The Man in Seat 61 - taster pilot
Guerilla Films is planning a TV series of Mark Smith’s award winning website The Man in Seat 61.
We have filmed a 'taster' to show what the series might be like, which you can watch below. In the taster, The Man in Seat 61 helps actor Kenneth Cranham travel from Trafalgar Square to Waterloo battlefield on the first leg of an overland journey to St Petersburg, on the trail of Napoleon. Please let us know what you think.
Feedback from the general public
The comments below were received up to 13 May 2010. We continue to receive encouraging comments about the trailer.
Have always loved this site. Think the doco should be more travel/history and less travelogue - the fact that Belgium brews a lot of beer is hardly a revelation. It's the love of trains and their continuing place and effect in history which would be the real hook for me
Anne Copley United Kingdom
I have seen this or part of it before somewhere.
It would only be improved by having other travellers in that seat opposite No.61.
Perhaps on all those other routes you are planning.
Congratulations.
John Barnard United Kingdom
Great!! I am thinking of going to Italy by train. This little clip has been it relisationable!
Christine United Kingdom
Mark Smith is a genius and his knowledge of rail and ferry travel is superb. The pilot is tantalising making me plea for more. But I have a stronger plea to you, Mark. Please stop promoting your site and your knowledge and leave them as hidden jewels for discerning travellers to stumble upon or pass on through word of mouth. If you don't then you (and I) will run the risk of not being able to sit in seat 61 in the future and surrendering it to a less deserving punter...... When do you intend to release the rest of the pilot and series? ;o)
Mazen Khuri United Kingdom
Loved it....gives a real flavour to travel in Europe and shows just how much more that you see when you don't fly!
Robert Evans United Kingdom
I was using Seat 61 to find train details for London to Spain but got sidetracked by this film. I've thoroughly enjoyed a trip to Brussels and Waterloo while watching an informative and very satisfying 'taster'. Apart from the History and Train information I also liked the unobtrusive background music and sound effects. Kenneth Cranham has a beautiful clear voice and both men speak without rushing and shouting (as is common with travelogues!). I do hope the series is made and look forward to more programmes.
cherry cane United Kingdom
Yes, really enjoyed it. There's a need for a serious program about making journeys by public transport. I'd like to see more about the planning and available options for the journey
David Henshaw United Kingdom
Oh yes ....please let there be a series I’ve just done to Serbia by train best way to travel meet so many characters and loads of adventures... I think it would be great so many people are interested in this sort of thing now I’m excited!!
Amanda United Kingdom
Very enjoyable, would definitely love to see it made into a series. The 'Man at Seat Sixty-One' website is so informative, my husband and I have used it many times and would recommend it to anyone. A much more enjoyable way to travel than stuck in a pressurised tin can at 30,000 feet! Good luck, we eagerly await the series.
Ann Jones United Kingdom
I think the man in seat 61 is a fantastic idea.(like the man himself said never travel without a good book and a corkscrew!!!)
Jayne Foster United Kingdom
Definitely a potential winner, it was with regret when the taster ended leaving me wanting more. Come on BBC you need this series.
Philip Lockwood United Kingdom
With help from The Man In Seat 61 last year I made the Moscow-London rail trip, and it was a great experience! The idea of a TV series is really good, and the taster looks very tempting. The TV companies should be falling over each other to take this on. Good luck with the series, and thank you Mark
Ian Button United Kingdom
Brilliant trailer - looking forward to a series. How about a complete channel devoted to railway travel !!
Martin Lane United Kingdom
Great idea for a series; good luck with it. If it goes ahead, you really must keep the excellent Kenneth Cranham - such a genial host from someone who can play a truly frightening 'heavy'.
Dave Fisher United Kingdom
Quite fascinating - can't wait for the next instalment! I would definitely use this site to research any future rail travel. A real find!
Dione Yegliss United Kingdom
When the series is made (as surely it will), can I offer my services as your bag carrier?
Take care - I love watching people eat but please don't fall into the trap of poking your nose into the kitchen - there's far too much of that already.
Tony Genower United Kingdom
I loved every minute of the taster, straight to the point, informative and with humour. You have my vote. Please make it into a series.
A boon for every serious rail traveller.
Kevin Langham United Kingdom
An interesting variation on a popular genre. Seems to be a great mix of rail travel advice & entertaining information. And have to say Kenneth Cranham does a great job as the "face" of the programme.
martin wood United Kingdom
In one word "brilliant" felt I was there with you
Trouble is when can we see it over here in NZ
My son is the scheduler of our local TV station but doubt if they could afford with their budget this tremendous film
Thank you for allowing me wanting more
David Beaumont New Zealand
Awesome! Two of my favourite things: Trains + History. Doesn't get much better than this. Love it, please make it.
Luke Jozwiak United States
What a wonderful pilot, I hope that you manage to maintain this casual but genuine feeling for this first (of many I hope) series.
Anthony Firth United Kingdom
Marvellous! I love the combination of train travel and historical quest. Flying is such a hassle, yet I love travel & trains, which is what, brought me to the Man in Seat 61. Thank you for a fabulous website. Good luck to you in getting the TV series produced. Truly fabulous. I cannot wait to see the rest of this journey! Denise, NYC
Denise United States
Fabulous. Please, go for it!
Fiona United Kingdom
Absolutely invaluable if you want to travel through Europe.
The Man in Seat 61 got me around the Czech Republic with no problems and I saw some beautiful scenery and remote lines.
Montenegro is next!
Dave Evans United Kingdom
Hey Mark, What a Great Video I just hope I can see the rest of this video :) It is excellent.
Neil Hall United Kingdom
Great taster, I think that would be a good film to watch and the man at seat61 is great!
Adrienne Hunter United Kingdom
Very enjoyable. Kenneth Cranham excellent as travelling companion to Mark Smith. Mark could be more informative on the rail interest. Hope you keep on track to full series.
Sean O Connor Ireland
Love this type of programme - an excellent example of the genre, I am currently using the site to plan a rail trip to the south and west of France. Last year it was Scotland.
A series of these programmes would be great for interest and inspiration.
Kathryn Jones United Kingdom
As an academic in Tourism I watched this pilot with critical interest. How you wished you were there! The show will appeal to far more than train enthusiasts alone. I predict the series would attract viewing figures from all ages. Indeed, the 'Slow Travel Movement' is undoubtedly the sustainable transport for tourists in the future. I await further instalments:) Martine
Martine Middleton United Kingdom
Really enjoyed it. You on to a winner here. Perhaps a little more detail (which you may have in mind anyway) re prices, deals etc. A wonderful way to translate a website into a TV programme while being true to the essence of both media. Well done
Brendan R Ireland
What a wonderful idea, informative with a bit of history en-route, can't wait for the follow up.......
I'd also like to thank you for getting me of planes and seeing train travel for what it can be........exciting!
Mark Rome United Kingdom
I have used mark's website over and over and cannot wait to see the series. We now travel everywhere by train and it was a godsend when my husband had a heart attack -we were still able to go abroad.
Carol United Kingdom
Great idea for travel series.
Really enjoyed taster!
Discovered seat61 while preparing my London-Beijing trip 2 years ago. Would be delighted to follow Kenneth on his adventure and get some new ideas!
Neasa Canada
This pilot is fascinating, hope you get the series made. As a long term Spanish resident, I must say that we have many good train services, but I often refer to Seat 61 website as it is so much more informative than the official Spanish site, RENFE!!!
sandy Matthews Spain
Excellent, I have just rediscovered UK and European train travel, having booked two journeys this year through France. Good Luck with the TV Series. Have you thought of selling bonds or shares to the public, to help fund it?
Best regards,
Jeremy Fisher United Kingdom
Fantastic. I really, really hope the series will appear on UK television. With a non-flying husband, travel by train is a necessity for many journeys and this taster gave a perfect insight to what such journeys can be like. We both love train travel and, since discovering The Man in Seat 61, have found planning journeys so much easier. The book lives by my bed and I enjoy just reading it even if not in the process of planning a journey. Do please push for this series to be made.
Jo Gupwell United Kingdom
Brilliant! As good as I've seen, and I've seen plenty. Hurry up and get it funded.
Mike Jackson Australia
Great introductory pilot please make it happen. Very handy website for Kiwis not familiar with the various train routes of Europe. It would be great on our new travel channel being launched by Sky TV on 1st May in New Zealand.
