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James Harkin from 'QI' and 'No Such Thing as a Fish'

Season 3, Ep. 1
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James Harkin's career has led from doing accounts in a portacabin near Manchester to performing at the Sydney Opera House. He's responsible for a myriad of output from the offices of 'QI', from books and TV shows to radio programmes and live performances. He's also one-quarter of the international hit podcast 'No Such Thing as a Fish'. Justin and David finish off their mini-series on pitching, and discuss what makes a good location for a TV show. And - by popular demand! - there's the return of 'Fake or Format' and all the usual news.

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  • 3. MIPCOM 2024 special

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    MIPCOM, the major European TV market, held its 2024 edition recently. "Format Doctor" Justin Scroggie takes a discerning look over the important points from the event, touching on the impact of A.I., a glut of saboteur formats, and the aftermath of a global industry slump. However, there's plenty of intriguing new formats to listen out for, including "Upside Down", "The Box" and "Freeze".

  • 2. Format licensing expert Pascal Dalton

    01:11:41||Season 6, Ep. 2
    Special guest Pascal Dalton explains how formats are sold and licenced across the world. While at ITV Studios, he looked after properties such as 'The Chase', 'Love Island' and 'My Mum, Your Dad'. He also set up a European production hub for 'The Wall', based in Poland. Justin and David discuss the origins of 'The Traitors' and similar shows about lying (honest), and whether shows need hosts at all. Plus all the latest format news and a computer-assisted edition of Four Minute Format.

  • 1. Autumn 2024 round-up

    55:42||Season 6, Ep. 1
    David and Justin are 'back to busy' as they discuss some interesting recent statistics about the TV industry. Channel 4's Grand Designs property format turns 25 – what has made it stand the test of time? Plus, what's German comedian Stefan Raab up to, and can chess work on television?

  • 7. NBCU's International Formats VP Barrie Kelly

    01:23:53||Season 5, Ep. 7
    Barrie Kelly is Vice President of International Format Production and Development at NBCUniversal. As well as making format sales and co-development deals across the world, Barrie looks after the production of major formats including Top Chef, Real Housewives, Saturday Night Live and Hollywood Game Night. Justin and David discussing the small things that formats get wrong, and something else... oh, yes, timing, and why it takes so long for TV shows to be made. Plus a very tricky edition of Four Minute Format.

  • 6. Improv comedy legend Neil Mullarkey

    01:13:36||Season 5, Ep. 6
    Actor, writer and business coach Neil Mullarkey is a founding member of London's Comedy Store Players improv group. We'll hear about his friendship with Mike Myers, his involvement with Saturday morning kid's television, and his work in teaching businesses to embrace creativity in the workplace. David and Justin look at whether board games can be adapted to make good TV formats, and how to stop viewers changing channel. Plus, there's a special version of 'Four Minute Format' and all the usual news.

  • 5. 'Floor is Lava' co-creator Irad Eyal

    01:12:12||Season 5, Ep. 5
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  • 4. Question producer Julia Hobbs

    01:21:42||Season 5, Ep. 4
    What makes a good quiz question, and what are the pitfalls of writing them? Julia Hobbs is a top question producer working in the UK on shows such as 'The Chase', 'Pointless', 'Tipping Point', 'Million Pound Drop' and 'Fifteen to One'. Julia also has an interesting personal story about how she came into the business. Talking of questions, Justin and David will also be looking at how to make them fair, as well as fairness when structuring formatted series. Plus all the latest news and views.

  • 3. 'Key art' expert Fred Hammarlund

    01:08:08||Season 5, Ep. 3
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