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TV Makers

Ashley Golder

TV Makers is a podcast that takes listeners behind the scenes of the TV industry, interviewing professionals in various roles to gain insights into their work. Host Ashley Golder speaks with the likes of Steadicam operators, Production Managers, Directors, Lighting Technicians, and more, covering all aspects of the TV world. In each episode, we delve into the intricacies of their roles, learning about the challenges and rewards of working in the industry. With episodes released every two weeks, TV Makers is perfect for TV enthusiasts, aspiring industry professionals, and veterans with years of experience. Subscribe now on your preferred platform and follow @tvmakerspod on Instagram and Twitter for more content.

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S5 · E5
September 8 · 52 min
Ep 45: Chief Content Officer at Lifted Ent, Tom Gould - How to Keep Hit Formats Fresh
Love Island, I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, The Voice, Countdown and University Challenge are some of Britain’s biggest entertainment shows. But how do you keep hit formats like these feeling fresh without changing what audiences love about them? Tom Gould is Chief Content Officer at Lifted Entertainment, the production company behind these major formats. With more than two decades in television, Tom has helped shape some of the UK’s most successful entertainment shows. So, how do you protect the magic of a hit format while knowing when it needs to change? And what does it really take to lead creativity at one of Britain’s biggest entertainment producers? In this episode, Tom takes us inside the decisions behind the screen. Tom and Ash discuss how long-running formats continue to evolve, what makes a new entertainment idea stand out and how Lifted is developing its next generation of mainstream hits. Tom also reflects on moving from programme-making into senior leadership, why learning to let go was one of his hardest lessons and how he supports production teams without taking over. They also explore the importance of trust, respect and creating a production culture where people feel comfortable speaking freely. In this episode: • What a Chief Content Officer actually does • How established formats remain fresh • Knowing what to change and what to protect • What Tom looks for in a new entertainment idea • Moving from Executive Producer into creative leadership • Learning to let go and empower production teams • Creating mainstream formats with humour and a sense of mischief • Why strong television begins with a respectful production culture Follow TV Makers on Instagram: @tvmakerspod Watch the full conversation on the TV Makers YouTube channel. This Episode is Sponsored by: RIMMS - https://www.rimms.tv If you enjoyed the episode, follow the podcast and leave a rating or review wherever you’re listening. Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondraws Website: www.benleondraws.com
September 1 · 44 min
TV’s Digital Gold Rush? | Edinburgh TV Festival 2026
TV Makers is on the road at the Edinburgh TV Festival 2026. If there was one conversation everywhere this year, it was digital. YouTube, the creator economy, changing audiences, new ways of funding content... and what all of that means for traditional television and the people who make it. So for this special episode, Ashley Golder grabs a microphone and heads around the festival to take the temperature of TV in 2026. Featuring: Bella Roberts (Bella Does Editing) — on the creator economy and building an audience of more than half a million followers on Instagram alone. Kimberly Godbolt (Talented People) — on the mood across the industry, what’s changing and where television goes next. David Clews (Twofour) — on how one of the UK’s biggest production companies is responding to a changing industry. Jon Willers (The Development Network) — on building audiences, finding the money and why data might be more useful than vibes. JT (Action for Freelancers) — on what all of this change means for the people actually making the programmes. James & Soleta Rogan (Rogan Productions) — on navigating uncertainty, looking after filmmakers and why, whatever happens next, we need to keep making. From broadcasters and production companies to creators, new business models and freelancers, this is a snapshot of an industry in the middle of some pretty big changes — recorded from the floor of the Edinburgh TV Festival. A huge thank you to the Edinburgh TV Festival team for having TV Makers back again this year. TV Makers gets under the skin of what people across the television industry do and, most importantly, how they do it — so we can learn from their experience before taking those next steps ourselves. Follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondraws Website: www.benleondraws.com
S5 · E4
August 4 · 1 hr
