Sherwood: BPG Zoom with star David Morrissey and Writer, Creator and Executive Producer James Graham

The writer and star of the hit BBC One drama Sherwood spent an hour with over a dozen members in June via the latest BPG Zoom Lunch and gave a masterclass on how the series came into being.

James Graham and David Morrissey were candid about the reasons for the programme’s success; spoke about its impressive ensemble cast; and also gave insights into the production issues with some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories.

David said that he would be very happy to reprise his character, Detective Chief Superintendent Ian St Clair, and a second season is now confirmed. Stories by BPG members later appeared in both the Daily Telegraph and Broadcast.

BPG Lunch with I,Sniper: The Washington Killers exec John Smithson and Channel 4 commissioner Sacha Mirzoeff

The Broadcasting Press Guild held its first lunch of the year in late January with Arrow Pictures’ John Smithson and Channel 4 commissioner Sacha Mirzoeff. 

The pair were discussing Channel 4 true crime doc I, Sniper: The Washington Killers, which gave a minute-by-minute account of the 2002 Washington, D.C. sniper case – one of the most terrifying crimes in recent history.

Mirzoeff said he had immediately wanted the show for his true crime strand, while the Oscar-nominated Smithson said his team spoke to 450 people during the making of the doc. 

The key was using the voice of Lee Malvo, one of the perpetrators, added Smithson, who is now serving a life prison sentence and spoke to Smithson and his team on the phone.

“It was one of the most difficult things I’ve done,” said Smithson.

He added later: “The barriers with linear world and the streaming world are breaking down . It helps (producers) rather than hinders to have the streamers as buyers because it creates competition and there is a quality threshold. I,Sniper is a streaming proposition for Channel 4, for example. And we are talking to Channel 4 now about other streaming commissions.” 

Mirzoeff said: “We are seeing a shift into true crime on All4. Both in commissions and acquisitions. Viewing figures have been astonishing.” 

BPG Executive Committee Special Awards

Below is a list of winners of the BPG Jury / Chairman’s Prize:

2022: Chunkz (YouTube)
 
2021: PE With Joe. Body Coach TV and Joe Wicks for YouTube
 
2020: Michael Apted for the Up Series. A Granada TV / MultiStory Media production for ITV
 
2019: Big Brother. Endemol Shine Group for Channel 4 and Channel 5
 
 

Letter from chair Grant Tucker to membership 29 July 2021

Dear BPG Member,

There has never been a more exciting time than now to be journalists covering the world of broadcast media. More television than ever before is being made, as streamers compete with traditional outlets. Radio stations are popping up all over the place, as podcasts continue to change the way we consume audio year-on-year. While the government is certain to offer us fireworks as it wrangles over the future of the BBC and Channel 4.  

The next two years offer a great opportunity for the Broadcasting Press Guild and its members, and it is why I am so honoured to be elected its chairman at the BPG AGM that took place on July 15th.

I want to pay tribute to Jake Kanter, the outgoing chair of the BPG, who has also stepped down from the executive committee, for his years of service to the guild. I would also like to extend my congratulations to Scott Bryan for his election as vice chairman. 

The last 18 months have been a tough one for so many organisations, including the BPG. But we have also had successes, not least of all our first digital awards. The acceptance speeches on social media were viewed 370,000 times, with a whooping 2.75m impressions – thank you for counting Torin Douglas. Particular thanks also to Kate Bulkley and Veronica Newson for going the extra mile organising this year’s awards. 

My immediate priorities going forward are to secure a sponsor for a physical awards ceremony in 2022, restart our much-loved lunches, and grow the membership of the guild.  

I’m very much looking forward to the task ahead, and can’t wait to see you all (in person!) at a future BPG event. 

Please find the minutes of our AGM, kindly compiled by Kate, attached to this email.

All the best,

Grant 

Grant Tucker

Chair, BPG 

BPG ‘Virtual’ AGM Minutes – July 15th 2021

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BPG chair Jake Kanter signs off from BPG Awards 2021

BPG Awards 2021 Harvey Lee – Pact for the Film & TV Production Restart Scheme

BPG Awards 2021 Best Drama Series – I May Destroy You

BPG Awards 2021 – Best Drama Mini Series- Quiz

BPG Awards 2021 Best Actress – Michaela Coel