The TV Festival Podcast

Super-producer and Fulwell 73 co-founder Ben Winston has been behind some of TV's most talked about moments: from revolutionising The Grammys, to modernising The Kardashians; co-creating The Late Late Show, to getting the cast back together for the most anticipated special of all time Friends: The Reunion. In a wide-ranging conversation with broadcaster Richard Bacon, Ben explores the journey of Fulwell 73 - the struggles that shaped their success and the strategies and ambition that fueled their rise. Ben Winston on Pursuing the American Dream was recorded at the Edinburgh TV Festival in August 2023. The Edinburgh TV Festival brought to you by Screen Scotland, is the UK’s foremost television event, bringing together leading industry figures and a diverse range of delegates to celebrate and dissect the world of global television production. The Festival is also a charity, working year-round to support new and emerging talent. #EdTVFest For more information, go to: www.thetvfestival.com

Do public service broadcasters need to take a more proactive role in climate storytelling? Does celebrity involvement help or hinder activism? And should we be calling it a climate catastrophe? Our multidisciplinary panel of programme-makers, academics and activists share their experiences in crafting impactful narratives through documentaries and dramas; effective disaster communication, and the struggle for hopeful climate stories in the face of political apathy. Based on a True Story: How to Tell the Climate Crisis Narrative was recorded at the Edinburgh TV Festival in August 2022. The speakers are Fehinti Balogun, Actor, Theatre-maker, Activist; Professor Lucy Easthope, Professor in Practice and Co-Founder, After Disaster Network, University of Durham; Stephen Garrett, Executive Chairman, Character 7, Craig Hunter, Creative Director, Factual at STV Studios; Thimali Kodikara, Series producer of the Mothers of Invention climate podcast. The host is Dan McDougall. [All job titles correct at time of Festival] The Edinburgh TV Festival brought to you by Screen Scotland, is the UK’s foremost television event, bringing together leading industry figures and a diverse range of delegates to celebrate and dissect the world of global television production. The Festival is also a charity, working year-round to support new and emerging talent. #EdTVFest For more information, go to: www.thetvfestival.com

Interviewed by his wife Pamela Stephenson Connolly, national treasure Sir Billy Connolly reflects on more than 50 years in comedy. As he receives the Edinburgh TV Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award, The Big Yin looks back on his first appearance on Michael Parkinson's show and the challenges of transitioning from stand-up comedy to television, as well as chatting about his World Tour travelogue series, breaking America and his enduring love for Scotland. Lifetime Achievement Award: Sir Billy Connolly was recorded at the virtual Edinburgh TV Festival in August 2021. The Edinburgh TV Festival brought to you by Screen Scotland, is the UK’s foremost television event, bringing together leading industry figures and a diverse range of delegates to celebrate and dissect the world of global television production. The Festival is also a charity, working year-round to support new and emerging talent. #EdTVFest For more information, go to: www.thetvfestival.com

Join this insightful conversation on the ethical, social, and creative aspects of true crime storytelling, as programme-makers and channel bosses look at the genre’s biggest issues from sensationalism and sensitivity to duty of care and diversity. The panel discusses the real-world consequences of the genre, such as crime-solving and awareness of domestic violence, and explores the future of true crime. The True Crimewave was recorded at the Edinburgh TV Festival in August 2022. The speakers are Elli Hakami, Co-President and Co-Owner, Talos Films; Ian Rumsey, Managing Director, Television, ITN Productions; Jason Sarlanis, President, Crime and Investigative Content, Linear and Streaming, Warner Bros. Discovery; Jonny Taylor, Director, Documentary Film EMEA; Dan Louw, Commissioning Editor, VP Non-Scripted UK Originals, Channel 5 / Paramount+; Dr Sara Payne MBE, Campaigner. The host is Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije. [All job titles correct at time of Festival] The Edinburgh TV Festival brought to you by Screen Scotland, is the UK’s foremost television event, bringing together leading industry figures and a diverse range of delegates to celebrate and dissect the world of global television production. The Festival is also a charity, working year-round to support new and emerging talent. #EdTVFest For more information, go to: www.thetvfestival.com

