TV Show and Tell

In our now-traditional special, Justin reports back from MIPCOM 2023. The 39th edition of the TV entertainment market, held in its usual home of Cannes in France, reflects an industry still in flux but still raring to do business.

Luke English is a highly experienced media lawyer who has worked with high profile artists, indie companies and corporate giants such as Sony and Disney. He explains some of the key terms in his industry, and what landmines to watch out for on the battlefield of contract law. Justin and David discuss 'reverse formatting', and how reality show contributors manage their reputations. Plus, the round-up of media news and a new Four Minute Format.

Our special guest is Jack Seale, who writes about TV, radio and film for publications such as the Guardian and the Radio Times. He reveals the inner workings of how - and why - TV reviews are written. Justin and David discuss the pros and cons of live television, and how to handle the tricky issue of managing high-profile presenters. Plus, the regular format news and another 'Four Minute Format'.

Graham Stuart is the Managing Director of So Television, the independent production company that he founded with the chat show host Graham Norton 25 years ago. He talks about how he made the transition from sports presenter to running things behind the scenes, and how he keeps his business relevant in a fast-changing media landscape. Justin and David discuss emergencies - both the 'freelance emergency' announced by the trade union BECTU in the unscripted sector, and the effect that real-life emergencies can have on a show's production schedule. Plus, there's all the usual format news and another attempt at devising a 'Four Minute Format'.

Luke Shiach has series- and exec-produced quizzes, comedy panel games and other formatted entertainment, including 'Celebability' for ITV2, 'Quizness' for Channel 4, 'A League of Their Own' for Sky, and 'Comedians Giving Lectures' for Dave. In a highly entertaining and candid interview, he explains how he builds consensus between the various stakeholders to keep the show on the road. Sometimes that's literally so, as he's also involved in the touring live podcast show about football, The Overlap. David and Justin discuss pacing and how to rescue a failing reality show. And stick around for the NEW feature at the end - 'Four Minute Format'.

'The Format Doctor' Justin Scroggie reports on location from MIP TV in Cannes. What are the hot ideas of the moment and, as real-life meetings continue to evolve after the pandemic, what is the overall feel of the market? Additional music: Liborio Conti.