Features | Broadcast (original) (raw)
Gallery: Grierson Awards
Selection of images from this year’s Grierson Trust Awards ceremony, held in London on Wednesday
Getting the most out of your archive
Panellists at TechFest discussed the deterioration of tape formats, at a time when legacy content is becoming an increasingly important revenue stream
AI at the coalface: the indie view
Three production companies on how they are using AI tools in their day-to-day work, and what the implications are for the future of the industry
Will You Marry Me?, E4
Button Down managing director Louis Bamber on how cover stories helped Lovestruck Brits stage lavish marriage proposals
Arming The Arctic
‘The fast-paced style keeps audiences engaged from the opening sequence to the credits’
Virgin Island
‘This isn’t a ‘dating in paradise’ reality show cast from Instagram and TikTok. These are real people’
Formats
I Was Actually There; Crossing Land, Sea and Air; The Anonymous
Gunpowder Siege
‘We all know the myth of the Gunpowder Plot, but this is about understanding some of the truth behind it’
Plum
‘Plum uses a medical story to tell massive universal truths about human relationships’
UK Scripted
Lockerbie: A Search For Truth; Gunpowder Siege; Reunion; Sherlock & Daughter; Towards Zero
Earth Abides
‘As we face more frequent and severe environmental challenges, the message in this series is timely’
Sherlock & Daughter
‘With two generations working together, you can address two audiences that don’t usually watch the same show’
Crossing Land, Sea and Air
‘Crossing Land, Sea and Air is joyful and heartwarming content. It’s the perfect antidote to dark nights and dark news’
Reunion
‘It is a brilliant thriller that just so happens to feature hearing and non-hearing people’
Factual
Mozart: Rise of A Genius; Arming The Arctic; Do You Want To Live Forever?; Made In Korea; Mysteries Of…; Spiked; Virgin Island
The Kollective
‘Because of the nature of the story and how it is executed, it is capable of reaching really broad audiences’
Mysteries Of…
‘This series offers fresh perspectives and delves into lesser-known stories that bring these subjects to life in a new way’
The Anonymous
‘Straddling two realities, the contestants have to play the ultimate game of perception and deception’
Towards Zero
‘Christie has always attracted all buyers, from streamers to linear players, and her iconic characters appeal to a broad audience’
Video Nasty
‘It will appeal to people who remember this time and feel fresh for younger audiences’
First look: Tiddler, BBC1
Magic Light Pictures’ forthcoming Christmas animated adventure is the story of a little fish with a big imagination
Joan, ITV1
The creative team at Snowed In Productions reveals how it balanced budgets to make ITV1’s jewel thief drama sparkle
Deficits grow as market softens
Distributors in our survey report being asked to increase funding to get programmes made, while also dealing with falling demand from buyers
The view from Europe
Four leading players from France and Germany discuss the state of the market and the strategies they’re adopting to tackle the challenges ahead
Small Town Big Riot, BBC3
Mobeen Azhar tells Manori Ravindran how BBC3’s race-riot doc reveals ‘racism repackaged for the internet age’
End Credits: Mirella Breda
The Lime Pictures unscripted chief on Bilie Jean King and missing out on a chance to dance with Bruce Forsyth
The Seal Whisperer, BBC1
Nathalie Grace, first time shooting producer/director, on capturing seals beneath the waves - and one man’s extraordinary passion for studying them
Is it curtains for scripted comedy?
Comedians flocked to Edinburgh in their droves this month - but speakers at the TV Festival painted a bleak picture of scripted comedy’s future
First Look: Curfew
Vertigo Films thriller stars Sarah Parish, Mandip Gill, Mitchell Robertson and Alexandra Burke
First look: Malice, Amazon
Expectation and Tailspin Films psychological thriller stars Jack Whitehall, David Duchovny and Carice van Houten
Q&A: How do I survive redundancy?
