The Big Read:
'Birdsong'
This BBC2 project aimed to find the viewing public's favourite book.
'Birdsong', by Sebastian Faulks, made it into the top 21 and, along with the other 20 finalists, a short film was made to promote the book.
Each book was championed by a celebrity who attempted to convince the viewers that their particular book was the best. 'Birdsong' was championed by William Hague, MP.
Historical Advice:
Historical Adviser: Taff Gillingham
Taff was responsible for ensuring that the reconstructed parts of the story were as historically accurate as possible - not always an easy task given that the book is not always historically accurate itself!
Costume and Props:
Khaki Devil provided the uniform, equipment and weaponry for the two main characters - Jack Firebrace and Stephen Wraysford - as well as supplying four extras to act as miners and infantrymen. We also designed and built a set of Tunnel Lighting which looked exactly like original examples seen in France as well as supplying reproduction bags of ammonal explosive (see above right) and even sourced two original Proto Breathing Sets (above left). Many other small props and pieces of equipment were also found.