Ep 44: Grenfell: Uncovered Director, Olaide Sadiq - Directing Her First Documentary to 2 BAFTAs
From the moment Olaide Sadiq was offered the job to winning two BAFTAs almost two years later, she shares what it really took - professionally and personally - to direct Grenfell: Uncovered. Just days before recording this episode, documentary director Olaide Sadiq won not one, but two BAFTAs for Grenfell: Uncovered - taking home Emerging Talent at the BAFTA Craft Awards and Best Single Documentary at the BAFTA Television Awards. The remarkable part? It was her very first documentary as a director. In this episode, Olaide joins obs doc director Ashley Golder to talk about making the leap from experienced producer to first-time director, overcoming imposter syndrome, and leading one of the UK's most significant documentaries for Netflix. Along the way, she shares the practical realities of directing at the highest level - from writing her first director's vision statement and creating beat sheets and look books, to building trust with contributors, developing a visual style, and leading a team through emotionally demanding material. No topic is off the table. Olaide is exceptionally humble and refreshingly honest about what she didn't know, what scared her, and what she learned along the way. In a world where everyone seems to have it all figured out, Olaide does the opposite - even revealing that she emailed the execs to say she didn't think she was ready for the job. We discuss: Winning two BAFTAs with a first directing credit Why she almost turned the opportunity down Pitching herself to direct for Netflix Writing a director's vision statement Creating beat sheets and look books Finding your directing style Building trust with contributors Directing one of the UK's most sensitive documentaries Working with Netflix and the support that shaped her journey Managing imposter syndrome and self-doubt What she's learned that she's taking into her next documentary Whether you're looking to direct your first film, step up into a directing role, or simply want to understand how award-winning documentaries are made, this episode is packed with practical advice, honest reflections and reassurance that even the best directors don't always feel ready. Follow TV Makers on Instagram @tvmakerspod. Special thanks to Directors UK for letting us use their space for the recording. Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. This Episode is Sponsored by: RIMMS - https://www.rimms.tv Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondraws Website: www.benleondraws.com
S5 · E43
July 21 · 43 min
Ep 43 - Part 2: Editorial Content Lawyer, Clare Hoban - The Legal Questions Everyone Should Ask!
If Part 1 answered many of the questions we've all quietly wondered about... Part 2 goes even deeper. What happens when legal, ethics and editorial judgement collide? Can a contributor really withdraw consent? What should you do if someone threatens self-harm to stop a programme being broadcast? Can the police confiscate your camera or rushes when on location? And what actually happens when a production lands in crisis? Joining TV Makers once again is Clare Hoban, Co-CEO of Reviewed & Cleared and an editorial content lawyer with years of experience advising television productions through some of their most complex legal and editorial challenges. In this second part of our conversation, Clare shares real-world examples and tackles some of the more nuanced situations that production teams face, from duty of care and ongoing consent to crisis management, GDPR, contributor rights and the legal realities of filming in public. As with Part 1, many of the answers challenge long-held industry assumptions and highlight why understanding the law properly gives productions far more confidence than relying on TV folklore. Please note: This interview was recorded earlier in 2026. Whilst we've done our best to keep everything up to date, this episode should not be taken as legal advice. Laws, regulations and guidance change, and every production is different. If you need advice on a specific situation, please contact Clare and the team at Reviewed & Cleared. Connect with Clare 🌐 Reviewed & Cleared: https://reviewedandcleared.com This Episode is Sponsored by: RIMMS – https://www.rimms.tv Linkline – https://linklinecrew.com 📸 Follow TV Makers on Instagram: @tvmakerspod 📧 Get in touch: podcast@tvmakers.co.uk 🎧 Enjoying the podcast? Follow or subscribe to TV Makers so new episodes automatically land in your feed. If you've enjoyed this conversation, please consider leaving a rating or review - it really helps more people discover the show. The full TV Makers back catalogue is available wherever you listen to your podcasts. Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondraws Website: www.benleondraws.com
S5 · E43
July 14 · 45 min
Ep 43 - Part 1: Editorial Content Lawyer, Clare Hoban - The Legal Questions Everyone Should Ask!
