FILM-MAKER Chris Croucher has been working as second assistant director on BBC One's latest period drama Little Dorrit, based on a novel by Charles Dickens.
Mr Croucher, who won the ITV's people's choice award for the short film The Beachcombers earlier this year, told The Herald: "Filming took place for the most part of this year at Pinewood Studios and various locations all over London, taking up six days each week, 18 hours per day, which was very tiring.
"During filming I was lucky enough to have my father Michael on set for a period of time. He was an extra in the famous Marshalsea yard and now appears in most episodes of the programme.
"Having worked all his life as an engineer, the film game always seemed like a strange place to him and I am sure he would have preferred it if I was a doctor.
"But now after spending so much time in my world he really understands it.
"It raises a laugh as he uses film phrases such as 'wrap' at dinner table conversations and he can now tell you what most of the crew actually do.
"It was so funny having him there as he became genuinely friendly with many of the main cast.
"It's very odd watching your father swan around on set exchanging banter with some of Britain's finest acting talent.
"He now has the honorary title of 'The Father Of The Marshalsea'.
"Now after a well-earned beak, I am now prepping to shoot an episode of Silent Witness also for the BBC."
Since graduating from Farnham Art School in 2003 with a BA Honours in Film and Video Production, Mr Croucher moved up the ranks of assistant director at a great rate of speed, which he can be genuinely proud of.