Producing a Festival Session: The Diary of an AP

By Ashwin Bhardwaj

“We’ve all heard horror stories about awful pitches, but a good approach can be the key to success.  Roll VT.”

This was it. The result of three months of hard work was about to be broadcast to a room full of big-hitters.  Three of Britain’s top talent agents, and two of the industry’s most successful producers of on-screen talent were on the panel; Kirsty Wark was chairing the session; heads of production from super-indies, and broadcast commissioners were in the audience. There was probably no gathering of people in the world at that moment that could better distinguish a good VT from a bad one: sound, lighting, editing, framing, performances and rapport – it was all going to be under the spotlight.  There was nothing more to do, expect hope that we’d done our best.

The panel, chaired by Kirsty Wark, get to the heart of the battle for talent

The annual Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival is a heady blend of panel sessions, presentations, masterclasses and networking events for the television industry.  It’s also a charity, giving young production talent the chance to get ahead in TV. Last year I was lucky enough to be on Ones To Watch, in which 30 'rising stars' of the TV industry were given delegate passes, and a bespoke programme of training and networking events.  Off the back of that, I was given the chance to AP a session at this year’s festival.

Miranda Chadwick (Broadcast Agent at ROAR Global) and Tom Beck (Commissioning Editor, Entertainment, at Channel 4) were producing a session called Speak To My Agent: How To Survive The Talent Wars - a 60 minute panel session, in which producers and agents would discuss the relationship between on-screen talent and producers. I’d been asked to look after the VTs of talent, to be used to add anecdotes, context and that starry-quality to the session.

After our first meeting, at Roar HQ, I felt so far out of my depth that I’d left the continental shelf far behind and was now floating aimlessly over the abyss of the deep ocean. I’d written a couple of travel documentaries, worked as a researcher and produced corporate videos – what was I doing on a session about agents and commissioning?!  I nodded, agreed to everything that was said, made some notes and kept my mouth shut, before spending the next three hours researching names, production companies and programmes, then another two hours watching VTs from previous festivals.

The next few weeks were fascinating.  When else do you get the chance to have a frank conversation with Nicky Campbell, Jake Humphrey and Al Murray about what they want in pitches and agents?  When again could I ask Russell Kane about his inspiration and why he does what he does? 

Kevin Spacey delivering
the MacTaggart Lecture

Having arrived in Edinburgh, the next 48 hours were a wonderful blur: chatting to John Lloyd about QI and Spitting Image; trying to smuggle a giraffe out of the Dave party; attending discussions about YouTube and the TV sector; complimenting Kevin Spacey on his speech; and, of course, our session! Having planned it for so long, I’d almost forgotten that I would learn something from the conversation, and I whipped out my notepad to learn from these industry giants.

It was only as we sat down for our celebratory meal that I reflected on what we’d done. Everyone was chuffed that after months of late nights and several thousand emails, we were looking out over Edinburgh Castle, toasting a job well done.

And it was only looking back that I realised how far I’d come. I’d learned about whole new areas of TV; I felt confident talking with CEOs, heads of production and channel commissioners in a way that was unimaginable months before; I’d met some of my favourite presenters and performers; I was able to attend the best event in television; and I’d been given the chance to showcase my work in front of the best in the industry.  

And although it sounds like a cliché, the most rewarding element was working closely with a team of four brilliant people. I was repeatedly astounded by their individual skills and competencies, and look forward to staying in touch with them as we forge our individual paths.

So, if you’re ever given the chance to work on a session at the Edinburgh TV Festival, just say yes.  You won’t regret it. 

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For more information about Ones To Watch, visit http://www.geitf.co.uk/onestowatch

Ash travelled to Edinburgh by train with East Coast. Standard Advance returns between London and Edinburgh, booked online at www.eastcoast.co.uk, start from £34.

Follow Ashwin on Twitter @AshBhardwaj

London Screening #3: Run

Olivia Colman plays Carol in Acme Films' new drama, Run

Our series of London screenings have so far caused collective intakes of breath and laughs aplenty, but this Monday’s Roundhouse audience were the quietest yet - utterly captivated by Acme Films’ new drama for Channel 4, Run. Set in south London, Run first follows Carol (played by Olivia Colman), a mother to two troublesome teenage boys. A random act of violence sets a chain of events in motion which underpins the whole series in a domino movement of cause and effect. This is a drama about the people you pass in the street, you recognise from the world around you, and how we’re all connected. Daniel Fajemisin-Duncan, one of Run’s two writers, explained that it offers ‘a glimpse into four of the different worlds that make up London’.

