LEADER

Celebrating female talent

Our 2018 set of Broadcast Hot Shots embody what it takes to make an impression in the competitive world of British television. Testimonials from some of TV’s top bosses prove the potential of these talented young people, who will no doubt be leading industry fi gures of the future. The group is also, as you will note, diverse and female. Our decision to focus solely on young women is recognition of their determination, ambition and ability to succeed in an industry striving to improve its record in gender issues. There are still issues to face: in February, Broadcast broke the news that 76 female writers had put their names to an open letter decrying a perceived lack of opportunities in British drama. Another 32 later added their signatures. Our plan was met with some criticism from a few who felt the approach was at the expense of talented young men, but this was far outweighed by emails and messages praising a proactive and prescient move. It was about time, too. As one Hot Shot said: “This is the fi rst female-only TV initiative of its kind that I can think of.” Among the class of 2018 are development execs and producers who have worked on major new series for the likes of Netfl ix, Channel 4 and the BBC. One managed the cast and egos of The Real Full Monty, while another was vital to director Asif Kapadia on his BBC doc series Stephen: The Murder That Changed A Nation. There’s the script editor who impressed Sally Wainwright by overseeing the translation of a 100,000-word, 200-year-old text for a new BBC1 and HBO drama, and the business development exec who, aged just 22, was selected as the fi rst commercial staffer at BBC Studios’ lauded Natural History Unit. Each of our Hot Shots has the potential to shake up the television industry in the years to come and we will enjoy following their progress. As always, we send our thanks to the industry chiefs who took time to bring well over 120 outstanding candidates to our attention, from which the fi nal selection was made.

Jesse Whittock, Hot Shots editor

broadcastnow.co.uk August 2018 | Broadcast Hot Shots | 3

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Covent Garden The Hospital Club Studio

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[email protected] | 020 7170 9512 | thehospitalclub.com/studio

[email protected] | 020 7170 9512 | thehospitalclub.com/studio

recorded productions

TV studio for live and

Covent Garden The Hospital Club Studio

CONTENTS

06 PRODUCTION In-demand talent 21 BUSINESS Future leaders 24 DIRECTORS Original perspectives 26 WRITERS Distinctive new voices 28 POST Stars of editing 32 MULTIPLATFORM Online champions

The Hospital Club Studio Cover Roxy Rezvany Previous page Elaina Boateng This page Hildegard Ryan Covent Garden Back cover Charisma Jones With thanks for the participation of The Hospital Club PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY Theodore Wood HOT SHOTS ONLINE GALLERY TV studio for live and broadcastnow.co.uk Broadcast Editor Chris Curtis Supplement Editor Jesse Whittock Art Editor Abi Hardwick Production Editor Dominic Needham recorded productions Managing Director, MBI Alison Pitchford Senior Sales Manager Talia Levine

[email protected] | 020 7170 9512 | thehospitalclub.com/studio broadcastnow.co.uk August 2018 | Broadcast Hot Shots | 5 JENNIFER MCCONNELL 30 SENIOR DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE/STORY PRODUCER, ARCHERY PICTURES

Jennifer will eventually run a successful drama company or become the head of drama at a major broadcaster

JUDY COUNIHAN (CREATIVE DIRECTOR, ARCHERY PICTURES) ON JENNIFER MCCONNELL

Nominated by: Judy Counihan, creative director, Archery Pictures Jennifer McConnell’s recent script- editing credits provide an insight into her versatility and instinct for drama with commercial potential, comprising Sky 1’s British cop drama Bulletproof, long-running BBC1 soap EastEnders, Sky Atlantic drama Riviera and BBC2 period piece Wolf Hall. On Riviera, she had to navigate the needs of the showrunner and multiple writers, as well as production challenges such as shooting in the South of France. On Bulletproof, she is credited with ensuring that female characters got plenty of screen time and helping the script avoid stereotyping. Her “extreme clarity when it comes to storytelling” means “there are no glass ceilings or glass boxes for Jennifer”, says Archery Pictures creative director Judy Counihan. “She has the ambition and drive to continually hone her storytelling skills, will develop and produce her own shows, and eventually run a successful drama company or become the head of drama at a major broadcaster. Alternatively, should she decide to become an international advocate for women’s rights, that too is an option.”

6 | Broadcast Hot Shots | August 2018 broadcastnow.co.uk PRODUCTION – SCRIPTED

KELSEY RICHARDS 28 HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT, DRAMA, BBC STUDIOS WALES

Kelsey’s deep love for drama is apparent from the moment you meet her. She is passionate about storytelling

MARK LINSEY (CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER, BBC STUDIOS) ON KELSEY RICHARDS

Nominated by: Simon Winstone, head of drama, BBC Studios Wales Kelsey Richards’ star has been in the ascendency at the BBC’s Cardiff base since joining in 2013. She was nominated for a Hot Shot after winning an internal production award for her attempts to portray untold stories on screen, and was part of a team that pitched to the BBC Executive Committee an initiative to engage with youth audiences that has now been implemented across the corporation. She is also credited with driving strate- gies to attract, train and retain a young and diverse workforce. Kelsey is equally passionate about drama development, working on staple BBC1 series such as Casualty and Holby City, and was promoted from acting story producer to head of drama development in Wales last year. “Kelsey’s deep love for drama is apparent from the moment you meet her,” says BBC Studios chief creative offi cer Mark Linsey. “She is passionate about writers and storytelling and has already been a fantastic asset to BBC Studios’ drama in Cardiff.” BBC drama execs say that “at a time when all and sundry claim to care about new writers and fresh voices, Kelsey has been walking for the walk for years”.

broadcastnow.co.uk August 2018 | Broadcast Hot Shots | 7 CHRISTABEL ROSE 28 DEVELOPMENT AND SCRIPT EDITOR, PLAYGROUND ENTERTAINMENT

Nominated by: Sophie Gardiner, alike”, but Gardiner says she also tandem developing projects and managing director, Chapter One “thinks very well about the wider script-editing major series “Christabel is going to be an world” – a huge boon when Howards End, Little Women and important person in television developing and editing complex Channel 4’s upcoming Lucy Kirk- drama,” says Sophie Gardiner, scripted programming and a real wood play adaptation Chimerica. who worked with the Hot Shot asset in the relationship-driven “Since joining the Playground during her time as head of world of high-end TV drama. team, she has worked with the likes drama at Wolf Hall producer After beginning her career with of Heidi Thomas, Lucy Kirkwood Playground Entertainment. spells at fi lm production companies and Kenneth Lonergan, all of Not only is she credited with Recorded Picture Company, whom sing her praises,” says Play- being “clever and brilliant with HanWay Films and Shine Pictures, ground founder Colin Callender. scripts” and “respectful of, and Christabel switched to Playground “She is a great script editor, and no respected by, writers and producers in 2016 and has since worked in one deserves this recognition more.”

