“A Picture Perfect Rivalry”
Mick House
On the 7th May 2025 Cornwall Railway Society were contacted via email by production assistant Phelan Moeller of SOMESUCH Production a freelance TV company who are making a commercial for CrossCountry involving two Rail Enthusiasts. They were researching and asking if we could help with the research to keep things authentic, I responded and supplied them with some details. Phelan then passed my details over to Agnieszka Debska, the production designer for the commercial. I was in regular communication with Agnieszka (Emails/Phone), passing on information and details as she requested. On one of the phone calls I cheekily asked if it would be possible to go on location and watch the filming, with also the thought of doing an article for the CRS. Agnieszka said she would ask. Phelan got back to me and said they would love to have me on the shoot; the only stipulation was that I was unable to report the event until I was given the green light and the commercial had been put on air. This I could totally understand and would abide by. I was sent an online form from Cross Country that I had to fill in, asking the usual personal details (name, address & phone), then I was asked about dietary needs and accommodation. This was unexpected as I did not expect to be fed, watered and accommodated. The last question was how I was going to travel, as the locations were only in the Plymouth area, I opted to drive up on the day. The form was duly filled in and returned.
Unfortunately for me the filming was over two day (20th & 21st May), the second day was in Paignton and due to other commitments I was only able to attend day 1 of the shoot.
The night before the filming was to take place, I received via email a Call Sheet, this is a detailed list of the Client; CrossCountry, Agency; Mcann, Production Company; Somesuch, the shoot day schedule & locations and the film Cast & Crew of around 50 people, with my name included as Train Adviser I was highly honoured, there was also a highly detailed list of all the equipment needed for the filming (cameras, lighting, sound & props) and the vehicles everything came in (five Pages). I was also sent a Movement Order; this had details of all of the locations post codes, what3words links and aerial photos, with parking areas marked on them (four pages). Next was a Method Statement that gave you the details of what was going to happen and shoot frames (with pictures) in respect of the filming (six pages). And finally a four page Risk Assessment, giving a total of nineteen pages to digest before the morning.
The day of the shoot came and I made my way to Plymouth station and a compound at the back of the station, I was greeted by Location manager Jamie, I was then introduced to Pete & Gary (CrossCountry safety & security).
I made my way to the crew sign in area; I was given a SOMESUCH lanyard to gain location access through security on the station.
Over the next half an hour various members of the crew came up and introduced themselves to me, Director Freddie, First Assistant Director Sean and Production Designer Agnieszka, I gave her some badges and magazines that I had brought along for her to possibly us for filming, she then introduced me to the two main characters in the film Adam (aka Matthew Steer) and Joe (aka Joe Cook) they asked me some questions relating to the roles they were playing in the film, I think they were appreciative of that.
Before moving on to the first location we were given a safety briefing by Gary & Pete of CrossCountry, then it was on to location 1, platform 4.
It’s not until you go to a film shoot that you realise what goes on and the complexity of it all, as I stood on platform 4 and watched as all the crew & equipment arrived, I was thinking this is only a commercial that will last for maybe a minute or two and yet this would take I do not know how long prior to the two days of filming and I don’t know how long editing after, so I could understand the need for so much kit to gain the perfect visuals, sound and lighting effects needed.
Everything was setup and the shooting started, now one other thing you need to know is that the film is not shot in the order that you will finally get to see it on your TV screens, luckily for me everything was laid out in the method statement that I was sent the night before. So the first shots with Adam and Joe were being setup by Director Freddie and filmed.
Unfortunately for me the filming was over two day (20th & 21st May), the second day was in Paignton and due to other commitments I was only able to attend day 1 of the shoot.