Fajemisin-Duncan and his writing partner, Marlon Smith, met at sixth form college in south London where they also befriended Jonathan Pearson, director of episodes 3 and 4. Having been making short films for a number of years, they’d originally set out to make Run as an internet drama, and approached Jaimie D’Cruz, owner of Acme Films, with the idea. That was five years ago. ‘What took so long?’ asked our chair for the evening, Neil Midgley. D’Cruz told the audience he put the project on hold and told the two writers to take their time. Not content with this, they went off and made their own pilot. Channel 4 read the script and it evolved from there into the bigger project that it is today. D’Cruz admitted that Channel 4 took a big risk, by investing in unknown writers, but he described the script as so exceptional it wasn’t surprising that the channel wanted to turn it into a primetime drama. Colman agreed about the script adding, ‘Women don’t write well for women at the moment. And a lot of people still don’t think it’s appealing to have a female lead’. So it was refreshing for her to play the part of Carol, written by two young men.

For the team behind Run, many of whom have been 

Marlon Smith and Daniel Fajemisin-Duncan

friends for years, there was a visible sense of pride in their achievement. They were ‘over the moon’ to finally see their project on screen. A member of the audience asked how they kept their motivation going for five years, and they admitted it was hard with times when they nearly gave up. But, as Fajemisin-Duncan explained, they had something to say and that became easier as people start believing in them.

So that concludes our London screenings series. And what a series it’s been! We’d like to thank all involved for making it such a great success. And eyes peeled for the next events!

It all started at The Network...

So here I am, in mid production of possibly one of the best shows of 2013, being trained by a comic genius in the art of sitcom writing and gaining hands on experience of TV show development and production. And it all started at The Network.

When the Network opportunity appeared on my laptop screen, all I could think was fantastic opportunity, although another application to fill out, and probably more rejection. 

But, you've got to be in it to win it. I gave the application my best shot, and...I was put on the waiting list. But - amazingly - someone dropped out and in August I was on the train on my way to Edinburgh.

The Network programme was incredible, workshops, talks and CV clinics. As a budding screenwriter my favourite moments were attending an interview with Charlie Brooker, participating in a drama workshop with BBC Writers Room and working with the cast and crew of Waterloo Road.

All of these opportunities left me inspired to get stuck into the industry.  But how?  Networking, of course!

Like most of us, I enjoy meeting new people and good conversation, and in essence that's what networking is, the only difference is that these conversations might be with people in the industry that could potentially give you (or at least direct you towards someone who can give you) a job.

So that's what I did - I met all sorts of people on my networking journey - a lot of lawyers, but also producers and execs. I was happily batted from one person to another person better able to help me, on several occasions, until I landed in front of a development exec at Kudos. 

He said he'd enquire about getting me in for work experience, and he actually did!

Within a month I was being a runner at Kudos for a week. Before I said goodbye I built those all important relationships. Consequently I was invited to do some more work experience with Kudos' sister company Brown Eyed Boy. 

Now this is the part where the magic happens! On my first day, literally minutes after I'd arrived, the position of writer's assistant on Brown Eyed Boy's new sitcom for ITV: Vicious, was being discussed in the office. It was then or never. I bit the bullet and asked the M.D. Gary Reich if he would consider interviewing me, and to my delight he said 'yes'. The interview went wonderfully - Gary really took an interest in me after witnessing my work ethic throughout the work experience period, he was impressed by my CV and we both agreed that this was the perfect position for me right now as an aspiring TV writer! He had also, coincidentally, been on the equivalent GEITF talent scheme when he was just starting out too.

Cherish on set of the recording of Vicious

So, I got the job: working as writer's assistant to Gary Janetti, writer and producer of Family Guy and executive producer of Will and Grace. What a first gig in TV! It was also a plus that the actors starring in the show are none other than legends Ian Mckellen, Derek Jacobi and Frances de la Tour! 

So here I am, in mid production of possibly one of the best shows of 2013, being trained by a comic genius in the art of sitcom writing and gaining hands on experience of TV show development and production. And it all started at The Network!  

My advice to anyone, eager to get into the industry is dare! 

Dare to apply, dare to keep trying, dare to say hello, dare to ask for opportunities. The worst anyone can say is 'no'. God bless you on your journey.

