'Confessions from the Underground' (TV program)

[anthony263]

I apoligise if this thread is in the wrong place or if there is 1 already (I looked but couldnt find 1)

Just had this emailed to me

Channel 4 are airing a documentary called:

'Confessions from the Underground' which is being aired on Thursday 2nd February at 22:00.

 

[SS4]

Sounds interesting, I shall set it to record

 

[district]

Thanks for the alert!

 

[Bungle73]

From DigiGuide:

DOCUMENTARY: Confessions From the Underground
On: Channel 4 HD (140)
Date: Thursday 2nd February 2012 (starting in 7 days)
Time: 22:00 to 23:05 (1 hour and 5 minutes long)

Over a billion passengers a year. And 19,000 employees. All facing a daily battle with the world's oldest subway system: the London Underground. This one-hour documentary provides a rare glimpse into the depths of the iconic Tube network that passengers don't see, as workers reveal the dilemmas and pressures that they must reconcile to keep this hugely complex and strained system running. Actors voice the precise words of the workers: train drivers, maintenance workers, station staff and controllers. They negotiate the difficulties of storing dead bodies after suicides and the hazards of an ageing infrastructure while fixing signal failures. They confront aggressive passengers and emergency incidents and try to make sense of a bewildering array of procedures and targets. Ever wondered why you've heard a 'good service' announcement over the tannoy when you've been stuck on a train for the last 10 minutes?

 

[Daniel]

I was filmed for this, no idea if it'll be used though.

 

[WatcherZero]

One of the revelations by anonymous staff supposedly storing of bodies in broom cupboards.

 

[Daniel]

One of the revelations by anonymous staff supposedly storing of bodies in broom cupboards.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-14095007

 

[WatcherZero]

Their right a normal ambulance wouldnt shift it, but it does not not take five hours for a Black Ambulance!

 

[Daniel]

But anyway, back to the documentary, from speaking to the film crew it does at least look like they're genuinely trying to show all aspects of the running of the underground, from CSA's to Service Managers... should be interesting.

 

[SS4]

But anyway, back to the documentary, from speaking to the film crew it does at least look like they're genuinely trying to show all aspects of the running of the underground, from CSA's to Service Managers... should be interesting.

It sounds it. I wonder if it'll be anything like The Tube that aired a some years ago? That show was pretty good

 

[OuterDistant]

Anyone remember a documentary from the early 90s? They focussed on Angel station, IIRC.

 

[CosherB]

Ever wondered why you've heard a 'good service' announcement over the tannoy when you've been stuck on a train for the last 10 minutes?

Ha! When I worked in London I soon learned to ignore tannoy announcements, which were often made for purposes other than to help passengers. For instance, waiting at Euston for a Northern Line train on a packed platform (because there'd been no train for quite a while) the standard announcement was "do not try to crown into this train. Another one is just a couple of minutes behind it and will not be so full".

Of course the next train was many minutes behind and crammed as well, but the announcement was made to limit boarding delay to the train in the station as everyone tried to force their way on board.

But how daft do the announcers think passengers are? You only fall for this once, then when you realise you've been 'had', in future you cram onto the first train that arrives - the next could be a long time behind and just as full, despite what the tannoy says!

 

[Daniel]

Anyone remember a documentary from the early 90s? They focussed on Angel station, IIRC.

Yep, "Heart of Angel"

http://filmstore.bfi.org.uk/acatalog/info_19038.html

 

[Laryk]

I seem to recall a thread from mid-summer 2011 saying that the BBC was working on a series documenting the London Underground, broadcasting early 2012. Anyone know if that is true, or am I making myself confused?

 

[trentside]

Yep, "Heart of Angel"

http://filmstore.bfi.org.uk/acatalog/info_19038.html

I finally got around to watching this a couple of months ago. Was absolutely fantastic - the type of documentary we don't seem to get nowadays.

Will be interested to see what this one from Channel 4 is like.

 

[DavyCrocket]

I was filmed for this, no idea if it'll be used though.

Isn't this the exposé one? Was it this or the Blast Films for BBC Two one?

 

[SS4]

I was filmed for this, no idea if it'll be used though.

Was it voluntary (ie: could you opt out)? Or did they just turn up and film whoever happened to be there? I'd imagine that H&S and congestion would put a serious dent in filming opportunities, especially at deep level stations

 

[DavyCrocket]

Was it voluntary (ie: could you opt out)? Or did they just turn up and film whoever happened to be there? I'd imagine that H&S and congestion would put a serious dent in filming opportunities, especially at deep level stations

You'd have thought so. The PR people won't have too negative people on TV!
I was involved in TV drama filming at a deep level station that was rather intrusive so it is done.
Does make for more realistic TV!

 

[Tubeboy]

I seem to recall a thread from mid-summer 2011 saying that the BBC was working on a series documenting the London Underground, broadcasting early 2012. Anyone know if that is true, or am I making myself confused?

I have been told it might be shown next month.

As for this C4 programme, I was asked through a fellow LU colleague did I wish to appear. I said no, the production company wanted 'juicy' stories. That in itself made me think the worst about this programme. The fact they are using actors using the words of staff only confirms my suspicions.
I will watch it, and hopefully be proved wrong.

 

[CC 72100]

It sounds it. I wonder if it'll be anything like The Tube that aired a some years ago? That show was pretty good

Second that. Really good series, still catch the occasional repeat on something like sky 3. They should really do a new version, think one of the last epsidoes was about the refurbishment of the first sets District line stock, and that's a good 4/5 years ago!

