Antique programmes on television

This blog is about antique orientated programmes on television.

People from the BBC or people who have been commissioned by the BBC and ITV phone us and say we are looking for an expert for a TV programme, fair enough.

The first question they ask is are you available to go on a program which may be on BBC or ITV or even sky, I generally reply with what sort of program is it, I’m told very often it’s a high-quality programme concerning antiques valuation or restoration.

“How much does it pay?” I ask, and they generally reply with “there is no money involved but we’re sure you need the publicity”.

If they need an expert for an antique orientated program they must expect to pay, if you hire a plumber or electrician you expect to pay for their knowledge and skills. Its much the same with Antiques experts as most people have in our business after 30 to 40 years gained expeience that far exceeds that of electrician or plumber and if you are an expert why should you need the publicity.

This blog post is a bit of a whinge as I am fed up of getting these calls after appearing in the Restoration Roadshow with Eric Knowles in about 24 programs and having 37 years of experience I do rather strangely expect to get paid for my time.

That is why certain programs where two dealers go off in a car and buy absolute rubbish and then at the end of the day earn around six pounds for their efforts are not the most interesting antique programs in the world but are certainly not true to life, maybe it’s because the people that appear in them are being asked to do it for nothing or practically nothing.

For all the TV commissioners and programmers out there there is a definite need for a good restoration or antique factual programme or so I am told by people that ring me regarding the issue.

Regards Malcolm Green antique restorer and valuer.

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