Have you ever caught yourself thinking… “Could I go to jail if we get this wrong?” “Can we legally film this?” “Can we broadcast that without permission?” “What happens if someone withdraws consent?” If so, this episode is for you. Joining TV Makers is Clare Hoban, Co-CEO of Reviewed & Cleared and an editorial content lawyer with years of experience in the TV and content world and she was generous (and patient!) enough to sit down with Ashley Golder and get asked all the questions we’ve always wondered the answers to but either never had the opportunity to ask, or dare we say it…never wanted to look foolish in asking ourselves? The answers might even surprise you! One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that television can often do far more than people realise - as long as you understand where the legal, editorial and compliance boundaries actually sit. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Part 2 will be released next week instead of the usual 2 week gap, where we tackle even more real-world scenarios and answer more of the questions you’ve always wanted to ask a TV lawyer. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it. Please note: This interview was recorded earlier in 2026. Whilst we’ve done our best to keep everything up to date, this episode should not be taken as legal advice. Laws, regulations and guidance change, and every production is different. If you need advice on a specific situation, please contact Clare and the team at Reviewed & Cleared. Connect with Clare 🌐 Reviewed & Cleared: https://reviewedandcleared.com This Episode is Sponsored by: RIMMS - https://www.rimms.tv Linkline - https://linklinecrew.com 📸 Follow TV Makers on Instagram: @tvmakerspod 📧 Get in touch: podcast@tvmakers.co.uk 🎧 Enjoying the podcast? Follow or subscribe to TV Makers so new episodes automatically land in your feed. If you've enjoyed this conversation, please consider leaving a rating or review - it really helps more people discover the show. The full TV Makers back catalogue is available wherever you listen to your podcasts. Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondraws Website: www.benleondraws.com
S5 · E42
June 30 · 56 min
Ep 42: Director of On-Screen Talent, Micky Van Praagh - Who Casts TV's Biggest Stars?
From Love Island, I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! and Celebrity Sabotage to University Challenge and even Countdown, have you ever wondered who decides which presenters, judges and celebrities make it onto our screens? Ashley Golder sits down with Micky Van Praagh, Director of On-Screen Talent at Lifted Entertainment - a role that even her closest friends struggle to define. Micky demystifies the hidden world of TV talent, revealing how major entertainment shows are cast, how talent deals are negotiated, and why building trust with presenters, celebrities and agents is every bit as important as finding the right person for the job. From nurturing emerging talent to handling difficult conversations and assembling casts that millions of viewers will watch, this is a fascinating look at one of television's least understood roles. In This Episode: What a Director of On-Screen Talent actually does How major entertainment shows are cast Negotiating talent deals and contracts Building ensemble casts for shows like I'm A Celebrity Working with agents, managers and production teams Finding and developing the next generation of TV talent Handling difficult conversations and managing expectations Casting controversial personalities and balancing public reaction Why trust and relationships are essential in television The reality of working behind the scenes on some of the UK's biggest shows This Episode is Sponsored by: RIMMS - https://www.rimms.tv Linkline - https://linklinecrew.com 📸 Follow TV Makers on Instagram: @tvmakerspod 📧 Get in touch: podcast@tvmakers.co.uk 🎧 Enjoying the podcast? Follow or subscribe to TV Makers so new episodes automatically land in your feed. If you've enjoyed this conversation, please consider leaving a rating or review - it really helps more people discover the show. The full TV Makers back catalogue is available wherever you listen to your podcasts. Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondraws Website: www.benleondraws.com
S5 · E41
June 16 · 59 min
Ep 41: CEO of Global Production Group, Argonon, James Burstall - Adapting To A New Media World