Phil Parnell New Zealand
I like the relaxed pace, which matches the relaxed nature of train travel compared to flying. This, and the emphasis on history, seems to make it well-suited to an older audience. As such it makes a nice complement to what Global Cool are doing with their "traincation" videos, which I think are targeted at a much younger, fun-seeking audience.
As an environmentalist I'd like to see less emphasis on eating meat, but otherwise, really great!
Jonathan Melhuish United Kingdom
How to whet an antipodeans appetite for Europe, trains, Napoleon & Belgian beer! Well done! I am now salivating at the prospect of the Cologne to Moscow sleeper.
David Daniels Australia
I am in total agreement with other feedback left by others that this would form the basis for a really interesting series
David Pemberton United Kingdom
Fantastic!! We want to see more!
JP Belgium
Brilliant. Never been to Brussels but as I've been given a Eurostar ticket I think I'd better go and seek out the restaurant!!
Martin White United Kingdom
Excellent idea, well made, and very entertaining. All I would suggest is adding in a few more tips about the things you need to know when making the actual journey. The bit about Eurostar tickets being valid on any train in Belgium for 24 hours was certainly not something I was aware of and the warning that the conductor might not know this was equally important !
Phil G United Kingdom
I just loved that taster... Can't wait for the rest!
Cheers,
Juliette France
An interesting and inspiring pilot that draws upon what travel is really about - people, places, food and the journey. I think it is a suitable "adaptation" of Mark's brilliant website. The two presenters work well together. I'd have to watch it again to offer any more critical feedback...
John Smith Australia
Hi there!
I love the idea of travelling by train and ship. Thanks so much for the website and now for this very informative film. Informative being the important word here! Look forward to more...
Regards,
Lorella McDonald United Kingdom
Fantastic idea - hope it comes to fruition - just happened to hear Mark talking on radio 2 whilst the volcanic ash was preventing flights. Well done - really interesting!
Sue United Kingdom
Brilliant! Can't wait to see the series - I hope it's a go! This is much better than "The Amazing Race" (which my kids love to watch), and your taster left me wanting more! It also made me want to plan a European train trip as soon as possible. Our family loves to travel by train (though in North America we really need to upgrade to high-speed trains), so this series would be a real winner for us. "The Man in Seat 61" can count on 4 more fans from Canada - and I'm spreading the word on this side of "the pond"! Cheers.
Mary Frances Ellison Canada
Brilliant, I hope you can make a series!
Bxcolby United Kingdom
What a revelation, I was expecting yet another travelogue. How wrong I was. This is very informative in a relaxed style that leaves you wanting more. In bringing to life the journey possibilities offered through 'The Man in Seat 61' can only encourage travel by train. I've thoroughly enjoyed the taster, where's the rest of the meal!
Ian Ings United Kingdom
This pilot was brilliant, educating and interesting !! i would to see a series based around this.
Andrew Cooke United Kingdom
Great, hope the whole thing gets shown as it would entertain and inform. Vastly preferential to all the empty celebrity productions on TV these days.
Bob M United Kingdom
Yes! Yes! And yes! I loved watching the taster. I really hope you can make this into a series. The Man in Seat 61 is my favorite travel planner. I never lend it to my freinds, instead I buy them a copy.
Erica Australia
You have my vote. Look forward to a series.
Jim Waight United Kingdom
Loved it - please make the programme! I always travel by train if possible and would love to know more about the places worth a visit near mainline stations in Europe. Also really enjoyed the "slowness" of the journey - no frantic photography or unnecessary bad music.
Hilary United Kingdom
Great, very informative. Can't wait for it to be on TV. I am sure the Travel channel would love a program like this. Ask the BBC (BBC3/4 do have programs like this).
Martin Pocock United Kingdom
Loved it!!
Am planning to emulate part of this journey in the early summer of 2010.
I have had your website recommended to me by two different people.
The pilot combines history, geography and food so well; I have always loved Kenneth Cranham's voice. Good luck.
Frances Wright United Kingdom
This will make an excellent series. I hope each episode is an hour long.
Holding Wood United States
Simply excellent and a greater taster for what we imagine wil be a tremendous series. Useful insight as we plan our trip from Chester to St Johann im Pongau in Austria then for week 2 near Orte in Italy then back again in June and July. Thanks Mark for all your help in the planning of our journey
Steve and Kay Fletcher United Kingdom
sound needs to improve otherwise very good content. where to eat in brussels was good
john lister United Kingdom
I found this an enjoyable taster and cannot wait to see the rest of the series. It makes me want to go to Brussels now. It was useful to know that you can use your Eurostar ticket for any train within 24 hours, I didn't know that so I've learnt something new. I hope you manage to get the funding as I certainly will be watching the series.
Sue Jacobs United Kingdom
What a great program!!! I would watch it without fail if I could and I think most people would too. Hope you get some funding.
Gerry Turner Australia
Congratulations on a great web site. The TV Taster pilot is excellent. I would love to see a full series filmed and screened. This type of program could be sold worldwide and would add greatly to the Travel dialoguse available. I rate it up with "The Amazing Race". I do hope a way is found to continue on from the yaster.
Alan Verry New Zealand
What a potentially great piece of telly; You have to do the Caledonian Sleeper. Looking forward to a proper series!
Paul Wilson United Kingdom
I look forward to the rest, and the return trip.
David Rawlins United Kingdom
Wonderful idea for a show ! And for those of us who travel a fair bit on the train it was particularly fun to watch as we could really relate (as we`ve probably been on the same trains !).
Leslie Scanlon France
This is an excellent taster of what I am sure will be a fantastic series of train journeys. I love train travel and hope to do the Trans Siberian one day. It's certainly made easier by "The man in Seat 61" what a brilliant site. Well done Mark!
Chris Bevan United Kingdom
Brilliant show, hope it gets to air, would love to see more of the obscure trips made into a program!
Well Done!
Samuel United Kingdom
Like Palin's first trip but less contrived. Really well done! Hope it gets commissioned.
Tom Jones United Kingdom
Captivating! We rarely find much to interest us on TV these days, but this series would be an absolute MUST. We'd particularly enjoy watching episodes including Turkish train journeys. This taster was fascinating; the chemistry between Mark Smith and Kenneth Cranham works well and makes you yearn to pack a bag and set off in their footsteps.
Train journeys, culture, history and great food... ah, what could be a better mix. More please!
William & Cynthia United Kingdom
This was great and I really hope there will be a TV series. My husband dislikes flying but is an old railway man too and so hopefully this might stimulate his appetite for a bit more travelling. I was browsing the internet for how to get to Florence by rail and moaning each tme I ended up on a complicated site which didn't offer what I asked for. I was about to give up when I 'met' the man in Seat 61. What a brilliant site. With my pen and paper to hand I am doing my calculations and this time I might just get there. Wish me luck as I wish you luck with the website and the series.
Angela Darroch United Kingdom
What a thrill to see Mark and Kenneth Cranham in the taster. Brilliantly quirky to the general public and addictive to the enthusiast it is a winning formula for a great TV series. Good Luck.
Philip Morgan United Kingdom
Wonderful! What a beautiful blend of travel facts, personal portraits and history. I couldn't have been less interested in the battle of Waterloo at the start of the programme but by the end I was mesmerised. Super stuff, well done.
Stephen Wheeler United Kingdom
What a great idea for a programme combining travel na dhistory it would beat most of the rubbish that is produced thesen days. Myself and wife hope to travel around Europe by train when the kids have flown the coop and already are disciples of Mark's website so this program would be essential viewing for us.
Gavin United Kingdom
Great taster pilot! When can we see it here in the US? I love trains!!! ;-)
Maria YS United States
Outstanding! I've used the website for various adventures for several years and this is a great way to highlight the glory of train travel. Wishing we could see it in the States. Good luck and carry on!
Ed Vermillion United States
never been a brave travelor but this would encourage me to travel anywhere by train, its inspiring.
Ann Lloyd United Kingdom
I love it. Anything that promotes train travel in a positive light is a wonderful thing. The film would be a hit for sure. Please make it :)
Thomas Woods United Kingdom
Very enjoyable to watch. I hope that it will be possible to produce the series. I had your book sent to me across the pond and would recommend it.
