UTV Christmas Presentation

UTV are now running Christmas-themed versions of the "50th anniversary" archive promos, I've spotted four so far this morning:

Gary Gillespie's "turkey" report from 1983
The Bangor pensioners' Christmas party from 1981
The 1960s voxpop with the gentleman who hates Christmas
Santa being unveiled as David Dunseith



Also noticed John Kearns seems to be the new "voice of promos" at Havoc House.

I'm actually surprised that hasn't happened already -- the sector is so creatively bankrupt, and they have raided virtually every other "retro" approach in recent years, that some form of revised IVC is sat waiting to be revived.

I wonder if, somewhat ironically, stragglers like UTV aren't actually holding this process back?

Let's not forget that this has happened once before -- in the 1970s IVC takeup actually increased, with Granada introducing it for the first time and Tyne Tees bringing it back after an out-of-vision phase imposed by a lack of cash in the early 70s. In the latter case it reinvigorated the idea; they tore down the formality completely at a time when most companies were still very straight-laced and 50s-facing (which was one of the reasons some companies got rid in the 80s). Tyne Tees were too small though so this approach fell by the wayside for a long time.

Surely in vision is more expensive isn't it?

They need to have a good camera in place, and there is surely more work involved as well. With non in vision, the announcer is just sitting in the little booth then a light comes on when he/she can speak, and they can see the ident as they speak and know how long they have left.

It would be nice to see it though. I am to young to know in vision continuity (I have seen in vision on UTV though) so of course I would love to see it, but I can't see how broadcasters will decide to use it again.

In-vision is cheaper when you factor in the fact that (a) you don't need as many idents/promos, and (b) you don't need to change them as often, due to the in-vision taking over the "branding" of the station.

Small studios are cheaper than ever.

Don't forget BBC3 had invision for a bit when they relaunched last year. Didn't last long though.

Does anyone know if the adverts for UTV Media-related companies (UTV Internet, UTV Drive, FM104, RecruitNI) are paid for or just used to pad out breaks? I'm beginning to get fed up of seeing them in almost every ad break... mind you, it makes a change from DFS.

And can I add how great it's been to see Rose and Pamela in-vision over the past few nights? I have to say their individual styles, as well as Gillian's, really suit the station and make a change from the same-old trailers - mind you, the rate of repetition on the Ant and Dec one is starting to bug me, as is John Kearns' BEL-faaaast accent on them.

And a shout-out for the other side at Broadcasting House, who have again been doing a sterling job in their links - hope whoever's on duty on Christmas Day are in the usual fine fettle they have been in the past few years. And is the male voice on the new BBC Radio Ulster jingles package by a certain BBC NI CA and erstwhile TVFer?

The UTV commercials are paid for - it's against OFCOM regulations if they weren't... The only way to pad breaks is with promos.

Could be wrong on this, but it's lumps of charcoal to the folks at Havoc House for only having Julian on live continuity duty today. The only thing remotely close to a human voice was a pre-record by, I think, Marc Mallett, into the Queen's Speech. Bet if Robin Taylor was still on contract we'd have had him there throughout the morning, probably in-vis this year in either red jacket or tux.

While it's lots of love and big thanks to the BBC NI pres team for another sterling and truly festive day. They all got their name check going into Top of the Pops by Michael Higgins (hope I got it right this year!), while Paul Reid was in top form into and out of Doctor Who.

Sorry Col, that was Michael Selby this afternoon. Michael Higgins was only on until lunchtime.

Sorry Col, that was Michael Selby this afternoon. Michael Higgins was only on until lunchtime.

Thanks very much

Merry Christmas to all.

One year, I will get it right...