Why not a 'Shadows story' movie?

[cockroach]

Apart from the possibility of inclusion in a 'Where Are They Now?' type programme, I suspect that the only such Shadows related items likely to be made and broadcast would be obituaries, unfortunately...

[Tigerdaisy]

I don't suppose the fact that Cliff is suing the BBC would have anything to do with it, apart from the fact that most Shadows fans have already seen most of the available footage already on Youtube and the story of the Shadows meet Cliff has been retold over and over. A new angle needs to be found, like the major influence the Shadows had on pop music, but as I remember there was a radio program where this was all pretty well covered. The Stratocaster angle has also been very well covered in quite a few places. There's a theory, (and I believe it...) that no program is made purely for entertainment, but more for a vehicle for propaganda and social engineering- maybe, unlike the Beatles, the Cliff and Shadows era failed to serve the drugs agenda that all western governments have covertly held. Also Cliff has been squeaky clean and thus there is no 'popular' role model for the youth to emulate.

[Clarry]

I don't think the BBC realise that The Shadows transcend the British public and are indeed international. I'm surprised by the amount of love for them from my surf-instro friends. Probably more than we give to their classic instrumental acts, such as The Ventures.

[Gary Allen]

What have the BBC got to do with a story about the Shads anyway. ?

[drakula63]

What have the BBC got to do with a story about the Shads anyway. ?

My view is that it is strange for the national broadcaster not to be interested in the band that, according to so many people, got the ball rolling as far as guitar based pop/rock in this country. I believe that the Shadows were the first band (certainly in the UK and maybe the world?) to have a Greatest Hits album. The BBC has a great deal of footage of the band from the 60s, 70s and 80s and they would be in the perfect position to make a documentary about them. Surely their story is worth telling?

Of course, for a really comprehensive doco you would need footage from films, ITV and other countries too. But, even without this, the BBC could do a very good job with what they have. Sadly, I don't think they will. A shame Ian doesn't work for them any more as having someone on the 'inside' who can have a word in the right ear can sometimes make all the difference. As I say, I did have a very good friend who works at the BBC (we collaborated on some projects which took us to Abbey Road and Honeyhill Studios among others), but we fell out about a year ago and I can't see him being of any help to me now.

[Gary Allen]

Hi Chris, I forgot about the footage they have, regards gary

[Iain Purdon]

Many programmes are made nowadays by independent production companies (look at the final credit to see which one, if any). Instead of the BBC, it might be worth approaching one of these with the idea, perhaps even offering to help make it. They could then offer it to the BBC. Or ITV. Or C4...

[drakula63]

True.

I just thought a simple Shadows @ the BBC (made in-house) would be the simplest and cheapest option. If I can't get a reply from the BBC it seems a waste of time trying to go down another route. Having said that, if I had enough money to finance it myself (which I haven't) I'd do it and release it on DVD etc...

[jim w]

Hi Chris The BBC don't seem to be interested in projects like this. They have been offered a 2hr 30min programme on Oh Boy which includes unseen footage since 1958 and interviews of Cliff and certain members of The Shadows and other Oh Boy stars. A few of the BBC staff was keen on the programme after viewing a snippet but it was turned down by the head of the department.
So I can't see The BBC or any other company making a film about The Shadows my own personal view.

[Billyboygretsch]

I seem to recall a few months back watching a documentary on the history of the Dave Clark Five. They were a pretty clean living drug free band. I think however Dave Clark was a pretty smart business man and held all the rights. I believe he produced the documentary.
I guess the big difference here is DV5 appeared on the Ed Sullivan some 18 times which is more than the Beatles.

Do Cliff and the Shadows want a documentary about those early years ? I'm sure they could afford to produce a documentary but perhaps they're not bothered.

Of a course a number of fans from this site could Club together financially and technically to produce their own documentary.

I think a problem may be the lack of knowledge today of the Shadows outside of specialist groups and true fans. Not really known in the US.

A couple of recent posts on a Burns Facebook page showed a pic of Hank and Bruce with red Marvins someone asked which group do they play with !

The current Burns dealer in US hadn't realised that The Shadows played Fender before Burns! He also stated little currently known about the Shadows in US.

This could be read a couple of ways either there is no US interest or in a positive light a documentary might get interest I. The history of the band ? Hmmm