Lotus Elan needed for BBC documentary filming on Wednesday

[AlanM]

This is incredibly short notice but if you can help please contact Mark direct.

From: Mark Richardson [mailto:[email protected]

Subject: Lotus Elan for BBC documentary filming

Hi Alan,

I am emailing following our conversation on the phone earlier this afternoon. As
previously mentioned, we are looking for a Lotus Elan to feature in one of our films
as part of a new three-part BBC documentary entitled 'James May's Cars of the
People,' which looks at those cars that have been particularly socially significant
in the twentieth century.

Ideally we would like an Elan Sprint Convertible in good condition. If none of these are available, another model of convertible Elan may suffice. Filming is due to take place in Gaydon, Warwickshire, on the 15th May (this Wednesday).

The sequence we are planning to shoot involves the Elan being driven with some other British and Italian sports cars from the 1970s, as well as with some other cars from the era and a little later. The car will only be driven sedately and used in static shots - it will not be raced or driven hard. We would require the car for the whole day (usually an 8.30am call) but realistically we should be able to do it in half a day. If the owner drives it to us then it is under their insurance until it reaches us, at which point during out filming (unless the
owner moves it) it is under ours. If you are relatively nearby we may be able to pick up the car and return it to the owner. In any case, all expenses will be reimbursed.

I hope this is enough information but do give me a ring or drop me an email if you
have any further questions. Thanks very much in advance,

Best wishes,

Mark

Mark Richardson
RESEARCHER - James May's Cars of the People

E. [email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]
>
T. 0208 008 0205
M. 07916 517120
A. Energy Centre Zone 2B, BBC Media Village, 201 Wood Lane, London, W12 7TQ

[stevebroad]

Only expenses? Where is the incentive to loan a car? There are businesses that specialise in hiring cars to film companies, I am sure that they could find you a suitable car. Oops, sorry, I guess you are trying to do it on the cheap, banking on someone wanting their 15 minutes

[AlanM]

Steve - perhaps read my post again...?

I'm not looking for an Elan - the BBC contacted Club Lotus and I'm simply forwarding their request.

Nobody's "trying to do it on the cheap" it's simply an opportunity if anyone's interested.

[stevebroad]

Yes, I know it isn't for you, but the BBC is still trying to do it on the cheap A friend of mine hires out military vehicles to film sets at ?100s a day. However, if you want your car on TV it is a great opportunity.

[Spyder fan]

Alan,
Good luck, somebody might be prepared to loan their pride and joy in return for seeing it on the TV, no doubt with Mr Mays flowing locks rustling in the breeze.

We are a bunch of old cynics on this site, so please forgive us for pouring scorn on the message you have passed on.

As pointed out, there are companies who specialise in hiring classic cars for film & TV, usually they are agents for private individuals. Generally the daily hire charge for a rare and desirable sports car with a market value around ?40,000 is upwards of ?300 per day plus a delivery charge of 40p per mile, normally there is a minimum 2 day hire required although single day can be negotiated. A minimum of a weeks notice is usually required.

Of couse if the researcher manages to blag a car effectively for free, perhaps he gets a bonus?

An interesting site hiring classics for filming here http://www.tvtalentsupermarket.com/listings/classic-cars-available-to-hire-for-tv-and-film.html

[Thornts]

Yes, the Beeb are trying to save a few ? but it is our money they are trying to save (well, UK types at least) and someone may actually enjoy a day out. Better an Elan.netter has the "fun" than a comercial organisation. OK they are perhaps taking advantage of us enthusiasts but no enthusiast EVER mentions such things as and when they come to sell their car. I've never seen a For Sale Ad with "as seen on XYZ" in it.
David Piper and Adrain Hamilton may take a different view of course...
Quite why they only decided they need the car on Monday is another matter...
Interesting to see how it turns out.
Cheers
Rob
S3 SE FHC
S2 7

[Alexm]

Just seen this post today.

I live half an hour from Gaydon. If I had a Sprint, I'd take the day off work to do it. It would be something fun and different to do. I wouldn't need any sort of financial incentive or even expenses. Life isn't all about time and money as people seem to thin these days.

I'm sure Paul Matty's would have been more than pleased to take one.

[Spyder fan]

Just seen this post today.

I live half an hour from Gaydon. If I had a Sprint, I'd take the day off work to do it. It would be something fun and different to do. I wouldn't need any sort of financial incentive or even expenses. Life isn't all about time and money as people seem to thin these days.

I'm sure Paul Matty's would have been more than pleased to take one.

Alex, ( I assume that's your name ?)
You obviously feel very strongly about this as it's prompted you to make your third post on lotuselan.net since you joined in 2011!!!!

Not everyone shares your enthusiasm it seems, personally I prefer to give a little by displaying my cars at the Club Lotus Staffordshire Branch stand at the NEC Classic motor show. My S4 was there last year and my +2 will be there this year.

I wouldn't be happy to loan my car for this sort of event, only special trusted friends who are like minded enthusiasts get to drive my cars. I disagree that it would be fun, I would expect a lot of boring sitting around to happen and that I would be ignored by the crew and the presenters.

Would Paul Matty's have been interested? They are a business after all.

Regards

PS: Keep that post rate up!

[rodlittle]

Ive learnt my lesson, Ive lent equipment to several tv companies and the BBC they always want it for nothing!
never again, mostly you dont even get a thank you
rod

[AHM]

Alexm,

It is a pity you don't have a Sprint. Just knowing that you had taken a day off to be there would give me a warm feeling!
..... everyone else there would be on the payroll!

People seem too fat these days.

AHM

[pereirac]

Bummer, missed this and it's too late now. Might have considered offering my car in exchange for a couple of years worth of TV licenses..

I did spend a happy day at a photoshoot for Classic Cars at Brands Hatch a few years ago (also advertised on this website). They offered to pay expenses but the chance to drive round the race track and see my car on the front cover of the magazine (it seems that Elans sell classic car magazines) made the whole event worthwhile so I asked for a couple of A3 printouts of the Magazine pages instead...

Carl

[Spyder fan]

This just came through by email from Club Lotus, maybe someone is willing? Not sure why he just wants type 26. 36 & 50 cars,

Good Day!


I'm member of the editorial staff of the German magazine BRITISH CLASSICS, totally devoted to all transports "Made in Britain" - mainly classic cars. In the second half of June I'm in England with my photographer again, to produce new stories for BRITISH CLASSICS.

At the last talk with my chief-editor, he told me, he wishes an article about the Lotus Elan (Type 26, 36 and 50). This finds my own strong interest as I'm very keen on Lotus and have already written articles about, also a book about DeLorean, which has very strong links to Lotus.

My challenge now is to find one owner or three owners with the three mentioned Elan for a professional photoshooting ... and I hope, that you could help be with it.


I thank you very much in advance for all your help!

With best regards from a very wet and cool Germany,

Michael



Michael Sch?fer
*******************
CHILTERNGREEN - WORT & BILD
Journalism, Photographie and Picture-Library
Herdichsgartenstrasse 31
D-69514 Laudenbach
G E R M A N Y
Tel.: ++49-6201-980989
Mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.chilterngreen.de/

[pereirac]

So no type 45 then, not that I have one, just feel sorry for them being left out

Carl

[Spyder fan]

I wonder if it's a language thing,

In German precise dialect; Type 26 is Dhc and Type 36 is Fhc so all models are covered for the Elan, Type 45 is an English attempt to confound and complicate things for Teutonic efficiency.

Don't mention Sprint or 1966 or any other notable event either!

[pereirac]

Hi Alan,

So where does a 'supersprint" fit in then? Neat car

Carl