8 | Broadcast Hot Shots | August 2018 broadcastnow.co.uk PRODUCTION – SCRIPTED

GRACE BLACKET 29 SCRIPT EDITOR, LEFT BANK PICTURES

Nominated by: Andy Harries, chief At The Crown producer Left Bank, of ambitious new work – work executive, Left Bank Pictures she is currently developing new without borders and language Grace Blacket moved to Britain shows from up-and-coming barriers – and she is an asset to from Australia just three years writers and recently played a key our development team,” says Left ago but has already made a role in the development of White Bank chief executive Andy Harries. signifi cant mark in the UK Lines, a new Netfl ix drama from La He adds that she “already tele vision industry. Casa De Papel creator Alex Pina. demonstrates the creativity Having worked on scripted Left Bank has benefi ted from and entrepreneurial skills of a shows such as Home And Away as Grace’s knowledge of the creative producer” and will move in that a scriptwriter for Seven Network community Down Under and her direction in the coming years. in her homeland, by March 2016 introductions to Australian “She’s passionate about television she had secured a script editor role writers. “Grace is very determined and will be an asset to our creative on EastEnders. and passionate about being a part community,” says Harries. broadcastnow.co.uk August 2018 | Broadcast Hot Shots | 9 PRODUCTION – SCRIPTED

STELLA MERZ 27 ZOE WATERMAN 29 SCRIPT EDITOR, LOOKOUT POINT ASSISTANT PRODUCER, DEVELOPMENT, ZEPPOTRON Nominated by: Faith Penhale, joint chief executive and creative Nominated by: Rachel Ablett, director, Lookout Point head of scripted development, It speaks volumes that established Zeppotron writers Mike Bartlett and Sally Zoe Waterman’s career, which she Wainwright both provided began as a trainee on the Mama testimonials for Stella Merz’s Youth Project before progressing Hot Shots application. through BBC Comedy and eventu- Having begun her career as ally Endemol Shine UK comedy an assistant to United Agents’ label Zeppotron, has included work Michelle Archer, Stella joined on the likes of BBC2 comedies Lookout Point as a development Inside No. 9 and Upstart Crow and assistant in 2016 and was pro- BBC4 comedy-doc spoof The Life Of moted to script editor last year Rock With Brian Pern. Zeppetron to aid the pair. execs describe her comic chops as She is also script-editing “spot on”. They are paired with the Andrew Davies’ forthcoming skill of “hand-holding writers to BBC1 drama A Suitable Boy. help them get the best from scripts”. Bartlett calls her work on Zoe has not limited herself to his BBC newspaper drama scripted, however – a good thing Press “sensitive, proactive considering Zeppotron is also and sophisticated”, while behind 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Wainwright says Stella has been Countdown and Would I Lie To “relentlessly hardworking” You?. With her passion for comedy, CHARLIE COOMBES 28 as a script editor, “with lots of she has developed strong relation- SCRIPTED DEVELOPMENT PRODUCER, CPL PRODUCTIONS ideas and a fi ne eye for detail” on ships with stand-ups and comic the BBC1/HBO co-production talent and brought them to the Nominated by: Arabella McGuigan, the organisation’s Writers Room, is Gentleman Jack. indie, and she runs her own exec producer and head of scripted now well versed in working with Stella was familiar with the comedy nights around London. development, CPL Productions; writers across scripted genres and source material of the latter, “Zoe is brimming with potential Danielle Lux, managing director has built a profi le by appearing on which led her to team up with – she’s imaginative, resourceful Charlie Coombes has comprised RTS Futures panels and judging the prolifi c Wainwright, and she and full of initiative,” says Zeppo- half of CPL Productions’ two- short-fi lm and script competitions. single-handedly co-ordinated the tron scripted development chief woman scripted development CPL boss Danielle Lux calls her translation of almost 100,000 Rachel Ablett. “She’s also princi- team for three years. Probably her “a very talented creative with a words of the 200-year-old text pled, funny and her sensibility is biggest achievement to date has sharp intellect and an encyclopaedic on which the series is based. bang on the money. I’m sure she’ll been fi nding new writing talent knowledge of television, theatre “A voracious reader and eventually go on to be a fantastic Ambreen Razia, developing and and literature”, adding: “She has researcher, her thoughts on scripted comedy producer. then helping her land a BBC3 pilot an excellent eye for talent and has scripts are full of insight and she “She’s astute, tenacious and commission for her comedy script applied her rigorous development brings a fresh perspective,” says disarmingly frank, full of smart, Diary Of A Hounslow Girl (w/t), skills to honing the writing and Wainwright. “Crucially, she’s lots robust ideas and she’s well-liked which will be the fi rst British performing skills of emerging of fun and really knows how to and respected by both performers sitcom to feature three Asian talent. Despite her relative youth, make me laugh.” and writers. She’s a natural collab- female leads. As reward for her Charlie has fascinating opinions Lookout Point chief Faith orator with a really generous work, Charlie will produce it. and perspectives on television, Penhale adds that wherever nature – a total team player who’s Charlie, who has also worked in which she expresses with clarity the TV industry is going, “Stella terrifi c company in the offi ce, not development for BBC Comedy and and passion.” will be leading the way”. to mention on a night out.”

10 | Broadcast Hot Shots | August 2018 broadcastnow.co.uk PRODUCTION – NON-SCRIPTED

PHELAN GLEN 28 PRODUCER, POTATO

Phelan’s originality of voice makes her precisely the sort of person who will help shape the industry over the next 20 years

ED TAYLOR (CREATIVE DIRECTOR, POTATO) ON PHELAN GLEN

Nominated by: Ed Taylor, creative director, Potato Phelan Glen’s CV includes gaining access to the underbelly of the New York gangsta rap scene and convincing Tammy Wynette’s former groundskeeper to break a 20-year silence about the star’s death. This has helped her go from casting researcher to producer in two years. “Phelan’s creativity, energy and positivity made her stand out from day one,” says executive producer Suzy Davis. Phelan gained a fi rst class law degree before deciding that the edit suite rather than the court room was where she wanted to ply her trade. Work for various producers on series such as Channel 4’s Sex Box and BBC1’s Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is quickly followed. She is currently working on Netfl ix and Reelz doc seriesAutopsy: The Last Hours Of… and has been introduced to script writing on Channel 5 feature fi lmBiopics , which she will story produce. “There are lots of qualities that are common to previous Broadcast Hot Shots – they are usually hard working, persuasive, funny, intelligent and creative, to name but a few,” says Davis. “Phelan has all these qualities, but she also has something else – she is a highly original personality.” “I have met no one else like her in TV, and this originality of voice as a creative force makes her precisely the sort of person who will help shape the industry over the next 20 years,” says Potato creative director Ed Taylor. broadcastnow.co.uk August 2018 | Broadcast Hot Shots | 11 ELAINA BOATENG 27 VICTORIA GLOVER 29 PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR, BBC STUDIOS DEVELOPMENT PRODUCER, LITTLE GEM

