Television fillers that can be viewed on line are highlighted in red
This section charts the production of the Television Fillers that were made during the period 1970 to 1979. Because records are incomplete this is probably not a full list of all the films that were made. If anyone has more information about productions please contact us know though the our Contact Us facility that can be found on the navigation bar.
1970
the yearsaw the production of 17 Television Fillers. "Ulster Defence Volunteer" was screened only in Northern Ireland and was a call for volunteers to join the force. Brigadier Scott Bowden explains the aims of the newly formed Ulster Defence Regiment and canvasses for recruits. Produced for the MOD. NFA ID 2154
" Ulster - Behind the Headlines" provides the opinions of a number of professional men as they recount their experience of 'The Troubles". NFA ID 1519 The Department for Employment lunched a campaign to provide assistance and help for young school leavers with these three fillerss. "Jobs for Young Girls" about assistance for young people to find work "Careers for Boys" an animation television filler. A boy of 14 is told that it is time to start thinking about what he wants as a career and start making decisions towards it. Describes facilities to help, such as the careers advisor. Directed by Richard Taylor NFA ID N-91764 "Jobs for Early School Leavers"describes facilities to help, such as the careers advisor. Directed by Richard Taylor NFA ID 207740 The Department of Transport initiated five fillers "Tyre Pressures" humorous cartoon encouraging car owners to check tyre pressure before starting out on a journey. NFA ID 333918 "Stop In Time" a road safety television filler NFA ID 333899
"Ready for the Road" promoted the National Cycling Proficiency Scheme showing training sessions. Made by Balfour Film directed by Sarah Erulkar NFA ID 82240
" Slow Motion Seat Belt" encouraging motorists to wear seat belts. Test dummy not wearing seat belt flies through the windscreen during crash test NFA ID 333894
"Green Cross Code" road safety filler about two girls crossing the road. NFA ID N-537172
The dangers of life at sea were tackled by the Department of Trade and Industry with two fillers "Flags: Joe and Petunia" was an animated filler about safety at sea featuring these two characters who became well known. "The Coastguard’s Job" was about the work of the coastguard NFA ID N- 88669 The dangers that children can face on the farm produced "Dangerous Playground"each year a number of young children are killed or injured in accidents on farms. Forethought and supervision can often safeguard against such dangers as well as unattended machinery and farmyard chemicals. Directed by David Cobham, made for the Department of Agriculture . Directed by David Cobham NFA ID 153339
"New System Decimal Coinage" provides information about the introduction of decimal coinage into the UK NFA ID 333898
"Demise of the Old Penny" (click here to view from BFI) this is just one of a number of films and other material for a major information campaign in the lead-up to decimalisation, intended to make the transition as smooth as possible. Britain made the switch to decimal currency on 15 February 1971, by which time 5p, 10p and 50p coins had already been introduced. In the run-up to 'D Day', many shops gave prices in both pounds, shillings and pence and the new decimal system. NFA ID 7562
"Fire Prevention Mary" advice on prevention of fires in the home NFA ID N-723192
Greenwich and Deptford Hospital Nurse Recruitment" encouraging young women to become nurses. NFA IDN-419053
1971 Saw the production of 12 television fillers. The introduction of a new currency represented a major change in day to day life in the UK. A public awareness campaign was launched with three fillers. "Granny Gets the Point" about how various members of a family cope with decimal currency, when it is introduced on 15th February, 1971, with varying degrees of understanding and confidence. Made for the Metrication Board, directed by Jeff Inman for Ray Elton Films NFA ID 7481 Decimal Currency Sweetshop also part of campaign about decimal currency together with Decimal Currency System NFA ID N-537113 Three fillers were made for the Department for Transport Too Close for Comfortwitnessed Reg Varney, playing an amiable but idiotic car-driver, demonstrates, in various farcical incidents, the fact that most accidents occur because drivers do not keep a safe space round their vehicles nor allow sufficient room for manoeuvre in the many driving situations which arise every day. A television filler about the need to drive with care allowing space around the vehicle to avoid accidents. Directed by Stan Hill for Technical and Scienific Films. NFA ID 76047 Ending It All was a satirical