The night before the filming was to take place, I received via email a Call Sheet, this is a detailed list of the Client; CrossCountry, Agency; Mcann, Production Company; Somesuch, the shoot day schedule & locations and the film Cast & Crew of around 50 people, with my name included as Train Adviser I was highly honoured, there was also a highly detailed list of all the equipment needed for the filming (cameras, lighting, sound & props) and the vehicles everything came in (five Pages). I was also sent a Movement Order; this had details of all of the locations post codes, what3words links and aerial photos, with parking areas marked on them (four pages). Next was a Method Statement that gave you the details of what was going to happen and shoot frames (with pictures) in respect of the filming (six pages). And finally a four page Risk Assessment, giving a total of nineteen pages to digest before the morning.
The day of the shoot came and I made my way to Plymouth station and a compound at the back of the station, I was greeted by Location manager Jamie, I was then introduced to Pete & Gary (CrossCountry safety & security).
I made my way to the crew sign in area; I was given a SOMESUCH lanyard to gain location access through security on the station.
Over the next half an hour various members of the crew came up and introduced themselves to me, Director Freddie, First Assistant Director Sean and Production Designer Agnieszka, I gave her some badges and magazines that I had brought along for her to possibly us for filming, she then introduced me to the two main characters in the film Adam (aka Matthew Steer) and Joe (aka Joe Cook) they asked me some questions relating to the roles they were playing in the film, I think they were appreciative of that.
Before moving on to the first location we were given a safety briefing by Gary & Pete of CrossCountry, then it was on to location 1, platform 4.
It’s not until you go to a film shoot that you realise what goes on and the complexity of it all, as I stood on platform 4 and watched as all the crew & equipment arrived, I was thinking this is only a commercial that will last for maybe a minute or two and yet this would take I do not know how long prior to the two days of filming and I don’t know how long editing after, so I could understand the need for so much kit to gain the perfect visuals, sound and lighting effects needed.
Everything was setup and the shooting started, now one other thing you need to know is that the film is not shot in the order that you will finally get to see it on your TV screens, luckily for me everything was laid out in the method statement that I was sent the night before. So the first shots with Adam and Joe were being setup by Director Freddie and filmed.
Adam and Joe with Director Freddie on the end of platform 4. Copyright Mick House.
Camera and crew moving into position. Copyright Mick House.
CrossCountry Train Manager is standing behind Adam and Joe as the crew adjust the lighting and setup the camera. Copyright Mick House.
CrossCountry Train Manager (aka Amber Antonia) chatted to me about her part, after she had finished her part of the shooting.
Filming inside the CrossCountry unit 220 019 looking out. Copyright Mick House.
Director Freddie chats to Adam and Joe alongside 220 019, just before the next shots. Copyright Mick House.
Action shot of Adam stepping out of 220 019. Copyright Mick House.
As we were filming at Plymouth station a second film unit and crew were filming at location 2, in a field overlooking Lynher Viaduct.
The filming on Plymouth station was complete and the whole cast and crew moved to Torpoint for a lovely BBQ lunch and a chance to chat to more of the crew.
On to our next location, location 3, this was at Crift Lane, Saltash on a road bridge over the railway.
On the bridge David Mullins from CrossCountry introduced himself; he is head of brand (communication/digital), we had a chat while shooting was in progress.
The filming on Plymouth station was complete and the whole cast and crew moved to Torpoint for a lovely BBQ lunch and a chance to chat to more of the crew.
On to our next location, location 3, this was at Crift Lane, Saltash on a road bridge over the railway.
On the bridge David Mullins from CrossCountry introduced himself; he is head of brand (communication/digital), we had a chat while shooting was in progress.
Location 3, Probathic Road Bridge. Copyright Mick House.
The crew are preparing two cameras ready to take the next shoots, while Joe and Adam chat on the bridge. Copyright Mick House.
From the bridge Adam and Joe are looking down the track, with members of the crew staying out of shot. Copyright Mick House.
The crew are preparing for some close up shots on the bridge. Copyright Mick House.
Setting up for some still shots of Joe and Adam, you can see more of the film crew in the background. Copyright Mick House.
Still shots with Joe and Adam. Copyright Mick House.