In the first of a new series, Broadcast asks executive search and coaching company Quicksmith to offer advice on common industry challenges
Ibiza Narcos, Sky Documentaries
Series director Luke Korzun Martin talks breaking the fourth wall, trying to capture what it’s like being on drugs and trippy visuals
Best Entertainment Channel: W
‘W knows what works – marquee talent plus real stories. Great access. Good talent strategy. Honest, real storytelling’
Hot Shots’ talent continues to shine
‘At a time of exceptionally tough market conditions, one thing is certain: the talent we need to continue making brilliant telly exists in spades’
Samuel Mundell
‘It was obvious from the start that Samuel was going to be astonishingly accomplished and a massive asset to our company’
Sarah Wilson
‘Sarah can be a role model for any journalist wanting to make an impact in TV’
Al-Hassan Kutubu-Kamara
‘Hassan’s humanity, empathy and curiosity have led him to uncover powerful unfolding stories’
Georgiana Davies
‘There’s no question in my mind that she has the ability and passion to become an outstanding film-maker of great sensitivity and purpose’
Kathryn Wilson
‘I knew Kathryn was special when I took her to meet some of our cast in January and they made her dance in a circle of 25 people to The Proclaimers’ 500 Miles and she didn’t even blink’
Laila Edwy
‘I’ve been blown away by Laila’s methodical approach and her ability to sift for editorial gold’
Joe Gardner
‘Joe takes the brief he is given and looks at ways to expand it and go beyond what is expected of him’
Ella Jackson
‘Ella has a bright future in whatever she does, but documentaries will be the richer for her part in them’
James Brennan
‘To meet James is to like him – he has a prodigious ability to win people over’
Benjamin Gerstein
‘We needed someone with a level of emotional intelligence and empathy’
Becky Ford
‘Becky is a can-do, hands-on person. She is not precious and cares deeply about the values she brings to her work’
Leah Newman
‘Leah is steely, dogged and a nerveless negotiator. She anticipates every possible setback or obstacle’
Martin Dougan
‘He brings programmes to life with his mix of enthusiasm, humour and being completely across his brief’
Shiva Talwar
‘Shiva revolutionised the way the development team operates, bringing a rigour and discipline to proceedings that was severely lacking’
Ayshah Tull
‘Ayshah is a driven, passionate and tenacious journalist, brimming with warmth, empathy and compassion’
Joshua Bawden
‘Joshua delivered the single greatest pitch deck I have seen in my career’
Rachel Parkes
‘Impeccable editorial judgement and an excellent commissioning nous’
Ewan Denny
‘With a great ear for dialogue and a strong instinct for how to use the edit as an instrument to add value to laughs, he’s a boost for any show he’s working on’
Jess Leech
‘Jess’s ability to calmly solve problems under pressure make her one of the very best I have worked with’
Emma Garvie
‘Emma’s ability to overcome logistical obstacles and uphold exceptional production standards in extreme environments makes her a true industry standout’
Isha Krishnan
‘Constantly pulling rabbits out of hats, Isha has established herself as a rising star in production management in just three years’
Rebecca Boyce
‘Rebecca has an unrivalled ability to manage all stakeholders to deliver innovative and forward-thinking projects’
Lottie Haigh
‘She comes up with big, original ideas and has the creative energy, rigour and enthusiasm to see them through. It’s a thing of wonder to watch her pitch’
Connie Sneddon
‘Someone like this comes along rarely and we should nurture her talent’
Amy Sargeant
‘She has a personal warmth and openness that helps her win the trust of documentary subjects’
Hot Shots 2024: Talent managers
‘Millie is brave, strong, passionate and is always going the extra mile, listening to her clients’ needs and staying across the detail’
Aileen Flanagan
‘She makes sure our productions learn from each other as we move forward to a more sustainable future’
Iqbal Khokhar
‘It’s obvious Iqbal will go on to have a very successful editing career’
Hannah Scott
‘Hannah’s rise through the ranks is testament to her incredible instincts as a creative executive’
Luke Gauci
‘He’s a brilliant creative with a great eye for a story, and the know-how to take an idea from an intriguing top line to a fully realised premium doc’
Geeta Wedderburn
‘The rate at which Geeta learns and develops her skills – taking naturally to secret filming, finding brilliant contributors and spotting stories that might be pitchable – is amazing’
Hot Shots 2024: Commissioners
‘Simon’s superpower lies in his seamless adaptability, enormous energy, and ability to move effortlessly between various genres and challenges’
Sharon King
‘Sharon embraced the complexity and detail of Doctor Who wholeheartedly, with an unwavering determination’
Hot Shots 2024: Post/craft
‘Phoebe rose to the challenge in exceptionally difficult circumstances and never let any challenges behind the camera show on screen’
Alexander Lawson
‘With a deft touch, Alex manages a diverse development slate, fostering relationships with emerging producers and securing numerous commissions’
Sheila Nortley
‘Sheila has a palpable passion for storytelling – as an executive producer and writer, she delivers emotionally truthful and compelling stories’
Vivien Jones
‘She has excelled at every project she’s worked on’
Kat Buckle