How do you lead a global production group through one of the biggest periods of change the television industry has ever faced? In the first episode of Series 5, Ashley Golder sits down with James Burstall, CEO and Founder of Argonon, to discuss what it takes to lead a global production group, manage multiple production companies under one umbrella, and identify new opportunities in an ever-changing media landscape. From leadership and company culture to business strategy, content ownership and emerging revenue streams, James shares how he balances commercial success with a people-first approach - proving that being a decent person doesn't have to come at the expense of building a successful business. As the leader of a group that includes Bandicoot (The Masked Singer), Windfall, BriteSpark, Like A Shot, Rose Rock, Leopard and Leopard USA, James is responsible for guiding a diverse portfolio of companies operating across television, digital content, podcasts and emerging platforms. We discuss how production groups are adapting to changing audience behaviour, the opportunities presented by YouTube, podcasts and FAST channels, the importance of content ownership, and how producers, directors and production companies can position themselves for the future. In This Episode: What a CEO of a global production group actually does Managing multiple production companies under one group Leadership, culture and building successful teams Why being a good leader doesn't mean being soft on business Adapting to a changing media landscape YouTube, podcasts and FAST channels Content ownership and intellectual property New funding models and revenue streams The future of television and content creation This Episode is Sponsored by: RIMMS - https://www.rimms.tv Linkline - https://linklinecrew.com 📸 Follow TV Makers on Instagram: @tvmakerspod 📧 Get in touch: podcast@tvmakers.co.uk 🎧 Enjoying the podcast? Follow or subscribe to TV Makers so new episodes automatically land in your feed. If you've enjoyed this conversation, please consider leaving a rating or review - it really helps more people discover the show. The full TV Makers back catalogue is available wherever you listen to your podcasts. Edited by Ben Seale Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondraws Website: www.benleondraws.com
S4 · E40
March 3 · 1 hr 6 min
Ep 40: Apple TV - Hijack Co-Creator & Director Jim Field Smith + DOP Ed Moore - Building Real-Time Tension Underground
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to make large-scale, high-stakes television drama - this is the episode. To close Series 4 of TV Makers, Ashley is joined by the co-creator, executive producer and lead director of Hijack, Jim Field Smith, and Director of Photography Ed Moore. It’s a double finale! TV Makers X Hijack! Season 1 trapped audiences at 35,000 feet. Season 2 moves underground - onto a Berlin U-Bahn train, in real time, for eight relentless hours. Together, Jim and Ed unpack what it took to build one of Apple TV+’s most ambitious thrillers - from scanning real train carriages in Berlin to constructing a fully functioning hydraulic train set in the UK that could move in multiple axis while remaining completely shootable in 360 degrees. This conversation goes far beyond “how it looked.” They explore: Why real-time storytelling is creatively thrilling - and structurally brutal The hidden cost of writing something you know could be a production nightmare Why “second screen friendly” might be the most dangerous note in modern television How prep at scale actually creates freedom on set And what trust between director and DP really looks like when the pressure is on Jim explains why he avoids traditional storyboarding in favour of building fully immersive environments that allow actors - including Idris Elba - to perform inside something that feels real, rather than technical. Ed shares how virtual production, LED environments, lens sourcing across Europe, and precise sun-path calculations helped sustain tension minute by minute across an eight-hour real-time narrative. This is a deep dive into collaboration, ambition, and refusing to lower the creative bar - even when the logistics are daunting. And if you want to lift the curtain further, head over to YouTube to see behind the scenes pictures and footage supplied by Jim, Ed and Apple. It’s a fitting finale to Series 4 for TV makers. Enjoy! This Episode is Sponsored by: RIMMS The Kit House Directed by Good Produced, recorded and Edited by Ashley Golder Additional camera by Will James Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondraws Website: www.benleondraws.com
S4 · E39
February 17 · 56 min
Ep 39: Honey Bee Co-Founder, Ed Taylor - The Big Pivot Beyond Television?
