What happens when a podcast refuses to play by podcast rules?

To kick off Series 4 of TV Makers, I sit down with Anthony Smith - Director of Trailers for The Diary Of A CEO - to uncover how a show once told it had “no right” to build a full-scale production has become one of the biggest podcasts in the world.

Anthony takes us inside the trailer strategy that’s helped drive that success - from the must-have ingredients of a killer trailer to the tiny, deliberate beats that make people stop scrolling and lean in. He then shares how data and analytics supercharge that creativity: testing thumbnails, analysing performance, and crafting every moment with purpose.

We talk:

• Why podcasting has outpaced TV on audience insights and targeting
• How data and creativity work together to create “must watch” trailers
• Why trailers are now one of the most powerful storytelling tools in the business
• And what TV can learn from digital if it wants to catch up.

If you work in TV and want to understand the shift that’s already happened, this one’s for you.

Hit play, and let’s get into it.

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 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

Recorded and Edited by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/
Instagram @tvmakerspod
Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk

Artwork by Benjamin Leon -
Instagram: @benleondraws
Website: www.benleondraws.com

True Crime, Tough Calls, and the Role of the Series Producer

For the Series 3 finale of TV Makers , we're joined by Award-winning Series Producer Zoe Hines, behind some of Netflix's biggest shows including the acclaimed, I Am a Killer.

Zoe lifts the lid on what it really means to lead a high-profile, ethically complex documentary series—discussing everything from legal and editorial responsibilities to the professional care of victims, contributors, and production teams.

We also dig into the role of an SP, her perspective on the rising expectation for SPs to shoot, and how she sets up systems to protect teams on the ground and in the edit.

If you heard the intro where I gush over Peak Design: check them out here.

If you want to get in touch with Zoe, she can be found on LinkedIn, here.

Thanks again for listening, and we'll see you in Series 4!

Recorded and Edited by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/
Instagram @tvmakerspod
Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk

Artwork by Benjamin Leon -
Instagram: @benleondraws
Website: www.benleondraws.com

Post-production is an ecosystem of constant decisions for an ever-changing goalpost… so what does it take to run post at a major broadcaster like Sky?

This week on TV Makers, I sit down with Adam Downey, Director of Post Production at Sky, to find out how he keeps one of the UK’s biggest post departments running—smoothly, sustainably, and at serious scale.

We talk tight schedules, futureproofing systems, the human side of leadership, and why understanding post earlier in the process can save everyone time, money, and a whole lot of stress. Adam’s mission? To demystify post and help all of us—across production and editorial—work smarter, not harder.

If you’ve ever handed over to post and crossed your fingers… this one’s for you.

🎧 Hit play, and let’s go.

Enjoying the series? Please share, rate, and subscribe. You can follow us on Instagram @tvmakerspod, or email podcast@tvmakers.co.uk with guest suggestions or questions. Let’s keep the conversation going!

Recorded and Edited by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/
Instagram @tvmakerspod
Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk

Artwork by Benjamin Leon -
Instagram: @benleondraws
Website: www.benleondraws.com