The Avengers Forever: Behind the Scenes

	Behind the Scenes: Dr David Keel Era Page 4 of 4

Quiet on the Set
by Alan Hayes

It might amaze you to know what goes into that 50-odd minutes of programme you see. The first three seasons of The Avengers were videotaped instead of filmed. While the two processes are very different, they are both very complex. In some ways videotaping was much more demanding, particularly on the actors. Work on an Avengers episode would start many months before it reached the screen. Here is a detailed look at what was involved:

BEGINNINGS

Ideas are discussed at writers' meetings, convened by the Story Editor. At this stage, plotlines might be represented by a single word (such as 'poison') or notes for a character ('unscrupulous politician'). Alternatively, they may be in an advanced 'scenario' form. These ideas are then developed, further discussed, and then submitted to the Producer for approval. Only once the Producer's blessing is forthcoming are the writers be permitted to start work on their scripts.

RECORDING MINUS 42 DAYS

The script is ready by now. Copies of the script are handed to the Director and Designer who have been assigned to the episode. They read it and discuss it with the Producer. The writer is subsequently notified of any changes that are felt necessary.

RECORDING MINUS 28 DAYS

An amended script has been delivered. The Director begins the complicated job of bringing the production together—he must turn the written word into a television drama. He now decides how he wants the sets built. These may range from a set of offices to a churchyard, and the Director must ensure that they will fit into the limited studio space he has available.

Once this has been planned, the Designer draws up plans for the Construction Department. Also during this period, the Director works with the Casting Director, who will recommend appropriate actors and actresses for the production

RECORDING MINUS 17 DAYS

Three days to go before rehearsals start... The Director now turns his attention to working out all the moves his actors will make, and how the cameras will cover the action.

RECORDING MINUS 14 DAYS

Rehearsal time! The cast, including the regular performers, the Director, Story Editor, Wardrobe Mistress and Make-Up Supervisor, assemble in one of the large rehearsal rooms at ABC's Teddington Studios. At this point, there will not be any sets standing. Set divisions are marked with tape on the floor, so actors can get a feel for where the sets will be, and how they will move within them. There will be a few props—tables, chairs, guns, etc.

Initially, the cast do a simple read-through of the script and then discuss it fully. Later the same day, the director will address the action. It will take at least five days to finalise the moves and dialogue. Performers may question how a scene is played, and in some cases, the writer will be called in, and small changes made accordingly.

RECORDING MINUS 7 DAYS

Rehearsals, Week Two: The Producer attends the rehearsals this week, to see that the performances are to his satisfaction. The Story Editor checks that any changes that have been made will not affect the overall story. Camera operators, lighting and sound technicians attend, so that potential difficulties can be addressed prior to the recording.

Location footage would be filmed prior to the studio recordings, and played in to the programme as it was being performed. This pre-filmed footage was usually shot (without sound) on 35mm film. This footage, when inserted, would be accompanied with music and sound effects. Again, this would be played in 'live'.

Shown at right is Peter Hammond directing the location shooting for "Hunt the Man Down," after which the cast and crew head for the local watering hole.

RECORDING MINUS 1 DAY

Camera Rehearsal: With the sets now constructed in the studio, full camera rehearsals take place. Equity* regulations in force in the early 1960s restricted the recording time for 50-minute programmes to an hour. This meant that episodes would be shot 'as live' on the recording day. Under these regulations, it was permitted to pre-record 10% of any programme to be inserted on the final recording day. In many cases, it was decided to mount the fight sequences a day early and insert them on the final day, due to their complexity.

Rehearsing the cameras takes a whole day. By the end of it, both cast and crew will know exactly what is required of them.

Recording Schedule (normally Tuesdays)
11.00-12.30	Camera Rehearsal
12.30-13.30	Lunch Break
13.30-18.00	Camera Rehearsal
18.00-19.00	Supper Break
19.00-21.00	Camera Rehearsal

*Equity: the trades union for the acting profession

RECORDING DAY

Six weeks of intensive work come together on the final day. During the afternoon there is a dress rehearsal. In the evening, the final performance is recorded, with any pre-recorded location or studio footage inserted as the performance is progressing.

Recording Schedule (normally Wednesdays)
10.00-12.30	Camera Rehearsal
12.30-13.30	Lunch Break
13.30-15.00	Camera Rehearsal
15.00-15.45	Tea-Break, Line-Up, Normal Scan, Make-up
15.45-17.00	Dress Rehearsal
17.00-17.30	Notes
17.30-18.00	Line-Up
18.00-19.00	Episode Recorded

First season episodes were recorded at ABC TV Studios on Broom Road, Teddington, Middlesex, in England. Seven episodes are reputed to have been transmitted live, though the survival of "Girl on the Trapeze" has thrown some doubt on this claim. And in case you were wondering, a typical recording session would involve four pedestal cameras three boom microphones, and one telecine.