 Cherish : )

Cherish invited The Network team along to watch the  recording...VIPs!

You can read more of alumni's success stories on our website here 


Applications for The Network are open until 21 April 2013, please go to our website for more info and to apply

Victoria Wood and Doctor Who Lead TV Festival Screenings Programme

We are proud to unveil our full MGEITF screenings programme for Edinburgh 2012!

We are offering members of the public and Festival delegates an exclusive first look at some of this year’s most hotly anticipated television content.

The programme, which plays out between Thursday 23rd August and Saturday 25th August at Edinburgh’s Filmhouse, includes the world premiere of Victoria Wood’s film Loving Miss Hatto, the first Scottish showing of the long awaited seventh series of Doctor Who, and an exciting first chance to see Channel 4’s new comedy Friday Night Dinner, which stars The Inbetweeners favourite Simon Bird. 

All of the post screening Q and As will be moderated by writer and broadcaster Andrew Collins.
 

Loving Miss Hatto, which charts the story of Joyce Hatto, the renowned 1950s and 1960s concert pianist who only achieved critical acclaim thirty years after she disappeared from the limelight, will be followed by a Q and A with comedienne Victoria Wood, who will discuss the inspiration behind the project.

Doctor Who writer Steven Moffatt will be on hand to answer fans’ burning questions in a live Q and A segment after the explosive first episode of the new series, while Friday Night Dinner creator Robert Popper will be discussing his new comedy. 

Some Girls is a vibrant new comedy series for BBC Three produced by Hat Trick Productions. Following the lives of a group of 16 year old girls who play on the same school football team and live on the same inner city estate. This screening will be followed by a Q&A with Cheryl Taylor, Zai Bennett & Justin Davies

The lineup is completed by action series Hunted, a co-production between the BBC and Cinemax. Writer Frank Spotnitz, of the principal writers on X-Files, and producer Jane Fetherstone, take part in the Q and A.

The full timetable appears below: 

Venue
The FilmhouseTHURSDAY 23rd AUGUST

3:00pm – 4:30pm
Friday Night Dinner

FRIDAY 24th AUGUST

12:00pm – 13:30pm
Loving Miss Hatto 

4.45pm - 5.15pm

Some Girls

15:00pm – 16:30pm
Hunted

SATURDAY 25th AUGUST

10:00am – 11:30am
Doctor Who

If you have a FULL MGEITF ticket all the screenings are FREE and tickets will be available at the registration desk on a first come first served basis! 

If you do not have a MGEITF pass but would like to attend a screening never fear! You can buy tickets here.

Make sure you get your ticket before they sell out!

Festival Team

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Indie heavyweights join panel line-up

One of five indies is set to scoop a sought after £30k investment from Pinewood Studios in the culmination of the Pinewood Pitching competition; those in the running are today confirmed as:

1.   RDF’s Neale Simpson, presenting Unbeatable
2.   Markthree media’s Adam Hunt, presenting Story:Time, STV’s
3.   STV’s Gary Chippington & Amy Maher, presenting The Lie
4.   Pirate Productions’ Jenny Williams & Avalon’s Toby Stevens, co-presenting Bid for Brains
5.   Zebra Crossing’s Nev Pitty-Rose, presenting Table 10

Each of the indies will one by one present their TV format idea in front of an audience and panel of experienced commissioning figures. The panel comprises Elaine Bedell (Director of Entertainment and Comedy, ITV), Zai Bennett (Controller, BBC Three), Emma Tennant (Controller, UKTV) and Phil Edgar-Jones (Head of Entertainment, Sky). The prize package will include studio time, crew and post-production towards a pilot.

Meanwhile, help will be at hand for aspiring or struggling Indies as the Festival plays host to The Indie Surgery, a Q and A with some of the biggest and most influential figures in independent TV production. Eileen Gallagher (CEO, Shed Productions), Magnus Temple (Founder, The Garden), Tom Manwaring (Managing Director, Mediatique) and Andy Harries (Chief Executive, Left Bank Pictures) will answer all of prevalent questions on buying, launching, sustaining success and selling, as well as addressing topics such as setting up in the USA and how crucial having an agent really is in long term expansion…

 

Only 16 days to go!! See you there.

Festival Team 

Top tips for festival first timers

With this year’s festival on track to deliver 15% more delegates year on year, over 50 sessions, nearly 2000 people coming from over 250 companies, I’m super excited about going up to Edinburgh next month.  I’m also hugely proud to be working on such an awesome – and awe inspiring – event.   But I can see that it all might seem a little daunting to if you’ve never been before.  

