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To be hurt and annoyed at being dropped by the BBC?

641 replies

Ladyof2025 · 12/02/2025 18:14

BBC contacted me asking me to speak on camera about an aspect of local history I happen to know a bit about. I agreed and spent the next few days brushing up on the facts and then writing and rewriting a script and reading it out loud again and again until I knew it by heart and could speak confidently to camera as though I'd never said it before.

I do not have a pretty face, and am in my 60s and rather podgy, but I went to the trouble of going through my wardrobe for the perfect outfit that flattered my podginess, and had my hair cut specially and put on some make up, so I could be the best possible version of me that I could.

The production team visited, took me to the site and filmed me speaking. I did it smoothly and confidently and was glad that I had put in all the rehearsal so I came across as knowledgeable, professional and confident of my material. They said my performance was perfect, thanked me profusely and left.

After about a week they rang me to say that due to time and space issues the section of the programme that featured my input had been dropped. I felt absolutely gutted, not because I want to see myself on TV but because I had used up a lot of my valuable free time for several days preparing and rehearsing for it (for no fee I should add).

A few months later the programme I was dropped from came on TV and to my utter astonishment an attractive, slim young lady appeared, at the same site I was filmed at, and she spoke the exact words I had written and rehearsed! I nearly fell off my chair - the absolute bloody cheek of dropping ME but stealing the script that I had written. Thinking about it, I realised that they wanted my expert input, but not my saggy face or ample figure.

AIBU to be hurt and angry?

OP posts:
MasterBeth · 16/02/2025 09:12

Gravitasdepleted · 12/02/2025 18:23

That's intellectual property theft, Id be contacting a lawyer

It isn't.

"The truth" isn't intellectual property. The OP shared the results of her research where she had found written evidence of things that weren't generally known about the building. If she had written them into a book, then the book would be her intellectual property but the facts in the book would just be facts, which anyone can report.

I can see why@Ladyof2025 was upset and disappointed with the outcome, especially if she believed her contribution had been dropped because of her looks or delivery.

The thing the production company definitely did wrong was to not be clearer with her how her contribution might be used. In fact, now I re-read the original post again, I see that they did get in touch to say she wouldn't be onscreen. They could have explained the changes they made to the film at that point.

It's still not 100% clear to me @Ladyof2025 exactly who the woman who spoke your words was. A presenter? A researcher? A local expert? If she spoke your script, did she claim to have discovered the new information/ done the research?

There is one very easy way to clarify all this for the sceptics on this thread. Could you share your script on here? And what programme was this? As it's still on iPlayer, they will all be able to see for themselves what went on and how you were treated

Audiprettier · 16/02/2025 07:56

PointsSouth · 12/02/2025 18:41

Excellent response. Proportionate, measured, balanced, informed and backed up.

Have you thought of a career in TV journalism?

There speaks someone who works for them!!!

snowmichael · 15/02/2025 23:24

Producethis · 13/02/2025 11:04

Not in docs they don’t. In fact, where do they pay piecework for scripts? Never heard of that but would quite like to get in on it 😁

Either you're on their list or you're not :)

Katisha · 15/02/2025 13:52

People who work in the field are trying to explain how it works. Its not a bashing to say they don't want pre-prepared scripts from contributors. If OP wants to make her unhappiness known she needs to email the person who booked her, if that is still possible.

Chickoletta · 15/02/2025 11:08

No idea why you’ve taken such a bashing on this post @Ladyof2025. I think you are entirely justified to be upset and, in you position, I would be emailing the BBC to clarify what happened. Very disappointing for you.

FiveBarGate · 14/02/2025 23:27

I agree with asking for a credit for the research or just a 'with thanks to '.

I think you are taking it very personally, which is understandable, but the reality of TV doesn't work like that.

The programme has to run to exactly 28 minutes or whatever the time slot is

It probably isn't about how you look or how you said it but the length of your answers. This isn't to say they weren't good answers either. They obviously liked the content but if that section must only be 3 minutes and 45 seconds, that's how it has to be cut. If you go into a lot of detail then it's difficult to be left with anything useable that also meets the time requirements.

We tend to advise speaking in shorter phrases because it's easier to cut so perhaps worth thinking about if you ever get asked again.

They probably did get their presenter to do the same after you to provide more options for the final edit as at the time of filming they probably didn't have everyone else's contribution.

WeCanOnlyDoOurBest · 14/02/2025 23:11

beenonthebox · 14/02/2025 23:08

Well my ego is certainly enjoying the attention you are giving to me. Please don't stop.

Brilliant, I’ll give you full marks for that one, genuinely 😁

WeCanOnlyDoOurBest · 14/02/2025 23:09

Twaddlepip · 14/02/2025 22:47

It’s maths.