‘It was clear from the beginning that Kat has a distinctive taste and agent style, with an ability to identify fresh and diverse talent’
Joelle Mae David
‘Joelle Mae is a great talent with a strong vision, who is perceptive, creative and passionate about her work’
Emy Adamson
‘The cliched thing to say is ‘she’ll be my boss one day’, but in Emy’s case, not only is that true, but she’ll be your boss too. She truly is a prodigiously talented individual’
Alesya Capelle
‘She fosters great relationships across the industry and, alongside her creative prowess, she possesses a real strategic insight’
Will Stanbridge
‘Will is a rare combination of thorough, insightful and empathetic. He’s someone people feel at ease with because he always puts people first’
Barrington Paul Robinson
‘He’s great at motivating people and leading a unit, with enthusiasm and a sense of things always being possible’
Ambreen Razia
‘Ambreen’s an immense talent, with a knack for creating complex, funny characters who feel utterly grounded, while being unlike anything else we’ve seen on TV’
Brian Birigwa
‘Brian leaves no stone unturned and will always be on the lookout for the next unique writer or performer’
Yemi Oyefuwa
‘Yemi is a thoughtful writer – a passionate, authentic storyteller, brimming with wonderful ideas, who will interrogate the truth of characters and storylines’
Shannon Hamilton
‘Shannon jumps into everything with a can-do attitude. Her willingness to learn and adapt quickly makes a difference to the team’
Nelson Adeosun
‘Nelson earned the plaudits of his peers and management for his ideas, work ethic and ability to lead’
Emma Dennis-Edwards
‘Emma is passionately engaged in the world and really wants to write about stuff that matters’
Olaide Sadiq
‘Laide is one of the best producers I’ve ever worked with, but also with a director’s chops – she just makes things happen’
Jingan Young
‘Jingan’s work will surely pave the way for more East Asian-led stories in the UK’
Reece Finnegan
‘He has that unteachable quality of finding the kernel of a good story in someone’
Shehroze Khan
‘He has a strong visual sensibility, and highly developed editorial and storytelling skills’
Laura Miles
‘Laura’s dedication and work ethic make her the most wonderful person to have as part of a creative team’
Jamie Tahsin
‘One of the most talented young journalists I’ve come across in my career’
First look: Suspect, Channel 4
Second series of the Eagle Eye Drama thriller, produced in association with Happy Duck Films and the Belgian Tax Shelter
TV’s Biggest Lies
A law suit asserts that Baby Reindeer included “the biggest lie in TV history” - here are some of the other whoppers with a claim to that title
First look: Sherwood, BBC1
Selection of images from the second series of James Graham’s six-part crime drama. Produced by House Productions
Abi Morgan: New York state of mind
The Split writer on how her fascination with the Big Apple and classic US TV informs her new Netflix series Eric, and bringing back The Split
No joke: comedy in crisis
Top producers and broadcasters come together to discuss the current state of the genre and what can be done to ensure the laughs keep on coming
Camden, Disney+
Lightbox’s SVP unscripted Suzanne Lavery on persuading a host of iconic musicians to talk about how they were shaped by this tiny part of London
Erased, National Geograhic
Executive producers Johanna Woolford Gibbon and Jamilla Dumbuya on a docudrama telling the stories of the people whitewashed out of history
The Fortune Hotel, ITV1
Series editor Ben Wilson explains the evolution of a double-crossing reality format from Cold War-style espionage to Carribean luxury
I Kissed a Girl, BBC3
Executive producer Dan Gray on assembling the perfect team to turn a groundbreaking format into the UK’s first dating show for gay women
Gallery: The Responder, BBC1
Martin Freeman and Adelayo Adedayo return in second series of Dancing Ledge Production’s thriller, written by Tony Schumacher
The Assembly, BBC One
Michelle Singer, executive producer, explains what went into unlocking the potential brilliance of a neurodivergent chat show format
Big Mood, Channel 4
Executive producer Lotte Beasley Mestriner on visually depicting the experience of bipolar disorder, while keeping things funny and on budget
The Steal
‘The Steal has broad appeal. The US election has worldwide relevance, so we expect this to do well globally’
Side Hustlers
‘This is about disability equality, but it’s actually about people and human stories’
UK Scripted
Playing Nice; Red Eye; Coma; Nightsleeper; Renegade Nell; The Cuckoo; The Jetty; Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light
Unscripted
Including Meet The Neighbours; The World’s Biggest Cruise Ship; The Steal; My Family Mystery; Escaping Utopia; The Push; Side Hustlers
My Family Mystery
‘It’s a really contemporary way of doing history stories and will appeal to a broad audience’
Married To The Game
‘Married To The Game offers something for reality fans and football fans alike’
Escaping Utopia
‘As a contemporary cult story, this is unlike anything I have ever seen’
International scripted
The Count Of Monte Cristo; Austin; Borderline; Conflict; Monsieur Spade; Paris Has Fallen; Rebus; Samber; So Long, Marianne; Spinal Destination
End Credits: Elen Rhys
The S4C head of entertainment and factual entertainment on wellies, Wales and meeting Nelson Mandela
What makes a successful podcast?
