Author: Ian

Two Helicopters Fly Through The Middle of Tower Bridge

The two videos show two helicopters flying though the middle of Tower Bridge. The first clip I found via this post on Reddit from user nonlinearmedia. It shows the Helicopters flying in from the West towards the East.

The second video was found via the related video feature of Youtube and shows the exact same fly though, but from the other side of Tower Bridge (facing West). From the video description it is claimed that:

The spectacular event was believed to be for the film ‘The Arrival’, a short film being directed by Danny Boyle, which will be shown during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

…

Crowds thronged both sides of the River Thames around iconic Tower Bridge as road traffic was stopped to allow the two helicopters to fly through — not once but three times.

The only other time aircraft have flown through Tower Bridge was on 5 April 1968 when an RAF pilot, Flight Lieutenant Alan Pollock, flew his Hawker Hunter jet between the bridge towers in an unauthorised stunt.

No idea if that’s true or not, but either way, I think you’ll agree, two helicopters flying though Tower Bridge looks pretty cool.

TUBE TUBE 6 – Awkward – London Underground Short Film Series

Awkward is the first of the new batch of TUBE TUBE films to be released. Like its predecessors it makes you feel you’re listening in on a real conversation and is of course really well done. It starts Natalie Hughes, reprising her role as Ruthie (from TUBE TUBE 2) and Kirsty Pannett as Jane. Omar Kenawi and Ben A Williams reprise the director and producer roles respectively.

I find the choice of title a little interesting since almost all the previous films could have been given the same title. One of the major themes of the TUBE TUBE series are awkward, but real to life conversations one might actually hear (or be a part of) on a tube journey. TUBE TUBE 6 is no exception.

George the Poet – My City – Spoken Word Poetry About London

This is a great video by George the Poet and director Rob Ryan. I’m not usually one for poetry, but I found this really spoke to me. It touches on several themes about London that interest me such as class, race and its forgotten parts. The video is made all the better by the filming done by Paul Kirsop – some really amazing juxtaposed shots.

Apparently Part II – ‘creativity in adversity’ is now in production by Deuce Films, I’m looking forward to it. You can learn more about George The Poet on his website.

Tower Bridge The Night After The Jubilee River Pageant Flotilla

What: Tower Bridge The Night After The Jubilee River Pageant Flotilla

By:

When: June 4th, 2012

Where: Tower Bridge, London

Story: This Tower Bridge video was created by my friend Nick Smith to test his new Canon 5D Mark II. Not being a camera person I have no idea what that means, but what I can tell you is that this is an amazing video just for a ‘test’. Given that he is a professional cameraman this shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise, but I’m still blown away with many of the shots he gets. You can find out more about Nick’s work from his website: Newsworthy Vision.

Ever Wanted To Visit Every London Underground Station? Tim McCready’s Done It!

The video above shows Tim McCready (from Auckland, New Zealand) visiting every London Underground station on the network. While this does not include the DLR or Overground, visiting all 270 tube stations is no easy feat. Plus, he’s managed to choreograph himself, even though he filmed the stations out of order.

The only quibble tube purists might have about the video are the fact that he only includes one Hammersmith station (Circle and Hammersmith and City) and one Paddington station (Barkerloo, Circle and District) when there are in fact two of each. Still this is a very impressive achievement and one which I hope to match by walking between all the stations (overground). However, I still have a long way to go in my mission.

Found via this Reddit thread, where Tim explains how he went about filming himself at each station.

Odd Advertising On The Tube – Old El Paso Jubilee Tube Ad

Old El Paso Jubilee Tube Ad

I know you’re likely Jubileed out, but I thought I’d highlight my personal favourite ad to make use of the Jubilee to sell something. I have to give Old El Paso high marks for trying to make Mexican (well Americanized Mexican) food seem British – or at least something you’d want to serve at a street party. They even have what is obviously supposed to be the Queen’s hand holding up a taco. Hopefully it worked out for them, although I have to admit not seeing a single taco, burrito or other Mexican food over the whole 4 days.

I noticed this ad all last week at South Kensington station, but only got a chance yesterday to take a photo. However, I’ve seen it all over London. How about you see any good, bad or just odd Jubilee advertising? Tell me below:

Colonial Escort in Pall Mall For Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee

Colonial Escort in Pall Mall For Victoria's Diamond Jubilee

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What: Colonial Escort in Pall Mall For Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee

When: 1897

Where: Pall Mall, City of Westminster, London

Story: Another great photo of the crowds watching colonial troops file past in Pall Mall for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

Crowds Cheer At Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee

Crowds Cheer At Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee

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What: Crowds Cheer At Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee

When: 1897

Where: Somewhere in London (Possibly the City?)

Story: I’m not sure where this photo was taken, but it looks to me like it might be somewhere in the City of London. This photo again shows the huge number of people who came out to celebrate the 60 years of Victoria’s reign.