road-safety filler warning of dangers of driving too close to vehicle in front .Features Michael Palin NFA ID 6321456 Separation Distances Chariots was about the need not to get too close to the car in front. NFA ID N-721034 Jolly Seafarer an animation television filler. A jolly seafarer shows off all the features of his boat. Another man has no boat but details all his safety equipment. They get together and survive a trip at sea, despite a big storm. End slogan: "is your safety equipment as good as your boat?" Produced for the Department of Trade and Industry .Directed by Richard Taylor NFA ID N-91745 Purse Snatcher a warning about pick pockets in crowded streets. Produced for the Home Office Crime Prevention campaign 1971 Census was a television filler providing information about the forthcoming Census. Made for the Home Office NFA ID N-719785 Army Sky Divers was a filler about a practice day for the Red Devils using high performance parachutes. It was a public relations filler for the Army. N-3672921 The Department of the Environment initiated three fillers about the countryside Acceptance of the Country an animation television filler with Joe and Petunia, picnicking in a field and incur the wrath of the farmer for their multiple breaches of the Country Code.Directed by Nick Spargo NFA ID 764991
Children and Disused Refrigerators (click here to view from BFI) was about the dangers posed by disused fridges abandoned by the public. This short animated television filler warns of the dangers of old fridges to children in typically hyperbolic fashion, cautioning viewers to remove the doors from these 'death traps' - or better still, have them properly disposed of by the local council. The fear of children suffocating in disused fridges is largely forgotten in the age of magnetic seals, but earlier designs with locking doors could be genuinely dangerous - hence the emphatic tone of this film. NFA ID N-236285 Joe and Petunia Country Code the couple explain the new code of conduct for people out in the country. 1972 During the year 15 Television Fillers were released. Seven were produced for the Department of Transport Green Cross Code -Parked Carswas about the danger of parked cars for pedestrians attempting to cross a road. Made by Illustra Films and directed by Jeff Inman. This is an interesting example of a major documentary company making television fillers. NFA ID N-613330
Green Crosss Code- Children Launch road safety for children. Made by Illustra Films NFA ID N-605563
Motorway Fog was an animatedfiller made by Richard Taylor Cartoons on road safety. A man with an alligator feeds it carelessly and ends up eaten. The voiceover asks why people are similarly careless when driving in fog NFA ID N-91385
Keep Your Distance warned of the dangers of cars driving too close to the vehicle in front. NFA ID N-238127
Seatbelts Launch-Shaw Taylorwas launch of a television filler campaign to encourage the use of seat belts. This was before the use of television commercials. NFA ID N-719491 Seabelts - Mr ReederClunk Click -Jimmy Savile asks an injured Mr Reeder, who is in bed in hospital, to recall how he was thrown through the windscreen of his car, because he wasn't wearing a seatbelt when his tyre burst. Tagline "Clunk Click Every Trip NFA ID N-537195
Seatbelts - Carol Barrows another Clunk click television filler NFA ID N-537187
The Department for Health initiated two films Fostering Handicapped Children was a plea for people to come forward to become foster parents. NFA ID 333890
Blood Donor – Holiday a reminder to donors to give blood before they go on holiday. It was one of a series appealing for more people to give blood. NFA ID 756899
The Health and Safety Executive initiated two fillers Dirty Handsa television filler showing the dangers to men working in industry whose hands come into contact with strong chemical substances. NFA ID 5861 Abrasive Wheels was sponsored by the Health and Safety Executive as part of a series about industrial injuries.An animationfiller about safety when using abrasive wheel grinders. A man covered in bandages on his hands and head, including his mouth, tries desperately to get another machinist to use all the safety guards and equipment. Directed by Richard Taylor NFA ID N-91389 The Home Office initiated the production of two fillers about swimming Youngsters Learn to Swim- Rolf Harris was a filler encouraging children to learn to swim. Celebrity Rolf Harris was present to do the encouraging. NFA ID N-719769 Teenagers Learn to Swim was an animation filler of a girl day dreaming about her boyfriend, Dave, and wishing they were at the beach. A fairy godmother grants her wish, but she discovers Dave can't swim. Mike, who 'swims like a fish' pops up next to her in the sea, and they swim off together. NFA ID N-721043 Amazing Graceadisplay by an army gymnast, filmed in slow motion.It was a public relations filler for the army. NFA ID 333920
