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Friday 28 March 2014

#WeLoveTVQuiz - The Answers





















To celebrate the announcement of our two wonderful hosts  - Rachel Riley & Mark Watson - for the unmissable 'We Love TV' charity quiz, sponsored by Dave, we ran a mini #WeLoveTVQuiz over on our Twitter account @EdinburghTVFestQuestions and answers are all below. 

And if they've whet your quizzical appetite, why not enter a team for the quiz? A firm favourite in the TV calendar, the event, which takes place on May 13
th in the sumptuous surroundings of CafĂ© De Paris, raises money for the Edinburgh TV Festival's new talent schemes – so a chance to show us your support, as well as showing off your TV trivia. 

And alongside your battle with TV rivals, you’ll also get to race against the famous Countdown clock in our letters and numbers rounds. So dust off your times tables and start assembling your A-team. Plus, can anyone knock last year’s winners, the mighty Endemol, off their perch? All the details, including how to book, can be found on our website, and if you enter before April 4th, you'll receive the special Early Bird rate.

Q1: What links: A Save the Children charity shop, House of Fraser, a knicker factory?
A: They have all been helped by last year's Alternative MacTaggart speaker Mary Portas

Q2: According to Mr Hamilton in the Fawlty Towers episode, there are four main ingredients to a Waldorf salad. Name three of them.
A: Celery, apple, walnuts, grapes

Q3: Which esoteric BBC4 panel show did Mark Watson host with Tim Key and Alex Horne?
A: We Need Answers. And Mark will of course be hosting the real life We Love TV Quiz on May 13th too.

Q4: *Picture round* – Which two famous faces have we morphed together?
A: Oprah Winfrey & Alesha Dixon

Picture Round 1 - Oprah Winfrey & Alesha Dixon
Picture Round 2 - Alan Carr & Jon Snow
Q5: What links Mad Men, E4 & Broadchurch?
A: They’ve all won at the Channel of the Year Awards (and you can too. Enter here: http://bit.ly/NqRgAm)

Q6: Who recently featured on the first episode of W1A, arm-wrestling?
A: Alan Yentob & Salman Rushdie.

Q7: In Gavin & Stacey, when Dawn and Pete renew their vows, how does Dawn express her love for Pete during the ceremony?
A: Reading the lyrics of ‘BEN’ Michael Jackson

Q8: Where will the follow up to Educating Yorkshire be filmed?
A: Walthamstow, Frederick Bremer School

Q9: *Picture round 2* - Which two famous faces have we morphed together?
A: Alan Carr & Jon Snow

Q10: Who is taller: Ant or Dec?
A: Ant

Conscious coupling | Lisa Campbell

Lisa CampbellNo doubt your "hearts are filled with sadness" at the "conscious uncoupling" of Gwynnie and Chris, so we've embarked upon some conscious coupling of our own to help ease your pain.

These two are as beautiful (ok, one of them is) and as talented - but crucially, they'd be much more fun to go for a pint with, which is why we've brought them together to host one of the best nights out in the TV calendar - the festival's annual We Love TV Quiz.

Step forward Rachel Riley and Mark Watson who, with help from our lovely friends at Dave, we've lined up to host one of the most fun, competitive and, yes perhaps, drunken nights out you'll ever experience (with the exception of Karl Warner's leaving do).

We'll be mixing TV trivia with some Countdown rounds, so dust off your dictionaries and brush up on your arithmetic, ready for battle. It's one of our key fundraising events, so enter your A-team now. Book a table here.

Our aim as a charity is to foster new and diverse talent in the industry with The Network and Ones to Watch schemes. We all know how hard it is to get a foot in the door in an industry which, like the charge levelled at the BBC's arts plans this week, is "too London, too white and too establishment". So if you know a promising individual who'd benefit, please encourage them to apply. The deadline is fast-approaching (The Network: March 30, Ones to Watch: April 27)

Recommend an individual for Ones to Watch or read more about The Network.

And while I'm cracking the whip, there's another deadline to bear in mind - entries for our Channel of the Year Awards close on Friday April 4.  There are several categories up for grabs, including the new TV Moment of the Year, so submit your best work now. And unlike most other award schemes, they are free to enter.

The festival's sessions are shaping up and this week we bring you news of what are bound to be two of the most popular. Want to see how the other half live? Join Keith Lemon for our opening session, Through the Keyhole with the Controllers, where he'll be sniffing out the secrets behind closed doors (literally, no doubt).

Meanwhile, the controllers will be on stage again as we reveal the results of our latest commissioning survey. Will we see the improvements promised at our last festival?

It was one of the most talked-about sessions, and with more channels taking part, it's set to be the same this time around.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Lisa Campbell  | Festival Director
lisa@geitf.co.uk

Thursday 20 March 2014

Ladies and gentlemen, I have a screen

We were at BAFTA’s Television Lecture this week delivered by Lenny Henry CBE. In his important and often entertaining speech, he proposed a pathway to ensuring that more television productions use Black and Asian Minority Ethnic performers and production staff.