From Strictly Come Dancing to The Traitors and The Piano, BAFTA-nominated presenter Claudia Winkleman is as recognisable for her work ethic and ability to connect with audiences as she is for her iconic fringe and smoky eye. Chatting to broadcaster and best friend Kirsty Young, Claudia unravels her journey through the world of TV hosting, via journalism, motherhood and fashion adventures, with her trademark wit and warmth. Outstanding Achievement Award Interview: Claudia Winkleman was recorded at the Edinburgh TV Festival in August 2023. The Edinburgh TV Festival brought to you by Screen Scotland, is the UK’s foremost television event, bringing together leading industry figures and a diverse range of delegates to celebrate and dissect the world of global television production. The Festival is also a charity, working year-round to support new and emerging talent. #EdTVFest For more information, go to: www.thetvfestival.com

Join actor David Harewood in a heartfelt conversation with writer and broadcaster Afua Hirsch, discussing mental health, identity, and the challenges Black actors face in the UK. From his personal struggles with psychosis to reflections on racism, Harewood shares poignant stories whilst looking back on key points in his career, including his time in the Royal Shakespeare Company and roles in Homeland, The Night Manager and Supergirl. He also shares his unique “Fork Test” for evaluating scripts. David Harewood in Conversation with Afua Hirsch was recorded at the Edinburgh TV Festival in August 2022. The Edinburgh TV Festival brought to you by Screen Scotland, is the UK’s foremost television event, bringing together leading industry figures and a diverse range of delegates to celebrate and dissect the world of global television production. The Festival is also a charity, working year-round to support new and emerging talent. #EdTVFest For more information, go to: www.thetvfestival.com

Castmembers Lolly Adefope (Kitty), Mathew Baynton (Thomas), Jim Howick (Pat) and Kiell Smith-Bynoe (Mike) discuss the magic that turned Ghosts into a sitcom success for the whole family. Mathew and Jim reveal the journey from Horrible Histories and Yonderland to creating this unique BBC comedy, and the team reveal the secrets behind casting and development, and whether or not it matters if the ghosts have shadows. Ghosts: Masterclass was recorded at the Edinburgh TV Festival in August 2022. The speakers are co-creators and castmembers Mathew Baynton and Jim Howick; castmembers Lolly Adefope and Kiell Smith-Bynoe; Alison Carpenter, Producer, and Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy, BBC. The host is Julie Raeside. [All job titles correct at time of Festival] The Edinburgh TV Festival brought to you by Screen Scotland, is the UK’s foremost television event, bringing together leading industry figures and a diverse range of delegates to celebrate and dissect the world of global television production. The Festival is also a charity, working year-round to support new and emerging talent. #EdTVFest For more information, go to: www.thetvfestival.com

Explore a decade of iconic TV moments, as the Gogglebox team dissects the show’s enduring success and the unique blend of humour and relatability that keeps audiences hooked. Alongside the producers and commissioners, cast members Pete and Sophie Sandiford and Sid and Baasit Siddiqui discuss their unexpected journeys to fame and the show’s impact on their lives, from pandemic challenges to public recognition. And importantly, will we see Gogglebox on Mars…? ‘Gogglebox: The First Ten Years’ was recorded at the Edinburgh TV Festival in August 2023. The speakers are Gogglebox cast members Sophie Sandiford, Pete Sandiford, Sid Siddiqui and Baasit Siddiqui; lan Dunkley, Commissioning Editor Channel 4, Leon Campbell, Executive Producer, Studio Lambert. The host is Scott Bryan. [All job titles correct at time of Festival] The Edinburgh TV Festival brought to you by Screen Scotland, is the UK’s foremost television event, bringing together leading industry figures and a diverse range of delegates to celebrate and dissect the world of global television production. The Festival is also a charity, working year-round to support new and emerging talent. #EdTVFest For more information, go to: www.thetvfestival.com

Writer Neil Gaiman and director Douglas Mackinnon reveal the magic behind their creative partnership on Good Omens, unravelling the intricacies of filmmaking in Scotland and their commitment to providing opportunities for local talent. Their discussion also touches upon the liberating aspects of working with streaming platforms like Amazon Prime and the challenges of finding the right tone for comedy-drama series. Don't miss their recommendations for valuable resources for writers and directors, making this conversation a treasure trove for creative minds. Neil Gaiman In Conversation with Douglas McKinnon was recorded at the virtual Edinburgh TV Festival in August 2021. The speakers are Neil Gaiman, Author, Good Omens, American Gods, Anansi Boys, and Douglas MacKinnon, Director & Producer, Good Omens & Sherlock, with special guest appearances from Stephen Fry, Lenny Henry and Steven Moffat. The host is Raisah Ahmed. [All job titles correct at time of Festival] The Edinburgh TV Festival brought to you by Screen Scotland, is the UK’s foremost television event, bringing together leading industry figures and a diverse range of delegates to celebrate and dissect the world of global television production. The Festival is also a charity, working year-round to support new and emerging talent. #EdTVFest For more information, go to: www.thetvfestival.com