Nominated by: Fiona Clarke, head BBC Next Generation Board, Nominated by: Natasha Bondy, Victoria has “a nose for where of London factual, BBC Studios which aims to inform corporation creative director and co-founder, the funny can come from” and has This year, Elaina Boateng was thinking and reflect views of Little Gem cut some of Little Gem’s best taster selected to work on BBC Studios’ younger audiences and staff. The team at Little Gem knew tapes, Bondy adds. first external commission, Channel 4 Todd says: “Elaina is permanently Victoria Glover was a special talent Her other credits include doc Fatberg Autopsy. Described by enthusiastic, hungry for new after she spotted the potential of field-producingGogglebox , BBC Studios head of production experiences and always goes the Antonella Brollini, a GP receptionist writing for new E4 show Mutiny for topical and live Nick Todd extra mile for her projects. She from Rossendale whose home and helping to develop BBC2’s as a “rising star” in production grasps new information and situa- video product reviews were gener- Employable Me and Channel 5’s management,­ she was soon tions easily and effectively, and her ating laughs online. Victoria went Britain’s Secret Cults. finding solutions to unpredictable smiley demeanour belies a firm and on to earn a short-form commission “Victoria has telly in her bones, issues, including how to deal with decisive hand when necessary.” from BBC3, Truth Or Mare, writing is incredibly hard-working and has a potentially melting fatberg. Those in factual production the treatments and producing the a cracking sense of mischievous Her career in TV began after she management at the BBC say episodes, which have garnered humour,” says Bondy. “Flipping completed the Mama Youth Project, Elaina is destined for a head of more than 18 million views to date. seamlessly from development to where she worked on Pick TV production role, but that her influ- “She has a natural gift for spotting production and back, combined magazine show What’s Up. She is ence could spread even further. great talent and a good idea,” says with innate unflappability, she now an important part of the BBC “She is always interested in the Little Gem’s Natasha Bondy. “She has the potential to become a Studios factual team in London bigger picture at the BBC and the can add a format point that can turn great series producer, exec or and was recently accepted onto the wider industry,” says Todd. an ordinary idea into a brilliant one.” commissioning editor.”

12 | Broadcast Hot Shots | August 2018 broadcastnow.co.uk PRODUCTION – NON-SCRIPTED

GABBY SAPER 28 SPORTS FACTUAL PRODUCER, GOALHANGER FILMS

If cloning existed, I’d ask them to start with Gabby Saper. She’s a brilliant young producer who is vital to Goalhanger

TONY PASTOR (CO-FOUNDER, GOALHANGER FILMS) ON GABBY SAPER

Nominated by: Tony Pastor, executive producer and co- founder, Goalhanger Films Gabby Saper joined Gary Lineker’s Goalhanger Films as the sports documentary production company’s first hire, directly after completing a Sports Broadcast Journalism degree course at Staffordshire University. She has since worked on docu- mentaries for the likes of the BBC, Channel 4, Dave and History. Highlights include producing BBC1 boxing doc Anthony Joshua: The Road To Klitschko and BBC2 series The Premier League Show, and acting as AP on C4’s quick- turnaround doc Mo Salah: A Football Fairytale, Dave’s Football’s 47 Worst Songs, and several History series. Since entering the male-domi- nated world of sports program- ming, Gabby’s experience extends to directing shoots, carrying out high-profile interviews and edit- producing programmes. Those who work with her praise her organisational skills, budget control, interviewing skills and edit production, and note that she is taking on ever-more senior roles as she progresses. Those skills added together mean the team at Goalhanger are united in the belief Gabby that will quickly rise through the ranks of sports factual production. “If cloning existed, I’d ask them to start with Gabby Saper. She’s a brilliant young producer who is vital to Goalhanger Films,” says Goalhanger co-founder and executive producer Tony Pastor, a former ITV Sport controller. broadcastnow.co.uk August 2018 | Broadcast Hot Shots | 13 SHAUNA BOTREL 27 ELLA TAYLOR 30 ASSISTANT PRODUCER, BLAKEWAY NORTH PRODUCER, SHINE TV

Nominated by: Sarah Murch, Bargain Loving Brits In The Sun Nominated by: Tim Whitwell, She also oversaw the policing managing director and executive in Spain before working on a C4 creative director, Shine TV; Matt elements of another big Shine TV producer, Blakeway North daytime series about the PDSA and Bennett, executive producer series, Channel 4’s Hunted, and With a natural work ethic and well-received BBC3 documentary According to the senior team at has credits on shows for the an “incredibly warm and person­ Manchester Bomb – Our Story, Shine TV, the “delightfully playful” BBC such as You Make Me Feel able” nature, Shauna Botrel has for which her casting was Ella Taylor is on the cusp of her Like Dancing and Tom Kerridge’s quickly gained a reputation as described as “brilliant”. first senior producer role, having Best Ever Dishes, and C4’s The an in-demand new talent in and “Shauna is ego-free, entirely managed and looked after a team Recruitment Agency, Heston’s around the Manchester television dedicated, versatile and talented. of 15 detectives from the world of Space Food and Jamie And Jimmy’s production scene. I really think she is going places,” policing for upcoming Sky 1 factual Friday Night Feast. She began her career as an audi- says Blakeway North managing entertainment series The Heist. “Ella intrinsically thinks in ence co-ordinator on ITV’s The director Sarah Murch. “With her Working as a producer, she narrative terms, but also ensures Jeremy Kyle Show and Judge Rinder, mix of skills and work ethic, I try ensured the detectives were there is the wherewithal to and has since gained researcher to find a role for her on many of provided with the forensics and produce stories – characters, credits on shows such as ITV Be’s Blakeway North’s commissions. 3D scanning tools they needed to scenarios and logistical back-up,” The Real Housewives Of Cheshire, “She has made a real difference lead a proper investigation, and says Shine TV creative director CBBC’s The Dengineers and to our programmes, finding good the show got the best detective- Tim Whitwell. “Highly organised Channel 4’s The Lie Detective. characters for our documentaries led storylines possible. At the and sharp, Ella will be taking over She gained her first AP credit on and helping to develop new series same time, she managed and the helm of big flagship series Blakeway North’s Channel 5 series that have gone to commission.” co-ordinated six PD teams. before long.”

14 | Broadcast Hot Shots | August 2018 broadcastnow.co.uk PRODUCTION – NON-SCRIPTED

ALICE SCAYSBROOK 27 PRODUCER, SPUN GOLD TV

Alice is hugely ambitious and learns fast, so provided the opportunities are there, the sky’s the limit