Raising the School Leaving Age (COI Filler No 1172) provides reasons for the change and the implications for the change in the education system. NFA ID 333905 1973
This was a bumper year since it saw the production of 34 Television fillers
The year included the production of six films using the cartoon character Charley Charley’s Tea Party (click here to view from BFI) an animated television filler. A boy and his cat Charley are playing around the house. Charley gets very interested by the food on the table and pulls the tablecloth, causing the hot water from the teapot to spill all over him. He tells the boy, who tells the audience what he has learnt. All the films were produced and directed by Richard Taylor NFA ID N-89945
Charley In The Kitchen (click here to view from BFI) Charley the cat looks at all the bubbling pots and pans on a hot stove and is splashed by spitting fat. He goes to tell the boy, who tells the audience that they should stay away from hot stoves as there are so many things that can hurt you . Animator Richard Taylor, whose company produced the series, had worked in the industry for 20 years before the Charley films. He began his career at the innovative Larkins Studio before leaving to set up his own studio in 1965. His bold, experimental and yet often very simple design sense was perfect for Television Fillers. NFA ID N-89936
Matches (click here to view from BFI) Charleyprovides helpful advice about the dangers of playing with matches Charley Falling In The Water (click here to view from BFI) poor Charley - full of good advice, but all too often he fell into trouble himself. Television Fillers often used a child drowning which would certainly have packed a punch. it was felt that the fantasy friendship between a boy and a cat meant the message resonated more with young children when the cat was put in peril instead. NFA ID N-89934 Charley Mummy Should Know (click here to view from BFI)A boy's friends ask him to go for a picnic, but Charley the cat says he should ask his mummy first. She is busy talking to the milkman and by the time she says yes his friends has gone. His mum says that he did the right thing asking and takes him out for the day instead. NFA ID N-89943
Strangers (click here to view from BFI) Charley tells children about the dangers of talking to people that they don't know. Made by Richard Taylor Cartoon Films NFA ID 765034 Three of these television fillers were sponsored by the Home Office and two by the Department of the Environment for very different subjects. However the animation Charley series using the well known character might be said to have reinforced one another with the audience of children.
The Department of Transport initiated no less than eleven films. This number was partly a reflection of the extent of safety issues for which the department was responsible but also reflected the perceived effectiveness of the television filler as a means of reaching significant audiences.
Sewing Machine (click here to view from BFI)a young mother, busy sewing a dress for her little girl, tells the child to stay on the pavement. Good advice is not enough, however, and the mother hears a thump as the child is knocked down by a car. A child road safety filler, very simple in its construct but devastating in its impact. It was written and directed by John Krish. NFA ID 281412
Passing Places a country music band is driving and singing in the Highlands of Scotland. You are given advice about how to drive on a single track road- slow down, never park your car at passing places and stop your car at passing places in order to let through people who hurry. The film ends with a shot of a road sign- "Single track road Do not impede following traffic Use passing places". NFA ID 570586 Green Cross Code Puppy a child road safety filler encouraging the use of the Green Cross Code NFA ID 333917 Worn Tyres Can Kill (click here to view from BFI) an animation filler about the dangers of driving with worn tyres with characters Joe and Petunia. Directed by Nick Spargo NFA ID 333911 Children Watch Us Cross a road safety awareness filler. A boy describes what his parents do wrong when they take him shopping or for a walk. NFA ID N-103419
White At Night a road safety filler reminding pedestrians to wear something light at night-time in order to be seen by drivers. NFA ID N-112753 Under Fives:Tufty Ice Cream Van a filler using the character of the squirrel Tufty to demonstrate the dangers of running across the road to an ice cream van. Tufty Playing Near A Road (click here to view from BFI) a filler using the character of the squirrel Tufty to instruct a small boy in the dangers of playing near a road.
