TV Makers

Welcome to a very special Christmas edition of TV Makers! We’re adding a sprinkle of festive magic as we go behind the scenes of Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, premiering on BBC One and iPlayer at 6:10 pm on Christmas Day. Supervising Animator Will Becher joins us to reveal the artistry, challenges, and meticulous craftsmanship that go into bringing these beloved characters to life.But that’s not all! We’re embracing the Christmas spirit with a festive chat featuring TV friends and professionals discussing what makes holiday TV specials truly special and the creative pressures behind crafting Christmas magic for millions of viewers.And it wouldn’t be Christmas without a game! In a Taskmaster-inspired challenge, we pitch the next big Christmas TV format for 2025—complete with laughs and a surprise prize giveaway. Commissioners, take notes!So whether you’re wrapping gifts, cooking up a feast, or doing some last-minute shopping, grab a mince pie and join us for TV Makers: The Christmas Special !The Film and TV Charity information and Links:Our Support Line is open 24/7, 365 days of the year. It's staffed by qualified Counsellors, who are always available for in the moment support. The Support Line can also refer you for financial and legal advice (in office hours) Anyone working in Film, TV or Cinema can also ask for a referral to six sessions of one-to-one Counselling (available in person or remotely). Counselling sessions are free and the referrals are very quick, subject to a clinical assessment. More information is available here: Mental health and wellbeing | The Film and TV CharityThe Film and TV Charity also provides a Bullying Advice Service (closed for the w/c 23rd Dec and 30th Dec but you can book an appointment here Bullying Advice Service | The Film and TV Charity  Also one-to-support from our Work and Wellbeing Service to anyone who is facing barriers at work (whether that's because they are a member of a marginalised group, coping with caring responsibilities, loneliness etc) - more details  available here: Coaching with work and wellbeing | The Film and TV Charity  If anyone wants to support others in the Industry it would be great if they could consider donating to our Winter Appeal: Supporting the film, TV, and cinema… | The Film and TV CharityFor all enquiries you can email support@filmtcharity.org.ukAs always don't forget to rate, comment and subscribe to the podcast and follow on instagram @tvmakerspod for special behind the microphone content. Recorded and Edited by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.ukArtwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondrawsWebsite: www.benleondraws.com

Siobhan O’Donnell is an exceptional Floor Manager with decades of experience working on some of the UK’s most iconic television moments. Siobhan shares jaw-dropping anecdotes, from the time she had to literally crawl past dthe Queen to get to the Prime Minister, to wrangling the Teletubbies on set, and even the nerve-wracking moment she had to tell Cilla Black that someone forgot to press record.We talk about making your way up the floor managing ladder, why you shouldn’t wait for your predecessor to retire and what exactly the gallery expects of you as the eyes and ears on the ground. Don’t forget to rate, comment, and subscribe!You can find the Facebook runners group hereThis episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by what it takes to bring live TV to life and keep the show on track—no matter what chaos unfolds on set.Recorded and Edited by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.ukArtwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondrawsWebsite: www.benleondraws.com

Unlock the potential and support for your next project with ScreenSkills! Emily Gunn, HETV Engagement & Projects Manager for the South and Midlands, is here to guide us every step of the way as to how ScreenSkills could help you us navigate this industry and come out on top.  Emily works across engagement and training for HETV freelancers across the UK, supporting the growth and expansion for a diverse workforce in the screen sector. She has worked the last ten years in television starting in camera in Soho, working her way through to film licencing for multiple London boroughs and now championing skills through diversity and inclusion programmes for High-end TV at ScreenSkills.   You can get in contact with Emily via Linkedin here TV Makers is your go-to podcast for staying ahead in your career, where we explore the ever-evolving landscape of our industry. Join us bi-weekly as we feature a diverse range of professionals from all corners of filmmaking. Subscribe, rate, and share to ensure you never miss an episode and stay up to date with all the latest insights and trends.Thank you for tuning in and being a part of our community. Your support means the world to us!Recorded and Edited by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.ukArtwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondrawsWebsite: www.benleondraws.com

