The TV is stolen, my dog is related to the Queen’s corgi and my pants are in the wash: real excuses for not paying TV Licensing revealed in series of animations
TV Licensing has released a series of animations, based on real excuses given by households which have not paid their licensing fee.
Created by Scottish animation collective White Robot, the series of videos include excuses such as ‘I’ve just has a lethal injection’ and ‘I stole the TV, so why pay for a license?’
Stephen Farmer, TV Licensing spokesperson, said: “Some of the excuses are simply hilarious whilst others show a great deal of imagination and creativity, but being caught without a valid TV Licence is a criminal offence and no laughing matter. Joking and wacky excuses apart, it's breaking the law to watch live television without a licence so anybody doing this risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.”
Co-writer and director of the short films, Will Anderson, added: “Our style of animation really lends itself to TV Licensing’s excuses. Using bold, vibrant animation we are able to develop the nature of the excuses, and abstract them with our sense of humour. The excuses were naturally funny, so it was all about how we could bring them to life. All of our work is particularly conversational, so it’s a good match.”
The top 12 excuses of the year are:
1: Why would I need a TV Licence for a TV I stole? Nobody knows I’ve got it.
2: I have lost weight recently and had to buy new clothes. That’s why I could not afford to buy a TV Licence.
3: I had not paid as I received a lethal injection.
4: Apparently my dog, which is a corgi, was related to the Queen’s dog so I didn’t think I needed a TV Licence.
5: I don’t want to pay for a licence for a full year. Knowing my luck I’ll be dead in six months and won’t get value for money.
6: I could not pay for my TV Licence because the Olympic torch was coming down my road and I could not get to the shop as the road was too busy.
7: I only use my TV as a lamp. If you switch it on it gives a good glow which allows me to read my book.
8: The only way I can afford to pay for my TV Licence is if I sell my hamster, is that what you want me to do?
9: Only my three year old son watches the TV. Can you take it out of the family allowance I receive for him? He watches it so he should pay.
10: [Customer a presented half a torn paper licence to a visiting Enquiry Officer] I spend so much time at my neighbour’s house, we thought we would just share a TV Licence. My neighbour has the other half.
11: I could not pay as I only have two pairs of pants and they were both in the wash.
12: I got caught shoplifting so I’m barred from the shop that takes PayPoint payments.