Vibrant Television, talkSport and Two Circles execs discussed how podcast producers can monetise their content and ensure it pops with listeners
Broadcasters in the firing line
Poor handling of the production slowdown, bad communication & a greenlight shortage are among the main complaints to this year’s survey
N&R indies feel the pinch
The majority of N&R indies report turnover that’s either static or falling, and cite recruitment of senior roles as a continuing problem
Growth stalls in bumpy market
Owners & consolidators grew by 1.86% in 2023, way down on their 41% surge in last year’s Indie Survey, with All3M once again topping the table
C4 epitomises industry woes
Indie relations soured during C4’s Indie Briefing Day, when it revealed it is primarily looking for ideas for 2025
The Real Serpent, Channel 4
David Howard, creative director of Monster Films, on the challenges of gaining access to a suspected serial killer
Queens, Disney+
Showrunner Chloe Sarosh on pulling together a female-led team to capture animal societies where females rule the roost
Things You Should Have Done, BBC3
Lucia Keskin shot to fame on YouTube parodying sitcoms - Robin Parker finds out how the 23-year-old came to be running one of her own
First look: The Responder, BBC1
Martin Freeman and Adelayo Adedayo return in second series of Dancing Ledge Production’s thriller, written by Tony Schumacher
Is the motorsport docuseries market overcrowded?
Simon Hinchliffe, Prism Sport and Entertainment head of motorsport, looks at whether the cluttered landscape of behind-the-scenes motorsport series is it makes it hard for new entrants to succeed
The Push
‘The fact that this story has exclusive coverage of the courtroom is really compelling’
Dead In The Water
‘It feels utterly accurate and authentic, allowing a real sense of place and time’
Spinal Destination
‘It’s a very warm and humane gang comedy with a group of friends unlike any other you’ve seen’
So Long, Marianne
‘It will appeal to a young audience that has no idea who Leonard Cohen is’
Monsieur Spade
‘Clive Owen has a real presence – he fills each scene with a real intensity’
Samber
‘The series is about the massive failure of society and the system to protect women’
Rebus
Rebus; Austin; Borderline; Conflict; Monsieur Spade; Paris Has Fallen; Samber; So Long Marianne; Spinal Destination
Paris Has Fallen
‘The movie franchise has a real added value that brings visibility to the series’
Conflict
‘The idea of civilisation coming under attact is something audiences can relate to’
Borderline
‘This is very premium, with great storytelling. It’s gritty and it’s got a political dimension’
Austin
‘It’s a story of acceptance that has diversity and family at its core. Multiple generations will enjoy it’
The Jetty
‘It’s a good crime thriller, but also opens up deeper questions about sexual consent and morality’
The Cuckoo
‘The Cuckoo is a suburban thriller, which always works well with global buyers’
Renegade Nell
‘Broadcasters need both the familiar and the surprising, and our slate delivers on that’
Red Eye
Red Eye; Coma; Nightsleeper; Renegade Nell; The Cuckoo; The Jetty; Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light
Coma
‘It feels local, but the situation is universal and that elevates it for global audiences’
Nightsleeper
‘Nightsleeper will have viewers across the globe on the edge of their seats’
Inseparable Sisters, BBC1
Producer and narrator Lucy Owen on making an intimate documentary exploring the story of conjoined twin sisters
First look: The Gathering, C4
World Productions thriller will explore modern parenthood and how parents impose agendas and issues on their children
Channel of the Year: BBC1
‘Placing itself at the heart of the action, BBC1 continues to prove is might as a truly public service channel’
Rukhsana Mosam: RIP RDF
The 30-year-old indie was past its prime - but that prime was something rare and special, says Ten66 Television’s creative director
Virtual Post
‘We are a friendly bunch, working in a fun and supportive atmosphere’
Run VT
‘We have a genuine family feeling, with a really eclectic mix of cultures. We treat people as people, and respect work/life balance’
Red Bee Creative
‘Our commitment to working with diverse teams extends to freelancers and contractors’
Moov
‘MOOV is committed to being a net-zero business by 2030 and is working with Albert to calculate its carbon footprint’
Molinaire TV & Film
‘The Molinare culture is driven by a love for the craft, and a genuine care for one another, while having fun’
Kinetic Pixel
‘At Christmas, we distribute a pot of money equally between employees to help with additional food and energy costs’
The Finish Line
‘We constantly evaluate salaries so we can be pre-emptive in paying people what they deserve’
Creating a happy office
Staff at the Best Places to Work are rewarded for their hard work with everything from food & drink to team quizzes & parties
Workerbee