Tufty Safe Places to Cross (click here to view from BFI) Tufty charmed and instructed of generations children, first in a series of illustrated books created by Elsie Mills for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), then in a network of 'Tufty Clubs' with a membership reaching two million and finally in this series of short films from 1973, which continued to appear throughout the 70s and beyond.
Tufty - Shopping (click here to view from BFI) so distracted by a nearby toy shop that he temporarily loses sight of mum, Tufty - and the young viewer - gets a useful reminder to hold her hand while out shopping. This road safety lesson for Tufty Fluffytail from his mum - and Bernard Cribbins - was one of a particularly well-loved television fillers aimed at young children.
Road Test Pedestrian (click here to view from BFI) Frank Thorton complete with microphone follows a hapless chap around all day as if he were testing a car pointing out the vulnerabilities of the Hunan body to injury,
Road Safety Remember the Rules promotes the zig zag lines NFA ID N-3688493
The last two fillers were sponsored by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA)
Fool for a Father a filler about keeping your distance from the vehicle in front when driving. A man is driving too close to the van in front, which is carrying a load of milk churns. Tagline: "Keep your distance. You're a fool if you don't" NFA ID N-3688488 Road Safety: Remember the Rules a filler to remind motorists, Remember the Rules. ZigZag lines are there to make pedestrian crossings safer. Tagline: "Remember the Rules" The Home Office initiated six fillers Lonely Water (click here to view from BFI) wasabout dangers facing children when playing near ponds or open water. A powerful and frightening film. Made by Illustra Films directed by Jeff Grant. NFA ID 746334 Firework Chick Firework safety campaign. As teenager Julie prepares to meet her date a firework thrown by a gang of children explodes in her face. The 40 second version has the tagline: 'Don't Fool Around with Fireworks'. NFA ID N-92526 Family Income Supplement a filler publicising increased payments for people drawing Family Income Supplement benefits. Directed by Gillie Potter. Made for the Department for Work and Pensions. Made by Gillie Potter Productions. NFA ID 9856 Old Fridges Can Killa filler encouraging responsible disposal of old fridges. To a child, an old discarded fridge is somewhere to play, but they can be trapped inside. They are impossible to open from the inside. Tagline: Old Fridges Can Kill. NFA ID N-3688449 Water Rescue: Reach, Throw, Wade, Row a man jumps into a river to rescue a drowning child. The safe way is to stand on the edge of the bank and reach or throw a ball to use as a float or wade out with a branch, or if a boat is nearby, row out to them. Tagline: Reach. Throw. Wade. Row'. NFA ID N-3688450 Broken Guns a filler about shooting for sport. A gun should be broken and unloaded whenever it isn't being fired. Two men go out shooting. One has not broken his gun, before climbing through a fence, and it goes off and shoots one of his colleagues. NFA ID N-3688484
Fire Prevention. Fire is a Nightmare about fire prevention in the home. Tag line "Mary lived here". NFA ID N-537144 The Army initiated two fillers Travel a career film about life in the army highlighting the opportunities for travel open to the modern soldier. NFA ID 664487
Scorpion Tanks the British Army taking part in a battle run using Britain's newest tanks. Tagline: 'The Scorpion - The fastest light tank on Earth NFA ID N-3688480 And the Royal Air Force requested this career filler
RAF: Train for a Trade a recruiting filler for the RAF. "Train for a Trade" in the RAF. Joining the RAF could be the best move you ever made. NFA ID N-3688491