MATT YOUNG (HEAD OF FACTUAL ENTERTAINMENT, SPUN GOLD) ON ALICE SCAYSBROOK

Nominated by: Matt Young, head of factual entertainment, Spun Gold TV Alice Scaysbrook’s “infectious” passion for production shone through when casting and managing the talent for ITV surprise breakout hit The Real Full Monty and its Ladies Night spin-off. It also informed her approach when she reassuringly convinced eight morbidly obese people to bare their souls on another ITV doc, My 18-30 Stone Holiday, and in gaining access to the closed-off world of multi- millionaires and billionaires for Channel 5’s Ruth And Eamonn: How The Other Half Lives. The team at Spun Gold say Alice’s warm personality and meticulous attention to detail mean both talent and regular pro- gramming contributors have fond memories of their time with her. “Alice is an outstanding producer and a fantastic team player,” says Spun Gold head of factual entertainment Matt Young. “Whether it’s difficult and challenging access documen- taries, casting interesting and compelling characters or managing tricky and demanding talent, she always delivers.” Former Twofour associate producer and researcher Alice, whose communication skills are thought of at Spun Gold as “second to none”, is currently producing series for major UK broadcasters. “Alice is hugely ambitious and learns fast, so provided the opportunities are there, the sky’s the limit,” says Young. broadcastnow.co.uk August 2018 | Broadcast Hot Shots | 15 EMMA WALKER 25 DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, ICON FILMS Emma is destined Nominated by: Laura Marshall, management and an in-house for great things managing director, Icon Films development team of eight, in television Emma Walker has fast become working on shows such as BBC2’s and will probably indispensable at factual indie Andrew Marr: My Brain And Me, be the boss of Icon Films. Managing director Travel Channel’s Hunting Evidence Laura Marshall describes her as and Animal Planet’s Mighty Rivers of us all in having “extraordinary maturity” and The Lost Kingdom Of The Yeti. the future with a “calm authority” well Her love of television in all beyond her 25 years. its forms makes her an endless “I have never worked with fount of programme and industry anyone so sharp and reassured knowledge – and she is often the at such a young age,” she says. one prepping senior execs for LAURA MARSHALL (MANAGING “Emma is destined for great things international events such as DIRECTOR, ICON FILMS) ON in television and will probably be Realscreen and Mipcom. EMMA WALKER boss of of us all in the future.” “Emma is wise way beyond her After starting out in TV as a years and incredibly capable,” development assistant and PA to says Marshall. “She is passionate Icon’s head of factual, Emma’s about TV and has the potential current role sees her act as a to run a successful company or vital pivot between senior channel in the future.”

16 | Broadcast Hot Shots | August 2018 broadcastnow.co.uk PRODUCTION – NON-SCRIPTED

SAIMA FERDOWS 30 SARAH STEVENSON 30 FREELANCE ASSISTANT PRODUCER SENIOR PRODUCER, EMPORIUM PRODUCTIONS

Nominated by: Gina Lyons, working closely with Lyons to Nominated by: Emma Read, Gabe Solomon. “She is sincere, comedy producer, Expectation ensure a positive representation of managing director, Emporium honest and sensitive and, as a Entertainment talent across different ethnicities Productions result, builds strong relationships Along with racking up credits on and genders. “It was a tight turn­ At Emporium Productions, Sarah across the board, which allow her shows for the likes of ITV2 and around and a tight budget, but Stevenson has established a repu- to get the very best performance Channel 4, Saima Ferdows is recog­ Saima was creative and organised tation as a creative force equally from people.” nised as one of a new generation in sourcing the best archive for the strong in factual development and Sarah’s production credits include who are actively seeking to find show,” says Lyons. production. She leads the develop- History’s WW2 Treasure Hunters, and promote BAME talent. “Saima Saima’s other achievements ment team and will be shooting C5’s Supermarket Secrets Revealed is talented, hardworking and include helping to develop BBC4 producer/director on an upcoming and Why Do Men Get Paid More incredibly passionate,” says Gina quiz show Hive Minds to pilot stage eight-part SVoD commission. Than Women?, Harry And Meghan: Lyons, who was Saima’s senior and then on to series, working on Sarah’s passion to get the right Royal Rebels for Lifetime in the US, producer on ITV2 stand-up show Channel 4’s NTA-winning Coach material has seen her convince and Donal MacIntyre’s Murder Files The Great Xmas Rant. “She is calm Trip, and credits for Rude Tube. a woman in labour to allow the for CBS Reality. in stressful situations and always “I wouldn’t be surprised if in 10 birth of her child to be captured “Sarah understands structure, does her bit to push for on-screen years I was answering to Saima,” on film and work with a convicted format and style and, with excel- and behind-the-camera diversity.” says Lyons. “She is a creative, yet murderer for Channel 5’s Inside lent technical knowledge and a The ITV2 show featured diverse logical, kind and generous assis- The World’s Toughest Prisons. great eye for both a strong story talent such as Darren Harriott and tant producer, and she has an eye “Sarah is great with people,” and a nice shot, is able to deliver,” London Hughes, with Saima for comedic and diverse talent.” says Emporium exec producer says Solomon. broadcastnow.co.uk August 2018 | Broadcast Hot Shots | 17 HAYLEY RIVETT 29 LAURA MARSTON 29 PRODUCTION MANAGER, BLAKEWAY NORTH PRODUCER, TUESDAY’S CHILD TV

Nominated by: Alison Lewis, Gobsmacking Global Ads for Nominated by: Steph Harris, one and was elevated to the role production exec, Blakeway North Channel 5 and CBBC’s creative director, popular factual, of producer on series two earlier Hayley Rivett keeps a calm head Nikki Lilly Meets and My Life: Tuesday’s Child TV this year. Her senior colleagues when presented with the tough Nikki Lilly, along with junior “For someone of such diminutive describe her as having “owned” challenges brought by managing production management work stature, Laura stands head and the position, displaying maturity productions for the likes of on Bargain Loving Brits In shoulders above her peers with her and skills way beyond her years CBBC and BBC3. Blackpool (C5) and Stacey Dooley Herculean talent,” says Tuesday’s and experience. “It is obvious to me that Hayley Investigates: The Sex Offender Child creative director Steph Harris notes that there is a is going places – she is a very Next Door (BBC3). Harris. “Her star is definitely in “definite shortage” of strong series skilled and talented PM,” says The earlier part of her decade- the ascendancy and she will burn producers, but that Laura will help Blakeway North managing director long career in TV included work brightly wherever she goes.” to fill that gap. “Laura is ambitious Sarah Murch. “From studio series on the Rip Off Britain franchise for Laura’s enthusiasm and tenacity but is not trying to run before she to observational documentaries the BBC’s factual, topical and live is well known in the industry has given each role 100% dedica- and current affairs, all her projects production division, One Born thanks to series such as BBC2 tion and has learned everything are run smoothly and calmly. I can Every Minute for Dragonfly and shows Million Pound Menu and she needs to take her upwards to spot talent a mile off and I just Channel 4, Danny Baker’s Great The Apprentice, Channel 4’s Child the next one,” she says. “She has know that in a few years she will Album Showdown for BBC Scot- Genius and ITV’s Bring Back the makings of a brilliant series be a production executive.” land, and The Voice Australia and Borstal. She joined C4 series Lego producer in the next two years. At Blakeway, Hayley has Australia’s Next Top Model during Masters with glowing references Laura is one of television’s shining managed operations on a period living Down Under. as an assistant producer on series stars – and her future is bright.”

