TV Makers

Hosted by Ashley Golder

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Mar 2026

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About the show

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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46 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 159 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 doesManaging multiple production companies under one groupLeadership, culture and building successful teamsWhy being a good leader doesn't mean being soft on businessAdapting to a changing media landscapeYouTube, podcasts and FAST channelsContent ownership and intellectual propertyNew funding models and revenue streamsThe future of television and content creationThis Episode is Sponsored by:RIMMS - https://www.rimms.tvLinkline - 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.ukArtwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondrawsWebsite: www.benleondraws.com

March 3, 2026Episode 401 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 brutalThe hidden cost of writing something you know could be a production nightmareWhy “second screen friendly” might be the most dangerous note in modern televisionHow prep at scale actually creates freedom on setAnd what trust between director and DP really looks like when the pressure is onJim 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: RIMMSThe Kit HouseDirected by GoodProduced, recorded and Edited by Ashley GolderAdditional camera by Will JamesRecorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.ukArtwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondrawsWebsite: www.benleondraws.com

February 17, 202656 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 worksThe reality of “lifestyle businesses” in TVWhy working with brands require a completely different language to broadcastersPartnering on YouTube And the one mindset shift production company owners need to survive the next phaseEd 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 hereThis 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.ukArtwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondrawsWebsite: www.benleondraws.com

February 3, 202648 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.comListen & FollowIf you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe so new episodes land straight in your feed.Follow the podcast on Instagram @tvmakerspodQuestions or guest suggestions? Email podcast@tvmakers.co.ukThanks again to Casarotto team:https://www.casarotto.co.uk/access-teamThis Episode is Sponsored by:RimmsThe Kit HouseDirected By GoodEdited by Ben Seale Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.ukArtwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondrawsWebsite: www.benleondraws.com

January 20, 2026Episode 3756 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 modelsThis 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 @tvmakerspodGot a question or guest suggestion? Email us at podcast@tvmakers.co.ukThank you to our Sponsors:RIMMS- https://www.rimms.tv The Kit House - https://www.kithouserental.co.ukDirected By Good - https://www.directedbygood.comEdited By Ben SealRecorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.ukArtwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondrawsWebsite: www.benleondraws.com

January 6, 2026Episode 3642 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 TVKeeping high-output shows broadcasting behind the scenesThe pressure of live and near-live technical environmentsEntering television with no broadcast experienceGatekeeping, confidence, and knowledge sharingWorking in a male-dominated technical roleWhy collaboration matters behind the scenesWe 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 @tvmakerspodGot a question or guest suggestion? Email us at podcast@tvmakers.co.ukThank you to our Sponsors:RIMMS- https://www.rimms.tv The Kit House - https://www.kithouserental.co.ukDirected By Good - https://www.directedbygood.comEdited By Ben SealRecorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.ukArtwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondrawsWebsite: www.benleondraws.com

December 23, 2025Episode 3559 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.ukThank you to our Sponsors: RIMMS - https://www.rimms.tv The Kit House - https://www.kithouserental.co.uk Directed By Good - https://www.directedbygood.comRecorded and Edited by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ Instagram: @tvmakerspod Email: podcast@tvmakers.co.ukArtwork by Benjamin LeonInstagram: @benleondrawsWebsite: www.benleondraws.comRecorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.ukArtwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondrawsWebsite: www.benleondraws.com

December 9, 2025Episode 341 hr 0 min

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.tvThe Kit House - https://www.kithouserental.co.ukDirected By Good - https://www.directedbygood.comEdited By Ben SealRecorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.ukArtwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondrawsWebsite: www.benleondraws.com

December 8, 2025Episode 3342 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.ukThank you to our Sponsors:RIMMS- https://www.rimms.tv The Kit House - https://www.kithouserental.co.ukDirected By Good - https://www.directedbygood.comRecorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.ukArtwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondrawsWebsite: www.benleondraws.com

November 11, 2025Episode 3259 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 @tvmakerspodGot a question or guest suggestion? Email us at podcast@tvmakers.co.ukThank you to our Sponsors:RIMMS- https://www.rimms.tv The Kit House - https://www.kithouserental.co.ukDirected By Good - https://www.directedbygood.comEdited By Ben SealRecorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/Instagram @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.ukArtwork by Benjamin Leon - Instagram: @benleondrawsWebsite: www.benleondraws.com