TV Show and Tell

Joe Mace presented various youth and music programmes, before hopping over the fence to the development side. He's now Commissioning Editor for Entertainment at ITV, looking after a wide portfolio of entertainment shows, from 'Deal or No Deal' to the upcoming 'Genius Game'. Justin and David have a bumper batch of news, and review two recent shows: 'Chess Masters' and 'Last One Laughing'.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We chat with Will van Rest, the founder of JEM Media Ventures, about how TV brands can be extended to events and products that audiences want to purchase. After stints at Fremantle and Sky, Will worked at ITV for 17 years, ending up as the Director for Games, Live and Merchandising. Justin and David also discuss how ratings sit alongside 'bang for buck', and we cast an eye over the eye-popping 'Beast Games'. Plus a deep dive into the latest formats on the TV market.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having worked her way up at the BBC, Michelle Woods is now one of the most experienced Executive Producers in the UK, with long stints at Remarkable and Youngest Media. Recently, she oversaw two new game shows series for Mattel, based on the board game properties 'Scrabble' and 'Trivial Pursuit'. David gives his take on the recent ITV reboot of 'You Bet!', and Justin tests our knowledge of the most iconic catchphrases in television. Plus all the usual features and opinions.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MIPCOM, the major European TV market, held its 2024 edition recently. "Format Doctor" Justin Scroggie takes a discerning look over the important points from the event, touching on the impact of A.I., a glut of saboteur formats, and the aftermath of a global industry slump. However, there's plenty of intriguing new formats to listen out for, including "Upside Down", "The Box" and "Freeze".Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special guest Pascal Dalton explains how formats are sold and licenced across the world. While at ITV Studios, he looked after properties such as 'The Chase', 'Love Island' and 'My Mum, Your Dad'. He also set up a European production hub for 'The Wall', based in Poland. Justin and David discuss the origins of 'The Traitors' and similar shows about lying (honest), and whether shows need hosts at all. Plus all the latest format news and a computer-assisted edition of Four Minute Format.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David and Justin are 'back to busy' as they discuss some interesting recent statistics about the TV industry. Channel 4's Grand Designs property format turns 25 – what has made it stand the test of time? Plus, what's German comedian Stefan Raab up to, and can chess work on television?Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barrie Kelly is Vice President of International Format Production and Development at NBCUniversal. As well as making format sales and co-development deals across the world, Barrie looks after the production of major formats including Top Chef, Real Housewives, Saturday Night Live and Hollywood Game Night. Justin and David discussing the small things that formats get wrong, and something else... oh, yes, timing, and why it takes so long for TV shows to be made. Plus a very tricky edition of Four Minute Format.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actor, writer and business coach Neil Mullarkey is a founding member of London's Comedy Store Players improv group. We'll hear about his friendship with Mike Myers, his involvement with Saturday morning kid's television, and his work in teaching businesses to embrace creativity in the workplace. David and Justin look at whether board games can be adapted to make good TV formats, and how to stop viewers changing channel. Plus, there's a special version of 'Four Minute Format' and all the usual news.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Irad Eyal is the co-creator of the Netflix gungy game show 'Floor is Lava'. After a brief stint in early 'dot com' companies, he developed multiple formats for Endemol, and later 'Southern Charm' for his own production company, Haymaker West. David and Justin look at alternative outlets for formats beyond TV, and whether there's no such thing as a bad review. Plus all the usual news and views.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a good quiz question, and what are the pitfalls of writing them? Julia Hobbs is a top question producer working in the UK on shows such as 'The Chase', 'Pointless', 'Tipping Point', 'Million Pound Drop' and 'Fifteen to One'. Julia also has an interesting personal story about how she came into the business. Talking of questions, Justin and David will also be looking at how to make them fair, as well as fairness when structuring formatted series. Plus all the latest news and views.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A developing new artform is the iconic thumbnails and screenshot images that appear in the menus and feeds of streaming platforms. What goes into them, and who decides what they should show? Fred Hammarlund, Creative Director of 2nd Place Studio, tells us about the secret science of 'key art'. Justin and David discuss 'quizcoms' and the changing job roles in the TV industry. Plus all the usual news, features and opinions.