Meaning: This quote by Richard Lester, a renowned film director, reflects his experience of working in England during the early days of commercial television. In this quote, Lester describes his initial foray into commercial television as a relatively leisurely and enjoyable experience, characterized by a light workload and a sense of freedom akin to a holiday.

Richard Lester's career in the film industry began in the late 1950s, and he gained prominence with his directorial work on the Beatles' first two feature films, "A Hard Day's Night" and "Help!" His unique visual style and innovative approach to filmmaking made him a distinctive figure in the industry. It is within this context that he made the transition to working in commercial television, an emerging and evolving medium at the time.

Lester's reference to the early days of commercial television in England provides insight into the state of the industry during that period. The quote suggests that the workload for television directors was relatively light in the early stages of commercial television, with Lester indicating that he was only doing one or two shows a week at most. This contrasts with the common perception of the television industry as fast-paced and demanding, particularly for those involved in production and direction.

Furthermore, Lester's description of his experience as "really a holiday" suggests a sense of enjoyment and relaxation in his work. This portrayal of a leisurely and enjoyable work environment is somewhat unexpected in the context of the television industry, where long hours and intense production schedules are often the norm. It may indicate that the early days of commercial television offered a different pace and atmosphere compared to the later stages of the industry's development.

Lester's perspective also sheds light on the evolving nature of the television industry. As one of the pioneers of commercial television, he witnessed its growth and transformation firsthand. His recollection of an easier workload and a more relaxed approach to work may reflect a time when the industry was still finding its footing and establishing its standards and practices.

In addition, the quote provides a glimpse into Lester's personal experience and mindset as a director. His characterization of the early days of commercial television as "really a holiday" hints at his positive outlook and enjoyment of the creative process. It suggests that, for him, this period of his career was marked by a sense of freedom and fulfillment, allowing him to approach his work with a lightness and ease that he found akin to a holiday.

Overall, Richard Lester's quote offers a valuable perspective on the early days of commercial television and the experience of a director during that time. It provides insight into the industry's development, the working conditions for television professionals, and the personal experience of a prominent figure in the field. By capturing the essence of a bygone era in television history, the quote invites reflection on the evolution of the industry and the varied experiences of those who contributed to its growth and success.

In conclusion, Richard Lester's recollection of his early days in commercial television in England offers a compelling glimpse into a formative period in the industry's history. His description of a light workload and a sense of leisure in his work provides valuable context for understanding the evolving nature of television production and the personal experiences of those involved. This quote serves as a testament to the unique and varied experiences of individuals in the television industry and the ways in which they have shaped and been shaped by its evolution.