Morris Minor Owners Club

I hope somebody out there can help me. I'm the editor-at-large for Classic Car Weekly, and we're looking for an example of a Morris Minor Traveller to appear in a forthcoming Head to Head feature in the magazine. It doesn't matter what age or condition it is, just so long as it's a Traveller and can move under its own power.

I was wondering if there are any members close to the Peterborough area - say within about 50 to 75 miles of the city - who might like to let their car be test-driven and photographed this week (January 26-30), the weekend (January 31-February 1), or the first few days of the following week (February 2-3)? The only days we can't make are Tuesday, January 27 and the morning of Friday, January 30. All else is fine, but the sooner the better really. I know it's very short notice, for which I apologise, unfortunately we have very tight deadlines on a weekly publication.

It would take about a couple of hours or so, just to get some shots – general and detail (interior, engine etc) in a decent scenic location close to wherever the owner lives and have a brief drive of the car too. We can't offer payment I'm afraid, but the member would get the kudos of seeing their car on the front cover and inside Classic Car Weekly, and I'll send on a CD of all the pictures taken for their own use...hopefully, they should be high quality stuff. We'll also give the club a big plug too, naturally.

If anyone can help out, it would be much appreciated. I can be reached via this forum, by email on rjgunn007@talk21.com or by mobile on 07774 980865 any time.

Many thanks in advance for any help.

Richard Gunn

Most approaches are made through the MMOC but we do get approaches made direct onto the message board which is fine but there have been some concerns and issues raised recently so I wanted to clarify things.

A fee should be paid for the cars, this will vary depending on the type of filming involved along with the amount of time spent on location.

All out of pocket expenses should be paid for, and of course food and drink during the shooting.

The film company should also have the correct type of insurance cover for you car which will vary depending on the type of filming and location involved.

These are the bare minimum you should recieve as these are professional companies who are creating a product from which to make a profit. And some production companies forget that we are private enthusiasts who often have to take time of work to do the filming, and the main reason for approaching us is that the fees charged by the classic car hiring companies are quite expensive.

Plus, as mentioned previously, the company should provide a written contract which includes fee and insurance details.

I think theres a difference here between a film company wanting a car for a program/film to be shown on TV/cinema or whatever and a Classic Car publication wanting one for a feature. The first is purely financial and the advice given is very valid, wheras CCW are more 'on our side' and have given very good publicity to the club on many occaisions and in my view should be supported. We help them, they help us sort of thing.
I would imagine, that such a publication, run by classic car enthusiasts, who road test cars on a regular basis would have suitable insurance and if I lived in the area, I would be more than happy to lend one of my cars. The offer of a CD of professionally produced photos of my car sounds pretty good really for a couple of hours out and about.

I agree - if it was anywhere near me - I would happily allow my car to be photographed - free! Whoever goes along - do please tell us which week it will be featured!

Thanks for all these comments...I didn't intend to stir up such controversy! I'd love to be able to pay a fee if possible but CCW doesn't for these kind of features, where we're going to an owner's house, at a convenient time for them (the weekend is an option), and just photographing the car, coupled with a short test drive. As Iain points out, we do try to help out the club whenever possible with publicity, and have a good relationship with it...we're not some big media corporation expecting to get something for nothing and then give nothing back in return.

I rather hope the couple of hours or so will be a lot of enjoyable fun too, for everybody involved.

And the feature will be appearing in the issue of February 12, bmcecosse.

As a previous member of the National Committee, I personally would be more than happy to use one of my cars if I were in that area, as have other committee members in the past. My advice was given based on concern exrpessed previously, however of course the final decision is that of the individual involved.

Hi Rich as stated we have to offer advice due to what has happened in the past but to quote your post

It would take about a couple of hours or so, just to get some shots – general and detail (interior, engine etc) in a decent scenic location close to wherever the owner lives and have a brief drive of the car too.

Then Ians post

I would imagine, that such a publication, run by classic car enthusiasts, who road test cars on a regular basis would have suitable insurance

And now you can see my concerns as no mention was made of insurance and assumtions are not as good as assurances.
I appreciate that Classic Car Weekly are considered good guys which I agree with, however why wasnt the approach made through the MMOC normal channels who have all the local contacts especially when you say you have a good relationship with the club.
Sorry if this comes across as being negative but its more for the protection of the owner/drivers as we have had some iffy approaches in the past.

Hi Kevin,

No problem...you're right to highlight these things. I'm sure there have probably been incidents in the past where not everything was done by the book, as CCW tries to do. I used the forum as it has worked well in the past with other photoshoots and because, sometimes, we have had problems in the past with other clubs - not the MMOC of course - saying they would try and organise something and then not getting back to us. One of the nice things about this modern age is the ability to do something like this and be able to communicate with a lot of people in one go...thus saving a committee member the trouble of ringing around members, then having to get back to the journalist involved etc.

However, I forgot with the MMOC you have the very efficient and frankly wonderful Rosie for PR, who is extremely helpful and slick in these sort of matters. I've spoken to her direct now and she's on the case! And she's better than any computer, I'm sure all will agree

Cheers,
Richard

Hence my comments Richard. The subject of members being contacted directly was raised at committee on more than one occasion. Additionally Rosie, and her husband Sandy have featured in previous CCW articles, so contact details should already be on record.

Glad to say its all sorted for you now Richard thanks to Rosie

hello they can have my cars any time i enjoy ccw, its a good paper well worth supporting id love to have mine featured. and photos film ect that would be nice i understand whats been said. about contracts and the like. but to see your car in a well respected car mag would suffice ...grandad

Perhaps Rosie will bear everyone in mind, and if an opportunity arises in a particular area, publicise it via this site.

grumpygrandad wrote:hello they can have my cars any time i enjoy ccw, its a good paper well worth supporting id love to have mine featured. and photos film ect that would be nice i understand whats been said. about contracts and the like. but to see your car in a well respected car mag would suffice ...grandad

Well I think you are only around 55 miles away and the ideal distance was 50 - 75 miles so you were near enough to offer your Moggie but although the request was for a Traveller you could have offered yours in case they couldn't get what they wanted..