‘We champion internships and actively seek out talent from all backgrounds as well as supporting access to training and development’
Woodcut Media
‘We actively promoted flexible working even before the pandemic. One exec told me I’d changed his life’
Living up to Gen Z standards
From wellbeing and recruitment to sustainability and career progression, BPTW firms are trying hard to meet the expectations of their younger staff
Wildstar Films
‘Wildstar has paid cost-of-living payments and offered free, on-site access to an external financial adviser’
The Whisper Group
‘We promote wellbeing by encouraging regular breaks, offline time and a work-life balance’
Voltage TV
‘Both the co-founders are of minority ethnic origin so we place great importance on diversity and inclusion’
Twofour Broadcast
‘Our staff go to schools/colleges/universities to give talks, and we offer work-experience placements’
The Connected Set
‘There is a real feeling of community, through team-building, regular check-ins and supporting staff wellbeing’
Studio Ramsay Global
‘We ensure that everyone gets the most out of their time with us, and we try our hardest to offer longer-term contracts’
Silverback Films
‘We put our trainee and junior production co-ordinators on the overseas and foreign filming course’
Rare Television
‘We believe in taking collective responsibility, which is repaid in loyalty and everyone having a sense of ownership of our output’
Raise The Roof Productions
‘We give our permanent staff bespoke plans and one-to-one coaching, and recently increased their wages in response to the cost-of-living crisis’
Optomen Television
‘We have a relaxed and welcoming environment where everyone is treated as equal and with a high level of respect’
Mindhouse Productions
‘We are kind, we are fair and, when in doubt, we surround ourselves with dogs and cake’
Lifted Entertainment
‘We allow employees to participate in community service during business hours without losing pay or using holiday time’
Hello Halo Productions
‘Kindness and respect are hugely important in creating a positive culture, and are demonstrated from the top down’
Firecrest Films
‘The short-term freelance culture in TV is a significant discriminatory obstacle, so we often engage people on longer contracts’
Expectation Entertainment
‘We want our employees to feel empowered to discuss how we can improve as a business. We are collaborative in our approach’
Eleven Film
‘We are committed to creating an environment where people feel valued, inspired and confident to do their best work’
Drummer Television
‘Our office is fuelled by renewable energy and all staff walk or use public transport to come to work’
Cwmni Da Cyf
‘We have set up an employee group that decides on different opportunities to support local community projects’
Curious Films
‘We actively seek to increase the number of people we work with who are from groups/communities that are underrepresented’
Candour Productions
‘We support inclusivity in its most genuine sense so our staff can flourish’
Buzz 16
‘We have regular social events to encourage team building and to celebrate milestones’
Blue Zoo
‘We have transitioned to 100% renewable energy for our on-site and off-site server farms’
Bad Wolf
‘Our values and aims embrace carbon reduction goals, accessibility and inclusion, creative excellence and boundary pushing’
Arrow Media
‘We have a good track record of people moving up through production roles and we’re big on in-house training’
Air TV
‘Last year, Air TV was able to award a company-wide cost-of-living bonus to all staff. We have continued to support staff this year’
A Productions
‘We are committed to ensuring A Productions is a welcoming, enjoyable, diverse and inclusive place to work’
Hidden Light
‘We nurture new talent and promote training to ensure our team are confident in their role’
The Garden
‘We’ve signed up to We Are Doc Women’s 50:50 female director pledge, & BEAM Network to address the low South Asian numbers’
Stellify Media
‘For a company on a small island, we see no limits, plan strategically, and always act with heart and integrity’
Dancing Ledge
‘We pay significant bonuses based on individual performance and company revenue’
Quay Street Productions
‘We match team members with passion projects and nurture trusting relationships between team members and writers’
Wild Child Animation
‘We set annual goals for recruitment, using Screen Scotland’s diversity goals, and assess our progress bi-annually’
Dragonfly Film & TV
‘We were able to offer all of our staff on less than £70,000 a cost-of-living payment’
Wonderhood Studios
‘We’ve publicly committed to We Are Doc Women’s 50:50 pledge, so half our directors are female’
Initial
‘Kindness and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do. If you treat staff with respect, profit and productivity will follow’
First look: Ludwig, BBC1
Peep Show and Back star David Mitchell leads comedy produced by Big Talk Studios in association with That Mitchell and Webb Company
