This short article describes our experiences working with Alan Carr and the BBC during the filming of "Amanda and Alan's Spanish job" (Episode 3)
Written by Richard Hartley.
We all need a bit of luck don't we? Ours came when our friends Ian and Andrew from the town of Moclin suggested to the BBC that in order to film a high level traverse along a local via ferrata they should contact us.
N.B Ian and Andrew run Granada Cultural Holidays and Granada Village & Country from their base in Moclin. If you ever want to follow in Amanda and Alan's footsteps please contact them as they have some amazing accommodation available. Also check out their interesting Blog
So, the BBC contacted us and asked us if we would be interested in leading Alan Carr and the mayor of Moclin on a Via Ferrata route outside of the town. Of course, we said yes, although to be honest after 23 years outside the UK, I wasn't quite sure who indeed, Alan Carr was!
One day in May, Spanish Highs guide Felipe Nieto and myself took the hour long journey past Granada and up to the beautiful hill town of Moclin, easily identifiable by it's imposing Castillo. Just outside the town is a short Via Ferrata route consisting of ladders, rungs, steps and a high himalayan wire bridge. It was here that we met production staff from the BBC together with some of their film crew. We spent a couple of hours rehearsing the exact route we would take Alan Carr on and locating the best (and safest!) sites for the camera crew positions.
The set up at the crag. Alan climbing, Richard above
The day of filming arrived and we stood at the base of the crag waiting for the BBC/Alan Carr arrival. When Alan arrived I was somewhat taken aback as he was dressed more for the beach than for dangling on high wires. Meeting a "celebrity" turned out a big non event. Alan was a very friendly and, obviously a funny person, so I felt immediately relaxed in his company.
Felipe was to accompany the mayor and I was to climb with Alan. And of course, as soon as I started to ascend, explaining the very necessary safety aspects to him, I totally forgot about all the cameras. It was just another job after all. I don't remember too much about the route as I was concentrating on making sure Alan kept attached to something!
All too soon, that was that. It was over. I think Alan enjoyed it although he had obviously been a little worried shuffling over the wire bridge. The production staff intimated that they thought it had been a successful shoot with some funny moments. I failed to remember much.
Richard and Felipe testing the BBC kit!
At the end of the summer we again reunited with Alan and Amanda. They had an end of series party at their restored town house in Moclin. What a superb job they had done in giving this a massive makeover. The bar alongside the house was packed with people who had assisted in the shooting.
Thanks to the BBC for having the confidence to work with us. Also, thanks again to Ian and Andrew for getting us the gig in the first place.
Richard and Alan Carr
Photo Album
The Mayor and Richard at the end of the wire bridge
Alan starting the traverse of the bridge. Richard at the end
Some film crews were quite precariously placed
Felipe, relaxed as always
Alan nearing the end of the bridge
Now, how do we get off!
