RTS London

Making professional productions on the go

Deirdre Mulcahy at the University of Westminster (Credit: RTS London/Phil Barnes)

The freelance producer and trainer gave a demonstration of the smartphone’s filming capability at an RTS London event in early November.

“No matter how big the tool, it comes down to the person who is actually using [it],” said Mulcahy. “Storytelling is about where the focus is – and understanding how you shoot.”

TikTok: The bridge between broadcasters and Gen Z?

Twist and Pulse, winners of Britain's Got Talent: The Champions (Credit: ITV/Syco/Thames)

“There’s a huge opportunity for news broadcasters to tell the softer or more interesting stories through the platform – also [stories] that aren’t necessarily so time relevant. That’s basically what our audience want,” said Edward Lindeman, TikTok’s European strategy manager.

“I don't really want to go on the platform and hear about [Brexit] – but I am interested in learning new things and discovering content.”

IBC review 2019 explores the rise of the FAANGS

Robert Ambrose, consulting editor of IBC 2019, spent much of his time working with content producers. Looking back at September’s conference, he argued there was clear evidence that the industry is going through a period of disruptive change and uncertainty, as content owners try to figure out new business models to deliver content.

This was particularly focused on delivering content direct to the consumer and building a successful subscription streaming service. Both gained lots of coverage at IBC.

RTS London reflect on this year's RTS Cambridge Convention

Reed Hastings and Kirsty Wark (Credit: RTS/Richard Kendal)

The late-September event was hosted by the University of Westminster, and chaired by media producer and consultant Aradhna Tayal. It featured Bloomberg media reporter Joe Mayes, London Centre Chair Phil Barnes and James Cordell, a London committee member and first-time attendee at the convention.

The panel noted that one of the key themes throughout was the rise of streaming and whether the already established subscription video on demand (SVoD) companies – with more set to enter the market – will dominate the UK broadcast industry.

Eleven teams battled it out at RTS London's annual summer quiz

Eleven teams faced five tough rounds of questions, including a music segment in which the host covered theme tunes from hit shows such as Friends, Mock the Week and Absolutely Fabulous.

“Shame of Thrones” bagged the prize for best team name but “Free Bag” secured first place in the quiz, which included teams from BBC Studios and the Film & Television Charity.

“It was great to see such a great turn out for our second RTS London Quiz and we were pleased to see a great time being had by all,” said RTS London Chair Dan Cherowbrier.

RTS London hear how to make the most out of music

Alex Jones and Matt Baker in The One Show (Credit: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Currently, he argued, this doesn’t always happen – with composers and programme-makers often failing to sing from the same song sheet.
 
Hexel recalled a quote from Rachel Portman, who won an Oscar for her score for the 1996 movie version of Jane Austen’s Emma. “Many good directors are bad at giving good direction to composers,” she said.
 

Ticket to timetravel: How Timewasters became a comedy hit

Timewasters has charmed critics and attracted healthy audiences with its mix of jazz, time travel and good jokes. Notably, it also has an all-black leading cast but, according to its creator, Daniel Lawrence Taylor, it is, “first and foremost”, a comedy.

RTS London get to the basics of creating a successful podcast

Josh Adley, head of business development at audio producer Wisebuddah, was in conversation with The Media Podcast presenter Olly Mann, and explained the attraction of podcasts.
 
“You can listen to podcasts anywhere via your mobile phone – during your commute, while driving, in the gym, while cooking. Podcasts are tailor-made for mobility and multitasking, which make them really relevant to how people live their lives today,” he said.