Silverback, BBC2
Executive producer Andrew Zikking on a wildlife documentary that went in an unexpected direction
Truelove, Channel 4
Executive producer Emily Harrison on keeping a high-octane premise grounded yet stylish
Bariau, S4C
Producer Alaw Llewelyn Roberts explains why she chose to build a prison from scratch
Virtual production in the spotlight
Experts on virtual production discuss the benefits of the technology, the essential kit needed to get the most out it, and the impact of the recent layoffs at Unreal Engine maker Epic Games
The Famous Five, CBBC
Producer Sophie MacClancy on breaking showbiz rules and bringing classic stories to a modern audience
Channel 4 trio named unsung heroes
Channel 4 executives Clemency Green, Art Sejdu and Kiran Nataraja are recognised by their peers in this year’s survey for always going the extra mile
Mixmups, Channel 5
Creator, writer and exec producer Rebecca Atkinson explains how she mixed play and representation to create a magical new world for kids
Banged Up, Channel 4
Shine producers on recreating a realistic prison experience while ensuring a duty of care to reformed criminals
Esther Rantzen: in her own words
The veteran TV presenter on the funniest moments on That’s Life!, the story she’s proudest of and the state of consumer journalism today
Obituary
‘There’s the overarching murder mystery, but suffused with a darkly comic element reminiscent of Killing Eve’
The Dark Emu Story
‘International audiences have always been fascinated with the Aboriginal experience in Australia’
Factual and Formats
Ob-docs and true crime continue their factual streak with Strip and The Flight Attendant Murders leading
Banged Up
‘This is quite full on – the celebrities have to be tough to even agree to do this’
Snake Oil
‘This is a light and fun show that dials down the intensity and really focuses on the humour’
ReSolved
‘Combines conspiracy theory, true crime and the deep journalism for which Vice is well known’
Scrublands
‘There are lots of twists and a very unpredictable plot, which makes the series bingeable’
Of Money And Blood
‘It’s a gripping thriller featuring solid characters with strong back stories and intriguing personal journeys’
Estonia
‘We tell what we know for sure - through the eyes of survivors, relatives of the victims and the investigators’
International Scripted
Davey & Jonesie’s Locker heads up an eclectic array of global dramas and comedies including Bargain, Estonia, Strife and Obituary
Slip
‘This is a hilarious and unexpected love story. A dramedy that us heartfelt, sad, funny, poignant and captivating’
Strife
‘It is not a conventional comedy or drama - it’s a relationship dramedy with a lot of nuance’
Trust No One
‘Delves into, espionage, action and danger. International audiences know and search out these elements’
Bargain
‘It’s an absolute rollercoaster from start to finish. A cat-and-mouse survival sequence’
UK Scripted
Boat Story leads a flotilla of UK scripted series, sailing alongside Domino Day, Truelove, Dead Hot, The Serial Killer’s Wife and Men Up
Truelove
‘We are excited because we know Truelove will be talked about by everyone who watches it’
Dead Hot
‘Dead Hot is irreverent and entertaining yet has the familiar pace, hooks and twists of a first-class thriller’
Domino Day
‘An exhilarating exploration of race, misogyny, sexuality and identity. It’s a fresh, exciting thriller for modern viewers’
Men Up
‘What stands out is Men Up’s ability to balance comedy and heartfelt elements’
End Credits: Sharon Levy
The Endemol Shine North America chief executive on her passion for gift-wrapping, HBO’s Warrior and missing out on a circus career
A great year but challenges ahead
“Many report that there is now an expectation for distributors to plug big financing deficits, particularly for scripted programming”
The Long Shadow, ITV1
Executive producer Willow Grylls on telling the story of the often overlooked victims at the heart of an infamous string of murders
Gallery: Juice, BBC3
Selection of images from the Various Artists comedy series written by and starring Mawaan Rizwan
Our Sea Forest, BBC1
Producer director Sarah Cunliffe on braving the elements to film the underwater worlds off the UK coast
Gallery: Top Boy 3, Netflix
Selection of images from Ronan Bennett’s East London drama. Produced by Cowboy Films, Easter Partisan and SpringHill Entertainment
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Tops Guns: Inside the RAF, Channel 4
Exec producer Mark Tattersall reveals how unprecedented access to RAF Lossiemouth allowed him to take the audience into the cockpits of active fighter jets
Alone, Channel 4
How do you make a contestant feel alone in the wilderness, while ensuring they can capture great footage? Rachel Bloomfield explains
Open Door looks to expand remit
Founder David Mumeni on widening the charity’s scope to help disadvantaged groups enter the industry in behind-the scenes roles