Mike United States
Great you have a winner I am sure the travel channel in the us would want it its better than many of there shows.Good luck with project Rick Middleton Dallas,Texas
rick middleton United States
Congratulations for a great idea! The "taster pilot" has been very tasty!
I also have a special love for trains ever since I was a child. In fact I have promised myself to not to take any more planes if I can help it. And searching the internet, I found you -The Man in Seat 61- what an excellent page! Thank you very much.
I would love to see the Transiberian route -ship included- all the way to Japan in the series. It is one of my many dreams to make that journey.
All the best,
Paz Carretero Spain
What more could you want - an entertaining journey, good company, good food and beer and the opportunity to get one over on the French. Please show us more.
Geoff Smith United Kingdom
What a brilliant "taster"to what would be a refreshing and inspiring TVseries. I find "The man in seat 61 " website truly fascinating and it gave my husband and I the courage to travel to Rhodes by train and ferry,made simple by Mark Smith.This series Iam sure deserves prime time presentation. waiting in anticpation. Patricia Dodgeon.
Patricia Dodgeon United Kingdom
What an inspirational film! Thouroughly enjoyed it! We stumbled upon it researching our own travel ideas. Would love to see more of it! All the best -
Anja & Brandon United Kingdom
An appealing way to travel, it makes the journey from A to B so much more enjoyable, it certainly is for the adventurer,can't wait to see the series.
Peter Treasure United Kingdom
It would certainly make an interesting series. My wife and I would really like to travel through europe by train. The cost has always been the problem but we always try to take a short train ride when we are abroad. As we are now pensioners I think it is time to take the plunge.
William (64) United Kingdom
Thanks, Excellent programme.
I hope programme to be continue for successful.
Shen Tai-Sheng Taiwan
Very enjoyable, I would love to see the entire journey.
Pietro Ferreira Brazil
I think this would make a great series - especially if it featured a different 'celebrity' journey each week. Anything that highlights to the masses how easy and more pleasureable travelling by train is (versus flying) gets my vote.
Sarah Lloyd-Scott United Kingdom
Wonderful-hope it gets commissioned. Stress the advantages - no awful queuing at airports, cramming into a tiny seat, having some bloke's head practically in your lap because he's put his seat back-and, yes, you can take what you lke on board, including a corkscrew!
Ros Napier United Kingdom
Stumbled upon the man in seat 61 site a number of years ago and can say without doubt it is a invaluable resource put together by a railway professional! Recommend it to anyone who wants to travel in Europe by train...an eminently civilised form of transport compared to the plane! I had often thought a TV series would be a good idea and here we have it. Hopefully the BBC will be interested so we can be saved from having the programme peppered with adverts. Good luck finding a collaborator and look forward to the first full transmission!
Barry Shirfield United Kingdom
I thoroughly enjoyed the video, I hope the programme is screened soon. I am thinking of travelling to the Algarve by train because I am fed up with air travel.
Simon Hudson United Kingdom
inspiring and compelling
Awaludin Indonesia
Good on yer Mark! I´ve used your page so many times and spoken, via e-mail, many times and you´ve always been so helpful, efficient and quick. I wish plumbers etc were like you. I´m really pleased that it all seems to be coming together after so much hard work. Good luck and safe travels. Seagull.
Seagull Spain
The best travel is prepared travel with the accidental, unexpected find the icing on the cake. This pilot gives a different view of Brussles as a place to visit, not just a place to pass through. And showing the ease of visiting Waterloo via local train and cab was also a plus. I wish them the best is making this a successful series.
Paul Resch United States
Great... when can we see it here in the states?
John Sprague United States
We have looked at trailer. The taster looks to have good, across the board appeal.Mark Smith has outsatnding knowledge and Kenneth Cranham fronts it well. we look forward to the Series
David Evans United Kingdom
I enjoyed the pilot very much, can hardly wait to see if it becomes a series on American T. V. Good educational program.
R. Allen United States
Brilliant. I loved it! There is no greater romantic journey, to me, than to ride the rails across Europe...which is exactly what my family and I are planning to do next year. I hope that if future episodes are produced, Mark will consider showing them on his website. I am just beginning to explore your site, but already it feels like cozying up with a good book on a rainy afternoon. Thanks for the extensive work you've done to create such a comprehensive site.
Mala Meehan United States
The idea of settling back into my seat on the Eurostar, and setting off to Brussels Midi, change for wherever, brought a smile to me immediately. I am looking forward to this series coming to fruition - perhaps I will be following in its wake some day. Best wishes for your production!
Bob Watt United Kingdom
I really hope this series is made. I first travelled to Europe by train in 1982 (couchette from Paris to Nice then on to the Italian riviera). Eurotunnel has revitalised railtravel and I have recently travelled Plymouth to Padua in just 20 hours and would recommend anyone to consider the modern rail option to Europe.
However,the 'foody' aspect is off-putting and boring.
Trevor Bushell United Kingdom
A big fan of Mark Smith and Seat 61 for many years. It is great to see him getting wider recognition. I too would watch the whole series should it be made available, be it on TV or via DVD etc.
Trevor Heath United States
I really like this short clip fo the Man in Seat 61. Great historic angle of this show tracing Napolean's tracks across Europe via Railways. Please let me know when the series will be available on DVD or TV in the States. I look forward to viewing the rest of the show.
Greg United States
O' dear this could lead to crowded trains. Having been brought up to enjoy rail travel, Only now starting to appreciate the links from Ashford (Kent) since Eurostar arrived. It now looks like you are aiming for mass transport around Europe and telling eveyone how easy it is.
Good look with the series, glad to see your pilot is different to the 'Swiss Railways' series. Good mix of destination and the practicalities of how to get there and use the differnt railways.
Phil Kelsall United Kingdom
Utterly brilliant! It's wonderful for Mark's amazing work to be recognised and I would love this series to take off and run fully. I will be watching and waiting with baited breath! Now, where's my European Rail timetable....??
Margaret Anne United Kingdom
Excellent, really enjoyed it. Probably the only thing on tv i could be bothered watching
alan reilly Ireland
great stuff. good luck.
Tim Wilkins United Kingdom
First of all, thank you Mark for your quite resourceful website. I am so happy to have found it several years ago and used it whenever I planned train trips, including the one from Paris to Vladivostok which is still on planning stage. I enjoyed very much your taster pilot clip with history and food (!), both of which I am very interested in. Can't wait to see the rest of the train journey !! Very best of luck to you !!
aelim chi South Korea
I found this taster interesting and full of useful information. The film was well shot and the sound track was not overwhelming.I hope you manage to get the funding for what could be an award winning series.
Bob United Kingdom
Last year my wife and I were told by a well-known travel company that because I am disabled it would not be possible for us to travel by train to Amsterdam. We contacted The Man in Seat 61 and Mark Smith's helpful advice gave us the confidence we needed to make the trip. We were helped on the trains and at every station; the trip could not have been easier.
So I am thrilled to see this taster pilot and urge Guerilla Films to complete the series and give many more people the desire and confidence to travel abroad by train.
Alan Robertson United Kingdom
Great stuff! I really want to see the next leg so best of luck getting it comissioned!
The gentle pace is so much better than most of the nonsense on TV and, together with Mark's laid back-yet-informed demeanor, exudes just the right character for train journeys. Kenneth is great, although a little bit of me thinks I'd like to see someone younger - if only to suggest that you don't have to be old and at leisure to travel this way. Perhaps on another journey the 'passenger' could be a young family (Mark will know all about this too!)?
I've travelled on quite a few long-distance European train trips and, rather than focussing to much on the history lesson, I'd like to see more of the journey itself. It's a critical part of the holiday when travelling this way, and it's what distances it from air travel. By this I mean the logistics and options, where you are on the map, the changing scenery, the service, comfort and food (or lack of) and Mark's handy tips.
On a technical note, I really hope you can keep your images as steady as possible (please use steadicams!). Part of the reason I prefer to travel by train is to avoid travel sickness; hand held cameras have the same effect, so unfortunately have me reaching for the off button within seconds!
Anyway, if you need anyone to help carry the camera.......:-)
Richard United Kingdom
This is a great concept. I trust that someone will commission it. Train travel is on the increase so we need a good modern documentary. It's been years since "Great Train Journeys of the World" and the popularity of that series guarantees "The Man in Seat 61" will be a success.