 

[valenta]

Yep, "Heart of Angel"

http://filmstore.bfi.org.uk/acatalog/info_19038.html

Would concur with other comments about this, a fascinating program.
The Tube was a fine program, however I felt that it focussed rather too much on abusive passengers - fair evaders etc, meaning that the format gradually got rather stale.

 

[jon0844]

Ha! When I worked in London I soon learned to ignore tannoy announcements, which were often made for purposes other than to help passengers. For instance, waiting at Euston for a Northern Line train on a packed platform (because there'd been no train for quite a while) the standard announcement was "do not try to crown into this train. Another one is just a couple of minutes behind it and will not be so full".

Of course the next train was many minutes behind and crammed as well, but the announcement was made to limit boarding delay to the train in the station as everyone tried to force their way on board.

But how daft do the announcers think passengers are? You only fall for this once, then when you realise you've been 'had', in future you cram onto the first train that arrives - the next could be a long time behind and just as full, despite what the tannoy says!

While nobody can know the train behind is full or empty, you do get to make a pretty good guess over time - and if there was a long gap in service, it's obvious the next train or three will be packed. Eventually, you'll catch up with demand and the trains will have space.

So, far from thinking staff are playing with you, it is in fact good advice. Not that I need to hear staff telling me to wait. When there's been a long wait, and the next 2-3 trains are 1 minute apart - I am quite happy to wait the 2 or 3 minutes to get some air, and even the chance of a seat.

It is also sensible to wait as the quicker the packed train, that you can barely get on and will then be incredibly uncomfortable, can leave - the quicker the next ones can come in. It's the packed train stuck on the platform that causes delays, so why you'd think of ignoring good advice and trying to squeeze on is beyond me! Just wait for the one after if the next train is still busy - they won't all be busy forever you know!

 

[CosherB]

so why you'd think of ignoring advice and trying to squeeze on is beyond me! Just wait for the one after if the next train is still busy - they won't all be busy forever you know!

Because I have better use for my time than spending hours on a packed Tube platform in the vain hope that eventually a non-packed train will arrive. I remember one evening at Liverpool St trying to get a westbound Central Line train; the platform was so crowded that passengers were being held on the surface and allowed down the escalators a few at a time. When I reached the platform there was barely room to get onto it, and of course when a train arrived it was already packed so when the doors opened only a handful of people were able to force their way on.

So I got onto the next Eastbound train (first stop Stratford), and caught a westbound train from there. We stopped at Liverpool St and the situation was exactly the same, but I had a seat. When I arrived at my destination (Marble Arch) no passengers were being allowed into the station.

So that's why if there's any chance of getting on a train, however crowded, you grab it. Chances are it'll be like that for an hour or 2 at least.

 

[SS4]

Second that. Really good series, still catch the occasional repeat on something like sky 3. They should really do a new version, think one of the last epsidoes was about the refurbishment of the first sets District line stock, and that's a good 4/5 years ago!

I'd like to see an update too

 

[jon0844]

Because I have better use for my time than spending hours on a packed Tube platform in the vain hope that eventually a non-packed train will arrive. I remember one evening at Liverpool St trying to get a westbound Central Line train; the platform was so crowded that passengers were being held on the surface and allowed down the escalators a few at a time. When I reached the platform there was barely room to get onto it, and of course when a train arrived it was already packed so when the doors opened only a handful of people were able to force their way on.

So I got onto the next Eastbound train (first stop Stratford), and caught a westbound train from there. We stopped at Liverpool St and the situation was exactly the same, but I had a seat. When I arrived at my destination (Marble Arch) no passengers were being allowed into the station.

So that's why if there's any chance of getting on a train, however crowded, you grab it. Chances are it'll be like that for an hour or 2 at least.

I'll concede that the Central Line is very bad (like boarding a train at Chancery Lane going west in the evening peak) but you suggested going backwards and then doubling back. When you know the trains will all be packed, do that.

However, in many cases, the advice applies simply because there was a gap in service and then it's worth waiting.

You don't need to suggest waiting hours, as that's absolute nonsense. Even my worst experience at Chancery Lane meant only waiting about 15 minutes! To suggest people would wait an hour or two 'at least' at any platform is rubbish!

 

[Daniel]

Isn't this the exposé one? Was it this or the Blast Films for BBC Two one?

Looking at it, it's more likely I was involved in the BBC Two one then.

I was in the Met Control room when it was filmed, so that'dve been with express permission of the film office.


For those who were asking, it was voluntry - I was asked if I wanted to leave before it began.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Anyone remember a documentary from the early 90s? They focussed on Angel station, IIRC.

Is that the one that was memorable for the member of staff saying "Change there for the Piccally-Diccally Line!" ?

 

[trentside]

Is that the one that was memorable for the member of staff saying "Change there for the Piccally-Diccally Line!" ?

Yes, that's the one.

Also there's the lift attendant who asks people questions like "How do we know that the Earth is round?"

 

[SS4]

Program has just started on Channel 4 and Channel 4 HD

 

[CosherB]

Even my worst experience at Chancery Lane meant only waiting about 15 minutes! To suggest people would wait an hour or two 'at least' at any platform is rubbish!

That's rubbish! Do you think, in that scenario I described with pax not even allowed onto the down escalors at Liv St, and Marble Arch closed to westbound pax, was all done and dusted 15 minutes later? Dream on! My eastwards diversion to Stratford was about half an hour, Liv st back to Liv st, and Liv St was unchanged from as it had been when I left eastbound as we passed through westbound! So yes, hours to clear that!