While the Royal Navy also initiated a career filler Royal Navy: Submarine Hunt a Royal Navy recruitment filler on a training exercise, tracking a submarine. Tagline: " Call in at your local Navy Careers office" NFA ID N-3688494 London Housing Improvement a filler promoting home improvement grants in the campaign "Make your bit of London a better place to live in” Produced for the Department of the Environment. Made by Illustra Films NFA ID 2138
Making the Right Move promotes the Department of Employment as the go to place if you need to change your job. NFA ID N-3688483
Beach Litter Broken Bottles about the dangers of leaving broken bottles on a beach. A young boy runs barefoot along a beach. Tag line " the last place on earth to leave broken bottle is the beach". NFA ID N-3688475
1974
saw the production of the 12 Television fillers. Six fillers were produced for the Home Office
Searching (click here to view from BFI) a filler warning against fire risks if children can get access to matches. The filler opens with someone walking through a family home in the aftermath of a fire. On the soundtrack, echoed and distorted voices call out names of children in panic. End slogan and voiceover: Please keep matches away from children. It was an award winning Television Filler made by John Krish for Illustra Films. A simple and very powerful film NFA ID 279265
Road Test Pedestrian Frank Thornton with a cap on his head and a microphone in his hand follows a hapless pedestrian around all day as if he were road testing a car pointing out the venerable parts of the human body. Made by Bussman Llewellyn NFA ID N- 197606
Operating Theatre also a very powerful film made by John Krish was also part of the campaign “Keep Matches Away from Children”. NFA ID 673706
Snatch of the Day was about the danger of pickpockets in crowded streets. A public safety filler raising awareness of pickpocketing. Presented like a sports programme - two commentators go over 'action replay' of pickpocketing in Piccadilly Circus.Made by the Moving Picture Company Directed by John Krish NFA ID 673705
Bicycle Theft was about the need to safeguard bicycles in public places. An information filler warning the public about bicycle thieves. Also directed by John Krish NFA ID 5872631
Fireworks: Eyespart of a firework safety campaign. Warning children about the dangers of throwing fireworks at someone's face, to have a care for the eyes when using fireworks. Tagline: 'Take Care with Fireworks' NFA ID N-92238 Local Elections an animated filler to encourage people to vote at their local election using the slogan "Don't Be An Ostrich" NFA ID 333912 Of the six fillers made for the Home Office it is notable that four of them were directed by John Krish.
Dad’s Army Pelican Crossing used the famous platoon under Captain Mannering to demonstrate the correct way to use the new Pelican road crossing. Produced for the Department of Transport NFA ID N-719782 The Department of Employment requested two fillers, they were Training Opportunities a filler to encourage women whose children have grown up to return to work. A woman on a bus promotes the Training Opportunities (TOPS) Scheme, a scheme which provides free training for office jobs at colleges of further education. NFA ID 333908 Search for a Joba filler explaining how the Department of Employment may pay travel and lodging expenses to unemployed persons searching for jobs. It was about the help that was available from the Department of Employment. NFA ID 17225 Notice to Quit a filler aimed at informing the public of their rights in rent disputes and evictions when faced with a Notice to Quit. Made for the Department of the Environment NFA ID 333906
The Fatal Floor (click here to view from BFI) a darkly humorous film about the dangers of slipping on newly polished floors. Made for the DTI. NFA ID N-108001
1975
saw the production of 15 Television Fillers.
Of the fifteen released in 1975 eight were concerned with safety on the road, three of the eight were directed by John Krish whose long experience with children and safety made him very much the “go to” director.