Abdul Haqq Australia
Now, we can finally put a face to the famous Man in Seat 61. Anyway, you have done a fantastic job in introducing the train travel in Europe, especially along the iconic London-St Petersburg route. It makes me want to travel around the continent soon. Via the Eurostar, of course. The pilot has whetted our appetite for more. Hope to see the TV series soon, although I am not sure if we have the privilege of doing so in Singapore.
Gary Singapore
The Man in Seat 61 has absolutely earned the right to a larger audience, and a television series would be a great way to accomplish this.
Kenneth Cranham is a silver fox. I am so glad the series will feature him over some barely post-pubescent young goof (all the rage in Canadian TV).
Andrea C. Canada
Excellent. What a terrific idea for a series, which was quite well done in the pilot. I have been a fan of the Seat 61 website for some time now, and the concept of blending Mark Smith's outstanding rail travel knowledge with a travelogue-style program, is first rate.
Here in the US, we have a very popular European travel series hosted by Rick Steves, which runs on PBS public television. It is one of PBS' most popular and long-running series, and is used by many PBS stations in promotions for their member funding pledge weeks. Steves has long included rail travel segments in his series, but they are not the key focus. Since other rail travel series like Great Railway Journeys are also popular on PBS (and also frequently used for local station pledge drive promotions), this pilot points the way to a terrific hybrid concept. I would see PBS affiliates really liking the concept, and the execution in the pilot is very much in the style, feel, and literate pacing of the programs they broadcast.
My only suggestion would be to focus more on more of the nuts-and-bolts details of train travel in Europe. Focus on the practical details of European travel, in combination with sightseeing and cultural content, is a big part of what has made Rick Steves' series so popular here (and led to an entire very popular related print guidebook, guided tour and licensed product business). It's what also makes the Seat 51 website so worthwhile. Mark Smith's content on the website is first rate, but there's nothing like actually seeing those details shown in video to help one understand better.
I hope this series reaches production and distribution. It would be an excellent and most enjoyable contribution.
Mark Cedeck United States
Great pilot. Good luck with the TV companies -surely one of them will see what a great programe this could be.
Keith United Kingdom
Great start to a potential series. More of this would be great. I would definitely have more interaction with people met along the way to add some entertainment and humour along with all the great information. You want that feeling on spontaneity too I think.
Russell Minton United Kingdom
The film was excellent but I was really disappointed when the credits started running. I'd forgotten that I was watching a pilot for a series that hadn't been made yet. I can only offer thanks and the best of luck for the funding.
btw seat61 website has been on my favourites since I found it while searching for the Trans Siberian Express years ago. I have referenced and credited it in my recent project for costing and planning the TSE for my University access. Thanks!
Cameron Seddon United Kingdom
Good Job !
From a railfan perspective, it would be nice to see a bit more of the behind the scenes operations of the various european railways.
From a travelers perspective, it would be nice to see a bit more of the various unique local cuisine.
Good Luck !
Philip United States
A terrific taste of what I hope will be a series. Kenneth Cranham is an actor I have long admired and makes an amiable host. I would welcome even more details on the nuts and bolts of European train travel: for such a series this is even more important than the sights we see along the way.
And, please, keep that background music way, way, down.
Matthew O'Sullivan Australia
I very much enjoyed the taster. I'd undoubtedly watch a series provided the series continues its emphasis on rail travel at the level depicted in the taster.
Very nice.
Don Hall United States
How may I book travel with you? You have made me long to experience Brussels, to eat the food, to enjoy the conviviality of traveling this journey to the Burg of St. Peter. Please let all us know when we may complete this odyssey.
Dennis United States
An excellent start to a interesting series. Will it be available in Canada?
David Brighten Canada
I like it! Please make it a series. I would also like to see it available online as an alternative to watching it on TV. I frequently peak into The Man in Seat 61 website to stay up to date on world wide train travel.
David Clinton United States
I think this would make an excellent programme, potentially historically interesting and also open people's eyes to how rail travel across Europe can be used! I myself used the Eurostar to Brussels and on to a further station in Belgium on a business trip a few weeks ago, so easy and so much more relaxing than fighting on and off planes at ungodly hours!
Roger Baker United Kingdom
The pilot was brilliant, all the best with getting funding for the series. I think Kenneth and Cranham do a great job. They make me want to rush out and go travelling. The food angle is good too; it also made me very envious. It’s nice to see 'The Man in Seat 61' being successful.
Tom North Australia
Brilliant stuff! I’m gagging to see the entire journey now.
Matt United Kingdom
Fantastic - I want to watch the entire season right now and then head for the station!!
David Arbaugh United States
Well introduced and a good mix of practical travel with places of interest. I am left wanting to see the next leg of the journey. I am hoping that there is plenty of 'how to' so the lay traveller feels able to embark on such a journey.
Simon Carlisle United Kingdom
Brilliant. We have the book and use the website to see the programme would be an inspiration for our future travels. Will watch the programme and eagerly await the DVD.
Julie United Kingdom
Very interesting, would make a good series on TV more interesting than a lot of the rubbish we are given to watch these days
David Howarth United Kingdom
Wonderful. I really hope this can be made into a series.
Doug United Kingdom
Excellent pilot - it would be a crying shame if there was no follow-up series.
As a big fan of train travel myself (and an almost apostolic advocate of its joys) it would be good to reinforce the advantages of it, to try and convert those who still insist on flying. The sense of journey is very important and really comes across - and the exploration of Brussels and Waterloo, taking in its sights, culture and history was wonderful - but more emphasis could be made of benefits like the reduced carbon footprint (it's staggering how many flights go from London to Paris, given that it's slower than taking the train), a more relaxed atmosphere, hardly any hassle with customs or border control, engagement with often stunning scenery, and a sense of relationship between time spent travelling and distance travelled (which is nearly completely negated by getting on a plane, disappearing into the sky, and re-emerging a few hours later, in a slightly disturbingly anonymous way).
The character of the programme was charming, and that definitely mustn’t be compromised, but questioning or discussion on why people's first instinct is usually to fly when the train is so often a superior alternative would be welcome, if it could be integrated.
Jack United Kingdom
Excellent----- showing how relaxed and scenic rail travel is across Europe. Did inter rail in the 80s and will take my 2 sons by train across Europe this summer.
Richard Hirst United Kingdom
This MUST be made into a series. Turning travel into a journey...brilliant.
Thomas United Kingdom
As a travel agent in the USA I found this pilot not only extremely interesting but also a useful tool for myself and my clients. Kenneth Cranham's voice and personality makes this video extremely appealing.
I truly hope this series airs in the US.
Recently viewed miniseries Spain -On The Road Again w/Mario Batali, Gwyneth Paltrow & Mark Bittman which I thought was wonderful however I found this video to be more intriguing.
Margaret Giarrusso United States
I really enjoyed this taster documentary. There is a chemistry between the man in seat 61 and Kenneth Cranham which is a joy to view. I hope this turns in to a fully commissioned series.
Edmund O'Leary United Kingdom
Very enjoyable, great advert for train travel - would love to see it on TV. BUT, like many programmes today, some of the back ground music spoils the dialogue. I know some people love such music or don't find it intrusive or a distraction but others do. Let the pictures and the dialogue speak for themselves..
Ian Provost United Kingdom
A wonderful development - congratulations! I really do hope a complete series of episodes are made as soon as possible; I think a wide range of people from many different backgrounds from many countries will enjoy this kind of programming.
Very best wishes.
Graham Shaw Cambodia
The pilot was excellent. This would be a quality program, come on BBC, commission it!
Phil Crane United Kingdom
Excellent... should be easy to get a sponsor... once the Yanks see this they will understand the glory of European train travel. Better yet.. perhaps it would encourage Amtrak for a long overdue Upgrade!
best of luck... great show.
Kathleen Brennan United States
Really enjoyed this and looking forward to the next leg as we have already done this leg and are travelling from London to Berlin via Cologne, Vienna and Prague in June 2010 following inspiration from your website.
Have you any tips for us?
Kind regards
Paul and Debbie Dennett United Kingdom
Great pilot, please get this on TV as soon as possible.
We have just completed our first ever train based holiday in Germany and Seat61 was used as our starting point. It proved pretty well faultless in its advice and I have now got the book from our local library as well.
well done!
