Channel 4 filmed scenes of its new drama Humans at an academy in Northolt, much to the excitement of students and staff.
Alec Reed Academy, in Bengarth Road, were first contacted back in June 2014 by a location manager representing film production company Kudos and Channel 4 with an overall view of using the academy to film some scenes for the then-upcoming series Humans.
Crews were impressed with the school - saying the "site fitted certain parts of the story line perfectly" - and were particularly interested in the wooden learning curve corridor, some equipment store rooms where cleaning machines are kept, and general classroom areas.
After a few more visits by the filming team, a date was set during the October half-term of 2014 for the filming to proceed.
A large entourage of outside broadcast lorries and catering trucks accompanied the film crews, as did a few of the actors and actresses that now grace TV screens every Sunday evening.
A cleaning cupboard was "radically transformed into a state-of-the-art janitor's cupboard" and the lift at reception was decorated to appear totally different on screen.
The classrooms in the year 10 pod only required minor "cosmetic surgery" however before filming could be given the go-ahead.
Students were excited to see their school on the box.
One said: “I can’t believe it was filmed here"; while another added: “It is so strange seeing our school on TV. I walk down that corridor everyday"; and another said: “Does that mean our school is famous?”
Principal Gary Lobbett said: “I am absolutely delighted the Alec Reed Academy was chosen by Channel 4 for the filming of their new TV drama.
"Our excellent facilities are perfect for filming. Students and staff were very surprised to see their classrooms appear in the first episode of Humans earlier this term.
"There has been real excitement at the Academy and it is very good to have been involved."
