Ep 37: Directors UK CEO, Andy Harrower - Inside the Fight for TV’s Freelancers

Ep 40: Apple TV - Hijack Co-Creator & Director Jim Field Smith + DOP Ed Moore - Building Real-Time Tension Underground

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to make large-scale, high-stakes television drama - this is the episode. To close Series 4 of TV Makers, Ashley is joined by the co-creator, executive producer and lead director of Hijack, Jim Field Smith, and Director of Photography Ed Moore. It’s a double finale! TV Makers X Hijack!  Season 1 trapped audiences at 35,000 feet. Season 2 moves underground - onto a Berlin U-Bahn train, in real time, for eight relentless hours. Together, Jim and Ed unpack what it took to build one of Apple TV+’s most ambitious thrillers - from scanning real train carriages in Berlin to constructing a fully functioning hydraulic train set in the UK that could move in multiple axis while remaining completely shootable in 360 degrees. This conversation goes far beyond “how it looked.” They explore: * Why real-time storytelling is creatively thrilling - and structurally brutal * The hidden cost of writing something you know could be a production nightmare * Why “second screen friendly” might be the most dangerous note in modern television * How prep at scale actually creates freedom on set * And what trust between director and DP really looks like when the pressure is on Jim explains why he avoids traditional storyboarding in favour of building fully immersive environments that allow actors - including Idris Elba - to perform inside something that feels real, rather than technical. Ed shares how virtual production, LED environments, lens sourcing across Europe, and precise sun-path calculations helped sustain tension minute by minute across an eight-hour real-time narrative. This is a deep dive into collaboration, ambition, and refusing to lower the creative bar - even when the logistics are daunting. And if you want to lift the curtain further, head over to YouTube to see behind the scenes pictures and footage supplied by Jim, Ed and Apple.  It’s a fitting finale to Series 4 for TV makers. Enjoy! This Episode is Sponsored by: RIMMS [https://www.rimms.tv] The Kit House [https://www.kithouserental.co.uk] Directed by Good [https://www.directedbygood.com] Produced, recorded and Edited by Ashley Golder Additional camera by Will James Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ [https://ashleygolder.tv/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tvmakerspod/] @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon  - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/benleondraws?igsh=MXUwdDh4bjBxc3N0eA==]: @benleondraws Website [http://www.benleondraws.com]:  www.benleondraws.com

Ep 39: Honey Bee Co-Founder, Ed Taylor - The Big Pivot Beyond Television?

Are you worried there’s a shift happening in TV - and you might be missing it? Are you quietly questioning whether the traditional production company model is still sustainable? In this episode, I sit down with Ed Taylor, Co-Founder of Honey Bee, to talk honestly about what running an indie looks like right now… and what it may need to become next. With longer commissioning timelines, tighter broadcaster budgets, and increasing pressure on development spend, Ed shares how he’s reassessing the fundamentals of the production company model. We discuss: * Whether the old route to scaling an indie still works * The reality of “lifestyle businesses” in TV * Why working with brands require a completely different language to broadcasters * Partnering on YouTube  * And the one mindset shift production company owners need to survive the next phase Ed talks candidly about adaptability, automation, and what it really means to build something that can outlast the current bottleneck. And later in the conversation, he reveals a move Honey Bee is making that reframes everything we’ve discussed about diversifying, scale, and long-term growth. If you’re running a company…  Thinking about starting one…  Or simply trying to future-proof your place in the industry… This is a conversation worth hearing. And if you want to hear more from Ed, his Substack is here [https://ed753.substack.com] This Episode is Sponsored by:   RIMMS [https://www.rimms.tv]   The Kit House   [https://www.kithouserental.co.uk] Directed By Good     [https://www.directedbygood.com] Edited by Ben Seale  Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ [https://ashleygolder.tv/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tvmakerspod/] @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon  - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/benleondraws?igsh=MXUwdDh4bjBxc3N0eA==]: @benleondraws Website [http://www.benleondraws.com]:  www.benleondraws.com

Ep 38: Access Coordinator, Leah Rachel - Pulling Back the Curtain on Disability & Access in TV

What does access actually look like on a TV or film production and how can we do better on our own sets, for everyone’s benefits? In this episode of TV Makers, Ashley Golder is joined by Leah Rachel, an access coordinator working across TV and film, supporting deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent cast and crew. Leah pulls back the curtain on what access really means in practice, from the everyday decisions made in prep and on set, to the conversations productions often avoid because they’re unsure how to handle them. It’s an honest, practical look at how access works when it’s done well, and why expertise matters. Together, they unpack: * What an access coordinator actually does, from prep through to production * The difference between access needs and access requirements (and why the language matters) * How hiring an access co-ordinator may not even affect your budget! * The questions people are often afraid to ask. * How access benefits everyone on set, not just disabled colleagues. If you work in TV or film and want to approach access with confidence, clarity, and care - this episode is for you. You can find more info on the future Access Coordinator training at Screenskills: https://www.screenskills.com Listen & Follow If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe so new episodes land straight in your feed. Follow the podcast on Instagram @tvmakerspod Questions or guest suggestions? Email podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Thanks again to Casarotto team: https://www.casarotto.co.uk/access-team This Episode is Sponsored by: Rimms [https://www.rimms.tv] The Kit House [https://www.kithouserental.co.uk] Directed By Good [https://www.directedbygood.com] Edited by Ben Seale  Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ [https://ashleygolder.tv/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tvmakerspod/] @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon  - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/benleondraws?igsh=MXUwdDh4bjBxc3N0eA==]: @benleondraws Website [http://www.benleondraws.com]:  www.benleondraws.com