Only A Fool Breaks the 2 second Rule (click here to view from BFI) one of three fillers warning drivers to keep a safe distance between them and the car in front. Made by Sierra Productions Directed by John Krish .Produced for the Department of Transport. NFA ID 673709 Make Sure the Under Fives Stay Insidea filler warning against dangers to young children of leaving the house unaccompanied. A woman answers the door, her daughter finds her way outside. Potential dangers are highlighted in graphics; she runs after a dog in front of traffic. Directed by John Krish for Sierra Films. NFA ID 673708 The Department of the Environment initiated two fillers I Stopped I Looked I Listeneda filler about ways in which old people can improve on their pedestrian road behaviour. Features members of the Lewisham Darby & Joan Club discussing road safety and comparing today's difficult traffic conditions with the more leisurely conditions they once knew. Intended for elderly pedestrians. Produced for the Department of the Environment. Directed by John Krish for the Moving Picture Company. NFA ID 82247 Children Overtake was an animation filler made by Richard Taylor. The film was about watching out for child cyclists.It featured the world's oldest cyclist Augustus Windsock who is followed with commentary as he turns a corner at a junction and then shows how to overtake a parked car. The commentator says that he has done everything correctly and is a model for children, and it is easy to see how he has lived so long NFA ID N-91438
Children Turn animation filler about cycling safety.The oldest cyclist in the world is August Winsock turns a corner at a junction. The commentator says that he has done everything correctly and is a model for children. It is easy to see why he has lived so long. Made by Richard Taylor. NFA ID N- 91421 The Home Office funded five films
The Losers a crime prevention filler in which four cases of car theft are enacted and analysed. Directed by David Cammell for Illustra Films NFA ID 81293 Pick Pockets a filler demonstrating the need for care in crowded places. NFA ID N- 719463
Children and Strangers: Ed Stewart a filler aimed at children about the dangers of accepting offers of lifts from strangers. Campaign to alert children to the dangers of talking to and going off with strangers. A man in a car offers to give a lift to a young girl coming out of school. NFA ID N-57530 Fire Prevention– Bedroom demonstrates the cause of a large dangerous fire; an incorrectly extinguished cigarette. "Put it out before you can't put it out." NFA IFD N-716656
Fire prevention – Work advice on what to do when a fire alarm is triggered. Stop what you are doing, get out of the building, don't panic, close doors behind you, don't take the lift, don't re-enter the building for anything. NFA ID N-723329 Both these films pointed to cigarettes that had not been correctly extinguished as the cause of the fires.
The Department of Transport funded three further fillers
Green ross CodeChildren’s Heroes - pop star Alvin Stardust (click here to view from BFI) was part of the long running Green Cross code campaign NFA ID N-102926
Think Bike a filler aimed at motorists to remind them to look out for motorcyclists when joining a main road. NFA ID N-721046
SPLINK Derek Griffiths (click here to view from BFI) launched the the first of a series of fillers under the generic title of SPLINK concerned with pedestrian safety NFA ID N-597035
Blood Donor - Dockers a docker who has previously benefitted from a blood transfusion is seen giving blood at his place of work NFA ID 753585
Jobs for Young Girls animation filler providing careers advice for girls. NFA ID N-720229
1976 saw the production of12 television fillers of which six were for the Department of Transport.
Green Cross code: He’s Great (click here to view from BFI) were two fillers that were part of the on going Green Cross Code campaign of road safety films encouraging children to follow the Green Cross Code. The Green Cross Code man is watching across the road on the monitor in his control tower. NFA ID N-599303 Green Cross Code Parked Cars from his video control centre the Green Cross Code man witnesses a young girl trying to cross the road between parked cars. His two young assistants show how to find a place to cross safely. Tagline: 'Always use the Green Cross Code because I won't be there when you cross the road . NFA ID N-99967 Green Cross Code - Splink Launch (click here to view from BFI) former Doctor Who Jon Pertwee has a message for Earth's children in this road safety film. Unlike the more familiar 'Stop, Look, Listen' Green Cross Code, the clunky acronym SPLINK proved tricky for kids to retain, and ultimately the campaign was quietly shelved. Look carefully and you'll see that one of the kids is a young Todd Carty - himself a couple of years away from fame as Tucker Jenkins in Grange Hill. NFA ID N-719509 Caravan Instability was aimed at motorists about the dangers of overloading towing caravans and driving too fast. NFA ID N-104073 Pelican Crossing Song a road safety filler featuring a country and western song by Paul Greenwood. NFA ID N-720736