Mother Undercover, Disney +
Executive producer Thomas Viner on telling true crime stories of women turned detective to save or seek justice for their children
Acelya Kancelik
‘Acelya brings clarity of thinking to complex storylines, and her insights are fresh, unexpected and nuanced’
Kaio Grizzelle
‘One of the sharpest and most impressive execs working across the digital landscape’
Hot Shots 2023: Development producers
Daniel Omnes, Freya Judd, Hannah Moulder, Ameenah Taher, Soph Webberley, Kariim Case, Lottie Naughton-Rumbo, Anya Wilson, Eleanor Wright, Nasreen Ahmed, Robert Hunter
Art Sejdiu
‘His range is standout but, most of all, his manner is joyful and inclusive’
Oliver Diamond
‘Olly’s understanding of the nuances of each platform allows him to formulate plans that are dramatic in their ambition’
Eleanor Wight
‘Eleanor is a truly gifted development producer. She has really strong ideas and knows how to turn them into reality’
Hannah Moulder
‘An outstanding ability to identify and nurture promising comedic voices’
Nasreen Ahmed
‘Naz genuinely loves telly and goes the extra mile. She pushes for inclusivity and diversity and champions new writers’
Freya Judd
‘When the chips are down, Freya is someone you can rely on to be inventive and entrepreneurial in her approach to a script’
Charlie Quinn
‘He’s one of those people who’ll be running the industry in a few years, and I hope he gives me work’
Heather Winstanley
‘Heather is a tenacious and passionate talent manager. She has boundless energy and enthusiasm for her work’
Imogen Greenberg
‘Imogen intuitively grasps the mechanics of story and understands the emotions behind the characters’
Anya Wilson
‘Anya is uniquely placed to influence great change in the industry with powerful stories’
Laura Taylor
‘The most impressive young post-producer I have had the pleasure to manage in my 25 years in post-production’
Calum Leslie
‘He manages to get people on board and to open up in a way highly experienced film-makers struggle to do’
Nessa Wrafter
‘Nessa has a unique and exciting voice. Her writing is ambitious, truthful and hilarious, putting female stories front and centre’
Soph Webberley
‘Soph goes above and beyond in all areas of her role. Her propensity for talent-spotting and her unique, fresh taste will stand her in good stead’
Nessah Muthy
‘An exceptional talent whose writing has genuine heart, warmth and emotional depth’
Ira Putilova
‘A fantastic editor with flare and integrity, whose dedication to finding solutions is exemplary’
Nick Hitchcock
‘Nick has taken on board our ethos of being a client-facing agency and has brought with him an excellent awareness of up-and-coming talent’
Martyna Knitter
‘Impressive commitment, drive and ability to transform challenges into opportunities’
Tolu Ogunware
‘Tolu is smart, talented and an absolute pleasure to work with’
Eloise Millard
‘She will work tirelessly to get it right and is always thinking about the audience. This is what makes her exceptional’
Christopher CF Chow
‘Christopher’s work is always elegant, precise and economic – he edits only in pursuit of elevating the story’
Zoe King
‘Zoe has an endless well of positivity even in the face of the most bonkers productions’
Nathalie Swain-Diaz
‘Nat cares deeply about her work, is fascinated by story and strives to meet the highest editorial and trust standards’
Emma Rowe
‘I don’t think you could meet anyone more conscientious, hard-working and able than Emma’
Will Robbins
‘Will is super in tune with social media trends/TikTok, which has fed into the creative of shows and ideas’
Katharine McCallum
‘Katharine will one day be our boss. She embraces new roles and duties and always excels’
Dan Viner
‘Dan is keen to listen and learn and has a great work ethic. His research is always thorough’
Ellie Merz
‘She’s a passionate film-maker, full of ideas, but calm when challenges arise’
Alyona Synegina
‘With Alyona we got so much more. She pitched idea after idea and was a creative force’
Ray Böhm
‘The next-generation leader we need in this industry’
Robert Hunter
‘Robert is a skilled writer, producer, sales person, negotiator and creative, with strong leadership skills’
Ameenah Taher
‘With a real understanding of the next generation of audiences, she has proved to be a true asset to the future of our industry’
Aurora Fearnley
‘Aurora is a fierce campaigner for disability rights and she wasn’t afraid to speak truth to power’
Will Shellard
‘You can throw any challenge at Will and it’s completed with focus, determination and drive’
Hot Shots 2023: Producers & PDs
Steve Monger, Alyona Synegina, Louis Lee Ray, Ellie Merz, Chibuikem Oforka, Hassan Ghazi, Celia Jennison, Ruben Reuter, Georgina Lee, Pandora Monnas, Tafara Makopa
Anna Costello
‘Anna stands out as a real talent, not just because she is very funny, but because of how perceptive and considered she is’
Tafara Makopa