With statistics from the latest Creative Skillset report, Lenny made the compelling case for immediate action to tackle the decline in BAME people working in the TV industry. Here are some of the highlights from his lecture:

"Between 2006 and 2012, the number of BAMEs working in the UK TV industry has declined by 30.9%
“Want some more evidence? Here’s another rocket-propelled statistical grenade for you. In the last three years the total number of BAME people in the industry has fallen by 2,000 while the industry as a whole has grown by over 4,000.” 

“Black British Oscar-winning filmmaker Steve McQueen –damn, that sounded good, I’m gonna say that again.”
“The evolution of BAME involvement in British TV seems to lurch one step forward and two steps back - a bit like John Sergeant on Strictly Come Dancing, except he had a job at the end of it.”   
“I have a screen. I have a screen where great programmes are produced by the multi-cultural many, as opposed to the mono-cultural elite.” 

On the BBC’s promise to represent the nations and regions: “The promise was to represent the UK’s nations, regions and communities. The BBC has kept its promise for the nations and regions but what about communities? More precisely, the BAME communities?”
To the audience: “ You have it within your power to effect a radical change upon this appalling situation. Let your greatness blossom, and let’s just see how great our generation can be.”  

Photos: BAFTA/Jonathan Birch


Friday 14 March 2014

What's your TV Moment of the Year? | Lisa Campbell

I'm delighted to be in post as the new festival director of The Guardian Edinburgh International Television
Festival powered by You Tube and I'm looking forward to helping shape an event that will celebrate creativity but also deliver great business insight for all our delegates.

We're busy developing session ideas at the moment and there are some great suggestions which we'll be announcing in coming weeks. I'm also thinking hard about how we make this premier event in the TV calendar even better and I'd love to hear your thoughts. (You can email me on the address below).

We're likely to make a few tweaks this year and introduce further changes in the longer term, but we plan to keep you up to speed with all our news in these new fortnightly newsletters. One new initiative I'd like to tell you about is our new awards category,  TV Moment of the Year - and I'm sure many of you have material which could be a contender for the title.

If you think about your favourite TV series of years gone by, there's always a classic moment that sticks in the mind. They may be moments that make us laugh no matter how many times we've seen them - the comedy gold of Del Boy falling through the bar in Only Fools and Horses - or moments in which we marvel at the sheer inventiveness of the show's creators - from Python's Dead Parrot to David Lynch's dancing dwarf in Twin Peaks.

They may be cringeworthy moments - the first time we saw a jungle-dwelling celebrity chow down on a testicle; or David Brent gyrating in The Office  - or even moments we wish we could forget, but can't - George Galloway, on his knees, lapping milk like a cat on Big Brother makes me shudder even now.

Then there are the moments that shock, that surprise, that leave us gasping in incredulity - the Breaking Bad finale or Game of Thrones' Red Wedding. 

Every producer seeks that golden moment - whatever the genre - the moment that causes the nation to unite and react together whether in sadness, shock or laughter. It’s the moment that sees everyone take to Twitter to ask: ‘did you see that?!'

Which is why we wanted to add a new category to Edinburgh's Channel of the Year Awards. We want to identify and celebrate the most iconic moments of the year and there is certainly plenty to choose from in what has been a stellar year for television.

Whether it’s the explosive ending of a series such as Sherlock; the exit of a much-loved character such as Corrie’s Hayley; or a heart-wrenching minute such as Musharaf overcoming his stammer on Educating Yorkshire, we want to reward the most talked-about 60 seconds of television.

 You can make your submissions for TV Moment of the Year until June 30, and submitted clips will be showcased online in May and June when the category will be opened up to a public vote. The winner will be announced as part of the festival’s Channel of the Year Awards on August 22.

Don't forget to tweet about your moment, and include a link using #TVmoment.  You can find us at @EdinburghTVFest

We'll also be featuring a selection in our newsletters.

So get your entries in and good luck!

