TV Show and Tell

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".

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.

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?

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.

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.

Irad Eyal is the co-creator of the Netflix gungy game show 'Floor is Lava'. After a brief stint in early 'dot com' companies, he developed multiple formats for Endemol, and later 'Southern Charm' for his own production company, Haymaker West. David and Justin look at alternative outlets for formats beyond TV, and whether there's no such thing as a bad review. Plus all the usual news and views.

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.

A developing new artform is the iconic thumbnails and screenshot images that appear in the menus and feeds of streaming platforms. What goes into them, and who decides what they should show? Fred Hammarlund, Creative Director of 2nd Place Studio, tells us about the secret science of 'key art'. Justin and David discuss 'quizcoms' and the changing job roles in the TV industry. Plus all the usual news, features and opinions.

Freelance director Thomas Stark Holland has a wide-ranging CV from specialist factual 'Meet the Humans' to prime-time L.E. hits like 'Saturday Night Takeaway'. He discusses the planning and technical know-how that goes into an ever-popular strand of entertainment: hidden camera stunts. David and Justin wonder whether we've already had our 'Concorde moment' with diminishing game show prizes, and tackle the thorny issue of A.I. in television production. Plus the major industry news that's worth knowing and another Four Minute Format.