Ron Stephens United Kingdom
I love it! The whole pace is just like train travel - thoughtful and gentle roving across the countryside :-) Kenneth Cranham is a great frontman - and Oh! how fantastic to find The Man in Seat 61 joining him on the journey!
My only regret about your proposed trip is that you can't stop absolutely everywhere along the way.
A great extension of your much-loved website. Thanks :-)
Julie Hansen Australia
JUST FOUND YOUR DETAILS VIA A LINK ON OUR RADIO BROADCAST (RTE.IE) YOUR CLIP ON THE ST. PANCRAS TO BRUSSELS IS REALLY GOOD !IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY INTENTION TO TAKE A REALLY LONG TRAIN JOURNEY ,HOPEFULLY I WILL SOMEDAY SOON .PERHAPS YOU MIGHT HAVE SOME MORE INFORMATION ON SAME .
J DUNNE
AGE 71YRS
JAMES DUNNE Ireland
Excellent! Just loved it. Would eagerly await for it to be made in a series. All the best!!
Shaiq Ali Khan United Arab Emirates
Very good,but.........
Too much of a travelogue. More on train travel & its delights needed. Many people do not understand the total relaxation one achieves by train travel, & that train travel is part of the experience, not a means to an end!
Peter Lindon United Kingdom
Love it! This would definitely convince people to travel more by train instead of flying and the show seems just great. It can without a doubt find viewers considering the increasing environmental awareness in society. Do it now!
Catherine Sweden
Wonderful segment. I am hungry for more. In America, we do not have such opportunities for great rail travel as our rail network is inferior to that of Bulgaria. The seat61 web site is fantastic and a program on various journeys is a dream come true. Cheers, Arthur
Arthur Moscato United States
I've long been a fan of 'the man in seat 61' and it’s wonderful to have a 'behind the scenes' view. Rail travel to me is by far the smoothest, most nostalgic and often-times quickest form of land travel available, and a documentary like this would be well loved by many enthusiasts. As mentioned in the film, you feel like you've really 'arrived at a place'. Am hungry for more!
Steven Jones United Kingdom
Hope you can do this series, and I hope I can watch it in the U.S. Love your website. And endless inspiration.
Dee United States
Very good. Try not to get close-up shots of Kenneth Cranham‘s glasses from behind. I would prefer more information on how to get tickets, how to source the best prices, what choices there are for sleeping etc; all the stuff the website does interwoven into the story.
Will Allen United Kingdom
This show could be a real hit in the US. I can think of AT LEAST 4 cable (non-terrestrial broadcast) channels which would take this and run. Also, this could be a GODSEND to our PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) which often shows "British stuff" including mysteries, comedies, etc. One of our networks showed both of Michael Palin's shows of this genre. (Around the World and Pole to Pole) If I hit the lottery, expect to be contacted (GRIN!!)
Chip Byers United States
To reinforce many of the comments---- absolutely brilliant and the prospect of a series is awesome. Just hope it happens. Seat 61 is inspirational and, as a rail enthusiast I use it constantly-- just back from a Bangkok/Singapore rail journey. Wonderful! Meeting fellow travellers and employees of the railways is so rewarding, and a few contributions from them in a series would provide another dimension.
Hugh Hunter United Kingdom
Excellent. I can't wait for more. Please contact PBS in the States for distribution over here and perhaps even funding to get going. Thanks.
Bruce Lyons United States
I took an amazing overland trip from Orkney (Scotland) to Bangkok travelling through Europe, Russia, Mongolia, China, Vietnam and Cambodia. I didn't do it because I'm worried about climate change and the environmental damage of aircraft, I did it because trains are the best way to see the world and meet people from all culture and creed. The Man in Seat 61 helped and inspired me a great deal and I would love to see it on TV.
Dave...?!?! Get is sorted!
Ross Cowie United Kingdom
An intriguing preview; I will definitely watch this if it is aired in my country.
Satoshi Tohda Japan
Congratulations, an excellent pilot that, through its fresh, laid back and atmospheric approach makes us want for more and more. We do hope that it is successfully adopted and that we can travel the world with Kenneth Cranham and The Man In Seat 61! Oh, and bon-appetite!
Ray & Ann Martin France
Excellent! Was most disappointed when the trailer came to an end - thinking "that can't possibly be 18 minutes!" Hope it's on TV soon - BBC or somebody else would have to be mad not to snap it up!
Paul McElroy Spain
Very good, much more relaxed than Portillo on UK rail. The use of local rail in Belgium for exploration should be an inspiration for people to see much of Belgium.
Doug Morgan United Kingdom
Excellent idea for a TV series. I really enjoyed watching that little taster, I didn't want it to end. Full of interesting facts and most entertaining. Would love to see the rest of the guys' journey to St. Petersburg. I only recently stumbled upon the Seat 61 website and I'm so glad I did. I really hope this series gets off the ground and is screened in the near future. Thanks for the taster. Well done and the best of luck with it.
Emily Keenan Ireland
I love travel doco's and have seen many on the TV. This one is certainly a good quality production and has an interesting approach with the train travel focus.
Great show and I think it is a winner for TV series! Keep up the good work.
Michael H Australia
Great film, I like the concept, trains, good food, beer, good company and history. Seems to me that you are on to a winner for sure. I sincerely hope it makes it to the small screen, very best wishes.
Robin Davies-Holmes United Kingdom
I've long been a fan of the website (and a frequent rail traveller), so it's great to see the idea brought to life for television. I hope you manage to get funding to make the series!
Simon Heywood France
Excellent, and above all the music does not drown out the dialogue as many series do these days.
If the rest is put together like this taster I shall watch it many times and possibly take the train myself to St Petersberg
Geoffrey Buckle United Kingdom
About time! Love the pilot and when does the proper series begin? We are regular users of The Man In Seat 61 and have been planning our 'Big-Global-Adventure' by rail (and a little bit of sea) for some time now.
Really looking forward to the real show beginning,
Melissa & Luke United Kingdom
Very inspiring program! Looking forward to seeing this on the TV series!
Miro Hacek Slovenia
so far what I have seen is great please lets see a full series and add stories from around the world
paul burgess Australia
Well made "taster" programme. Discovered the book last year and had our first rail holiday through Germany. This programme shows us how much more there is to enjoy. More information about the actual train and travel as well as destinations would be helpful. We followed up Mark's recommendation of the bar in Munich station and enjoyed an excellent meal and glass of beer. Would like to follow up on more recommendations! Go for it!
Dianne & Marko Piplica Leeds England
Excellent viewing. As someone thinking of travelling to Moscow and St Petersburg by train later this year, please, please get the rest on the telly soon!
Heather United Kingdom
Would gladly follow you to St Petersburg and beyond.
Thanks for your website I have used it on several occasions for travel and studies.
We love travelling by train and have happy memories of journeys in Peru and India.
We want to follow your silk route and go to Lhasa then overland to India and back via Pakistan and Iran. Do you have any knowledge of the Lhasa train with regard to travelling with children and possible altitude sickness? I know this journey sounds like a bit of a mission but we would take our time.
Any advice would be appreciated and thanks for the pilot.
Cheers
Maggie March United Kingdom
Excellent! Please, just do it: I can't wait to continue the journey. It shows a good European feeling and a great way of travelling. Well done!
Antonio De Vecchi United Kingdom
Good
J M Gold United Kingdom
You're beginning to make Tony Wheeler (he of Lonely Planet fame)look rather jaded!
Seat 61 is a great website; if you and Guerilla Films can produce consistently good material such as this, then you're onto a winner.
Please get this journey (and subsequent ones) onto DVD asap. I'll even write a standing order- if you need finance then start selling us some shares :-)
Best wishes Andrew Kidd
(just finished my night shift on the Settle-Carlisle line.)
Andrew Kidd United Kingdom
Excellent taster for a series. Looking forward to additional segments of your journey to St. Petersburg.
Arnold United States
Mark this is first class, roll on a full series.
Cheers Andy
Andy Brown United Kingdom
I did wonder about Ken Cranham as presenter, but he brought so much enthusiasm and colour that I wanted to watch the next leg of the journey. Excellent programme and I hope there will be more.
Simon Moppett
Chairman
Conservative Transport Group United Kingdom
Very interesting. Would like to see a little more on the history of the lines covered but it's a definite "not to be missed" if it (hopefully) gets commissioned as the first of a long series.
