Documentary Series

[Guest]

Hi all.

 

I'm the guy from Shine (the TV production company) that came down to the Worthing match on Saturday.

 

Since there are clearly and understandably some strong opinions either for/against the idea, I thought it would be worthwhile posting a little bit more information on here - I'd hate for people to make snap judgements without all the facts.

 

As Radders posted, we're currently talking to both Roy and Eddie at Slough with regard to involving the club in a big new documentary series, that we're initially producing for Bravo here in the UK.

 

The series is called 'Man's Work' and features journalist Ashley Hames, a man who has never done a days work in his life, taking on thirteen of the world's most interesting, difficult and challenging jobs.

 

So far we have filmed twelve films around the world, where among others he has worked with the Columbian Narcotics Police, fought forest fires in Australia, been a fisherman aboard an Alaskan crab fishing trawler and learned to play Aussie Rules Football with Australia's championship winning team.

 

As you can see, we have worked in some very difficult and demanding jobs, with professions that take their duties very seriously. For our final film, we were looking for a job that would retain the pressures and difficulties, but would be quintessentially english and provide a different test for our presenter. Managing a football team is a difficult task, no matter what league you are in and after initially thinking about working with an FA 2nd/3rd Division side, it was decided that we would have a more interesting and involving show were we to concentrate on a lower division.

 

After speaking to the Ryman League about the idea, they suggested that Slough Town might be the perfect team to work alongside, since the club is near to safety in the division.

 

I can completely understand the concerns of some fans that this is simply a chance to make a derogatory film about Slough and about its football team. In no way is this the object of the film - it simply would not make sense as part of this series when you consider the format for the show and the programmes we have already made.

 

After talking to Eddie and Mark about the possibilities, they were keen to be involved but it was on the understanding that this is not a reflection on Eddie's current management, nor that the film should be negative about the club or Slough.

 

We are desperate to involve the fans in whatever ways we can - we want to know what it is like to be a die hard Slough supporter, what would you expect from Ashley from his week with the club?

We want this to be a serious experience - clearly there will be light moments(we're more than happy for there to be new 'Ashley Hames' based chants!)

 

'Faking It' was mentioned as a comparable programme - and just as in that, there is only one person who could potentially be made to look stupid and in this case Ashley would be that person.

 

He has spent 35 years not taking responsibility for his actions - this series is about maturing and learning what it takes to be a man. He will be under the guidance of both Eddie and Mark who will be helping him out - we want to learn what it takes to do their jobs, how they lead a team and how a football manager is made.

 

Ashley will need to get to know the players, to understand what it takes to be a winner, and to hopefully have some positive effect in his week with Slough. Of course we want him to be in control as much as possible - but not to the detriment of the squad or supporters.

 

We would begin filming on Tuesday 4th April and cover the training sessions, reserve team match and then the Folkestone game. I have already spoken with Folkestone who are very keen to be involved - again on the understanding that this is a film about football management and nothing else. We're approaching this as an opportunity to make a really interesting and entertaining show that will benefit both parties and provide the players, staff and supporters with a lot of fun.

 

Any questions at all (well hopefully ones related to this) please feel free to email me - richard.welsh@shinelimited.com and I'll do my best to answer them. We want to include fans through out the show, and your opinions will be an invaluable facet of the programme.

 

Cheers,

 

Rich

[BFR]

Hi Rich

 

It is good to hear from you regarding this situation. Thank you for clarifying the purpose of this production. Having not attended the meeting on Saturday afternoon it is good to hear from the horses mouth what this programme will involve.

 

Ultimately this is a decision for the club to make but I broadly support the idea. If assurances are made and the club are happy with the terms then I don't see what we would have to lose.

[Tom]

So at the end of the day, who makes the decision regarding team selection etc. Is he just there to stand with Eddie & Westy?

[Guest]

any publicity in our present situation is welcome,some of the previous post about this topic have been just plain silly.