Location 3 was all wrapped up, so we move over to Location 4 at Geraldine Terrace, Saltash and a view looking down Forder Creek towards Forder Viaduct.
Setting up for a Forder Viaduct shot. Copyright Mick House.
Sound on standby, lighting ready, wardrobe and makeup in attendance. Copyright Mick House.
1st Assistant Director Sean talks to Camera man Rick, in readiness for the final shots. Copyright Mick House.
As they say in the business, 'that’s a wrap', and the days shooting was over. It just leaves me to say a big thank you to everybody involved, Cast and Crew (far too many to mention individually) with the days filming and for letting me attend, and I hope this has given you the readers a bit of an insight into the filming of a TV commercial. I leave you with final shot of the day below - the two main characters Adam and Joe, with myself in the middle, at the end of a great days filming - one I will not forget for a long time.
Adam, Mick and Joe with Forder Viaduct in the background. Copyright Mick House.
And finally, below is the finished film - click the red 'Play' button to view.
The finished advert.
Many thanks indeed Mick, firstly for representing the Cornwall Railway Society in such an excellent and professional manner, and secondly for providing this great article. Fascinating to see behind the scenes of such a production.
Boardmasters Specials
Jon Hird
Over the coming days, a number of special services have been laid on to transport revellers to the renowned 'Boardmasters' music festival at Watergate Bay, near Newquay. This year the traction is all in the form of IET's - a slight disappointment as last year saw HST's roped in. The sight of 9-car class 802's snaking their way along the branch is still worth a look, though.
802106 crosses the old A30 on the Goss Moor whilst working 2Z88, the 1155 Newquay - Par (where it would become a 1Z on to Paddington). 06.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Having crossed the previously pictured service at Goonbarrow, 802109 crosses the open level crossing on Tregoss Moor with 1Z72, the 0803 Paddington - Newquay boardmasters special. 06.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Later in the day, 800310 working 2Z39 (1806 NQY-PAR) waits at Goonbarrow for 800305 with 1Z84 (1403 PAD-NQY). 06.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Roaming the rails in '73
Roger Winnen
Newquay Signal Box. 06.04.1973, copyright Roger Winnen
The Carbis Branch. 07.04.1973, copyright Roger Winnen.
Newquay DMU at Par. The 11.38 to Newquay. 07.04.1973, copyright Roger Winnen
A train of sleepers at Par. 07.04.1973, Copyright Roger Winnen
A light Western at Par. 07.04.1973, copyright Roger Winnen
Middleway Crossing Box. 07.04.1973, copyright Roger Winnen
St. Blazey Bridge Crossing. 07.04.1973, copyright Roger Winnen
A Western at Burngullow. 07.04.1973, copyright Roger Winnen
More of
'The Greatest Gathering
Jack Burchill
Many thanks, Jack.
Although this event is well outside of our normal geographical area of coverage, it is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime event, so we have been pleased to include some photographs for those who couldn't make it.
Although this event is well outside of our normal geographical area of coverage, it is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime event, so we have been pleased to include some photographs for those who couldn't make it.
2L92
David Tozer
With the 1725 Exeter to Waterloo cancelled this evening I popped across to Exhibition Way, near Pinhoe Railway Station to photograph the 1631 Barnstaple to Axminster. Since the introduction of the current timetable it has been booked for a pair of Class 150/2's as far as Exeter where one set is dropped off. With the Waterloo service cancelled I thought that the GWR service might operate the service to Axminster with both units. Sadly it was only one unit 150243. GWR however did arrange for the service to stop at Whimple.
Sadly the vegetation is getting worse here. No wonder the embankments are drying out.
Sadly the vegetation is getting worse here. No wonder the embankments are drying out.
150243 near Pinhoe with the 1631 Barnstaple to Axminster. 06.08.2025, copyright David Tozer.
Many thanks Dave - the vegetation really is encroaching there.