Where's Your Lad (click here to view from BFI) teenage boys: scourge of 70s Britain. This characteristically alarmist mid-70s television filler highlights the contemporary moral panic around juvenile delinquency - in this case, vandalism. NFA ID N-597088
Seat Belts- Broken Bottle looked at the facial injuries that real people have suffered because they have not worn a seatbelt on short journeys. Implies that hitting a car windscreen can do more damage than being hit by a broken bottle. Tagline: 'Clunk Click Every Trip'. NFA ID N-103845 Blood Donors: The Spinners was another appeal for blood donors featuring "The Spinners" a well known music group. "The Spinners" encourage members of the public to give blood. Produced for the Department of Health NFA ID 764878
Swimming - David Wilkie the Olympic swimmer encourages children to learn to swim. It was one of several using personalities to put across the message. NFA ID 620615
Fostering - Gran a woman reflects on her decision to foster Chris after her own two children have grown up and left home. NFA ID N-89775
Rabies - Holiday Makers one of a series warning travellers of the dangers of rabies. NFA ID 333910
Fire Prevention - Work provides advice on what to do if a fire alarm goes off in the work place. NFA ID N-723329
1977
during this year 8 television fillers were produced. The Home Office requested the following four fillers
Fostering Group were two fillers that contributed to the on going problem of recruiting people to become Foster Parents. NFA ID N-614266
Talking Gas was an animation film. "Gas" in a large bottle talks about its desire to escape, and how it can happen if people don't connect to appliances correctly. The man putting his bottle in a heater makes an error and the gas fills the room and explodes on lighting. Directed by Richard Taylor. NFA ID N-91749 Fire Prevention in attendance a woman cooking in her kitchen demonstrates the safety procedures that need to be followed when a pan of cooking fat/oil is left unattended and catches fire - final slogan 'Fire. If you don't let it start, you won't have to stop it' NFA ID N-354236
Green Cross Code Parked Cars from his control centre Green Cross Code man sees a girl trying to cross a road between two parked cars. His two young assistants show her how to cross safely. NFA ID N-100589
Green Cross CodeDavid was another filler in the road safety series aimed at children.
Easy to Readadult literacy awareness encouraged adults who are not confident with reading, writing or spelling to seek help where they see the adult literacy symbol. The Department for Education provided information about Adult Literacy Classes. The number of people who are unable to read or write was substantial. NFA ID N-110332
Rabies Taking No Chances continued to warn about the real dangers of this disease.A film about rabies and the measures taken to prevent the disease from spreading to Britain. Shows how animals can be imported legally through special points of entry and undergo a six-month quarantine period. Follows the search procedures made by customs officers on vehicles and boats arriving in Britain and outlines the penalties for ignoring the law. Produced for the Department for Agriculture NFA ID 95791
Pelican Crossings Pedestrians provides advice on using these road crossings. Made by Brooks Fulford. NFA ID N-711873 1978
saw the production of 16 television fillers. It was also the year of the launch of the Keep Britain Tidy campaign by the Department for the Environment featuring Dusty the Kangkaroo with at least 16 fillers being produced.
Dusty No 1 was the first of a number of television fillers promoting the theme of “Keep Britain Tidy” featuring the character Dusty the Kangaroo. Keep Britain Tidy was an anti-litter campaign. In this filler a little boy turns into a pig when Dusty the Kangaroo sees him drop a cup on to the ground NFA ID N-56042. Dusty No 6 (click here to view from BFI) Keep Britain Tidy anti-litter campaign. Dusty the Kangaroo catches a character dumping a mattress in the countryside NFA ID N-89592 Dusty No 12 (click here to view from BFI). Keeping Britain Tidy anti-litter campaign animation. A man and boy enjoying their packed lunches while travelling by train turn into pigs after throwing their litter to the floor. Dusty a kangaroo ensures that they pick up their litter. This is one of a series of 17 television fillers featuring the animated character Dusty the kangaroo. They were made in the late 1970s for the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, an independent campaigning group established in 1954, following a campaign by the Women's Institute. They were even helped by celebrities of the day - from Marc Bolan to Morecambe and Wise - supporting the cause NFA ID N-99810 Dusty No 16Keeping Britain Tidy campaign. A family picnicking on a beach turn into pigs after causing litter. Dusty the kangaroo ensures that they pick up their rubbish NFA ID N-99861