Are you worried there’s a shift happening in TV - and you might be missing it? Are you quietly questioning whether the traditional production company model is still sustainable? In this episode, I sit down with Ed Taylor, Co-Founder of Honey Bee, to talk honestly about what running an indie looks like right now… and what it may need to become next. With longer commissioning timelines, tighter broadcaster budgets, and increasing pressure on development spend, Ed shares how he’s reassessing the fundamentals of the production company model. We discuss: Whether the old route to scaling an indie still works The reality of “lifestyle businesses” in TV Why working with brands require a completely different language to broadcasters Partnering on YouTube And the one mindset shift production company owners need to survive the next phase Ed talks candidly about adaptability, automation, and what it really means to build something that can outlast the current bottleneck. And later in the conversation, he reveals a move Honey Bee is making that reframes everything we’ve discussed about diversifying, scale, and long-term growth. If you’re running a company… Thinking about starting one… Or simply trying to future-proof your place in the industry… This is a conversation worth hearing. And if you want to hear more from Ed, his Substack is here This Episode is Sponsored by: RIMMS The Kit House Directed By Good Edited by Ben Seale Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondraws Website: www.benleondraws.com
S4 · E38
February 3 · 48 min
Ep 38: Access Coordinator, Leah Rachel - Pulling Back the Curtain on Disability & Access in TV
What does access actually look like on a TV or film production and how can we do better on our own sets, for everyone’s benefits? In this episode of TV Makers, Ashley Golder is joined by Leah Rachel, an access coordinator working across TV and film, supporting deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent cast and crew. Leah pulls back the curtain on what access really means in practice, from the everyday decisions made in prep and on set, to the conversations productions often avoid because they’re unsure how to handle them. It’s an honest, practical look at how access works when it’s done well, and why expertise matters. Together, they unpack: * What an access coordinator actually does, from prep through to production * The difference between access needs and access requirements (and why the language matters) * How hiring an access co-ordinator may not even affect your budget! * The questions people are often afraid to ask. * How access benefits everyone on set, not just disabled colleagues. If you work in TV or film and want to approach access with confidence, clarity, and care - this episode is for you. You can find more info on the future Access Coordinator training at Screenskills: https://www.screenskills.com Listen & Follow If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe so new episodes land straight in your feed. Follow the podcast on Instagram @tvmakerspod Questions or guest suggestions? Email podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Thanks again to Casarotto team: https://www.casarotto.co.uk/access-team This Episode is Sponsored by: Rimms The Kit House Directed By Good Edited by Ben Seale Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondraws Website: www.benleondraws.com
S4 · E37
January 20 · 56 min
Ep 37: Directors UK CEO, Andy Harrower - Inside the Fight for TV’s Freelancers
In this episode of TV Makers, Ashley Golder sits down with Andy Harrower, CEO of Directors UK, for an honest conversation about the real state of the TV and film industry and what’s being done behind the scenes to protect freelancers. Andy offers a clear-eyed look at where the industry finds itself heading into 2026: a prolonged commissioning slowdown, growing insecurity for freelancers, and an erosion of the director’s role across parts of television. Together, they unpack why directors still matter, why prep and edit time are being squeezed, and how “false economies” are quietly pushing creatives to breaking point. The conversation explores: •Why only 12% of people in TV and film say it’s a mentally healthy place to work •The freelance reality behind the programmes audiences love •How power, budgets, and hiring practices really operate in today’s TV landscape •What Directors UK is doing through lobbying, forums, and policy work to support directors and freelancers more widely •The government’s proposed “Freelance Champion” - what it is, why it matters, and whether it will actually have teeth •How AI, copyright, and data scraping threaten creative ownership •Why diversity “initiatives” aren’t enough •Where hope still exists for directors and freelancers as the industry shifts toward digital-first models This is a serious, thoughtful episode about precarity, power, and protection - and why the fight for freelancers is one the entire industry should care about. Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Enjoying the series? Don't underestimate the power of the share, rate, and subscribe bit! It really helps! Whether you’re watching on YouTube or listening on your favourite podcast app, drop us a comment, or connect with us on Instagram at @tvmakerspod Got a question or guest suggestion? Email us at podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Thank you to our Sponsors: RIMMS- https://www.rimms.tv The Kit House - https://www.kithouserental.co.uk Directed By Good - https://www.directedbygood.com Edited By Ben Seal Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondraws Website: www.benleondraws.com