18 | Broadcast Hot Shots | August 2018 broadcastnow.co.uk PRODUCTION – NON-SCRIPTED

LINDSAY KONIECZNY 30 PRIYA SOHAL 25 JUNIOR PRODUCER, FREELANCE ASSISTANT PRODUCER, LION TV

Nominated by: Victoria Musguin- TV, The Connected Set, Mentorn Nominated by: Lisa Edwards, crea- influence is considered a major Rowe, development executive and Media, Knickerbockerglory TV, tive director, factual, Lion Television reason why Lucy Leveugle commis- series producer, On the Corner Films Blast! Films, Dragonfly and On the Lion Television creative director sioned the series in the first place. According to The Garden chief Corner. She has worked on series Lisa Edwards says producers and Her treatments, idea generation creative officer John Hay, Lindsay such as ITV’s Heathrow: Britain’s developers always say the same and brainstorming skills are also Konieczny has a “frankly intimi- Busiest Airport, Channel 4’s 999: thing about Priya Sohal: “She’s singled out for praise and have dating CV” for someone who has What’s Your Emergency? and brilliant, isn’t she?” contributed to her gaining credits worked in the industry for only five BBC1’s Stephen: The Murder That “Priya was here when I joined on ITV’s Save Money: Good Health, years. “Lindsay has impressed us Changed A Nation, working with Lion two years ago and she is now BBC3’s Junior Doctors and BBC2’s from the moment we first met her. director Asif Kapadia on the latter. my go-to person for most things Back In Time For The Weekend. She We hired her for one of our most This year, Lindsay, who mentors because you know she will always was also partly responsible for the complicated and sensitive projects, three woman from diverse back- do whatever is needed – whether commission of BBC1 series The but she’s run with its ambition and grounds, has been working on the it’s finding a fabulous location, Truth About Sleep. shown an enviable ability to see funded development of a six-part giving a critique on a TV show or “Priya is an all-round awesome through the layers of complexity. series from On the Corner for an casting and writing, all to a very person to have on your team,” says In 10 years’ time, I could imagine SVoD service and BBC2 factual high standard,” says Edwards. Edwards. “She has great ideas, can her as an exec, a commissioner or drama Race On Trial (w/t), which Priya’s casting work on Channel 4 put together fabulous treatments a major director.” explores conscious and subcon- series The Secret Life Of The and pull together inventive brain- That intimidating CV includes scious racial bias within the Holiday Resort is described as storms. She always, always gets credits from Sundog Pictures, Raw criminal justice system. “second to none”. Indeed, Priya’s the job done.” broadcastnow.co.uk August 2018 | Broadcast Hot Shots | 19 PRODUCTION – NON-SCRIPTED

GEORGIA WAGSTAFF 25 ASSISTANT PRODUCER, HITCHHIKER TELEVISION

Georgia is a great generator of ideas and an excellent writer… she could easily be running a department in 10 years’ time

WILL SPOKES (CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER, HITCHHIKER TELEVISION) ON GEORGIA WAGSTAFF

Nominated by: Ian Lamarra, creative director and co-founder, Alaska TV At 25 years old, Georgia Wagstaff has created and developed a non-TX pilot for Sky 1, The Rules, and developed another panel show pilot, Do The Right Thing, for Channel 4. Not only that but she also produced key sessions at last year’s Edinburgh International Television Festival, including Russell Brand’s Alternative MacTaggart, Jay Hunt’s final C4 controller session and Charlotte Moore’s BBC update. Ian Lamarra, the Edinburgh advisory committee member (and former Broadcast Hot Shot) who worked with Georgia on Do The Right Thing, says her extensive credit list shows that she embodies a rare combination: a producer and developer who takes ideas from conception to greenlight and guarantees a company new busi- ness. He says that while some devel- opers will target so-called ‘easier’ slots, Georgia likes to go the other way and embraces the challenge. Lamarra says her “all too uncom- mon” skillset helps her quickly create creative rapport with talent, from David Jason on Gold’s The Story Of Only Fools And Horses to Nick Helm on Dave’s Eat Your Heart Out With Nick Helm. “Georgia is a great generator of ideas, an excellent writer and a creative producer,” adds Hitch- hiker Television chief creative officer Will Spokes. “With these skills, which straddle both devel- opment and production, she could easily be running a department in her own image in 10 years’ time.”

20 | Broadcast Hot Shots | August 2018 broadcastnow.co.uk BUSINESS

CHARISMA JONES 30 SENIOR COMMISSIONING LAWYER, UKTV

Charisma demonstrates maturity when taking on new tasks and always remains calm under pressure

EMMA SMITHIES (SENIOR COMMISSIONING LAWYER, UKTV) ON CHARISMA JONES

Nominated by: Samantha Hammonds, general counsel, UKTV The team at UKTV see Charisma Jones as a future champion of women working in the legal media sector, especially those who have come into the industry from non- traditional backgrounds. “She will move up with ease to a senior posi- tion as she gains more experience, and in 10 years’ time will be a leader,” says Emma Smithies, another senior commissioning lawyer at the British multichannel broadcaster. It was Charisma’s steely deter­ mination that convinced UKTV to support her goal of qualifying as a lawyer, which was a first for the company. That same approach means she will deliberately put herself in tough scenarios to increase her skillset and experience. Her team say she demonstrates “maturity when taking on new tasks and challenges and always remains calm under pressure”, and that her “bubbly” personality is often the glue that brings the wider team together. She, crucially for a lawyer, can deliver “uncom- fortable truths in a unique and professional manner that is welcomed and respected”. UKTV has a large channels busi- ness, meaning Charisma’s work- load is extremely large and varied, but her team credit her with chal- lenging processes and conventional methods to achieved better results. Charisma began her media law career with Channel 5 in legal and business affairs. Her workload at UKTV includes dealing with commissions, acquisitions and distribution deals. broadcastnow.co.uk August 2018 | Broadcast Hot Shots | 21 FRANCESCA JOHNSON 30 DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Nominated by: Carolyn Payne, knowledge of what works for the commissioning editor, channel”. She is referred to as the National Geographic “linchpin” of the London develop- Francesca’s Francesca Johnson’s promotion to ment and commissioning team. director level in 2017 came after “Organising a big and complex potential is huge. seven years with the factual giant development slate of films and Her creative and has, to date, resulted in more series, bringing in new indie pro- instincts are than 50 hours of commissioned ducers and getting the established just as strong as content, including Diana: In Her ones to come to Nat Geo as their Own Words and Drain The Oceans, first port of call – Francesca does it her business which has aired in the UK, US and all with wit and skill and has tire- acumen around the world. less energy,” says Hamish Mykura, She is now the first port of call for executive vice-president of pro- new ideas from British producers, gramming and development for oversees regional production strat- Nat Geo. “Francesca’s potential is egies in Asia, Europe and Latin huge. Her creative instincts are just HAMISH MYKURA (EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT OF PROGRAMMING America, and is driving Nat Geo’s as strong as her business acumen, AND DEVELOPMENT, NAT GEO) ON greenlight processes with what her and she’s able to deliver both good FRANCESCA JOHNSON colleagues call an “institutional and bad news with equal poise.”

