1151:
1127:
1100:How's Business
1091:
1067:
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1001:BFI entry for
994:
969:
953:
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950:
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946:
945:
938:
935:
929:
926:
871:Jean Alexander
799:Rosalind Ayres
787:Carol MacReady
733:How's Business
710:Peter Marshall
706:Michael Sheard
702:Glenda Jackson
696:Geiger counter
569:Mister Skeeter
552:A Swarm in May
519:
516:
476:A Swarm in May
461:Mister Skeeter
429:
426:
418:How's Business
375:Odeon West End
371:How's Business
340:
337:
329:How's Business
321:How's Business
307:How's Business
198:
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1053:
1052:Under The Bed
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916:
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914:
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899:
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892:Emily Richard
887:
883:
882:
881:, Tat Whalley
880:
879:Jemima Rooper
876:
872:
865:
861:
857:
853:
852:
851:
847:
843:
839:
838:Susannah York
835:
834:Jemima Rooper
829:
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823:
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820:
819:Peter Bayliss
816:
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803:Martin Jarvis
800:
794:
793:Emily's Ghost
790:
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788:
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780:
779:Emily Richard
776:
772:
771:Don Henderson
768:
765:, Sara Clee,
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737:Alison Prince
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672:Peter Bayliss
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656:Maria Charles
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649:
648:Graeme Garden
645:
641:
634:
630:
629:Under The Bed
626:
625:
623:
622:Peter Bayliss
617:
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612:
611:
607:
606:Susannah York
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579:Orlando Wells
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575:Peter Bayliss
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548:
546:
545:Freddie Jones
540:
536:
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528:
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517:
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509:
508:
504:
503:Emily's Ghost
500:
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495:
491:
490:
486:
485:Under The Bed
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347:Under The Bed
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288:Hertfordshire
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243:Arriflex 16SR
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163:Prince Edward
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159:John Mortimer
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151:Susannah York
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1233:
1204:. Retrieved
1200:the original
1195:
1186:
1182:
1178:
1168:
1159:
1154:
1144:
1136:Willie's War
1135:
1130:
1117:. Retrieved
1113:the original
1108:
1099:
1094:
1084:
1075:
1070:
1060:
1051:
1046:
1036:
1028:
1023:
1006:
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972:
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928:21st century
922:
918:
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909:Brian Sibley
906:
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868:
856:Willie's War
855:
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850:Paula Wilcox
831:
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685:Mark Heatley
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610:Bert Parnaby
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512:Willie's War
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385:Willie's War
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346:
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328:
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306:
304:
299:
292:
228:
226:and others.
224:Lord Puttnam
216:Bryan Forbes
204:
200:
190:
180:
155:Lord Puttnam
140:
137:
131:
129:
78:Headquarters
65:Colin Finbow
36:Company type
18:
1206:26 November
1185:listing of
1119:24 November
1003:The Lowdown
913:Patsy Byrne
864:East London
846:John Altman
842:Patsy Byrne
815:Patsy Byrne
807:Anna Massey
775:Brett Fancy
763:Paul Copley
687:, Gavin May
652:Peter Corey
531:pickpockets
316:The Lowdown
300:Any Effects
296:Dave Hewson
273:equipment (
263:microphones
1298:Categories
1271:Review of
1247:Review of
1187:Dark Enemy
1158:Notice of
1134:Notice of
1098:Notice of
1074:Notice of
1050:Notice of
976:Review of
949:References
896:Simon Ward
886:Nightshade
714:Emma Freud
644:Bill Oddie
633:Bill Oddie
591:David Haig
585:Dark Enemy
442:Dark Enemy
403:Piccadilly
365:Piccadilly
249:camera, a
157:, and Sir
93:Key people
1285:. London.
1283:The Times
1260:. London.
1258:The Times
1236:. London.
1234:The Times
1196:The Times
1169:The Times
1145:The Times
1109:The Times
1085:The Times
1076:Doombeach
1061:The Times
1037:The Times
990:. London.
988:The Times
860:evacuated
811:Ron Moody
755:Ron Moody
749:the Blitz
745:evacuated
720:Survivors
692:Doombeach
662:Hard Road
535:Victorian
525:(1982) A
494:Doombeach
451:Hard Road
414:Channel 4
410:Channel 4
357:Doombeach
239:Steenbeck
231:Battersea
1013:Archived
1005:episode
984:"Cinema"
937:See also
726:Ian Hogg
558:Jack May
211:pick-ups
183:Avengers
119:Services
111:Products
46:Industry
1254:"Films"
921:(1997)
919:Awayday
783:Ann Way
741:wartime
739:, this
681:(1988)
539:gallows
527:musical
489:Chicago
387:at The
373:at the
349:at the
235:Moviola
169:Origins
86:England
70:Defunct
62:Founder
54:Founded
1183:Events
1033:"BBC1"
599:Daemon
480:Moscow
437:Munich
433:Daemon
279:cranes
275:dollys
265:, and
259:lenses
241:, two
82:London
862:from
399:BAFTA
361:BAFTA
286:, in
267:booms
251:Nagra
247:Bolex
1208:2012
1121:2012
333:BBC1
271:Grip
255:legs
237:, a
130:The
73:2011
57:1981
533:in
397:at
359:at
311:BBC
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469:–
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444:–
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