Documentary

Secrets & Scandals of Only Fools & Horses

With the world’s smallest budget, I personally set and dressed spaces for over 100 contributor interviews. Shot against black, with props relating to 'secrets' as well as the specific programme being discussed, please observe above, for example, the filing cabinet bought from an office clearance sale, the 90s' VHS player I had in my loft, my grandparents' old soda syphon, tasteless 70s' lampshade found on the web.

Some genuinely shocking revelations, discovered after I unearthed some never-before-seen footage, within a cheeky celebration of one of British cinema's biggest success stories. Beautifully edited by the fantastic Charlie Marbles and Peter Elphick. From a series of nine films I made delving into the secrets behind classic TV, from Steptoe & Son to Eurovision.

Secrets & Scandals of Carry On

Parenting For Idiots

I interviewed some very honest, tired, celebrity parents of kids of all ages (and some of their children too). The result was a three-part series featuring some hilarious, moving and relatable experiences of raising children, proving that absolutely no parent knows what they're doing.

Billy & Me

A celebration of the surprisingly varied legacy of the legend that is Billy Connolly, with contributor stories from all over the world, and a master interview I conducted. All the music I used was Billy's own, or one of his favourites. More beautiful graphics by Videogram, based on Billy's artwork and notebooks.

Very British Problems

Gloriously narrated by a national treasure, a stellar cast of brave contributors share (and do their best to explain) the awkward and peculiar way we Brits go about our business. In a very un-British way, I even glamorously flew to LA to film an interview.

I edit produced and conducted some interviews for this feature-length documentary celebrating the career of showbiz giant Jimmy Tarbuck. Using Tarby's home videos, unseen footage, and contributions from the great and good of entertainment, it's an epic journey, which included taking Jimmy back to the London Palladium, still in semi-lockdown.

Parenting For Idiots

I repurposed the series graphics budget to film a little comedy scene at the top of each topic, plus a live-action titles sequence where children assembled the programme name out of foam letters (and I don't mind saying it took absolutely AGES). I curated a soundtrack of 'Dad Rock' - with the help of brilliant edit producer and Actual Rock Star Willy Norton.

I chose a totally British soundtrack (of course), and commissioned some wonderful character animations of awkward British situations by Videogram. Based on the brilliant Twitter feed.

Very British Problems

Britain's Greatest Adverts

Jimmy Tarbuck: My Life In Showbusiness

Britain's Greatest Adverts

A fun, socio-historical, feature-length doc, requiring an epically long recording session of my firmly-tongue-in-cheek script with the fabulous Celia Imrie.

You remember that British Airways ad, right? Well I bet you didn't notice THIS. Just one fascinating insight from what was genuinely a pretty deep dive into advertising. More wonderful editing from Charlie Marbles.

Comedy entertainment

The Apprentice: You're Fired

It was an absolute joy to work closely with the mighty Jack Dee and Romesh Ranganathan; writing the script and talking into Jack’s earpiece from the gallery, and sending Romesh on various escapades. As series producer I brought in new features, such as meeting The Apprentice’s never-seen, yet familiar faces, like the nice people who run the Bridge Café. Sir Alan once told me I was very organised.

Having worked on the show since series 1, I produced series 5, where this clip is from. I wrote the Cuddle Jumper story, and persuaded a very dubious Nick Hewer to come on the show. (The producer of Countdown later told me they approached Nick to be the host after seeing him on WILTY. As yet, no fee has been discussed.)

Would I Lie To You?

All About Two

Given the opportunity to make a montage of Sir David Attenborough moments, who among us could resist using Circle of Life from The Lion King? (I want to make it clear that absolutely no disrespect to the wonderful man was intended.)

All About Two

I’ve included this for fans of, or those who until now were unaware of, the frankly mind-blowing phenomenon that is Jilly Goolden’s career as a TV wine critic. We need more of this.

All About Two

For a programme celebrating 50 years of BBC2, I made short VT montages of some of the channel’s most famous shows, like the original Bake Off.

Transferable skills

End-to-end delivery

Between initial concept and signing off the final edit, I will have pitched ideas, recruited a team, negotiated with contributors and suppliers, had full control of editorial content, set up and run shoots, run an edit, addressed stakeholders' notes , and ensured all legal and broadcast requirements are met.

Scheduling

Adaptability

Collaboration

Diplomacy

Budgeting

Making this website

I do everything from pitching ideas, to giving clear instructions to multiple departments, to briefing contributors. I’m an excellent copywriter, producing compelling, factually correct scripts, pitches and press releases.

Quite honestly I've surprised myself.

Large-scale shoots

I have made big-budget, prime-time entertainment shows, where, as well as my editorial oversight, I have been across the running of the shoot itself - attending and running planning meetings, liaising with heads of department (cameras, sound, lighting, floor management, art) and producing from the gallery, alongside the studio director.

Small-scale shoots

On pilots and small documentary teams, I have sourced and booked studios and locations, designed and dressed spaces and sets, and directed shoots. I have produced shoots in green screen studios, white cyclorama / infinity curves, black-box studios, and hired spaces such as domestic homes or cafes.

I've worked with both massive and tiny budgets, spending big money when it's necessary, but also coming up with imaginative ways to stretch finances or move money across budget lines when there's not much available.

I’m always involved with devising a production schedule which is achievable with the time, money and personnel available. I make daily shooting schedules and programme running orders. I have run multiple simultaneous edits, supervising the making of different parts or episodes of a show at one time.

My experience in celebrity booking means I know how to use my skills of persuasion to convince someone that a project is right for them, and also find a way to say ‘No’, while keeping a contributor onside. I have plenty of experience of wrangling ‘tricky’ high-profile personalities.

Working with many different stakeholders, I have always needed to make sure everyone in all the diverse roles on a production team is pulling in the same creative direction, as well as satisfying (and often decoding) the needs of the channel commissioner I’m delivering to.

Acquiring expertise

Leadership

I'm used to managing people - and expectations - on production teams of all sizes; from a junior researcher needing support and guidance, to a graphics supplier on a tight deadline. I never let my team feel overworked or undervalued.

Communication

I've worked on shows including live election coverage and topical shows, where the content can change even during the recording or live broadcast. This means being able to take the appropriate action fast, and keep calm.

I’m happy, confident and competent in working in new areas and quickly getting up to speed on a new subject. I have written research briefs on hundreds of topics, and made documentaries and series on a huge variety of subjects.