David Cameron formally confirmed the dissolution of parliament on Monday – officially launching the election campaign.
Dozens of journalists, producers, camera operators, photographers, and assorted hangers-on packed into Downing Street to see the prime minister deliver a short statement.
The press were kept in a pen on one side of the street that could only be accessed by accredited journalists who had passed through a metal detector.
Broadcasters staked their slots out early on.
Remote-control cameras were placed to grab shots with the whole of Downing Street in the background.
Cameron appeared but immediately left to go to Buckingham Palace and meet the Queen.
TV journalists then found time for a quick live broadcast about his departure, with the Sky News helicopter overhead.
While radio journalists such as 5 Live's John Pienaar had to make do with standing at one end of the street.
BBC and Sky News had the time for another piece to camera while Cameron went to the palace.
Photographers had to stand on ladders to get a decent shot, as they waited for Cameron to return.
Cameron eventually came back and delivered a short speech to camera, saying: "In 38 days' time, you face a stark choice. The next prime minister walking through that door will be me or Ed Miliband."
And with that, the entire election media campaign circus was officially under way.
