Sign in

Explore

Fb. / Ig. / Li. / Tw.

Gogglebox Makers Challenge NFTS TV Students To Make An Episode Of Iconic Channel 4 Series

First year students training on the National Film and Television School’s Directing and Producing Television Entertainment MA were recently tasked with making their own episode of the factual entertainment juggernaut Gogglebox, made by Studio Lambert for Channel 4.

The show’s Executive Producer Leon Campbell, visited the School to introduce the challenge and brief the students. Working in pairs, they were required to find contributors in specific categories - ‘siblings’, ‘couples’, ‘multi-generational group’ and ‘best friends’.

students giving thumbs up while sat in front of monitors

Once Leon had approved casting choices, filming began locally in Hatfield, High Wycombe, Ickenham and Gerrards Cross with cameraman Dan Greenway, who specialises in minicams and remote heads, providing the same bespoke camera rig he has supplied to Gogglebox since the series pilot! Students from the NFTS Location Sound Recording Diploma completed the team.

two people sat on sofa in front of filming equipment

Contributors were then screened an eclectic variety of clips - from Netflix’s natural history show Chimp Empire to ITV quiz The 1% Club, from BBC drama Gold to Channel 4’s Naked Alone and Racing to Get Home. The couch critics also reflected on the Just Stop Oil protest at the World Snooker Championships and the sad passing of Strictly legend Len Goodman.

The hours of clips and reactions were then edited under the supervision of editing tutor Chris Wadsworth into a creative and entertaining collage that can truly hold its own against the real deal!

The project culminated in a screening on 7 June with cast, crew and fellow students taking their seats in the NFTS 150 seater Ossie Morris cinema.

students sat in front of monitors

Critiquing the student-made episode, Studio Lambert’s Leon Campbell commented on the final result; “[The students] have done an incredible job - not only in the casting, producing and editing of the show, but in the nuanced detail which really elevates it to the level of a real show. I think this attention to detail in looks, short reactions and settling shots is testament to the hard work of everyone who has had a hand in pulling the programme together. A huge hurrah to you all and thank you for including Gogglebox as part of your studies, I'm sure you'll all be employing me very shortly.”

group of people smiling at camera
Leon Campbell (centre back) and NFTS students

Simon Broadley, NFTS Head of TV Entertainment said; “This project was part of a new Factual Entertainment module focusing on casting and producing talent, and there isn’t a better example of both than Studio Lambert’s Gogglebox. Having the show’s Exec, Leon Campbell, and camera supremo Dan Greenway onboard gave the module a real-world authenticity and provided the students with many detailed insights into its production. Partnering with the industry in this way is what the NFTS and the TV Entertainment MA is all about”.

-

Applications are open for the NFTS Directing and Producing Television Entertainment MA!

Get the chance to collaborate with your peers on incredible projects like this one as well as explore genres across TV entertainment, shooting on location and in our 4k multi-camera TV gallery and stage here at the School!

Find out more and start your application today at nfts.co.uk/directing-and-producing-television-entertainment

Up Next