‘Nimbly redefined the modern-day indie, crafting a business model that navigates challenging budgets while allowing Wall to grow and innovate’
Ruben Reuter
‘Ruben’s warmth and humour not only puts contributors at ease, but invites audiences to difficult stories in an accessible way’
Celia Jennison
‘One of Celia’s greatest strengths is how seriously she takes duty of care. Her integrity and moral compass are second to none’
Hassan Ghazi
‘Hassan has it all – he’s able to produce talent with great maturity, and has natural storytelling ability and impressive visual flair’
Chibuikem Oforka
‘He has a tireless work ethic and the determination to do right by the story’
Louis Lee Ray
‘His judgement is impeccable, he’s calm under pressure and good humoured in the face of adversity’
Seb Jewell
‘His likeable and warm personality allows him to build strong relationships with clients, commissioners and producers’
Will Hewitt
‘With Will’s ability to tell a visual story, plus his attention to detail, he will always be in demand as a creative collaborator’
Sam Ewen
‘A natural leader with a relentless flow of creative ideas’
Jennifer Dempster
‘Smart, creative and cool under pressure, I’ve no doubt she will rise to production manager level at lightning speed’
Dion Hesson
‘I am genuinely in awe at the passion, dedication and intellectual engagement he brings to everything he’s involved with’
The Sixth Commandment, BBC1
Writer and creator Sarah Phelps explains how she told the story of a real life murder without putting the perpetrator at the centre of the narrative
Evacuation, Channel 4
How Wonderhood gained access to the human story of the soldiers who helped evacuate Kabul
Puzzling, Channel 5
12 Yard Productions’ head of entertainment Paul McGettigan on the speedy turnaround of a new quiz format
Look See Wow!, Sky Kids
Executive producer Eline van der Velden explains how her team got hands on to make an ASMR-inspired immersive show for toddlers
Our Planet II, Netflix
How the landmark Silverback sequel reinvents itself, getting notes and harnessing the latest tech
Forced Out, Sky Documentaries
Producer Sophie Perrins explains how she and her LGBT+ crew told the story of those who were ejected from the Armed Forces because of their sexuality
Gender Wars, Channel 4
Director Pamela Gordon explains how the much-contested documentary gained the trust of trans contributors
End Credits: Declan Lawn
The screenwriter/director and co-creator and writer of Blue Lights on Jack Charlton, hurling and a rough ride at Alton Towers
Ten Pound Poms, BBC1
Executive producers Danny Brocklehurst and Joel Wilson on making a drama series with ‘dirt under its fingernails’
Catherine Reitman: Workin’ hard
As Workin’ Moms kicks off its final series, its creator reflects on how a primarily female team helped capture motherhood in all its messy details
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Factual
True crime, docu-drama and follow docs are the order of the day in a bumper unscripted line-up
Formats
Competition titles continue to dominate as buyers look for multi-layered storytelling
Old Enough
‘It is fascinating to see how children are capable of thinking and acting on their own’
The Piano
‘We’re living in dark times. Beautiful, uplifting stories are much needed’
Bend it Like Bollywood
‘You feel like you can’t walk away from the screen in case you miss a critical piece of information’
Nazanin
‘You feel like you can’t walk away from the screen in case you miss a critical piece of information’
The Pez Outlaw
‘Steve broke the law, but he was also an underdog and you can’t help rooting for him’
Orphan Black: Echoes
‘Many buyers are familiar with this universe and are looking forward to re-engaging with it’
Staying on top in distribution
Five European distributors explain how they’re adapting their business models to remain competitive in a challenging market
Lyra, Channel 4
Director Alison Millar explains the heart-wrenching task of allowing her friend, the murdered journalist Lyra McKee, to tell her own story
Fifteen-Love
‘It’s a love letter to what sport can and should be, but it’s also an unflinching look at it’
Scripted
Character-driven series span fantasy, sci-fi, crime and families in this international-driven selection
In Limbo
‘In Limbo is a smart, funny, relatable series with a powerful message at its core’
A Body That Works
‘It is a very emotional watch. Audiences will find themselves laughing and crying’
Made Up In Belfast, BBC3
Emma-Rosa Dias, managing director for Afro-Mic Productions, explains how BBC NI’s new glossy reality show came to be
Brink Of Disaster
‘There has always been a fascination with this genre and it hasn’t diminished’
End Credits: Carlo Dusi
The Endor Productions managing director on crying at Happy Valley and learning from Ridley Scott
PSBs win praise in tough times
After a difficult year for both broadcasters, the BBC is voted the strongest broadcaster and Channel 4 is named the best to work with