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Freelance director Thomas Stark Holland has a wide-ranging CV from specialist factual 'Meet the Humans' to prime-time L.E. hits like 'Saturday Night Takeaway'. He discusses the planning and technical know-how that goes into an ever-popular strand of entertainment: hidden camera stunts. David and Justin wonder whether we've already had our 'Concorde moment' with diminishing game show prizes, and tackle the thorny issue of A.I. in television production. Plus the major industry news that's worth knowing and another Four Minute Format.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our special guests are Daniel Jones and Luke Hatfield from Vaudeville, specialists in sound design and mixing. Their credits include 'The Repair Shop', 'David Mitchell's Outsiders', 'Reacher', 'The Kardashians' and many documentary series and one-offs. David and Justin take a look at two American game show remakes, and discuss the pros and cons of spoilers. Plus all the news that's fit to hear.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard McKerrow is co-founder of Love Productions, best known for The Great British Bake Off and, most recently, The Piano. David and Justin also discuss how a game show's rules are honed to avoid emptying the production's coffers, and look at an interesting €1 million live TV stunt from Germany. Plus the usual news and another Four Minute Format.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special guest Stuart Holdham is a 'warm up artist' for an impressive roster of entertainment shows including Strictly Come Dancing, Britain's Got Talent, The Masked Singer, The Voice, Dancing On Ice and The Jonathan Ross Show. Justin and David discuss multichannel productions and the term "showing the plumbing", plus there's all the usual news and features.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our now-traditional special, Justin reports back from MIPCOM 2023. The 39th edition of the TV entertainment market, held in its usual home of Cannes in France, reflects an industry still in flux but still raring to do business.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke English is a highly experienced media lawyer who has worked with high profile artists, indie companies and corporate giants such as Sony and Disney. He explains some of the key terms in his industry, and what landmines to watch out for on the battlefield of contract law. Justin and David discuss 'reverse formatting', and how reality show contributors manage their reputations. Plus, the round-up of media news and a new Four Minute Format.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our special guest is Jack Seale, who writes about TV, radio and film for publications such as the Guardian and the Radio Times. He reveals the inner workings of how - and why - TV reviews are written. Justin and David discuss the pros and cons of live television, and how to handle the tricky issue of managing high-profile presenters. Plus, the regular format news and another 'Four Minute Format'.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Graham Stuart is the Managing Director of So Television, the independent production company that he founded with the chat show host Graham Norton 25 years ago. He talks about how he made the transition from sports presenter to running things behind the scenes, and how he keeps his business relevant in a fast-changing media landscape. Justin and David discuss emergencies - both the 'freelance emergency' announced by the trade union BECTU in the unscripted sector, and the effect that real-life emergencies can have on a show's production schedule. Plus, there's all the usual format news and another attempt at devising a 'Four Minute Format'.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Shiach has series- and exec-produced quizzes, comedy panel games and other formatted entertainment, including 'Celebability' for ITV2, 'Quizness' for Channel 4, 'A League of Their Own' for Sky, and 'Comedians Giving Lectures' for Dave. In a highly entertaining and candid interview, he explains how he builds consensus between the various stakeholders to keep the show on the road. Sometimes that's literally so, as he's also involved in the touring live podcast show about football, The Overlap. David and Justin discuss pacing and how to rescue a failing reality show. And stick around for the NEW feature at the end - 'Four Minute Format'.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'The Format Doctor' Justin Scroggie reports on location from MIP TV in Cannes. What are the hot ideas of the moment and, as real-life meetings continue to evolve after the pandemic, what is the overall feel of the market? Additional music: Liborio Conti.