TV Makers

Hosted by Ashley Golder

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Aug 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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51 recent

September 1, 202644 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

August 4, 2026Episode 41 hr 0 min

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

July 21, 2026Episode 4343 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

July 14, 2026Episode 345 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

June 30, 202656 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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.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

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 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