S4 · E36
January 6 · 42 min
Ep 36: ITV Support Engineer Mirusha Jegatheeswaran – Keeping TV on Air and Ignoring Gatekeepers
In this episode of TV Makers, Ashley Golder speaks to Mirusha Jegatheeswaran, an ITV Support Engineer working across high-output television at ITV Studios. Mirusha’s role sits at the heart of broadcast production – keeping studios, systems and post-production running smoothly so shows stay on air. But her route into television wasn’t a traditional one. She entered the industry with zero broadcast experience, stepped into one of the most male-dominated technical roles in TV, and built her career by learning on the job while refusing to let gatekeeping slow her down. Since recording this episode, Mirusha has won a Rise Award 2025 in the Influencer category, recognising her commitment to sharing knowledge, supporting others, and helping open up access to technical roles in the industry. She has also been nominated for further industry awards to be announced later this year! Go Mirusha! In this conversation, Mirusha breaks down what a support engineer actually does day to day, the realities of being responsible for keeping high-output shows on air, and why knowledge-sharing matters more than ever in television. In this episode, we cover: What a Support Engineer really does in TV Keeping high-output shows broadcasting behind the scenes The pressure of live and near-live technical environments Entering television with no broadcast experience Gatekeeping, confidence, and knowledge sharing Working in a male-dominated technical role Why collaboration matters behind the scenes We couldn’t fit everything into our recording time but Mirusha would also like to add: “Being part of the Rise Women in Broadcast Mentoring Programme in 2021 has been especially valuable as someone new to the TV and media industry with no prior experience. It has given me structured guidance, confidence, and insight into industry practices, while also helping me build a supportive network of women who work in the sector. This safe circle has made me feel welcomed and wanted, while providing role models and connections that encourage my growth and help me establish a strong foundation for my career in broadcasting. The programme has also helped me attend industry events till this day, meet new people, and continue to build my LinkedIn profile, strengthening my visibility and opportunities within the industry." Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Enjoying the series? Don't underestimate the power of the share, rate, and subscribe bit! It really helps! Whether you’re watching on YouTube or listening on your favourite podcast app, drop us a comment, or connect with us on Instagram at @tvmakerspod Got a question or guest suggestion? Email us at podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Thank you to our Sponsors: RIMMS- https://www.rimms.tv The Kit House - https://www.kithouserental.co.uk Directed By Good - https://www.directedbygood.com Edited By Ben Seal Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondraws Website: www.benleondraws.com
S4 · E35
Dec 23, 2025 · 59 min
Ep 35: Sound Supervisor Ollie Waton - The Reality of ‘Perfect’ Sound Under Pressure
Ollie Waton, sound supervisor and audio specialist, pulls back the curtain on the invisible decisions that keep live television on air - and why the best sound work is often the work nobody notices. From arena-sized music performances and live Premier League matches, to high-pressure comedy specials and long-running observational documentaries, Ollie explains what really happens when things don’t go to plan, how senior crew make judgement calls in seconds, and why preparation matters far more than perfection. We talk about professional “cheating” like click tracks that nobody knows about, the difference between technical skill and creative judgement, why future recruits are missing a crucial part of the job, and the uncomfortable truth about when sound issues are - occasionally - caused by the camera department? Enjoying the series? Please share, rate, and subscribe. Whether you’re watching on YouTube or listening on your favourite podcast app, drop us a comment or connect with us on Instagram at @tvmakerspod. Got a question or guest suggestion? Email podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Thank you to our Sponsors: RIMMS - https://www.rimms.tv The Kit House - https://www.kithouserental.co.uk Directed By Good - https://www.directedbygood.com Recorded and Edited by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ Instagram: @tvmakerspod Email: podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon Instagram: @benleondraws Website: www.benleondraws.com Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondraws Website: www.benleondraws.com
S4 · E34
Dec 9, 2025 · 1 hr