22 | Broadcast Hot Shots | August 2018 broadcastnow.co.uk BUSINESS

BRYONY O’DONNELL 22 MARTHA ATACK 27 COMMERCIAL AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE, ASSOCIATE AGENT, BBC STUDIOS NATURAL HISTORY UNIT INTERTALENT RIGHTS GROUP

Nominated by: Ben Clarke, senior “Not a day goes by when we’re Nominated by: Jonathan Shalit, become a co-lead in ITR’s digital commercial and business develop- not reminded of Bryony’s extra­ chairman and founder, InterTalent influencer division, working with ment manager, BBC Studios ordinary grasp of her role, whether Rights Group YouTube talent. She is also credited With BBC Studios now a commercial meticulously looking through the Martha Atack left the world of for her ingenuity in launching a entity, the need to monetise is bigger detail of a deal, accompanying an freelance PR to set up her own TV YouTube channel for Jacqueline than ever. Enter Bryony O’Donnell, executive producer for a meeting and film talent agency, amassing a Jossa while the actress was preg- who despite her young years has with a new client or giving a resumé roster of entertainment industry nant with her second child. This has been instrumental in bringing of an investment meeting,” says clients from her flat. Less than a amassed 35,000 subscribers and co-production and distribution Julian Hector, head of the NHU. year after joining InterTalent Rights generated several branding deals. funding to various Natural History “Bryony conceals a ferocious Group (ITR) as a junior agent’s “Martha is one of the most Unit (NHU) shows such as the brightness and a wisdom beyond assistant, she had been promoted exceptional young agents I have upcoming animal life series Dynasty. her years, beneath a quiet demean- to become the firm’s youngest- ever met,” says ITR founder She was the NHU’s first fully our, and will flourish in the expanded ever female associate agent. Jonathan Shalit. “Her people skills embedded commercial staff commercial horizon of the BBC.” She has landed clients roles on are outstanding and she lends member and works closely with Her BBC Studios colleagues BBC1 dramas Call The Midwife and an ambience that brightens any colleagues in brands, digital believe she will progress to a senior A Very English Scandal, Channel 5’s room she walks into. Quite simply, and sales/distribution to ensure business development role, thanks Celebrity Big Brother, ITV’s The Martha’s potential is boundless. programmes get the best to her grasp and deft touch in Keith & Paddy Picture Show and She will represent major inter­ promotion and reach. dealing with complex rights. Netflix’sBlood Drive, and has national talent on the world stage.” broadcastnow.co.uk August 2018 | Broadcast Hot Shots | 23 KATIE HINDLEY 29 PRODUCER/DIRECTOR, ROGAN PRODUCTIONS

Nominated by: James Rogan, BBC4’s Storyville strand, and Katie has excelled creative director, Rogan Productions BBC2’s Modern Times: Once at every level Katie Hindley is currently producing Upon A Time In Mayfair. at Rogan and directing BBC1 Panorama She also produces industry panel Productions. documentary Can A Violent Man sessions, is a 2018 Bafta Crew Change (w/t), a commission member and works on branded She has talent Rogan Productions landed after content for Rogan, such as The and integrity Hindley gained access to the Craftesmen’s Dinner With Michel in spades subject, built relationships with Roux for William Grant & Sons. key contributors and gained “Katie has excelled at every expertise in the area. Her film- level at Rogan Productions,” says making style is described as managing director Soleta Rogan. including a strong grasp of “She has talent and integrity in SOLETA ROGAN story, character and style. spades. We are privileged to be (MANAGING DIRECTOR, She has a sizeable number of working with her. ROGAN PRODUCTIONS) ON production credits under her “In the future, I see her being KATIE HINDLEY belt, including Grierson Awards- one of the great film-makers of nominated BBC3 doc The Refugee her generation. In 10 years’ time? Diaries, Panorama: Life At 100 Either a top director or a commis- for BBC1, The Confession for sioner, or both.”

24 | Broadcast Hot Shots | August 2018 broadcastnow.co.uk DIRECTORS

ROXY REZVANY 26 DIRECTOR/PRODUCER, FREELANCE

Roxy is on a Nominated by: Duane Jones, Channel 4 series with Grain Media mission to bring co-founder, Renowned that mixed social issues and music, marginalised Roxy Rezvany is quickly making and also worked with Renowned voices to the a name as one of the UK’s top Films on BBC3 programming upcoming directorial talents, created for the anniversary of the mainstream, and gaining backing from the likes of death of Stephen Lawrence. does so with Sheffield Doc/Fest, The Dots and “Roxy is on a mission to passion Film London in the past year. Her bring marginalised voices to the documentary, Little Pyongyang, mainstream, and does so with which she produced in association passion and perseverance,” says with The Guardian, has been Renowned co-founder Duane winning accolades at film festivals, Jones. “The industry can always DUANE JONES (CO-FOUNDER, while docu-reality programming benefit from directors coming to RENOWNED) ON she has worked on for Viceland storytelling with a unique and ROXY REZVANY has picked up several award wins diverse point of view, and in and nominations. 10 years’ time I could see Roxy Her style is billed as journalistic having directed and produced with an eye for visual storytelling several groundbreaking and and a focus on issues such as innovative documentaries for human rights. She made a the major broadcasters.” broadcastnow.co.uk August 2018 | Broadcast Hot Shots | 25 AMY COOMBS 29 STORYLINE WRITER, CORONATION STREET/ITV

Amy is showing all the signs – boldness, inventiveness and feistiness – that she will one day rule the soap roost

JOHN WHISTON (MANAGING DIRECTOR OF CONTINUING DRAMA AND HEAD OF ITV IN THE NORTH) ON AMY COOMBS

Nominated by: Lindsay Williams, story producer, Coronation Street/ITV Amy Coombs’ early writing career was as a reporter for the South Harrow Observer, though her career has been tied to Coronation Street since joining the ITV soap as an assistant publicity manager. From there, she has worked her way up to storyline­ writer, liaising with scriptwriters, editors and casting to develop the tales of domestic drama that have millions tuning in night after night. Amy was a key part of the team that devised hard-hitting story­ lines such as Aidan Connor’s suicide and Pat Phelan’s reign of terror, and has been passionately advocating stories that address women’s rights, such as the grooming and sexual abuse of teenager Bethany Platt. “The complexity of perfectly plot- ting a soap and then replotting it when circumstance gets in the way is so massive that all our key talent, exec producers, producers and assis- tant producers have worked their way up through the story office,” says John Whiston, managing director of continuing drama and head of ITV in the north. “Amy is very much on that journey and is showing all the signs – boldness, inventiveness and feistiness – that she will one day rule the soap roost.” Whiston says that in the future, Amy will “either be producing or writing the must-see, ground- breaking dramas of the day” – but that she will be “at the top of her game” regardless.

26 | Broadcast Hot Shots | August 2018 broadcastnow.co.uk WRITERS

EVA O’CONNOR 28, WRITER HILDEGARD RYAN 27, WRITER/DIRECTOR

They have such Nominated by: Katie McAleese, – in development with an on- flair and head of drama, Big Light demand service and Mam Tor originality, and a Productions Productions. Other projects are voice that speaks Writing duo Eva O’Connor and ongoing with Big Light, Kudos Hildegard Ryan penned one of and Overshadowed producer directly to their BBC3’s most critically acclaimed Rollem Productions. audience’s lived series of last year in the shape of The duo are described as having experience 8 x 10-minute drama Overshadowed, “extraordinary energy, vision and which dealt with anorexia. Hilde- imaginations”, representative of a gard also directed the series, which new generation of creators who was nominated for a Broadcast write, direct and perform their Digital Award earlier this year. own work. “It’s a joy working with KATIE MCALEESE (HEAD OF DRAMA, The pair are behind dramas for Eva and Hildy – they have such BIG LIGHT PRODUCTIONS) ON theatre such as Maz & Bricks flair and originality, and a voice EVA O’CONNOR AND (playing in Edinburgh this month) that speaks directly to their audi- HILDEGARD RYAN and radio (The Midnight Sandwich ence’s lived experience,” says Big for BBC Radio 4) and currently Light Productions head of drama have one interactive play – Friday Katie McAleese. “They’re a breath Night Effect, which has been to of fresh air and I’m sure have even Dublin and the Edinburgh Fringe bigger things ahead.” broadcastnow.co.uk August 2018 | Broadcast Hot Shots | 27 LIOR LINEVITZ 29 OFFLINE EDITOR, FULWELL 73

