‘Fly on the wall’ documentaries

Associated services

In some cases, where the home or business owner does not permit the film crew to enter their private property, HCEAs continue to film without consent, using concealed cameras.

Our specialist privacy lawyers help in both pre and post broadcast claims, where individuals targeted by ‘fly on the wall’ documentary makers wish to prevent any reputational damage to their business, or to seek compensation due to the distress caused to them.

We have a successful track record in winning claims and securing damages for our clients, who have brought claims against Channel 5 for breach of privacy during the filming of TV programme Can’t Pay? We’ll Take it Away!.

We have also successfully prevented the broadcast of episodes of the BBC programme The Sheriffs are Coming after being instructed at very short notice by business owners.

If you have been filmed for a fly on the wall documentary and feel your privacy has been invaded, you may have a claim, whether the programme has been broadcast already, or if you have been notified that it may be broadcast in the future. Please get in touch with one of our experts to find out how we can help you.

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Associated services

In some cases, where the home or business owner does not permit the film crew to enter their private property, HCEAs continue to film without consent, using concealed cameras.

We have also successfully prevented the broadcast of episodes of the BBC programme The Sheriffs are Coming after being instructed at very short notice by business owners.

View less

Recommendations

‘From our initial meeting to our final communications after receiving our long and hard-fought for damages, the entire team at Hamlins has been nothing less than exemplary. Every email has been answered promptly and efficiently, every phone call handled professionally. Meeting Alex and the team on numerous occasions has proved them to be empathetic, understanding, professional and driven to get the right and just result. We were anxious before our first meeting but Alex, Lauren, Meera and Anna were all extremely friendly, professional and understanding of the horrible experiences we had received from C5. Those feelings were swept aside in minutes. The level of respect and understanding we were treated with was first-rate. Having had bad service from solicitors in the past, we can honestly say that Hamlins are in a class of their own. We would recommend them without hesitation.’

Stuart and Clare Marler (private individuals)

‘They are friendly and made what could usually have been an unpleasant situation much more bearable. They put my mind at rest, and explained everything every step of the way. They were always there for me, and made me feel safe and supported the whole way through. I didn’t feel pressured to make any choices that I wasn’t comfortable with. All in all, they were exactly the right mixture of friendly and professional, and did an amazing job for me.’

Legal 500 2021 Testimonial - Reputation Management (ranked: Tier 3)

‘My experience was first rate. Every member of the team was extremely efficient, thorough and professional. They undertook everything in a timely way and were clear in their communications. They were incredibly thorough and worked extremely hard.’

Chambers and Partners 2021 - Defamation/Reputation Management (ranked: Band 4)

‘The Can’t Pay? We’ll Take it Away! television programme targets those who are down on their luck and in difficult financial situations. We feel that the programme is best likened to a form of bullying as they pick on those in society who they think are unable to fight back because they do not have the means, whether that be financially or intellectually. Thankfully, we were able to fight back with the fantastic help of our solicitor, Alex Cochrane, and the team at Hamlins, and we cannot thank them enough for helping us through this difficult situation and bringing it to a satisfactory conclusion. I would urge anyone who has found themselves a victim of this programme to take action.’

Keith Wain and Julie Kelly

‘Each individual that I dealt with was friendly and approachable. I never felt talked down to, by anyone. If I didn’t understand something, they would explain it simply without making me feel like a fool.’

Legal 500 2021 Testimonial - Reputation Management (ranked: Tier 3)

‘We were contacted at short notice regarding an intimated broadcast on the BBC that would have done severe damage to our business. We instructed Hamlins LLP, the leading firm in this specialist area, and Alex and Lauren were able to quickly put together a very robust legal letter and they successfully prevented the broadcast. We are very grateful for their professional input that concluded in our success against such an injustice.’

Business owner

‘The service they provide is first class and they are always prompt in sending out correspondence and returning phone calls. My claim against a major newspaper group was successful and I attribute this to the expertise and action of Hamlins.’

Legal 500 2021

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‘Fly on the wall’ documentaries

‘Fly on the wall’ documentaries

Associated services

Associated services

Channel 5 apologises and pays substantial damages to a further victim of TV programme Can’t Pay? We’ll Take it Away!

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INSIGHTS

Key contacts

Christopher Hutchings

Christopher Hutchings

Callum Galbraith

Callum Galbraith

Ellen Gallagher

Ellen Gallagher

Lauren Twidale

Lauren Twidale