I stand corrected, you’re absolutely right. It’s math in USA and Canada

beenonthebox · 14/02/2025 23:08

WeCanOnlyDoOurBest · 14/02/2025 22:35

Yeah, thank you, I did the math (it’s math not maths btw) I found the calculation to be correct
Beenonthebox… oh come on, really? your post was me, me, me,. I, I, I, I, I’ve, I’ve I’ve.
I hit a raw nerve because the truth is your ego played a massive part in your response, even your name is ego based ‘Beenonthebox’.
Your post which went on and on and on and on was all about you, it wasn’t intended to help OP, it was just a bragging fest to let users know you’re on the TV. No one is bothered.
And the following paragraph of yours is just a small part of your post “to help OP” hmmmm 🧐

….“As a result of this, I've had several television appearances, one of which I was a main contributor to the program, and numerous interviews for radio and written media.
I knew well in advance of appearing on TV that the opportunity was likely to arise at some point in the future, based on the work I was doing, and that it would be a matter of time & opportunity. Ahead of that, I did a lot of research into what makes someone a good guest speaker on TV & radio, and it was suggested that becoming a regular caller on a local radio was always a good start, so I pursued this with my county's BBC radio station - it didn't take long for them to start calling me up out of the blue, asking my thoughts on all sorts of subjects and asking if I'd be willing to go on air "for a chat".
Blah blah blah 🥱

Well my ego is certainly enjoying the attention you are giving to me. Please don't stop.

Twaddlepip · 14/02/2025 22:47

WeCanOnlyDoOurBest · 14/02/2025 22:46

Brilliant 🤣🤣🤣

It’s maths.

WeCanOnlyDoOurBest · 14/02/2025 22:46

rollon20again · 14/02/2025 22:43

Have a few of the posters been on the vino tonight?

Brilliant 🤣🤣🤣

rollon20again · 14/02/2025 22:43

Have a few of the posters been on the vino tonight?

WeCanOnlyDoOurBest · 14/02/2025 22:35

beenonthebox · 14/02/2025 19:12

Well done on taking the time out to do the maths.

My point is, to the OP specifically, to pool life experience of a shared situation, and show what it can really be like, and offer some explanation as to why what happened to her did not align with her vision.

It also helps people like you to fill their time by reading 100% of my comment.

HTH.

Yeah, thank you, I did the math (it’s math not maths btw) I found the calculation to be correct
Beenonthebox… oh come on, really? your post was me, me, me,. I, I, I, I, I’ve, I’ve I’ve.
I hit a raw nerve because the truth is your ego played a massive part in your response, even your name is ego based ‘Beenonthebox’.
Your post which went on and on and on and on was all about you, it wasn’t intended to help OP, it was just a bragging fest to let users know you’re on the TV. No one is bothered.
And the following paragraph of yours is just a small part of your post “to help OP” hmmmm 🧐

….“As a result of this, I've had several television appearances, one of which I was a main contributor to the program, and numerous interviews for radio and written media.
I knew well in advance of appearing on TV that the opportunity was likely to arise at some point in the future, based on the work I was doing, and that it would be a matter of time & opportunity. Ahead of that, I did a lot of research into what makes someone a good guest speaker on TV & radio, and it was suggested that becoming a regular caller on a local radio was always a good start, so I pursued this with my county's BBC radio station - it didn't take long for them to start calling me up out of the blue, asking my thoughts on all sorts of subjects and asking if I'd be willing to go on air "for a chat".
Blah blah blah 🥱

ZebedeeDougalFlorence · 14/02/2025 21:52

Ladyof2025 · 14/02/2025 14:12

Some comments make me want never to post anything personal or about being upset like this on here ever again. Firstly I can't believe that anyone can accuse me of making it up. For what purpose? And then so many people saying I am at fault for not insisting on a contract, for not charging them, for being "wooden" or "vain" and wanting to "feed my ego", for choosing an outfit, getting prepared and even for cutting my hair.... and so on and so on. Bloody hell!

That's MN for you. Its reach is so wide that you're bound to get a few well...oddbods posting. it's difficult to do so, but I would try to ignore them and concentrate on the (seemingly) sensible people.

crankytoes · 14/02/2025 21:31

Ladyof2025 · 14/02/2025 14:12

Some comments make me want never to post anything personal or about being upset like this on here ever again. Firstly I can't believe that anyone can accuse me of making it up. For what purpose? And then so many people saying I am at fault for not insisting on a contract, for not charging them, for being "wooden" or "vain" and wanting to "feed my ego", for choosing an outfit, getting prepared and even for cutting my hair.... and so on and so on. Bloody hell!

Come on. This place is full of randoms behind keyboards. Randoms who criticise a woman for having skinny legs and wearing navy.

crankytoes · 14/02/2025 21:30

@TaggieO

How can you possibly know what research every single other person has done on a topic?! That’s so bloody arrogant. If you found it, someone else with an interest in the topic can too. I’m pretty sure you aren’t the only person who knows how to look at books and papers, just because something isn’t on the internet!
It might not be arrogant at all. The OP could discover something because it is linked to their family or because it's connected to something they then selves created or found. There are lots of ways it could be impossible for anyone else to have discovered some complex aspect of something.
What's bloody arrogant is your assertion. Arrogant and rather lacking imagination.

