Dear Robin
I too have noticed the recent spate of articles on archives and television,
and have wondered at just how precious some of our colleagues can be about
the conventions of television programme making.
1. You are in charge of the documents, not the television personnel. Just
say no if you do not wish to do something - some television people have far
too great an idea of their own self-importance. But if you want to say no
and still get something out of the filming then have some good reasons to
back up your refusal. better still, say "no to that, but we could do this
instead..."
2. Don't set precedents. If the documents are too fragile for searchroom
or researcher use, don't make exceptions for television (see
"self-importance" above)
3. Educate the television people. Tell them that there is no problem about
handling the documents wherever they wish provided that you (or another
archivist) accompany them at all times (just out of shot if necessary),
that the documents are not exposed to rain or pollutants or naked flames
(candlelight seems a bit too popular), and that the same rules on careful
handling are followed as would be the case in the search room. If possible
get them to work into the script some kind of reference about what a
privilege it is for the presenters to be allowed to take these documents
out of the (named) archive to their original historic home (or some such
guff), and how they must handle them with great care.
4. Make sure that they pay at least your expenses for all the above, and
preferably a facility fee (if you intend to be helpful). They don't give
the programmes away for nothing.
5. Don't underestimate your documents too much - after all they have
probably survived far worse handling before coming into your care.
6. Don't assume a negative reaction until you get one. I was working with
a BBC News 24 crew this Monday on a documentary about "Rocket", which
involved some filming in the archive store ("more photogenic") and my
presence, the use of cotton gloves and keeping the drawings in melinex
sleeving was postively requested because it added to the "archival
atmosphere". So there you are! Not that I'll ever actually appear in shot
of course - although we are supposed to be having the Time Team later inb
the year, so I live in hope (oh Carenza, Carenza...)
Good luck!
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Richard Taylor
Curator, Archive Collections
National Railway Museum
Leeman Road
YORK YO26 4XJ
ENGLAND
Tel +44 (0)1904-686289
Fax +44 (0)1904-611112
Email [log in to unmask]
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