Award-winning multi-cam and fixed rig Entertainment Director Abigail Dankwa is a powerhouse you need to know, learn from, and listen to!With BAFTA and RTS awards, a Grierson nomination, Directors UK board member,  recognition as a BAFTA Breakthrough, Edinburgh Festival’s Ones to Watch, and Broadcast Magazine Hot Shot, Abigail’s journey to The Director’s Chair is nothing short of incredible.In this episode, we discuss her challenges, including her thoughts on the label of "risk" in hiring decisions, and explore how the industry can change that. We also dive into her thoughts on failure with an unforgettable story with Danny Boyle - Yes, that Danny Boyle. If you’re ready for an inside look at what it takes to become a multi-cam director, buckle up for this dynamic episode of TV Makers!Also, here’s the link to one of Abigail’s must see pieces of multi cam work, Strictly Come Dancing 2018 Launch!https://youtu.be/UxsVTH78s_8?si=w21FcrZFPLBhblgoTV Makers is your go-to podcast for staying ahead in your career, where we explore the ever-evolving landscape of our industry. Join us bi-weekly as we feature a diverse range of professionals from all corners of filmmaking. Subscribe, rate, and share to ensure you never miss an episode and stay up to date with all the latest insights and trends.Thank you for tuning in and being a part of our community. Your support means the world to us! Recorded and Edited by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.ukArtwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondrawsWebsite: www.benleondraws.com

Emile is a BAFTA-nominated and SAFTA-winning Commissioning Executive at UKTV, who is at the forefront of factual and factual entertainment series on channels like Dave, W, Yesterday, and Gold as well is UKTV's digital platform "U".In this episode, Emile is exceptionally open and candid in sharing insights into his role as a creative executive producer, what exactly a commissioner does, what it felt like to make that leap from production to broadcast and if we'll even need commissioners in the future with the rise of Artificial Intelligence and the amount of data we now have access to... Emile also highlights his commitment to pushing creative boundaries, improving representation in the industry and what he's looking for in the next big commissions. TV Makers is your go-to podcast for staying ahead in your career, where we explore the ever-evolving landscape of our industry. Join us bi-weekly as we feature a diverse range of professionals from all corners of filmmaking. Subscribe, rate, and share to ensure you never miss an episode and stay up to date with all the latest insights and trends.Thank you for tuning in and being a part of our community. Your support means the world to us!Recorded and Edited by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.ukArtwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondrawsWebsite: www.benleondraws.com

Edinburgh TV Festival SPECIAL! In a 2 part special, we hear from some incredible attendees at the festival and get their insights on what they’ve taken from TV’s must attend event of the year and where our industry is going for the next 12 months. Across the two parter, you’ll hear from:Rowan Woods, the creative director of this year’s festival and what's planned; Kimberly Godbolt of Talented People and The Imposter Club Podcast speaking on some hard truths of where the industry is at; Jo Ball, the powerhouse MD of Ricochet in what it takes to run a company and the art of being nice.Andy Wilman, the mastermind behind The Grand Tour, Top Gear, and Clarkson’s Farm speaking on passing the torch to those coming up.James Taylor-Tovey, co-chair of Bectu Unscripted, about keeping freelancers at the centre of this years conversation. Emile Nawagamuwa, UKTV commissioner on the subject of class and what a commissioner is up to at the TV event of the year! Yani Ahmed about diversifying her skills when faced with an uncertain tv landscape.Steph Lacey on Access co-ordinators and the importance to pre plan instead of scramble. Abigail Dankwa, Multi cam director and an intro in how to approach the festival (with bonus karaoke). Get in touch either on instagram @tvmakerspod or email on podcast@tvmakers.co.ukTV Makers is your go-to podcast for staying ahead in your career, where we explore the ever-evolving landscape of our industry. Join us bi-weekly as we feature a diverse range of professionals from all corners of filmmaking. Subscribe, rate, and share to ensure you never miss an episode and stay up to date with all the latest insights and trends.Thank you for tuning in and being a part of our community. Your support means the world to us!Recorded and Edited by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.ukArtwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondrawsWebsite: www.benleondraws.com