She is on track to be working as lead editor across the most exciting British and global scripted features

DAVID PHILLIPS (HEAD OF POST- PRODUCTION, FULWELL 73) ON LIOR LINEVITZ

Nominated by: David Phillips, head of post-production, Fulwell 73 Lior Linevitz is the sole in-house editor at The Late Late Show producer Fulwell 73, where she edits film, commercials and promos as well as long-form factual and scripted TV. One digital spot she edited for Samsung this year generated 350,000 hits. She has also turned around a campaign for Jaguar in under 24 hours and helped edit Universal Pictures’ feature doc I Am Bolt, which has been acclaimed by some newspapers as “the best sports doc of all time”. Her offline edit of charity film series End The Silence helped raise more than £5m. A sizzle reel Lior edited for Harry Styles (directed by Ben Winston) was subsequently commissioned by Apple Music and turned into the filmBehind The Album, which she also edited. Lior is also credited with creating a trailer that convinced Blockchain streaming platform Binge to pay a significant sum to acquire docu- mentary Beyond Bitcoin, which reveals the backstory of crypto­ currency financier Ryan Radloff. “The complexities and subtle shades that are needed when telling stories is something that Lior excels in,” enthuses her boss David Phillips. “She has gone from strength to strength and always steps up to the mark when presented with bigger and more challenging shows, while always bringing something special to the table. She is on track to be working as lead editor across the most exciting British and global scripted features.”

28 | Broadcast Hot Shots | August 2018 broadcastnow.co.uk POST–PRODUCTION

Jessie responds to briefs with a quiet, self-assured confidence that you know she will deliver exactly what you need

JAKE CASSELS (MANAGING DIRECTOR, THE CONNECTED SET) ON JESSICA OXLEY

JESSICA OXLEY 24 EDITOR, THE CONNECTED SET

Nominated by: Jake Cassels, BBC3 social-only project to managing director, become a feature on BBC iPlayer. The Connected Set Her ability to meet a tight dead- A work placement was enough to line was apparent when delivering convince The Connected Set to BBC3 doc Are There Fascists Next hire Jessica Oxley full-time upon Door?, moments after the result of her graduation from Ravensbourne the French presidential elections University London in 2015. Since was announced, before going on then, she has grown rapidly within to recut a version for international the company, from cutting taster broadcast the following day. tapes and sizzles for the development “Jessie responds to briefs with a team to working as the sole editor quiet, self-assured confidence that on several BBC3 programmes. you know she will deliver exactly BBC3 commissioning editor for what you need, right when you need short-form Laura Marks was so it,” says The Connected Set managing moved by the way Jessie cut the director Jake Cassels. “Every time story of the tragic consequences of we try to stretch Jessie by asking one young teen’s reckless behav- her to work on a new project or use iour for Face The Consequences that a new technology, she takes it in she elevated the series from a her stride and adds her own flair.” broadcastnow.co.uk August 2018 | Broadcast Hot Shots | 29 ANGELIQUE PHAM 27 IN-HOUSE EDITOR, CODA POST PRODUCTION

Nominated by: Stephen Doran, commercial director, Coda Post Production Angelique has the Since joining Coda in June last qualities that you year, Angelique Pham has risen quickly through the ranks, leaping are looking for as from junior master control room a producer. It operator to full member of the makes my job easy, team as edit assistant and then and she reads the online editor, working directly project so well with – and being requested by – clients. She has worked on Dixi (Kindle Entertainment for CBBC) as offline editor, with online credits on National Geographic’s MARK LONSDALE Going Deep With David Rees and (PRODUCER, LEAP FILMS) Animal Survivor. Before moving to London, ANGELIQUE PHAM where she now takes control of projects, troubleshoots while editing and is versed in both Avid and Premiere, she had gained experience in Australia as an editor and motion graphics designer. So confident in her ability is Coda that she was handed respon- sibility for heading up its pop-up post house in east London for a few months this summer. Coda head of operations Tom Woddall says Angelique is a “rare find – funny, personable, intelli- gent and attentive”. Mark Lonsdale, a producer at Leap Films, commends her excel- lent technical skills and creative nous. “Very importantly, she’s great to work with,” he says. “These are the qualities that you are looking for as a producer. It makes my job easy: she is quick, insightful and reads the project so well.”

ALICE BOREHAM 28 POST-PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR, MOLINARE TV & FILM

Nominated by: Ellie Stanway, facility On the way, she has supported manager (Hoxton), Molinare clients on productions such as In just over a year, Alice Boreham Alice’s key feature doc Three Identical Strangers has progressed from assistant to (Raw TV for CNN) and Tigerlily co-ordinator for factual offline strength is in her Productions’ Retreat: Meditations and most of Molinare TV & Film’s ability to make From A Monastery for BBC4. regular fast-turnaround commercial everyone feel “Alice’s key strength is in her short-form content, including HD welcome, ability to make everyone she meets and SD picture and sound post. feel welcome, comfortable and Gravitating to Molinare from comfortable and reassured,” says facility manager Friday Productions, where she had reassured Ellie Stanway. “In the relatively sole responsibility for production short time she has been with us, management on branded content she has become a standout talent shoots for Adidas, Red Bull and and personality of the client services Nike, Alice has excelled at managing and bookings team. We’re looking resources, communicating with ELLIE STANWAY (FACILITY MANAGER, forward to seeing her progress into MOLINARE HOXTON) ON clients and taking charge of an ever- her recent promotion and on to expanding logging and archiving ALICE BOREHAM becoming an accomplished post- system for easy access to masters production manager or supervisor and versions in multiple languages. in the not-too-distant future.”

30 | Broadcast Hot Shots | August 2018 broadcastnow.co.uk POST-PRODUCTION

CARLY BROWN 27 EDITOR, WHISPER FILMS

Nominated by: Sunil Patel, The NFL Show for two years, a managing director, Whisper Films role that included cutting a fast- Carly brings a Carly Brown joined Whisper Films turnaround Super Bowl preview as edit assistant in 2015. She has and highlights shows on location zest to her job since been promoted to editor and in Houston, Texas. – whether it be has worked across a multitude of pro- “The fact that across every editing a half-hour jects, including broadcast, branded department, members of production Winter Olympics content, commercials and showreels. always request her first is testament This year alone, she has worked as to her skill and talent,” says Whisper sports series or a a craft editor in South Korea for the managing director Sunil Patel. 30-second promo Winter Paralympics and in Saudi “Not just that, Carly brings a zest Arabia for the Race of Champions, to her job – whether it be editing a and she will be attending several half-hour Winter Olympics sports Formula 1 races – all for Whisper’s series or making a 30-second Channel 4 coverage. promo for an online showreel. SUNIL PATEL (MANAGING DIRECTOR, Her credits include the 2017 Carly is involved as a mentor, WHISPER FILMS) ON Uefa Women’s Euros, the only encouraging young females into a CARLY BROWN women’s sporting event to be male-dominated world. The more shortlisted for a Bafta. She was we can help this happen, the better part of the team on the BBC’s for the world of post-production.” broadcastnow.co.uk August 2018 | Broadcast Hot Shots | 31 ABBY KUMAR 26 EMILY CAIRNDUFF 27 DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT PRODUCER, SO TELEVISION SOCIAL & DIGITAL PLATFORMS PROJECT MANAGER, FREMANTLE MEDIA