The Department for Health sponsored two films
Fostering –Hospitalwas a recruitment filler for short term foster carers. A young boy stays with foster parents whilst his mother is in hospital. NFA ID N-117510 Blood Donor – Sue Barker was another call for the public to give blood featuring a celebrity, Sue Barker together with emphasising the work of the Blood Transfusion Service NFA ID 756900 The Department for Transport requested three films
Lane Discipline a road safety filler - using lane lines correctly to guide us to safety. The importance of thinking ahead and keeping in lane "Keep in Lane". Directed by Ken Brown for Film Troupe NFA ID 214984 Think Bike -Jimmy Hill (click here to view from BFI) a filler reminded car drivers of the need to be aware of motorcyclists when driving. Made for Department for Transport NFA ID N-719781
Dazzling Man was a filler to persuade motorists not to dazzle others with their headlights. A man with headlights on his head tells of the trouble he used to have on his night runs until he was fitted with a dip switch NFA ID N-91768 Two films were requested by the DTI, they were
Play Safe – Kites and Planes(click here to view from BFI)a safety fillers to make children aware of the dangers from playing near overhead electric lines and substations. NFA ID 259107 Play Safe – Camping was aimed at children about hazards they might encounter while at play. A filler showing the dangers of overhead power cables in the countryside, especially when erecting tent poles, casting fishing lines and sailing boats with tall masts. Made for DTI NFA ID N-105899
Fishing Accident animation filler about how to prepare a dinner for a seagull - take a small boat, add sandwiches and too many people to be safe without lifejackets.Go a mile out to sea, the ingredients react and everything is tipped overboard.The seagull takes the sandwiches. Made by Richard Taylor. NFA ID N-89766
Clothes Fire Presentera filler about fire safety in the home, specifically preventing clothes catching fire. It provides advice should you or your family member's clothes catch alight, to "Get Down. Roll Over. Call Help". Pro for the Home Office NFA ID N-704983
Skateboard Safetya filler about skilled skateboarding with a voice over commentary by Ray Ellington. Possibly the first skateboard filler. Produced for the Home Office NFA ID 333909 Phone In Confidence was produced for use in Northern Ireland during “the troubles”. It was an appeal by the Police for information regarding terrorist activities that might given over the telephone “in confidence”. Produced for the Northern Ireland Government NFA ID 333893
Weather Forecast provides information about using weather forecasts. Made by Illustra Films NFA ID N-515450
1979
saw the production of six television fillers.
Fire Routine was one of the most lively television fillers produced by Film Division. Its theme, on behalf on the Home Office was the importance of switching off electrical gadgets when going to bed. It drew on the style of a very successful BBC drama/music series called "Pennies From Heaven" that had been directed by Piers Haggard who now directed Fire Routine. The script of Fire Routine called for an exotic couple in their dressing gowns to perform a song and dance number called What’s Your Bed Time Routine?As they move from room to room switching off all electrical appliances. An engaging item that put its message across very clearly. Made by Picture Palace Productions directed by Piers Haggard NFA ID 173905
Is Your Home Secure? was a reminder of the need to securely lock all doors and close all windows in your home when going away. NFA ID N-721005
George and Lil (click here to view from BFI) crime prevention filler about keeping a light on when going out.
Prams and Pushchairsa filleraimed at parents about safety issues with prams and pushchairs NFA ID N-720258
Driving In The Rain provides advice on how to drive safely in very wet and windy weather. NFA ID N-84003 Swimming – David Wilkie (click here to view from BFI) was a reminder to children and their parents of the need to learn to swim. This time with celebrity David Wilkie. It’s never too late to learn: that’s the encouraging message of this fondly remembered television filler. Promoting swimming, with Wilkie acting not only as authoritative presenter but also as interviewer. It’s a good illustration of how television fillers often borrowed its style from other film and television (in this case, documentary and current affairs television). From a messaging point of view, it’s a case of belt and braces: viewers hearing the message twice, first from an expert then from the mouths of kids like themselves, are twice as likely to sit up, pay attention and act accordingly. NFA ID 620615
This completes the information about Television Fillers made between 1970 and 1979. If anyone has any more information about other television fillers made during this period please write in through the "Contact Us" facility on the navigation bar..