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Edmondson's career has spanned children's TV, roving reporter roles and presenting for BBC Radio 1. He's also developed his own formats, and found unusual outlets for them in the form of board games. Justin and David discuss the benefits of skilling up, and divulge their top tips for getting through a studio filming session unscathed. Plus there's a bumper crop of news, and a highly curious pair of titles in 'Fake or Format?'.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Phil Gurin is a writer-turned-producer who's gone on to work in a huge range of entertainment sub-genres, from beauty pageants to business formats, quizzes to stunt shows. We discuss his role as chairman of format rights body FRAPA, and why he's setting up a new distribution company. David and Justin chew over whether criticising popular formats misses the point, and discuss what's the best practice for looking after contributors. Justin has food on his mind in the news section, and it's David's turn to play quizmaster in 'Fake or Format?'.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From early on in her career, our guest Dawn Airey has been marked out as a talent in scheduling and commissioning. From a regional ITV station, she held high-profile posts at BSkyB and Channel 4. We also discuss what it was like to set up Channel 5 - the UK's first new channel for 15 years - from a blank piece of paper. David and Justin list the many and various ways that things can go wrong in a TV studio, and broach the dreaded subject of 'getting cancelled'. Plus all the usual news and views.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With traditional TV channels often having an average viewer age of over 60, and new media on the hunt to feed their spectacular growth, how can you build a bridge between the two? TV 'futurologist' Sandra Lehner talks to us about her work in navigating the future, from the metaverse to NFTs. In a long-awaited catch-up, Justin reports back from the Content London conference, and he talks to David about the various forms of 'fandom'. Plus all the usual news and features.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Contestants and contributors - where do they come from, and how are they selected? Our guest Andy Mallon is a casting Executive who has over a decade of experience finding people for quizzes, reality shows, dating shows and factual entertainment formats. Justin reports on the state of the streaming industry, while David recounts a recent trip to Manchester. Plus all the usual news and features.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning format devisor and international media lecturer Axel Fiacco writes 'Friday's Espresso', a weekly blog on the latest format trends (https://www.formatespresso.it/blog/). He joins Justin and David to unpack all the latest news and formats from the 2022 MIPCOM, the major European market for buying and selling formats and completed programming. They discuss what's new in unscripted genres such as dating (Love for the Ages, the Real Love Boat), social experiments (Rise & Fall, Out of Office), factual entertainment (Zero Sum Game, Hold the Front Page) and game shows (Finders Keepers). There's also discussion of the use of A.I., the benefits of chance meetings, opportunities to attend MIP for free, and the lack of big, ambitious formats.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our special guest is multicamera TV director Tony Gregory, who's worked around the world on many major TV formats around the world, such as Big Brother, the Voice and Lego Masters. Justin and David argue about whether cricket or golf is the best sporting format, and we examine whether a Netflix show has a major flaw in it. Plus all the usual news and features.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Harkin's career has led from doing accounts in a portacabin near Manchester to performing at the Sydney Opera House. He's responsible for a myriad of output from the offices of 'QI', from books and TV shows to radio programmes and live performances. He's also one-quarter of the international hit podcast 'No Such Thing as a Fish'. Justin and David finish off their mini-series on pitching, and discuss what makes a good location for a TV show. And - by popular demand! - there's the return of 'Fake or Format' and all the usual news.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the end of every show of 'TV Show & Tell', we ask our special guest for an anecdote related to a particular object. As we approach our first anniversary, we present a special compilation of the curious & varied objects that our guests have brought with them. Thanks to everyone who's been part of the show in our first year.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

David and Justin bring more news stories from the world of TV production. There's more from the 'How to Pitch' mini-series, this time taking a Hamiltonesque look at what happens in the room where it happens (assuming the commissioner turns up). We have more from our interview with the MD of Mighty Productions, Lynn Sutcliffe, and we take a trip down Scheduling Memory Lane.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