Nominated by: Ben Caudell, (where she gained much of her Nominated by: Robert Cocker, “Transforming a major TV executive producer, BBC Studios multiplatform experience), Youngest head of social and digital, company into a truly global multi- While Abby Kumar’s day job at Media and Tiger Aspect. Fremantle Media platform business requires a lot of So Television mainly involves Abby recently edited and Fremantle Media has a vast array bold steps. Emily has been central developing comedy entertainment produced the pilot episode of of digital teams across 60 territories in navigating the disruption facing series for television, she has also Archiveologists, a BBC2 short-form and Emily Cairnduff has played a our industry, and helped turn the had sustained success creating archive series starring Diane pivotal role in building up each of challenges of new digital platforms podcast formats. Morgan and Joe Wilkinson. them. Since joining in 2015, she has into immensely valuable ways to Among her highlights, she is “It’s all about focus and drive developed best-practice guidance communicate with our audiences,” the creator, developer and pro- if you want to get ahead in this for broadcasters and producers says Keith Hindle, chief executive of ducer of BBC Radio 1 podcast business and Abby has got seeking to expand their social digital and branded entertainment Ed And Lauren Get On and co- way beyond the recommended platform capabilities. at Fremantle. “The market-leading producer on a 2016-17 series of daily allowance of both,” says She has also assisted in launching reach we have achieved across the the long-running Radio 4 Extra So Television managing director Fremantle’s digital channels – dominant digital platforms is in show Newsjack. Graham Stuart. “Abby under- more than 1,000 digital networks large part due to Emily’s dedication, On the traditional TV front, stands the current market, that have a combined 300 million innovation and passion.” she’s been developing shows with creates a stream of viable ideas online fans. This has included Hindle predicts Emily will, in the So Television since April and has and has the commitment to fight contributing content to the digital future, take a leadership position. worked in development roles at for them all the way. She will channels of The X Factor, Got “Either that, or be the first person Lime Pictures, BBC Studios go far – and fast.” Talent and Idols. on Mars,” he adds.

32 | Broadcast Hot Shots | August 2018 broadcastnow.co.uk MULTIPLATFORM

Navi has brought a fresh perspective to BBC3 and transformed the way we think about socially connected audiences

MAX GOGARTY, (EXECUTIVE EDITOR, BBC3) ON NAVI LAMBA

NAVI LAMBA 30 ZOE WYETH 29 ASSISTANT SHORT-FORM COMMISSIONER, BBC3 HEAD OF SOCIAL AND ONLINE, UKTV

Nominated by: Max Gogarty, Prior to her time at the BBC, Nominated by: Justine Bower, includes Dave’s popular series executive editor, BBC3 she was a senior social media director of communications, The Magic Sponge. Navi Lamba has an “innate under- producer for Vice, where she consumer and social, UKTV “Zoe has been a real asset to standing of younger audiences and started a Women In Vice initiative Zoe Wyeth oversees the social UKTV ever since she joined the new platforms”, according to BBC3 to help improve the workplace media output for UKTV’s 10 company,” says Dave channel executive editor Max Gogarty. This for female employees. channels plus on-demand service director Luke Hales. “In her time has helped her rise from managing Navi’s unusual root into com- UKTV Play. She built the firm’s at UKTV, she has built the social the online channel’s social media missioning signifies the changing first in-house social media team media team into a core part of the output to commissioning short- nature of the role, especially when and leads all associated campaigns. business and built a very successful form formats such as the upcoming dealing with younger audiences. This has led to a five-day campaign in-house creative social team. Zoe UK Versus (w/t) and working with “She has brought a truly fresh on Celebrity Haunted Live for W, brilliantly represents 11 brands new suppliers such as Vox Media perspective to BBC3 and trans- another for Dave’s Taskmaster across all of our big network prior- and Pretty Bird. formed the way we think about and UKTV’s first steps into live ities, such as Jon Richardson: Ulti- She has also created social cam- socially connected audiences and sport through its David Haye mate Worrier and new series Judge paigns around key programming digital innovation,” says Gogarty. ‘Hayemaker’ content. Romesh. She brings digital know- such as This Country and Killed By He predicts her future could Besides that, she has developed how from her agency background, My Debt, with her work generating encompass anything from running data analytics processes, which as well as a strong analytical mind enough buzz to galvanise other big marketing and social media have created tangible insights into and an innate feel for what our parts of the BBC to support departments to commissioning the broadcaster’s online operation, viewers want from their non-linear their progress. content that has social at its core. and leads a podcast network that experience with the brand.” broadcastnow.co.uk August 2018 | Broadcast Hot Shots | 33 PREVIOUS WINNERS

Jay Hunt and Liz Murdoch are two of the high-profi le women whose talent was spotted early on in their TV careers and rewarded with aBroadcast Hot Shot nomination. Selecting only from the past decade, here are 10 more on their way to the reaching the top of the TV tree

2008 2011 2014 SASHA BRESLAU POPPY DELBRIDGE LILY BRAZIER TOP ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Then Senior editor, US series, ITV Then Development producer, Then Actress, People Just Do 2008 Now Head of acquired series, ITV comedy and entertainment, Nothing (BBC3) SASHA BRESLAU Talkback Thames. Now Creator and actress, 2009 2009 SHOSHANA WILSON SHOSHANA WILSON Now Head of entertainment Wannabe (BBC3) 2010 Then Content executive, development, Wall to Wall 2015 CLAIRE MORRISON Comedy Central 2012 LETITIA WRIGHT 2011 Now Head of programmes SARAH SOLEMANI Then Actress, Cucumber/Banana POPPY DELBRIDGE and scheduling, Fox Networks Then Writer, Aphrodite Fry Now Actress, Black Panther, 2012 Group UK (Sky Living) Avengers Infi nity War SARAH SOLEMANI Now Writer/actor/producer 2010 2016 BOTTOM ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: on numerous shows MIKA WATKINS CLAIRE MORRISON 2013 Then Senior development 2013 Then Writer, Troy: Fall Of A City MEL BEZALEL producer, Maverick MEL BEZALEL (BBC1), Lucky Man (Sky 1) 2014 Now Creative director, Then Development producer, Now Writer, creator and LILY BRAZIER Little Wonder Me & You Productions showrunner, Origin (YouTube 2015 Now Head of development, Premium) LETITIA WRIGHT RDF Television 2017 2016 DAISY COOPER MIKA WATKINS Co-creator and actress, 2017 DAISY COOPER This Country

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34 | Broadcast Hot Shots | August 2018 broadcastnow.co.uk