Ep 34: Founder of Doc Hearts, Andy Mundy-Castle - The Art of Documentary VS the Reality of Running an Indie
Andy Mundy-Castle - Founder of Doc Hearts, and director of BAFTA-winning White Nanny, Black Child, joins TV Makers to unpack the real craft of documentary storytelling and what it genuinely takes to run a purpose-led indie in one of the toughest TV markets we've ever seen. Andy shares how his background and lived experience shaped his filmmaking: stories rooted in truth, crafted with cinematic ambition, and always led by empathy over exploitation. We break down his creative “toolkit” and how he uses structure, emotional pacing, and careful contributor relationships to protect authenticity without losing audience engagement. Andy also opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship in TV: early-business near-bankruptcies, delayed commissions, surviving the festival circuit, navigating distribution, building culture inside a small team, and why networking is still key. Plus his unfiltered take on the industry’s existential moment - fewer, bigger, better; digital disruption; burnout; and why now is the time for creatives to diversify, industrialise their skills and rediscover the value of good storytelling. If you’re directing, developing your own docs, juggling career crossroads or considering starting a production company, this episode is packed with lived experience, practical frameworks and the kind of honesty rarely said out loud in TV. Enjoying the new series? Please share, rate and subscribe. Whether you're watching on YouTube or listening on your favourite podcast app, drop us a comment or connect with us on Instagram at @tvmakerspod. Thank you to our Sponsors: RIMMS - https://www.rimms.tv The Kit House - https://www.kithouserental.co.uk Directed By Good - https://www.directedbygood.com Edited By Ben Seal Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondraws Website: www.benleondraws.com
S4 · E33
Dec 8, 2025 · 42 min
Ep 33: Head of Naked West, John Comerford - How Legacy TV Survives in a Digital World
John Comerford, Head of Naked West, lifts the lid on how iconic legacy shows like Grand Designs, Escape to the Country and Great British Railway Journeys stay relevant after decades on air - and what it really takes to future-proof long-running television in a digital-first world. From leadership lessons learned across an impressive career, to keeping Kevin McCloud, Michael Portillo and the team behind the cameras creatively energised, John explains how teams protect the core of a heritage brand while still needing to evolve it for new audiences. We dive into why legacy shows don’t die because digital grows, the real reasons some formats fade away, how social and spin-offs like Grand Designs Deconstructed are assisting the TV landscape, and the one warning every producer should take seriously: don’t enter “the dying rooms” by failing to innovate. If you’re making long-running series, pitching new IP, or trying to understand how broadcast and digital work together now, this episode is essential listening. Enjoying the new series? Please share, rate, and subscribe. Whether you’re watching on YouTube or listening on your favourite podcast app, drop us a comment or connect with us on Instagram at @tvmakerspod. Got a question or guest suggestion? Email podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Thank you to our Sponsors: RIMMS- https://www.rimms.tv The Kit House - https://www.kithouserental.co.uk Directed By Good - https://www.directedbygood.com Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondraws Website: www.benleondraws.com
S4 · E32
Nov 11, 2025 · 59 min
Ep 32: Channel 4’s Digital Commissioner, Laura Marks - Creating Digital Gold in a Post-Linear World
Channel 4’s Senior Commissioning Editor and Business Operations Lead for Digital, Laura Marks, reveals the insider rules behind digital commissioning, what most producers get wrong, what Channel 4 really looks for and how to create digital gold in a post-linear world. From understanding the “minus 10 seconds” rule for thumbnails to balancing data with gut instinct, Laura breaks down how her team commissions content for YouTube and social platforms, why not everyone can do it, and why risk, access, and creativity still matter more than algorithms. If you’ve ever wondered how to pitch to Channel 4 Digital, what defines a true “YouTube-first” idea, or how traditional TV teams can adapt to the changing landscape, this episode is essential listening! Enjoying the new series? Don't underestimate the power of the share, rate, and subscribe bit! It really helps! Whether you’re watching on YouTube or listening on your favourite podcast app, drop us a comment, or connect with us on Instagram at @tvmakerspod Got a question or guest suggestion? Email us at podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Thank you to our Sponsors: RIMMS- https://www.rimms.tv The Kit House - https://www.kithouserental.co.uk Directed By Good - https://www.directedbygood.com Edited By Ben Seal Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondraws Website: www.benleondraws.com
S4 · E31
Oct 28, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
Ep 31: The Diary of a CEO - Director of Trailers, Anthony Smith — The Playbook That Left TV Behind?
