1983: Pilot
During 1983, Thames Television broadcast a one-off drama called Woodentop. It was written by Geoff McQueen, who had previously worked on LWT's The Gentle Touch. Woodentop followed Police Constable Jim Carver (Mark Wingett) on his first day, mentored by Woman Police Constable June Ackland (Trudie Goodwin). The production was seen as innovative for the use of natural lighting, handheld cameras and an authentic portrayal of British policing. Thames Television commissioned 12 further episodes for transmission in 1984.
Woodentop was directed by Peter Cregeen, who had played a part in Z-Cars and Juliet Bravo. The cast included Peter Dean as Sergeant Wilding who went on to play Peter Beale in EastEnders.
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Famous quotes containing the word pilot:
“In the true mythology, Love is an immortal child, and Beauty leads him as a guide: nor can we express a deeper sense than when we say, Beauty is the pilot of the young soul.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)