Credit where credit’s due
I remember the first time I saw my name in the credits of a TV programme – it was for the BBC’s Blood of the Vikings. It felt awesome. A few years later, I was lucky enough to see the words “A film by Alom Shaha” on the big screen at the Ritzy Picturehouse, where my short film Do Make Friends was being screened. That felt awesome too.
This morning, I saw a tweet from @guardianscience about a film which I am incredibly proud to have written, directed and produced:
Video: Painted with numbers @MarcusduSautoy finds mathematical patterns everywhere in nature http://t.co/787rUyIkM1
— Guardian Science (@guardianscience) July 7, 2013
I was delighted that they were showcasing films which I had originally devised and produced for broadcast on the now defunct channel Teachers’ TV – it’s great that they’re still being seen and that @guardianscience are helping take them to a new audience. However, I was upset to see that the end credits had been removed from the film and expressed my disappointment via a tweet:
Dear @guardianscience and @newtonTV, I wrote, directed & produced this film, yet you’ve removed credit: http://t.co/3fjCiVWnN4
— Alom Shaha (@alomshaha) July 7, 2013
I’m pleased to report that @guardianscience saw my tweets and responded quickly and positively:
We’ve requested a new version from @NewtonTV with the credits reinstated @alomshaha @JimRHoughton @gimpyblog
— Guardian Science (@guardianscience) July 7, 2013
Now, this may seem petty to some people, after all, nobody watches the end-of-film credits anyway, right? (Well, apart from people staying behind in the hope of a taster of the next instalment of a blockbuster superhero franchise). Anyone who’s ever worked on a TV programme or film will know how important it is that the credits are there, whether or not anyone else watches them – they serve to acknowledge the time, work and effort put into making the film or TV programme, they act as a way of letting others in the industry know who did what jobs on the production and even as proof that someone has done what they claim to have done. In an industry where it’s hard to get work and you are judged primarily on what work you have done, credits matter. Whether there’s a legal obligation or not, it seems only morally right to give credit where credit’s due.
I watch the credits, and not because I’m looking for teasers or easter eggs.
But then, I used to be a projectionist. I may not be representative of the population as a whole 🙂
Essential as “serve to acknowledge the time, work and effort put into making the film or TV programme”
Alom
For twenty years I have been the last person to leave the theatre because I like to watch the credits. I see it as honoring the people who put it on the screen even if it is the accountants, the caterers and the drivers.
Without credit, where would you be?
Steve.
I read credits and I think your action was 100% correct.
I agree and wish TV continuity announcers would shut up for a few minutes so that I can enjoy the end credits in peace. Worse is when they concertina the broadcast into one half of the screen and advertise another programme in the other half.
To be honest I’m surprised this is even permitted – surely there could be something in the rights agreement that requires the item to be broadcast in a reasonable way. Of course people can turn over or stop watching but I think the credits should run without interruption.
It’s the same for broadcast films which ruin a lovely ending by barking you back into the real world sooner than’s necessary. It’s just graceless and rude.
If I manage to get a cinema seat in the middle of the row I can usually watch the credits uninterrupted (I’m often trying to see who composed the music) but woe betide me if I’m anywhere else where people are trying to get past. Grrrr.
Is there a campaign? Can I sign something?!
Jo