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

Publicists! Often portrayed as the mysterious force behind the scenes—crafting hype, dodging scandal, and spinning gold from a well-placed quote. But how much of that is myth, and what does brilliant PR really look like in today’s TV landscape?

This week we’re joined by Gem Pinkney, Director of TV at Multitude Media and a master of the campaign game. From knowing which assets will actually cut through (hint: AI might be choosing them for you…) to explaining why bringing PR in early—not just when there’s a crisis—can be the key to turning a good show into a hit, Gem reveals how PR can make or break a series.

Without a strategic PR campaign, your show might not just struggle—it might not even be seen. Or… with the right help, you might just be on your way to accepting that BAFTA?!

So what are you waiting for, stop reading this, and get to listening!

If you’ve been enjoying the series, please share, rate, and subscribe. We’d love to hear from you—drop us a comment in your podcast app or connect with us on Instagram at @tvmakerspod, where we post all our behind-the-scenes content.

Got any questions or ideas for future guests? You can email us at podcast@tvmakers.co.uk.

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

Talent Agents! — cloaked in TV myth as orchestrators of extravagant demands, from bowls of blue M&Ms to first-class travel for their star clients. Let’s separate fact from fiction and uncover what really goes on in the world of talent representation!

This week we’re joined by Alex Segal, Managing Director of InterTalent, one of the UK’s largest talent agencies. With over a decade at the helm, Alex shares what it takes to sign, manage, and book talent. Oh, and about that word “talent”… should we even be using it? We’ll talk about that too!

We’ve seen an avalanche of “talent” self-destruct in recent years, leaving chaos in their wake. So, how do Talent Agents stop their clients from getting too big for their proverbial boots—and how can they help steer them back on track?

You can learn more about Talent agents with Alex's extremely honest blog "Dealmakers" here and check out InterTalent here!

If you’ve been enjoying the series, please share, rate, and subscribe. We’d love to hear from you—drop us a comment in your podcast app or connect with us on Instagram at @tvmakerspod, where we post all our behind-the-scenes content.

Got any questions or ideas for future guests? You can email us at podcast@tvmakers.co.uk.

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

You survived to ’25! And as your reward, here’s a brand-new episode of TV Makers!
Kicking off the year, I welcome Kimberly Godbolt, co-founder of Talented People and all round media advocate, or as some like to call her, the “Friendly Disruptor.”

Kimberly shares her expertise in spotting top industry talent, what she looks for in standout CVs, and how hiring managers can sharpen their interview techniques (and processes) to secure the best candidates.

As some of you know, Kimberly isn’t afraid to speak up—even when it means facing criticism for championing the underdog. We dive into how freelancers and companies alike can embrace fairer, more inclusive hiring practices and balancing bold advocacy with business demands.

Whether you’re looking to hire smarter, elevate your career, or navigate the evolving TV job market, this episode is packed with Kimberly’s invaluable insights—straight from the “talented person” herself!

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Kimberly’s work: TalentedPeople.tv
• Follow TV Makers on Instagram: @TVMakersPod
• Connect with host Ashley: LinkedIn or email podcast@tvmakers.co.uk

Enjoyed the episode?

• Rate, review, and subscribe to TV Makers—your easiest New Year’s resolution!
• Share your thoughts or ideas for future episodes.

Here’s to an amazing 2025—let this episode inspire you to not just survive ’25 but thrive in ’25!

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

If you missed last weeks full Christmas Special Episode, go back and give it a listen. But for those wanting pure TV Makers interview, this is the standalone interview with Will Becher, the Supervising Animator for Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl Premiering on BBC One and iPlayer at 6:10 pm on Christmas Day!

Supervising Animator Will Becher joins us to reveal the artistry, challenges, and meticulous craftsmanship that go into bringing these beloved characters to life.

The Film and TV Charity information and Links:

Our Support Line is open 24/7, 365 days of the year. It's staffed by qualified Counsellors, who are always available for in the moment support.

The Support Line can also refer you for financial and legal advice (in office hours)

Anyone working in Film, TV or Cinema can also ask for a referral to six sessions of one-to-one Counselling (available in person or remotely). Counselling sessions are free and the referrals are very quick, subject to a clinical assessment.

More information is available here: Mental health and wellbeing | The Film and TV Charity

The Film and TV Charity also provides a Bullying Advice Service (closed for the w/c 23rd Dec and 30th Dec but you can book an appointment here Bullying Advice Service | The Film and TV Charity

Also one-to-support from our Work and Wellbeing Service to anyone who is facing barriers at work (whether that's because they are a member of a marginalised group, coping with caring responsibilities, loneliness etc) - more details available here: Coaching with work and wellbeing | The Film and TV Charity

If anyone wants to support others in the Industry it would be great if they could consider donating to our Winter Appeal: Supporting the film, TV, and cinema… | The Film and TV Charity

For all enquiries you can email support@filmtcharity.org.uk



As always don't forget to rate, comment and subscribe to the podcast and follow on instagram @tvmakerspod for special behind the microphone content.

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

Welcome to a very special Christmas edition of TV Makers!

We’re adding a sprinkle of festive magic as we go behind the scenes of Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, premiering on BBC One and iPlayer at 6:10 pm on Christmas Day. Supervising Animator Will Becher joins us to reveal the artistry, challenges, and meticulous craftsmanship that go into bringing these beloved characters to life.

But that’s not all! We’re embracing the Christmas spirit with a festive chat featuring TV friends and professionals discussing what makes holiday TV specials truly special and the creative pressures behind crafting Christmas magic for millions of viewers.

And it wouldn’t be Christmas without a game! In a Taskmaster-inspired challenge, we pitch the next big Christmas TV format for 2025—complete with laughs and a surprise prize giveaway. Commissioners, take notes!

So whether you’re wrapping gifts, cooking up a feast, or doing some last-minute shopping, grab a mince pie and join us for TV Makers: The Christmas Special !

The Film and TV Charity information and Links:

Our Support Line is open 24/7, 365 days of the year. It's staffed by qualified Counsellors, who are always available for in the moment support.

The Support Line can also refer you for financial and legal advice (in office hours)

Anyone working in Film, TV or Cinema can also ask for a referral to six sessions of one-to-one Counselling (available in person or remotely). Counselling sessions are free and the referrals are very quick, subject to a clinical assessment.

More information is available here: Mental health and wellbeing | The Film and TV Charity

The Film and TV Charity also provides a Bullying Advice Service (closed for the w/c 23rd Dec and 30th Dec but you can book an appointment here Bullying Advice Service | The Film and TV Charity

Also one-to-support from our Work and Wellbeing Service to anyone who is facing barriers at work (whether that's because they are a member of a marginalised group, coping with caring responsibilities, loneliness etc) - more details available here: Coaching with work and wellbeing | The Film and TV Charity

If anyone wants to support others in the Industry it would be great if they could consider donating to our Winter Appeal: Supporting the film, TV, and cinema… | The Film and TV Charity

For all enquiries you can email support@filmtcharity.org.uk



As always don't forget to rate, comment and subscribe to the podcast and follow on instagram @tvmakerspod for special behind the microphone content.

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