Has anyone given birth in hospital whilst they are filming obem?

[suntodayplease]

What was it like out of interest?
Is it easy to avoid being on the cameras? Do you have to sign a consent form if they want to use footage of you even if you're not one of the featured couples? Ie if you're walking about the corridors etc?
Thanks

Hi :)
I haven't, but I did go for a tour of southmead - where they are filming the next one born, last week. I assume this is why you are asking?
The cameras are all over the place. You won't avoid them. However, the ladies showing us around said that you need to sign loads of forms to be in the programme, so not to worry about 'accidentally' being in it.
However I don't know if that counts for any screaming the cameras happen to overhear!!

Thanks, do you know if they are always filming? So if you're adamant you don't want to be in the programme at all will they still film you in the delivery room and delete the footage at a later date? I've not had a tour this time, but really not keen on the filming. My mw doesn't know much about it, but said she wouldn't want to be filmed, and that apparently a lot of the staff there weren't keen on the idea too.

Not sure to be honest, but I doubt it. Tht would be a lot of wasted footage to delete! I assumed those that were involved would inform OBEM when they are going in, so they can be filmed. Because I think (not sure) I have seen microphones on them on previous series?! Could be wrong though.
If you concerned I think the production company is called dragonfly productions - could contact them and ask. Or next time one of the stalker recruitment people tracks you down - quiz them in detail! :)
I'm going to try and forget they there to be honest - ive signed nothing so don't expect to see myself on the telly any time soon!

Hello, just to reassure you (I work in TV production), you will not be filmed in the delivery suite etc and the footage later deleted. The people whose births are filmed are pre-selected and go through an in depth consent process.

Similarly you won't end up in back of shot in corridor or anything as they must have signed consent for everyone!

I took my DP to A&E at Kings when they were filming 24hours, that's slightly different as they have cameras in the waiting area which might be filming someone (with their consent) who you sit next to, and then end up (fleetingly) in shot, but they still won't use it. They send people round to chat to you and ask if you mind being in shot and if you do they don't film or use any footage.

hth

Thanks both, that's reassuring. I really really don't want to be filmed at all, and it was putting me off going to that hospital. Will no doubt reiterate my reluctance to be on camera whilst on the G&A too!

I worked in one of the hospitals on the junior doctors series on bbc. I refused (!) to appear on film - some times I would be speaking to a "star" - I was asked if I would sign to say it could be shown, but said no (they weren't pushy). I think I might have been shown once, but the face was blurred and the voice muted with subtitles. Even I'm not sure if it was me or not!

From that, I'd have thought you should be fine even if walking in the background!

monniemae, with apologies to the OP for the quick hijack, but interested in your opinion. I was caught in a shot for location, location, location which was aired recently. I had no idea I was filmed until I started receiving texts from people saying they'd spotted me. I am quite embarrassed as I am 'running' in the shot. I look terrible and had thrown on a pair of leggings and one of DH tips as my pregnancy was just showing.

When does consent need to be obtained? Is it a case of because I was in a public park I'm fair game for national TV!?

Again so sorry OP but I had to seize the opportunity to ask an expert

Yoni - yes because you were in a public place... it's about "reasonable expectation of privacy". However, the fact you were featured significantly enough to be fully recognisable so people texted you is a bit off maybe.
It's a grey area... Basically some companies and broadcasters wouldn't "pass" a shot where someone in the background was so clear. Others are more relaxed... So for eg if you were in a park and caught in shot with several other passers by, that might be considered reasonable.

I've worked with production mamagers who point out that if we film a couple in the background holding hands they might be having an affair or skiving work and we've infringed their privacy..

Thanks monniemae. Very interesting subject.

OP - hope you have a peaceful and private birth!