Gerry Crease United Kingdom
Fantastic! I hope the series will be produced - and aired on a TV-channel that can be received in Norway!
Stein S. Eriksen Norway
Would you believe, sent to me (by a Limey) from Canada. I found it compelling viewing and hope it becomes a series. However my own experience of rail travel five years FIRST CLASS in the early 60s with British Rail, were not conducive to my becoming a fan of rail travel. Never the less having circumnavigated the globe several times as a tourist I am aware that it can be entertaining, and I certainly enjoyed both the Euro to Paris and the Bullet from Tokio,not to mention the Shanghai Maglev.
Regards Hal.
Hal Johnson United Kingdom
I have found the Seat 61 website invaluable for travelling from the UK to Lucca, Italy.
I also very much enjoyed the presentation style of Michael Protillo in the recent Bradshaw's Victorian Railway Guide series.
It would be great to see a Seat 61 series given a similar format.
Ian Freeman United Kingdom
Please go on !
Gert Fäldt Sweden
Delightful and fascinating. The man in seat 61 is a genius! Every best wish for the series - I hope the commissioners give it the green light.
Lyndon Jones United Kingdom
Excellent pilot, awaiting final result with great interest. Please include some technical’s on rail in each country e.g. traction employed, &/or procedures like validating tickets before boarding, not always something we do in UK. Ensure we can see on terrestrial or freeview at least otherwise impact lost. Looking forward to end product.
Bill Culley United Kingdom
This is very, very good. I hope we get more, much, much more.
Rob Thurman United Kingdom
Excellent and very engaging. Perhaps more could be made at the beginning of the programme about the fact that train travel is so much more enjoyable/convenient/life enriching than air or long distance car travel, plus the environmental and green benefits?
Will certainly watch when it comes out; hopefully there'll be plenty more converts too!
Steve Hutchinson United Kingdom
Excellent, would definitely watch
Roger Mills United Kingdom
Love the show so far, it seems a great mix of information, over all of history, culture and the journey itself. I'd love to see more!
Nick Burch United Kingdom
This is great. I am planning to travel from Vladivostok to St Petersburg and then home to London, all by train, in September.
I am a fan of Man in Seat 61 anyway and I have travelled independently by train cross the USA and Canada.
Marc Kerry United Kingdom
love it! mark smith is my guru for my own personal forthcoming travels. his website is THE BEST and can't wait to depart! Mark and Kenneth appear to be having a wonderful, relaxed time together due to the civilised atmosphere of train travel. No harassment of security checks - just strolling along discussing their next route. It makes travel seem enjoyable again.
samantha swan United Kingdom
Interesting film because it feels as if you're travelling with them. These journeys are journeys that lots of people with a little planning and time can do. It's not a huge travel epic which is impossible for most people to manage.
Get a commission and get on the train for the whole series!
Clare Belgium
Can't wait to see the rest of the journey.
Peter Young United Kingdom
Great stuff. Interesting, informative, stimulating and relaxing but also inspiring. The taster made me want to make the journey. In addition to the fascinating locations I would like to see plenty of information about the different types of trains operating in various countries. I would also like to learn more about the stations - their history, architecture and customs. The stations are, after all, the points of arrival for visitors and help to shape the impression of the city before venturing out into its streets. Most of all I'd like to benefit from Mark's experience of rail travel and to hear as many of his tips and suggestions as can reasonable be included. After all, he nailed it with the "good book and a corkscrew" tip and it would be great to hear more.
When the series comes to television I will be there to watch and my own corkscrew will already have done its job before I settle down on my sofa.
Good luck!
Chris Lowe United Kingdom
Excellent taster, look forward to the full series. It inspires myself and I am sure others to travel more.
Neil Larry United Kingdom
First class film - waiting for the next episode
pat united kingdom
Brilliant. Being a rail fan it brings to life the train lines on the map. I've been a fan of the Seat 61 website for some time now & this is a natural progression from the web. Just watched Michael Portillo's rail travels around the UK based on Bradshaw's Victorian railway guide and this is on par with that. Very well done. It would be so nice to see this come to air.
Richard Snape United Kingdom
Very good ---- look forward to the rest of the journey ----one in the eye for Michael Palin I think.
Brian Riley United Kingdom
This is wonderful, and the whole way its put together feels just like travelling with a couple of old friends. I hope this team stay together for some more episodes.
Neil United Kingdom
Don't think about it NOW JUST DO IT!
Janet Warner United Kingdom
Delightful and informative! Good luck with the quest to find someone to commission a series.
Neil O'Shea United Kingdom
Inspiring. Will watch the series, and the repeats, and buy the DVD. Glad to see the 'toutes gares Belges' option which I used in 1973 is still on offer!
Tim Burton United Kingdom
Inspiring programme. Excellent and enjoyable. MUST BE MADE INTO A SERIES
Alexander United Kingdom
Excellent pilot. Should make for a great series, with plenty of potential for very interesting journeys across the globe.
It would be nice to know more about the railways travelled on, such as the history of the lines. It would also be nice to see a little more of the trains and stations. Of course, this shouldn't be at the expense of time spent exploring the cities, towns and villages stopped at along the way.
I look forward to seeing a commissioned series.
Stuart Foster United Kingdom
It really is inspiring. Wouldn't mind it if we could have learned a bit more about Brussels or other places they go to. I hope it will make it onto the telly. Keep up the good work !!
Laila Norway
Absolutely Fantastic!
Well paced, chock full with tasty bits of information that are easily digested. Both Mark and Kenneth made it look and feel oh so easy. They worked like well oiled old friends.
Can't wait to see the rest.
Thanks for the taster.
Paul Delves Australia
What a great idea for a TV series!
I've been to Brussels and Waterloo by train but I'd love to see these two guys travel all the way to St Petersburg and to other places.
I always visit the Seat 61 website when planning trips back to Europe. I've used it in the past for trips in Australia and China too.
Bill Johnston Malaysia
Excellent, I certainly hope that this taster pilot can be turned into a series. My wife and I recently travelled from St Pancras to Garmisch-Partenkirchen by rail (fed up with airports, delays, cancellations etc.) and "The Man in Seat 61" website was very helpful (full of tips and tricks).
It would be great to see rail "adventures" screened as many TV series.
Sandy Miller United Kingdom
As a lover of train travel (WHY would anyone choose to fly?) I loved this programme. If it became a series, not only would I watch it, but I'd buy the DVD series - and plan to do the journey as well. I'm only waiting until I retire (not too long to go now!) to take up serious train travel.
Linden United Kingdom
Enjoyable preview towards what could become an excellent series. But where would the journeys end...........
Bernard Pratt United Kingdom
Really interesting. While this might not be peak time viewing, it will certainly appeal to a wide audience, not just rail buffs.
And if more people learn about the joys of international train travel - and Mark's unique expertise - so much the better.
Fingers crossed that it is commissioned as a complete series.
Ken W United Kingdom
Yes, please do. It should be so interesting....
David Wong Singapore
Looks like a winner! Bring it on!
Hope fully it is a go! I will be looking for it in Canada!
Way to go "Man in Seat 61"
Harry Thompson Canada
Excellent - hope this does get picked up and turned into a series. The Seat61 website has been very useful - I've just got back from a rail trip around the Swiss mountains in winter using info from the site. Maybe an idea for another programme if it gets to be a series.
Alex United Kingdom
Please can someone commission this series for screening on terrestrial TV?
Rod United Kingdom
Very nice. I'm only left wishing I could find a link to the next instalment. The show really has a good blend of views of the trains and stations. To the exploration of the cities with some very interesting historical facts. Actors persona is very smooth and inviting; well done.
John Pflug United States
Excellent, not rushed. It moves along at a pace where you can enjoy and learn. As someone who owns the book and has used the website I can't wait to see the series.
Ken Ward United Kingdom
What a great idea for a show - I thoroughly enjoyed watching this.
Nick Garnham United Kingdom
Trains, travel, beer and food. You cannot go wrong with these. If you make a series, I would suggest you keep Kenneth Cranham in it. He is ideal and reminds me a lot of Ian Nairn who was the master of this type of programme.
David Thomas United Kingdom
Excellent, perhaps the various rail companies should sponsor their section of the series which shows just how easy it is to get around Europe these days after the Schengen agreement and with multivoltage trains.