TV and radio presenter Ross King MBE is a winner of 4 News Emmys and 2 Sony Awards whose easy-going style has proved popular with audiences on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond. Ross gives some amazing insight on breaking into a highly competitive field, and how he's mastered a vast range of genres including news, magazine shows, quizzes, weather presenting, magazine formats and showbiz reporting. David and Justin discuss 'co-viewing' and the issues around 2nd series recommissions. Plus all the usual news, features and fun.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

No matter where you live, there's a very good chance that you've seen the name of our special guest, Chris Goss, in the credits of a TV show. Chris has provided the computer systems that control the game play for a vast number of game shows including 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire' (in 60 territories), 'Deal or No Deal', 'The Weakest Link', '5 Gold Rings' and 'Million Pound Drop'. We also touch on various types of interactivity and VR systems. Meanwhile, David and Justin look at homegrown flops that became international hits, and the hidden rules of how long programmes need to be. We go back the the 1970's for 'Fake or Format?', and there's all the format news that's fit to print.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Aaron Solomon has been a writer, format consultant and co-executive producer on a wide-range of US network shows, including Mental Samurai, Weakest Link, $100,000 Pyramid, and the version of The Joker's Wild presented by Snoop Dogg. He explains the hidden mechanics that are used to make game shows such as these tick. Meanwhile, David and Justin put their best foot forward for a job at the BBC, and David briefs Justin on some internet stories he's missed. Plus the usual format news and a tasty 'Fake or Format'. David's FREE question writing guide is here: https://tinyurl.com/quizbible1-2Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Justin reports from Copenhagen, where he catches up with the experienced Danish TV executive Pia Marquard. She talks about co-creating 'Expedition Robinson' (the format now known internationally as 'Survivor'), as well as 'The Lyrics Board' and 'Race to Mars'. David poses a quiz about whether you could cut it as an executive producer, and there's a discussion on the best (and worst) ways of networking at television events. Plus, the latest format news and an unusually-devised game of 'Fake or Format?'.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With 'The Chase' winning an award at the recent BAFTA TV awards, it's a good time to talk to the show's original series producer Sue Allison. She describes how the format was tweaked days before recording, and how the Chasers were cast. Justin and David discuss the pros and cons of the recently-announced sell-off of the UK's Channel 4. We use the metaphor of David's new television to discuss whether the audience's eyeballs are getting stretched too thinly. Sue returns to 'show & tell' a culturally-important artwork, and David sings during 'Fake or Format?'. Don't say we didn't warn you.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this bonus episode Justin Scroggie is in Cannes, where he gives us a flavour of the atmosphere around the MIP TV festival and the formats being sold there. Also, we've got a bonus clip from our Bob Boden interview, where he talks about the infamous incident in 1984 when Michael Larson found a way of beating one of his shows. A copy of Bob's documentary "Big Bucks: The Press Your Luck Scandal" can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpO-2KeYFcM.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bob Boden knew he wanted to work in game shows from the age of 6. He since worked on shows such as The Price is Right, the $25,000 Pyramid, Card Sharks, Match Game, Press Your Luck and (currently) Funny You Should Ask. He also takes us through how he helped to develop Greed at the height of Millionaire Mania in a matter of days. Justin and David finally get around to talk about what a format actually is, and also define the word Galapagosization. Plus 'Fake or Format' and the usual news roundup.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jonathan Coad is a media lawyer who is an expert in format rights, having worked on notable cases for 'I'm A Celebrity...' and 'The Great British Bake Off'. He explains how those formats were defended, and what practical steps devisors can take to protect themselves. Later, he also gives us a glimpse into the world of 'crisis PR' - being the person that celebrities turn to when a negative news story is about to break. There's also Part 2 in David & Justin's occasional series on how to pitch, and the usual news and features.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We talk to Paul Farrer, whose extensive musical career as a TV composer spans more than 150 shows, including 'The Weakest Link', 'The Wheel', 'Dancing on Ice' and 'The Chase'. Paul's also the devisor of his own ITV game show format, '1000 Heartbeats', which has sold internationally. With Big Jet TV hitting the news recently, David and Justin take a look over the threat posed by niche broadcasting, and chew over what makes food formats so appetising to viewers.