Ep 37: Directors UK CEO, Andy Harrower - Inside the Fight for TV’s Freelancers

In this episode of TV Makers, Ashley Golder sits down with Andy Harrower, CEO of Directors UK, for an honest conversation about the real state of the TV and film industry and what’s being done behind the scenes to protect freelancers. Andy offers a clear-eyed look at where the industry finds itself heading into 2026: a prolonged commissioning slowdown, growing insecurity for freelancers, and an erosion of the director’s role across parts of television. Together, they unpack why directors still matter, why prep and edit time are being squeezed, and how “false economies” are quietly pushing creatives to breaking point. The conversation explores: •Why only 12% of people in TV and film say it’s a mentally healthy place to work •The freelance reality behind the programmes audiences love •How power, budgets, and hiring practices really operate in today’s TV landscape •What Directors UK is doing through lobbying, forums, and policy work to support directors and freelancers more widely •The government’s proposed “Freelance Champion” - what it is, why it matters, and whether it will actually have teeth •How AI, copyright, and data scraping threaten creative ownership •Why diversity “initiatives” aren’t enough •Where hope still exists for directors and freelancers as the industry shifts toward digital-first models This is a serious, thoughtful episode about precarity, power, and protection - and why the fight for freelancers is one the entire industry should care about.  Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.  Enjoying the series? Don't underestimate the power of the share, rate, and subscribe bit! It really helps! Whether you’re watching on YouTube or listening on your favourite podcast app, drop us a comment, or connect with us on Instagram at @tvmakerspod Got a question or guest suggestion? Email us at podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Thank you to our Sponsors: RIMMS- https://www.rimms.tv  The Kit House - https://www.kithouserental.co.uk Directed By Good - https://www.directedbygood.com Edited By Ben Seal Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ [https://ashleygolder.tv/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tvmakerspod/] @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon  - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/benleondraws?igsh=MXUwdDh4bjBxc3N0eA==]: @benleondraws Website [http://www.benleondraws.com]:  www.benleondraws.com

Ep 36: ITV Support Engineer Mirusha Jegatheeswaran – Keeping TV on Air and Ignoring Gatekeepers

In this episode of TV Makers, Ashley Golder speaks to Mirusha Jegatheeswaran, an ITV Support Engineer working across high-output television at ITV Studios. Mirusha’s role sits at the heart of broadcast production – keeping studios, systems and post-production running smoothly so shows stay on air. But her route into television wasn’t a traditional one. She entered the industry with zero broadcast experience, stepped into one of the most male-dominated technical roles in TV, and built her career by learning on the job while refusing to let gatekeeping slow her down. Since recording this episode, Mirusha has won a Rise Award 2025 in the Influencer category, recognising her commitment to sharing knowledge, supporting others, and helping open up access to technical roles in the industry. She has also been nominated for further industry awards to be announced later this year! Go Mirusha!  In this conversation, Mirusha breaks down what a support engineer actually does day to day, the realities of being responsible for keeping high-output shows on air, and why knowledge-sharing matters more than ever in television. In this episode, we cover: * What a Support Engineer really does in TV * Keeping high-output shows broadcasting behind the scenes * The pressure of live and near-live technical environments * Entering television with no broadcast experience * Gatekeeping, confidence, and knowledge sharing * Working in a male-dominated technical role * Why collaboration matters behind the scenes We couldn’t fit everything into our recording time but Mirusha would also like to add:  “Being part of the Rise Women in Broadcast Mentoring Programme in 2021 has been especially valuable as someone new to the TV and media industry with no prior experience. It has given me structured guidance, confidence, and insight into industry practices, while also helping me build a supportive network of women who work in the sector. This safe circle has made me feel welcomed and wanted, while providing role models and connections that encourage my growth and help me establish a strong foundation for my career in broadcasting. The programme has also helped me attend industry events till this day, meet new people, and continue to build my LinkedIn profile, strengthening my visibility and opportunities within the industry." Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.  Enjoying the series? Don't underestimate the power of the share, rate, and subscribe bit! It really helps! Whether you’re watching on YouTube or listening on your favourite podcast app, drop us a comment, or connect with us on Instagram at @tvmakerspod Got a question or guest suggestion? Email us at podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Thank you to our Sponsors: RIMMS- https://www.rimms.tv  The Kit House - https://www.kithouserental.co.uk Directed By Good - https://www.directedbygood.com Edited By Ben Seal Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/ [https://ashleygolder.tv/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tvmakerspod/] @tvmakerspod Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk Artwork by Benjamin Leon  - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/benleondraws?igsh=MXUwdDh4bjBxc3N0eA==]: @benleondraws Website [http://www.benleondraws.com]:  www.benleondraws.com