Roll out the full series as soon as practical.
Derrick Codling United Kingdom
Very inspiring program!
As a person who love to travel i find it very interesting to see two unusual individuals like Mark Smith and Kenneth Cranham in a journey like this. I have never been in places presented in show, but after watching it, I'm more than sure I will travel there one day. Keep up the form of the show, with good actor (who brings a lot of humour, and who can in interesting way say about the historic facts), and intelligent "quiet-type", who always knows the best way to go.
Hope to see more episodes like this in future!
Mariusz Poland
Great programme, I would love to see the series on television (hopefully in HD). My only wish would be to see a bit less food, and a bit more of the trains.
Jon Biglowe United Kingdom
I enjoyed that. A good balance of travel practicalities, trains, history and food and drink. It's also good to see that public transport is used to get about rather than just limos or taxis - this shows you can "do as the locals do" and survive. It certainly reminded me that Brussels is long overdue a revisit. I look forward to see the next instalment.
Paul Corfield United Kingdom
It would be madness for a TV company not to follow this up with a full series. It hasn't just whetted my appetite; I now crave for more.
Brian Oldford United Kingdom
This is a brilliant trailer; I'd very much like to see a full series!
Mark Morton United Kingdom
Excellent taster. I used Seat61 to plan my recent London to St Petersburg journey, and the addition of local history and culinary details en-route is a great addition. Follow-ups could include London to Vladivostok, London to Beijing or even London to Singapore.
Benjamin Golding United Kingdom
It's seems great and informative :)
Alex Wright United Kingdom
This is a superb taster of what will I have no doubt be a superb series. To me it covered two of my great loves, rail travel and great food. I am sure that the good mix of travel and "travelogue" will make this a popular series.
Please make the series.
Tony Hancock United Kingdom
I would love to see this series aired. I have used seat61.com to travel by train throughout Europe and would never have contemplated it without all the advice and encouragement on the website.
I love travelling by train and think we need a train travel renaissance, hopefully this programme will help make that possible.
Joanne Seale United Kingdom
Brilliant! Looking forward to seeing the rest of the series!
Nicola United Kingdom
Can't wait - I have given you my email address so you can let me know when the series will be on!
Andréa Turrell United Kingdom
This is very cool. Mark's site has been a travel planning favourite of ours for years.
Cabby Australia
I was one of the lucky ones to find Mark Smith's site within weeks of him launching it and have been an avid fan since but now the thought of a TV program has me in raptures. The thought of endless journeys on the Trans Siberian, the South African Blue Train and The Ghan and many less known journeys has me packing bags already. How about a train/boat trip around the world
Steve Provis United Kingdom
More please! I celebrate the day I learned of The Man in Seat 61 from my British cousin and joined the Facebook group. Now an incredibly interesting--and useful--series on rail travel would be a "must see" for me and hopefully millions of others.
Janis Rutherford Canada
What an excellent pilot! Well balanced.
I can't wait for the next part of the journey. This has put some life into what I thought was a boring city!
Phil Round United Kingdom
Yip. Good Luck. I think our needs and commitment to sustainability and the environment dictates a new golden age for the train. Thank you for showing how easy, enjoyable and inspirational taking the train across Europe rather than the plane is. Keep up the good work : )
Edd Fyfe United Kingdom
A delightful trailer. I would be bound to watch the whole series. Just wish I could tag along.
Robin Downie United Kingdom
Fabulous! What a great idea and only adds to the excellent Seat 61 website.
Having used the website to plan a trip to the Algarve in Portugal and having done it trouble free, I can only look forward to watching any future films to plan and explore future journeys that I will take.
It makes you realise that Europe and beyond is accessible by train and you are not beholden to the people that treat you like cattle but as human beings.
As you say in the programme a bottle of wine at leisure watching the world go by is the only way to travel!
Bob Davy United Kingdom
Excellent concept. Clean, crisp filming and editing.
Balancing a talented, skilled actor (with his superb voice) against the railway web-professional (Mr.61) is a magnificent touch.
Writing is good, too.
I hope you lose none of the freshness, simplicity and high quality technical values which this pilot demonstrates.
It is also excellent to balance the trains against the local sights and FOOD and DRINK.
Congratulations.
Daniel Charles Thomas United States
A wonderful start to the potential series. Kenneth Cranham is the perfect host.
Well done, a train travel series is a great concept.
Alan Brundish Australia
Fat little crook !!! comments like that will start WW III, otherwise loved it.
have used TMIS61 many times for rail travel is SE Asia.
Hope to see the full series
Robert Phillips Australia
This is a very impressive trailer - let's hope the whole series is made. Mark comes across very well as the quiet man with the knowledge and Ken provides the humour and a certain innocent enjoyment. Really well done.
And that Brussels restaurant!!! That is a must visit on my next trip to Europe.
Dave Ansell Australia
I want more !! wonderful
Reverend Leonard Payne United Kingdom
Fantastic, it's the next stage of the seat 61 railway evolution. Much needed and a breath of fresh air.
Darren Naughton United Kingdom
Grand. I would love to see this as TV series.
Travers Owers United Kingdom
Compelling ,charming and brilliant. More please!
Greg Stock Canada
Really enjoyed programme. Like Kenneth Cranham my husband and I love Brussels, and I think we have found another restaurant to try! Lots of interesting information and held out interest throughout although we are already converts to wonderful long distance rail travel.
Margaret MacNamara United Kingdom
Excellent pilot! I love the melding of history and food and, of course, railways and trains. This has lots of engaging promise. The teaser at the end definitely makes me want more. I hope this gets picked up by a US distributor! Best of luck!
Barry Heard United States
Keep at it! Go all the way to Saint Petersburg! Try to cover other continents too! Just make sure the show is available outside the UK, some of us on the other side of the pond would like to see it too.
Adam United States
The Man in Seat 61 has been the inspiration for my travels, and this episode was brilliant!
Richard Ellis United Kingdom
I really like that you give more than the train information and encourage people to get out & see the cities between destinations. Places of interests and good restaurants are always appealing to everyone. Hopefully, the series will be shown over here.
Barbara Pace United States
Really interesting program. I'd love to see the rest of the series. Top marks.
John Berry United Kingdom
Excellent! On the TV, on the internet, where can I watch more?
Kelly Townsend Australia
Well Done Mark, what an absolutely great idea to produce a visual series to complement your excellent website. I've just watched the pilot and you've created what looks like will be a really enjoyable series. Really good layout, filming and editing by Guerilla Films and you've chosen a really interesting host full of worldly experience in Kenneth Cranham. It's great also to see you on screen. I look forward to catching the rest of this current series from London to St Petersburg. Definitely keep up the good work and I sincerely hope you continue to make more series of your travelling experiences by train. You and Kenneth make a great team and it's so nice to show people the joy of travelling by train through such wonderful countries, it really is a unique method of exploring and some of my most treasured personal travel experiences have been aboard a train. Fantastic - looking forward to more!
Chris Brock United Kingdom
I look forward to this being made into a series. For some time I have used Mark Smith’s website and have found it invaluable in the preparation of train trips abroad.
Rod Young United Kingdom
This is really good! Could see this as being an ongoing world travel adventure with train travel tips - will give inspiration to budding adventures and circulates evidence of rail travel renaissance. Looks like the start of a fun grown up series which I hope will take off and travel the globe, Thanks.
Michael Nicholson New Zealand
Wonderful, wonderful programme. I'm looking forward to many more.
Philip Kay United Kingdom
Having used the Seat61 site for working out route over Europe and would recommend it to everyone. I look forward to the complete series if this is a taster.
Mick Lee United Kingdom
This could be the start of a new series in the tradition of famous British travel programmes. Please go on.
Gert Netherlands
The website is the place to start if you want to make a journey by train, and don't know how. As for the TV series I think it is a wonderfully idea, and hope somehow it won’t get lost on Sky or another pay channel.
Frank Crawley United Kingdom
Excellent idea to "further" the profile of Seat61.
Julian Weatherall United Kingdom
We always use your site for planning our annual European vacation. Thanks so much for the valuable , timely information. Hope you can get your series on BBC Canada. God bless.