Dive into the intersection of fashion publishing and TV production as British Vogue’s Vanessa Kingori and ELLE UK’s Kenya Hunt share insights on industry leadership, diversity, and editorial decision-making with writer and broadcaster Afua Hirsch. The panel reflects on the impact of representation and inclusivity in British Vogue under the leadership of outgoing editor Edward Enninful, as well as the role of media influence and responsibility, both in magazines and television. The covers discussed in this podcast are from British Vogue December 2017 (Adwoa Aboah as cover star) and ELLE UK September 2022 (Lizzo as cover star) When Vogue Meets Elle: What Can Television Learn from Fashion Publishing Titans? was recorded at the Edinburgh TV Festival in August 2022. The speakers are Vanessa Kingori MBE, Publishing Director, Chief Business Officer, British Vogue and Kenya Hunt, Editor-in-Chief, ELLE UK. The host is Afua Hirsch. [All job titles correct at time of Festival] The Edinburgh TV Festival brought to you by Screen Scotland, is the UK’s foremost television event, bringing together leading industry figures and a diverse range of delegates to celebrate and dissect the world of global television production. The Festival is also a charity, working year-round to support new and emerging talent. #EdTVFest For more information, go to: www.thetvfestival.com

Some of our most recognised TV hosts have come from reality TV - think Rylan, Alison Hammond and Stacey Dooley. Have reality shows become the new training ground for presenters? With chair Jamie Laing, our panel of entertainment experts and breakout stars, including Love Island’s Dr Alex George and Bake-Off’s Briony May Williams, discuss the evolving landscape of talent development and the opportunities and challenges it creates. Crossing the Line: From Reality Star to TV Presenter was recorded at the Edinburgh TV Festival in August 2023. The speakers are Dr Alex George, Doctor and TV Presenter; Sebastian Jewell, Senior Talent Manager, Insanity Group; Briony May Williams, Chef and Presenter; Emma-Rosa Dias, MD and Executive Producer, Afro-Mic Productions; Pete Tierney, Commissioning Editor, Reality at ITV. The host is Jamie Laing. [All job titles correct at time of Festival] The Edinburgh TV Festival brought to you by Screen Scotland, is the UK’s foremost television event, bringing together leading industry figures and a diverse range of delegates to celebrate and dissect the world of global television production. The Festival is also a charity, working year-round to support new and emerging talent. #EdTVFest For more information, go to: www.thetvfestival.com

Writers Rose Matafeo and Dolly Alderton discuss the creative process of bringing a self-authored, autobiographical piece to the small screen, sharing their experiences of life as “control freak” showrunners and the joys of celebrating female friendships on screen. Hear about Rose’s obsession with music and lighting in Starstruck, and how Dolly’s previous experience as a story producer on Made In Chelsea gave her a love of montages, which she tried to bring to Everything I Know About Love. When Dolly Met Rose was recorded at the Edinburgh TV Festival in August 2022. The Edinburgh TV Festival brought to you by Screen Scotland, is the UK’s foremost television event, bringing together leading industry figures and a diverse range of delegates to celebrate and dissect the world of global television production. The Festival is also a charity, working year-round to support new and emerging talent. #EdTVFest For more information, go to: www.thetvfestival.com

Are you 100 per cent faithful? Unlock the secrets behind the smash-hit reality TV series The Traitors (UK). Hear from cast and creatives, including series one Traitor Alyssa Chan, as they examine how the ‘Highland Hunger Games’ has become a global unscripted success story. Get behind-the-scenes insights into the show's immersive approach and the careful balance between authenticity and duty of care. ‘Traitors Revealed: Looking Under the Hood of a Hit Format’ was recorded at the Edinburgh TV Festival in August 2023. The speakers are Alyssa Chan, Player &Traitor (UK); Syeda Irtizaali, Editor of Unscripted, BBC; Jasper Hoogendoorn, Creative Director, IDTV; Stephen Lambert, CEO, Studio Lambert; Nick Smith, Executive Vice President, Formats, AlIMedia International; Sharon Vuong, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming & Development, NBCUniversal Entertainment. The host is Rima Ahmed. [All job titles correct at time of Festival] The Edinburgh TV Festival brought to you by Screen Scotland, is the UK’s foremost television event, bringing together leading industry figures and a diverse range of delegates to celebrate and dissect the world of global television production. The Festival is also a charity, working year-round to support new and emerging talent. #EdTVFest For more information, go to: www.thetvfestival.com