Lisa Campbell | Festival Director

Thursday 13 March 2014

#Network14 Twitter Chat Round Up

Twitter Chat - Getting into TV with #Network14

Twitter Chat - Getting into TV with #Network14

A Twitter chat on applying for The Network and general tips & advice on getting into the TV industry. Hosted by @TheNetwork_TV, with panellists @SimonNorman1, @ShelleyTalksTV & @TamsinCurry
  1. Just to intro our panellists: @SimonNorman1 is Story Assistant on Casualty; @ShelleyTalksTV is Development Researcher at Electric Ray...
  2. ... and @TamsinCurry is an Assistant Producer, who is glamourously joing our Twitter chat from Paris! #network14
  3. Our panel all started in quite different parts of the TV industry, which really goes to prove that there's no one "correct" route into television.
  4. @TheNetwork_TV 1st job was a researcher on Newsnight Review. I was working in BBC radio, applied internally. Got it as I had arts journalism
  5. @TheNetwork_TV lucky enough to get on the BBC PTS- first job trainee ass script ed on #EastEnders.
  6. @TheNetwork_TV continuing drama = best training ground. Fast paced, high turnaround but hugely rewarding. #network14
  7. @TheNetwork_TV 1st job in TV was as receptionist at C4. Then went on to secure a place on C4's Production Trainee Scheme #DreamInternship
  8. And they all had some great pearls of TV wisdom to share.
  9. @TheNetwork_TV don't tell stories u think ppl want 2 hear. Tell stories tht excite u personally. Your passion will shine through #network14
  10. @TheNetwork_TV #Network14 You are a business with it's own brand and you're only as good as the last production you've worked on #NoSlacking
  11. @TheNetwork_TV Try to understand the whole process, so you know what everyone does on a shoot #network14
  12. We had a few questions about the practical side of applying for The Network...
  13. ... And our other talent scheme Ones to Watch. (A lot of this advice is also relevant for Network applications too).
  14. @TheNetwork_TV What advice would you give for applicants of this year's OTW? Thanks! #network14
  15. .@GracefaceTV Tell us what OTW can do for you nowhere else can & what you can do for OTW & Network to nurture talent. Altruism v imprtnt!
  16. @GracefaceTV @TheNetwork_TV And don't worry about whether you've had the 'right' experience, everyone's is different. #network14
  17. @TamsinCurry @TheNetwork_TV @GracefaceTV I agree I had least exp last year. Its about wot u bring to the table,nt wot u hvnt done#network14
  18. @GracefaceTV I remember spending ages on answering application questions! I knew my C.V wasn't enough to stand out on its own #network14
  19. And we discussed getting into TV as a career change.
  20. @TheNetwork_TV I followed another path but find myself wanting to write comedy. Is it possible to break to the industry from the outside?
  21. .@ljmessam @bbcwritersroom often have comedy opps. & get making your own stuff to put on YouTube. You never know who might see it #network14
  22. @TheNetwork_TV @ljmessam trainee schemes are great foot in the door opportunities. I only had my degree b4 #bbcpts #network14
  23. As well as tips on how to handle striking out your own as a freelancer...
  24. @TheNetwork_TV Does anyone have advice for how to handle gaps when your not working and what you can do? #network14
  25. @andycooktv @TheNetwork_TV Keep busy, work stuff (training, ideas, emailing) & life stuff (see ppl). Freelancing will always have gaps
  26. @TheNetwork_TV @andycooktv no excuse 2 nt have ur own content,scripts/shorts on youtube/writing comps etc. Ppl cnt c how gd u r if u don't!
  27. @andycooktv @TheNetwork_TV Keep busy, work stuff (training, ideas, emailing) & life stuff (see ppl). Freelancing will always have gaps
  28. @TamsinCurry @TheNetwork_TV Thanks I've found it difficult to get used to, as I'd rather be working, than waiting on new contract to start.
  29. @andycooktv @TheNetwork_TV Me too! Just embrace it, plan stuff for when it's quiet (Jan and summer)
  30. ... Or producing your first script.
  31. @TheNetwork_TV @Aaron3000_ be prepared 4 1st draft 2 b crap. But keep going, take all advice on board and don't give up!
  32. @TheNetwork_TV @Aaron3000_ and be small to be big. Find the extraordinary in the ordinary. Nothing wrong with boy meets girl! #network14
  33. @FrankyKentish asked what a typical day was like for the panel?
  34. @TheNetwork_TV @frankykentish never typical was is great! Researching, contacting contributors, planning shoots, filming #network14
  35. @TheNetwork_TV @frankykentish no 2 days the same. Script editing, research visits (paramedic for a day) filming, pitching stories#network14
  36. @TheNetwork_TV @frankykentish #network14 in a typical day researching, pitching, casting, editing, photoshoping & truck lots of TV watching
  37. Thanks to a question from @Rochelle-Eva, we also got into a discussion of the most memorable new stories or content the panel had covered.
  38. @TheNetwork_TV @rochelle_eva Behind the scenes mini doc of casualty stunt involving limo hanging off a grade 2 listed bridge #network14
  39. @TheNetwork_TV @rochelle_eva Worked on a show about the Booker when Hilary Mantel was nominated and won. Great interview #network14
  40. @TheNetwork_TV @rochelle_eva Content? Loads! Glastonbury, Cannes, Latitude, some of my favourite authors & musicians, too much! #network14
  41. @TheNetwork_TV @rochelle_eva #network14 most memorable casting real-life diary of a Call Girl incredible stepping into other people's worlds
  42. @TheNetwork_TV @rochelle_eva script edited casualty red button ep about soldiers with PTSD. We made South Wales into Afghan #network14
  43. If you want to get involved with The Network, there's plenty of information on our website or follow us on Twitter @TheNetwork_TV and like us on Facebook. Applications for the scheme are open until March 31st.
    And there's plenty of opportunities coming up to talk to us in person - an event in Cardiff on March 19th and a workshop in London (at the Channel 4 building) on March 20th. Just make sure to register!