And as a relative Festival newcomer myself (class of 2011), when I was recently asked to offer up some tips for others visiting our event for the first time I thought it best to canvas some opinions.

So here, without further ado, are some of the top tips and handy hints that the wonderful Advisory Committee have to offer..!

1. Michelle Chappell 

 
On arrival, drop your bags and go to The George. The rest will all become clear (or not!). 

 

2. Miranda Chadwick 

• Go through the delegate list and plan coffees in advance. And then plan to change all your plans and go with the flow…

• Get a rolling system of queuing at the Bar at the George. I think the staff are prone to bribery through good tips. 
• Make sure you see at least 1 fringe thing!

3. Zoё Clapp

• Read the thoughts of panellists and audiences live for the sessions that you’re in (and, importantly, those that you’re not) by using the session hashtags on Twitter. Each session uses the hashtag of the room it’s being held in: #pentland, #fintry, and so on. You’ll never miss out on the stories as they happen.  

 4. Tamsyn Zietsman

• Always carry a bottle of water and a snack. The sessions are so good there is often little time to eat.
• Pack Berocca and nurofen. 
• Pack more of it than you think you will need.  You will need it. Pack clothes for summer, winter, spring and autumn. Guaranteed to experience all seasons during the weekend.
• Make a plan. As soon as you get the schedule, highlight the key sessions you want to go and see. 
• See some comedy if you get a chance!

5. Donna Taberer

• Don’t be afraid of “networking”. Networking is just gossiping. Who in the TV world doesn’t like talking about themselves and their great shows.
• Only buy large glasses of wine at The George – otherwise you’ll be back in the queue in no time.
• Share taxis outside the conference centre. It’s amazing who you can hop in with……

6. Kenton Allen

• Nobody minds people introducing themselves at Edinburgh. That, after all, is why we're all there. So don't be shy. If you spot someone you're dying to talk to, pick your moment and go and say hello. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the reaction. Resist the temptation to imagine they are now your NBF, stalk them for the next 24 hours and insist they come back to your hotel for a nightcap, but be brave. Fortune favours the brave.

7. Anna Fern

• Don’t be intimidated by the people you will meet, but also don't be pushy and thrust your script or CV under their noses.

8. Anonymous

• Be keen and introduce yourself to commissioners but don’t feel you need to pitch to them at every opportunity.  Make them remember you for being fun and passionate about TV; not for pitching to them in the toilets. 

9. James Herring

'Don't forget to make some time in the evenings to see a couple of comedy shows at the Edinburgh Fringe – but if you don't book them by the first week in August the hot names will already be sold out'

10. Simon Tomkins

Attend sessions which are 'out of your comfort zone’. This will help build knowledge and awareness of a range of areas which will be useful going forward.

11. Ian Johnson

•    Save embarrassment - Wear your name badge so it’s easily visible for anyone you’ve met the night before and who can’t remember your name
•    See something at the fringe right at the beginning so you have something to discuss OTHER than TV!

So there you have it. Top tips from those that know.  Have fun following (or ignoring) them. I’ll see you there!

Louise x

Richard Curtis to interview Steve Levitan at Edinburgh in August

British film legend Richard Curtis will join us at to interview award winning screenwriter and director Steve Levitan in an unmissable Modern Family masterclass.
 

Join two of the industry’s biggest names as they discuss how Modern Family has become one of the most talked about TV phenomena in recent times.

They will explore the inspiration, creative process and critical and public reactions as well as the challenges of showrunning in some of the most competitive market conditions ever known.  It’s going to be a showstopper.

Richard Curtis television career, a few highlights:

1979-82     Not the Nine O'Clock News- Writer
1983-89     Blackadder - Writer
1984-85     Spitting Image - Writer
1991         Bernard and the Genie - Writer
1990-95    Mr Bean - Writer
1994-2007 The Vicar of Dibley - Writer/Co-Executive
1999-2007 Robbie the Reindeer - Writer
2005         The Girl in the Café - Writer/Executive Producer
2007         Casualty - Writer - (1 Episode)
2008         The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency     Writer/Executive Producer
2010          Doctor Who - Writer- (Vincent and the Doctor) 

We cant wait!

VIEW THE FULL 2012 PROGRAMME!