Listened to his impassioned MacTaggart Lecture on risk-taking in TV and want even more of documentary-maker and podcaster Louis Theroux? The morning after the night before, Louis sits down with journalist and filmmaker Mobeen Azhar to dissect his speech and discuss media culture and the fear of offending, satire, ethics, extremism and Louis’ prophetic predictions about public service broadcasting. Louis Theroux: The Post-MacTaggart Interview was recorded at the Edinburgh TV Festival in August 2023. The Edinburgh TV Festival brought to you by Screen Scotland, is the UK’s foremost television event, bringing together leading industry figures and a diverse range of delegates to celebrate and dissect the world of global television production. The Festival is also a charity, working year-round to support new and emerging talent. #EdTVFest For more information, go to: www.thetvfestival.com

Award-winning documentarian, podcaster and sometime TikTok rapper Louis Theroux discusses the impact of TV on society and politics in his 2023 MacTaggart Lecture. Louis explores the ethical dimensions of TV programming and the role of media in the age of extremism, sharing his experiences as a presenter and producer, and delves into the profound impact of television in connecting people through authentic storytelling. Louis Theroux’s James MacTaggart Memorial Lecture, titled 'The Risk of Not Taking Risks’, was recorded at the Edinburgh TV Festival in August 2023. The Edinburgh TV Festival brought to you by Screen Scotland, is the UK’s foremost television event, bringing together leading industry figures and a diverse range of delegates to celebrate and dissect the world of global television production. The Festival is also a charity, working year-round to support new and emerging talent. #EdTVFest For more information, go to: www.thetvfestival.com

In 2021, BAFTA Award winning Dramatist and Playwright Jack Thorne delivered the MacTaggart lecture in the Festival’s second digital edition. Thorne utilised his address to speak out on the UK TV industry's appalling treatment of disabled on screen and off screen talent. Thorne delivered an impassioned cry for the Industry to do better in terms of accessibility and to accelerate change. The Edinburgh TV Festival brought to you by Screen Scotland, is the UK’s foremost television event, bringing together leading industry figures and a broad, diverse range of delegates to celebrate and dissect the world of global television production. #EdTVFest For more information, go to: www.thetvfestival.com

In 2020, historian and broadcaster David Olusoga was tasked with delivering the MacTaggart lecture in the Festival’s first ever digital edition amid a global pandemic and shortly after the Black Lives Matter movement. Olusoga used his address to decry a lost generation of diverse TV Talent who had given up on a industry stacked against them. Olusoga campaigned for real structural change within the TV industry and drew from his own personal experiences to expose the prevalence of Racism in the UK TV industry to this day. The Edinburgh TV Festival brought to you by Screen Scotland, is the UK’s foremost television event, bringing together leading industry figures and a broad, diverse range of delegates to celebrate and dissect the world of global television production. #EdTVFest For more information, go to: www.thetvfestival.com

On the lead up to our 2022 Festival, Edinburgh TV Festival are releasing a series of our esteemed MacTaggart lectures in a podcast format. In 2019 the agenda-setting lecture was delivered by Dorothy Byrne, former head of news and current affairs at Channel 4 and current President of Murray Edwards College, Cambridge. In her equally hilarious and insightful address, Byrne lamented on the difficulties of starting a career in a male dominated industry. She challenged documentarians and journalists to make bold, disruptive programming and called out lying politicians. The Edinburgh TV Festival brought to you by Screen Scotland, is the UK’s foremost television event, bringing together leading industry figures and a broad, diverse range of delegates to celebrate and dissect the world of global television production. #EdTVFest For more information, go to: www.thetvfestival.com

On the lead up to our 2022 Festival, Edinburgh TV Festival are releasing a series of our esteemed MacTaggart lectures in a podcast format. In 2015, the lecture was delivered by writer and producer Armando Iannucci. In his address, Iannucci praised the creativity of the British TV Industry and spoke of his worries of channel privitisation and scrapped license fees- concerns that 7 years on, are more relevant than ever. - The Edinburgh TV Festival brought to you by Screen Scotland, is the UK’s foremost television event, bringing together leading industry figures and a broad, diverse range of delegates to celebrate and dissect the world of global television production. #EdTVFest For more information, go to: www.thetvfestival.com