Convolvulus · 14/02/2025 21:28

Ladyof2025 · 13/02/2025 09:19

Thanks, that makes me feel so much more confident about myself! Not. So, I am stilted and wooden, so should leave TV appearances to the smooth, confident professionals. I'll remember that in the future and turn down any future opportunity to share my passion with the world because, clearly, I am just not good enough!

Please don't take this personally. It's simply a fact that people who speak spontaneously about a topic they know about come over much better than people reading a speech or reciting something they have learnt. Barristers, for instance, don't script their closing speeches, because they're aware that extemporising will hold the jury's or the judge's attention much better. I've been to lectures where all people did was read a paper, and interesting through the topics should have been to me, I've literally struggled to stay awake.

It's not your fault that you didn't know that. If the opportunity arises again, have faith in your own knowledge and don't write a script. At most, write yourself a few bullet points and keep those with you as an aide memoire. I'm sure you'd be great.

Convolvulus · 14/02/2025 21:22

Simplynotsimple · 12/02/2025 18:22

That is surprising, if I’m honest. The bbc have always seem to use those who know their stuff rather than make a ‘pretty young thing’ read a script. Have you followed up on this?

I agree. As I mentioned, I've occasionally done an interview to give background information about the field I work in, or to spout an opinion, and I'm no beauty. And look at people like Mary Beard, for instance - fantastic woman, would never claim to be an oil-painting.

Ladyof2025 · 14/02/2025 20:09

TaggieO · 14/02/2025 19:23

How can you possibly know what research every single other person has done on a topic?! That’s so bloody arrogant. If you found it, someone else with an interest in the topic can too. I’m pretty sure you aren’t the only person who knows how to look at books and papers, just because something isn’t on the internet!

I know - 100%

OP posts:
SnoozingFox · 14/02/2025 19:24

And the release you signed will have a clause about "using your contribution in any way the producers see fit" and that's exactly what they did.

TaggieO · 14/02/2025 19:23

Ladyof2025 · 14/02/2025 13:51

Why don't you understand what I have written? Do I have to actually out myself to make you understand?

Nobody else has done the research I have done.

Nobody else knows the historic names I uncovered.

It is not on the net.

Locally, nobody but me is interested enough to have researched the house beyond what they have read on Wikipedia and which they repeat over and over again ad nauseum, never adding any more information.

This national crew came down from London to film the house and I was thrilled to be able to impart the results of my brand new, never-published research, which included names nobody else but me knows are associated with the house. The director told me at the time they did not know ANY of the names or extra, new info that I was about to talk about to the camera.

Is that now clear?

How can you possibly know what research every single other person has done on a topic?! That’s so bloody arrogant. If you found it, someone else with an interest in the topic can too. I’m pretty sure you aren’t the only person who knows how to look at books and papers, just because something isn’t on the internet!

beenonthebox · 14/02/2025 19:19

LlamaDharma · 14/02/2025 19:17

Welcome to Mumsnet unfortunately.

In fairness, I have seen far, far worse than what's on this thread...the "horrible" comments have, generally speaking, been telling it how it is, and it's that which hasn't gone down well.

Ethylred · 14/02/2025 19:18

It's the telly. Lie down with dogs, get up with fleas.

LlamaDharma · 14/02/2025 19:17

Ladyof2025 · 14/02/2025 14:12

Some comments make me want never to post anything personal or about being upset like this on here ever again. Firstly I can't believe that anyone can accuse me of making it up. For what purpose? And then so many people saying I am at fault for not insisting on a contract, for not charging them, for being "wooden" or "vain" and wanting to "feed my ego", for choosing an outfit, getting prepared and even for cutting my hair.... and so on and so on. Bloody hell!

Welcome to Mumsnet unfortunately.

beenonthebox · 14/02/2025 19:16

Ladyof2025 · 14/02/2025 14:12

Some comments make me want never to post anything personal or about being upset like this on here ever again. Firstly I can't believe that anyone can accuse me of making it up. For what purpose? And then so many people saying I am at fault for not insisting on a contract, for not charging them, for being "wooden" or "vain" and wanting to "feed my ego", for choosing an outfit, getting prepared and even for cutting my hair.... and so on and so on. Bloody hell!

Fair enough, but you've still not told us why you wanted to be involved in the filming in the first place...I've brought it up at least twice, and said on both occasions that if nothing else your information was put out there for the greater good of your cause. Thus in my view, all was not lost and you could choose to take some comfort from knowing how good your content was.

Unless it wasn't about raising the profile of your cause, in which case I can't really say much more without knowing what that is.