John and Maureen, Toronto Canada
I've been exploring Europe by train for several years and wouldn't do it any other way now. Your site is a gold mine of information. Let the hordes go by their budget airlines, I'll take the civilized way any day. The taster makes me want to get down to Waterloo this afternoon!
Stephen Edwards United Kingdom
I enjoyed the snippet and will tune in if and when it becomes a series. I used Man in Seat 61 for a trip i undertook last autumn from Dublin to Istanbul. It proved invaluable and I liked the fact that Mark Smith the person responsible for the site wasn't into the hard sell when I contacted him with some questions. Great to see he's also part of the cast for this. Finally, even though his face is familiar, Kenneth Cranham is a great asset to have on the show. Best of luck with the series.
Edward Berwick Ireland
Terrific, please make a series. Your site is brilliant. Kenneth Cranham is the right man for the job. Good luck.
Kenneth Bell United Kingdom
Just watched the show and I hope to see more!
Lisa Scheer United States
A great start to this series, or at least I hope it is a series. Kenneth Cranham is a wonderful host for this show. Can't wait for the next episode.
David O'Keeffe Australia
You are on the right track. Hope there are no delays
John Hogg United Kingdom
I've used and recommended this site for some years. It's absolutely brilliant and I'm thrilled that it may get to a wider audience with the proposed TV series. For someone like me who detests flying it's an absolute godsend.
Jackie Hausermann United Kingdom
Very good. I hope you could make a whole series. As a railway engineer I'd like more technical hints about trains but the approach on food and history it's good.
Ruben Turkey
We have followed Mark's advice for several years now as I don't fly and it has, without fail, ensured our arrangements have gone smoothly so as a result we have enjoyed our holiday. Really appreciated the personal advice he gave us last year when there were problems on Italian Railways. Would LOVE to see the rest of the series
Rhona at Dentonview United Kingdom
Go ahead, make the series and sell it to Sweden.
Andreas J Sweden
I thoroughly enjoyed the taster film and will be looking out for the series. The information given was very interesting especially the restaurant in Belgium and the fact that you can use your train ticket on other lines in Belgium. Thank you.
Maureen Lawton United Kingdom
What a great idea, really looking forward to the series.
Janet Sidney Switzerland
Love it and hope we get to see it all in Bangkok.
Gabrielle Turner Thailand
Great!
John Sielicki United States
I enjoy train travel with its broader view of the countyside and I enjoy the relative freedom of movement. I look forward to the completion of the series and its availability on Australian TV or on disk.
Ian Henderson Australia
I think this is fab, pity it will not be made in time for our rail trip to Europe in April
Amanda Rowlatt United Kingdom
Inspiring, something we would like to see more of.
Adrian & Jacky United Kingdom
Really interesting and informative! Can't wait for the rest of the series to follow.
Sarah Stretton United Kingdom
I cannot wait to see the next episode! We followed Mark's advice for taking the train from London to Vilnius last summer and my family felt it was our best vacation ever. Good luck with the series!
Cynthia United States
Fabulous - please do the full series - so much useful information and specialist knowledge that should be shared!
Lisa Moore United Kingdom
This is great -- I was fascinated by the man in seat 61 when I first read about him. Please make more!
Carolyn Barrett United Kingdom
It will be a great series!! It is a great way to show people how nice train ridings are.
I hope they sell the series to Holland.
Peter van Rosmalen Netherlands
Very good indeed. I would very much like to see the rest of the series.
In current times of cheap and nasty air travel we need films like this to encourage civilised travel which is kind to the environment and the traveller.
I am prompted to book a trip to Brussels now!
John Bruton United Kingdom
As some-one who hates flying but would love to travel more , this would be a very interesting series that I would definitely watch and enjoy recommending to friends and family.
Mrs Marie Hill United Kingdom
Please do continue. This site has inspired me to skip the plane and take a train from Shenzhen to Beijing while on vacation. A more refined way to travel that will allow us to experience more.
Thank you.
Ross Hunt Canada
Very good & interesting. Please make more.
Eric Rattle
Very interesting and brought back some good memories of Brussels! I want to see more!
Helen Glanville
What an excellent taster. I really hope this continues. Travelling by train is a much more interesting and rewarding experience than flying. Well done.
Ken Rushton United Kingdom
I really enjoyed this. It shows how fantastic it is to travel and experience all the delights of other countries. I like the mixture of sightseeing and practical information about how to take the train. I think this will prove inspirational to many people and encourage them to use trains for travel more often.
Colin Baird United Kingdom
...must be continued, Kenneth Cranham is a very good choice for promoting all those trains, beers and food, topped with matters of great historical interest. This should interest those outside of the normal train enthusiasts world and suggest "train" as the normal, but more interesting means of travel.
Tony Ramsay
Great first impression. Sure series will be a success - hope it doesn`t mean trains will suddenly get full up. Looking forward to seeing full series and hope it will be easy to watch outside UK too. Looking forward to my next trip even more now.
Bruce Ratcliff
I like the way the travellers are taking ordinary trains to make a fascinating journey. And that anyone can do the same with the help of the wonderful Man in Seat 61 website. It's strikes the right balance between talking about the journey and the destinations. I hope you get to air the programme.
Margaret C
I'm hooked! I loved the video and eagerly await the series. Very well done.
John D. Rayner
Very Good and would love to see the rest. There has just been a series on TV of Great Rail journeys in Britain with Michael Portillo. I loved that too as I had been on many of the trains myself.
Stephen Holland
Just looked at your video… this is excellent !
Marc Van Dyck
I have been a fan of Mark for some years now and i think this is a brilliant idea cannot wait for the series, Thank you.
Graham Gibbons
A wonderful taste of what will become a delicious series! TV needs something like this, It will inspire the viewers to set off on their own magical train journey I'm sure!
Ross Corbett
Really loved watching the 'taster' ,it was very exciting. I cannot wait to see the finished programme. I found your website while I was looking for a train to take me and my hubby to the South of France in the summer time, so glad I came across it, thank's for making the effort to make such an interesting website, you have inspired me to want to travel to other places besides Paris, cheers Mark.
Nicola Frances Ward
Very good and would love to see the rest. There has just been a series on TV of great rail journeys in Britain with Michael Portillo. I loved that too as I had been on many of the trains myself.
Stephen Holland
It says at the end "To Be Continued" - I can't wait, it may even inspire me to shell out for 2 Visas (Belarus Transit & Russian Tourist)
John Buchanan Lau http://www.facebook.com/johnbl1
I think its brilliant, I do hope that a series will be made as myself and my children will love it x
Jacqui Stretton http://www.facebook.com/jstrettonflinders
Liked it! Looking forward to the series.
Pamela von Reibnitz http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1532651884
nice,
Joe Turner http://www.facebook.com/nosmo.kings
thinks it is absolutely wonderful! Reminds me of my 5+ week rail trip of Europe I setup/enjoyed. Glad it's a mature person you used. If I can help in any way, please let me know. Loved it!!! Good luck!
Lynn Rutter McNally McKenzie http://www.facebook.com/2lynn.mc
Pilot looks good. Can’t wait :)
Brian MacMahon http://www.facebook.com/bmacmahon
Really nice. Looking forward to it; hope it takes off.
Peter McCracken http://www.facebook.com/pmccracken
Congratulations Mr Smith.. great idea! If u need my help from Malaysia & Thailand, just tell me, I'm ready
Mohd Muda http://www.facebook.com/ridzuan.muda
Brilliant and inspirational. Just like the first time I came across the website all those years ago, I got all day-dreamy when I watched the trailer. There is no better way to travel than by train...I look forward to the TV series : )
Edd Fyfe http://www.facebook.com/edd.fyfe
A lovely film; many congratulations to Mark and Kenneth; as ever, an inspirational site .. bring on the TV series :)
Michael Brown http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=703597769
Fabulous. If you need an Avid/FCP editor for the series let me know
Frances Bowen http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=570377398
Excellent! Congratulations! Well done, Sir
John Delikanakis http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1350035665
Fantastic stuff, hope it gets picked up, it would be a treat to watch on TV or buy on DVD!
Florin Voicu http://www.facebook.com/florinv
Really enjoyed that - I like the fact that the guest is the 'interested' party and doing the narrative etc a real turnaround to normal travelogues.
David Thomas Ashwood http://www.facebook.com/david.ashwood
Guerilla Films
Brussels International