In the grand finale of Series 2, we're closing with a bang! Please welcome Emmy Award-winning director Jessica Hobbs, renowned for her work on The Crown, Broadchurch, The Regime, and Apple Tree Yard. Jessica shares her insights on directing and reveals the secrets behind crafting some of the most captivating television of the past decade. Don't miss this exclusive conversation with one of TV's most visionary creators.Jessica talks about what it is to create tension on screen with actors, gambling on a set build, rolling without rehearsals and being rejected from film school...twice!Jessica also highlights a crucial service that supports parents in the television industry by providing on-set crèches. This incredible initiative is led by The Wonder Works, which you can learn more about here: It might be the last episode of Series 2 but I want to hear from you with what you want out of Series 3. Get in touch either on instagram @tvmakerspod or email on podcast@tvmakers.co.ukTV Makers is your go-to podcast for staying ahead in your career, where we explore the ever-evolving landscape of our industry. Join us bi-weekly as we feature a diverse range of professionals from all corners of filmmaking. Subscribe, rate, and share to ensure you never miss an episode and stay up to date with all the latest insights and trends.Thank you for tuning in and being a part of our community. Your support means the world to us!Recorded and Edited by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.ukArtwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondrawsWebsite: www.benleondraws.com

Starting out in the TV Industry? Listen closely to Lottie Targett's tips and tricks in how to survive as a Runner on your next show!Not just one for the burgeoning new recruits of television but Lottie's no holds barred opinion on what life is like in TV, paired with her incredible enthusiasm is bound to make any veteran remember their own experiences and life lessons that might make them question how best to run their shoots now.In the 2 years she spent as a runner, Lottie has an impressive CV racking up credits on; Squid Games: The Challenge, Britains Got Talent, Next Level Chef, The Apprentice and tonnes more.  So have your sharpies at the ready, make notes, grab a coffee and take a listen to this next episode of TV Makers. If you want to get in touch with Lottie, you can find her on Instagram @lottie.targett and Talent Manager.TV Makers is your go-to podcast for staying ahead in your career, where we explore the ever-evolving landscape of our industry. Join us bi-weekly as we feature a diverse range of professionals from all corners of filmmaking. Subscribe, rate, and share to ensure you never miss an episode and stay up to date with all the latest insights and trends.Thank you for tuning in and being a part of our community. Your support means the world to us!Recorded and Edited by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.ukArtwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondrawsWebsite: www.benleondraws.com

Nathaniel Christian-John has carved his way as a trusted researcher within factual television and in this episode, speaks about what it means to have an episode rest on his due diligence and quick thinking.  We also speak about the right age (if there is one) to enter into the industry and how to communicate effectively with senior team members. If you want to get in touch with Nate, you can find him on instagram @natetakes TV Makers is your go-to podcast for staying ahead in your career, where we explore the ever-evolving landscape of our industry. Join us bi-weekly as we feature a diverse range of professionals from all corners of filmmaking. Subscribe, rate, and share to ensure you never miss an episode and stay up to date with all the latest insights and trends.Thank you for tuning in and being a part of our community. Your support means the world to us!Recorded and Edited by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.ukArtwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondrawsWebsite: www.benleondraws.com

Mike Sansom is the founder of Brightfire productions and the go to person for all things special effects. Mike has worked on TV royalty such as Top Gear, The Grand Tour, Derren Brown, The Slow Mo Guys to name but a few and he has some stories to go along with his vast experience.If you're looking to see what it takes to be a master of Special Effects or indeed, how you might work with someone in special effects for your next project, have a listen to MikeTV Makers is your go-to podcast for staying ahead in your career, where we explore the ever-evolving landscape of our industry with host, Ashley Golder. Join bi-weekly as we feature a diverse range of professionals from all corners of the industry as they talk about what it takes to do the role they do, before we get there ourselves. Subscribe, rate, and share to ensure you never miss an episode.Thank you for tuning in and being a part of our community. Recorded and Edited by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.ukArtwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondrawsWebsite: www.benleondraws.com