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Olivia van der Werff from adjudication company Beyond Dispute tells us about how she keeps things fair, and how she kept Britain's love for cake going even during lockdown. Justin explains what happens at a TV formats market, while David's quiz is a cautionary tale in how even the easiest questions can have the most surprising answers. Plus all the latest TV news, Olivia's "Show & Tell" item and another round of "Fake or Format?".Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Chris Curley chats about his interesting and colourful career in TV to date, from working with Peter Kay to founding his own production company, CurleyVision. He also talks about his time as the commissioner for Comedy Central UK, and gives his views on how the industry needs to change. Justin and David dive into the basics of pitching your ideas to commissioners, and try to demystify where ratings figures come from. Finally, there's a couple of 'revolutionary' shows to consider in 'Fake or Format?'.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

YouTube and TikTok star Nick Uhas explains how he has built a modern entertainment career, from inline skater, to science communicator, to contestant on Big Brother and AGT, to presenter of the Netflix glass blowing competition "Blown Away". Donna Luke, who produces that show, joins us later to explain how they triumphed despite hugely challenging conditions. Regular hosts Justin Scroggie and David Bodycombe chat about returning contestants, the tricky issue of "Who goes first?", and it's all to play for in a new season of "Fake or Format?".Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Educational YouTuber Tom Scott joins Justin and David to discuss "Money", his original show for the Nebula streaming network (on which David also worked as Games Producer). Five people are brought to a room containing $10,000 to play a series of games that all contain a central dilemma - group profit or personal gain? An omnibus of all five shows are now available to watch free on Tom's YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJSI7QTAt_oSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As "The Weakest Link" returns to the BBC, we speak with three creatives who've been intimately involved in the highly-successful quiz format. Lynn Sutcliffe (now M.D. of Mighty Productions) explains how she helped develop the initial idea of a week-long holiday competition into an intensive psychological battle. Next, Will Charles explains how the show's iconic lighting design came about, somewhat by accident. Finally, Aaron Solomon explains how he re-evaluated the format for modern audiences in his role of co-exec producer on NBC's version in the US.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Top international TV producer Simon Lythgoe shares his amazing career with us, from formative experiences with Miss Piggy and the 'Gladiators', and working alongside his father, choreographer (and, later, TV judge) Nigel Lythgoe. He recounts his extensive experience in the UK, Australia and USA, and explains his role in creating reality TV as we know it, from 'Pop Idol' to 'American Idol' to 'So You Think You Can Dance'. David and Justin reveal the dirty secrets of how television lies to you, and discuss how the 1969 Eurovision Song Contest is the TV producer's idea of a rules nightmare. Simon returns to explain how a can of soda can help sell a TV show, and will Justin get a score on the board in this week's 'Fake or Format'?Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Part-time maths teacher, presenter and top-flight quizzer Bobby Seagull joins us to talk through his TV CV so far. We discuss his new-found fame from 'University Challenge', and how that has led on to presenting science documentaries, showbiz appearances and his regular role on Channel 4's 'The Answer Trap'. David and Justin talk about continuity problems, and how to embed 'playalong' in new TV ideas. Keep listening to find out who will win this week's round of 'Fake or Format', before Bobby shows us an object that physically can't exist?!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Joining David and Justin is top executive producer Tom Blakeson, who's been involved with a string of hit shows including 'Pointless', 'The Million Pound Drop', 'Golden Balls' and 'The Wheel'. We discover an interesting quirk in the rules for 'Family Fortunes', and there's another round of 'Fake or Format?'. Finally, Tom brings an unusual piece of plumbing to show us.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Alex Horne, the devisor and co-presenter of 'Taskmaster' joins us to discuss tasks, treasure hunts, 'Countdown', Belgium and golf. There's also the latest format news, 'What We've Been Watching', 'Ask the Doctor' and the inaugural game of 'Fake or Format?'. Finally, Alex brings something to 'show and tell' us to demonstrate how he gets his ideas.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-show-podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.