An exploration into the elements that make a successful and long running format from the teams developing some of the most vibrant formats on TV today. We ask what makes a hit format? How do you keep it fresh? And what’s the appetite for formats in the current COVID climate?

RTS Southern presents a webinar with:

Rob Butterfiield and Hannah Lamb from Ricochet, the creators of formats such as the hugely successful Repair Shop (now in its fifth season for the BBC), Cowboy Builders (ten series for Channel Five) and Food Unwrapped (with a mighty 165 episodes ready to watch on All4. 

Sarah Freethy, an Executive Producer tasked with creating branded formats for Woodcut Media and the development brains behind The Hotel Inspector (Channel 5), Country House Rescue (Channel 4) and The Food Hospital (Channel 4). 

Claire Masters and Chris Riley from Topical TV a production company which specialises in building long running formats with many returning over 100 episodes. Currently Topical is producing two long running shows for the BBC - Caught Red Handed and Close Calls on Camera both in their ninth series. 

The webinar will be chaired by Derren Lawford, Creative Director of Woodcut Media known for the international hit series such as Fiennes: Return to the Nile, Britain’s Most Evil Killers, Paranormal Captured and How Hacks Work.