What happens when a podcast refuses to play by podcast rules? To kick off Series 4 of TV Makers, I sit down with Anthony Smith - Director of Trailers for The Diary Of A CEO - to uncover how a show once told it had “no right” to build a full-scale production has become one of the biggest podcasts in the world. Anthony takes us inside the trailer strategy that’s helped drive that success - from the must-have ingredients of a killer trailer to the tiny, deliberate beats that make people stop scrolling and lean in. He then shares how data and analytics supercharge that creativity: testing thumbnails, analysing performance, and crafting every moment with purpose. We talk: Why podcasting has outpaced TV on audience insights and targeting How data and creativity work together to create “must watch” trailers Why trailers are now one of the most powerful storytelling tools in the business And what TV can learn from digital if it wants to catch up. If you work in TV and want to understand the shift that’s already happened, this one’s for you. Hit play, and let’s get into it. Enjoying the new series? Please share, rate, and subscribe. Whether you’re watching on YouTube or listening on your favourite podcast app, drop us a comment, or connect with us on Instagram at @tvmakerspod Got a question or guest suggestion? Email us at podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Thank you to our Sponsors: RIMMS - https://www.rimms.tv The Kit House - https://www.kithouserental.co.uk Directed By Good - https://www.directedbygood.com Edited By Ben Seal Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondraws Website: www.benleondraws.com
S3 · E30
Jun 24, 2025 · 59 min
Ep 30: Zoe Hines - Series Producer: True Crime
True Crime, Tough Calls, and the Role of the Series Producer For the Series 3 finale of TV Makers , we're joined by Award-winning Series Producer Zoe Hines, behind some of Netflix's biggest shows including the acclaimed, I Am a Killer. Zoe lifts the lid on what it really means to lead a high-profile, ethically complex documentary series—discussing everything from legal and editorial responsibilities to the professional care of victims, contributors, and production teams. We also dig into the role of an SP, her perspective on the rising expectation for SPs to shoot, and how she sets up systems to protect teams on the ground and in the edit. If you heard the intro where I gush over Peak Design: check them out here. If you want to get in touch with Zoe, she can be found on LinkedIn, here. Thanks again for listening, and we'll see you in Series 4! Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondraws Website: www.benleondraws.com
S3 · E29
May 20, 2025 · 48 min
Ep 29: Adam Downey - Director of Post Production at Sky
Post-production is an ecosystem of constant decisions for an ever-changing goalpost… so what does it take to run post at a major broadcaster like Sky? This week on TV Makers, I sit down with Adam Downey, Director of Post Production at Sky, to find out how he keeps one of the UK’s biggest post departments running—smoothly, sustainably, and at serious scale. We talk tight schedules, futureproofing systems, the human side of leadership, and why understanding post earlier in the process can save everyone time, money, and a whole lot of stress. Adam’s mission? To demystify post and help all of us—across production and editorial—work smarter, not harder. If you’ve ever handed over to post and crossed your fingers… this one’s for you. 🎧 Hit play, and let’s go. Enjoying the series? Please share, rate, and subscribe. You can follow us on Instagram @tvmakerspod, or email podcast@tvmakers.co.uk with guest suggestions or questions. Let’s keep the conversation going! Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondraws Website: www.benleondraws.com
S3 · E28
Apr 23, 2025 · 55 min
Ep 28: Gem Pinkney - PR, Director of Television
Publicists! Often portrayed as the mysterious force behind the scenes—crafting hype, dodging scandal, and spinning gold from a well-placed quote. But how much of that is myth, and what does brilliant PR really look like in today’s TV landscape? This week we’re joined by Gem Pinkney, Director of TV at Multitude Media and a master of the campaign game. From knowing which assets will actually cut through (hint: AI might be choosing them for you…) to explaining why bringing PR in early—not just when there’s a crisis—can be the key to turning a good show into a hit, Gem reveals how PR can make or break a series. Without a strategic PR campaign, your show might not just struggle—it might not even be seen. Or… with the right help, you might just be on your way to accepting that BAFTA?! So what are you waiting for, stop reading this, and get to listening! If you’ve been enjoying the series, please share, rate, and subscribe. We’d love to hear from you—drop us a comment in your podcast app or connect with us on Instagram at @tvmakerspod, where we post all our behind-the-scenes content. Got any questions or ideas for future guests? You can email us at podcast@tvmakers.co.uk. Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondraws Website: www.benleondraws.com

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