TellyCast: The content industry podcast

Emma Walker founded Curly Media in January 2022, after deciding she did not want to spend her career in a television industry that was contracting around her. Three and a half years on, the agency has made Spotify's Wrapped campaign in the UK, Sky's Danny Dyer lookalike contest, video podcasts for Netflix and work for Nike and BBC Studios.She joins Justin Crosby to explain the commercial logic that took her straight to brands. Brand money was already paying for television through ad breaks, so the question was never whether brands would fund content, only who they would fund it through. What follows is a practical account of how that money actually moves: which departments hold which budgets, why social, PR, marketing and out of home teams need to be treated as one conversation rather than several, and why understanding a client's internal politics matters as much as the creative work.Emma takes us inside the Spotify Wrapped UK film, built around twelve artists and twelve scenes, each designed to stand alone so every artist could post their own moment. She explains the cultural nods that carried it, the ITV ad break takeover that put it in front of an audience that never sees TikTok, and the world building approach Curly now applies to every campaign, where a single hour on set produces assets that all belong to the same universe.We also cover the economics. Project fees against retainers, the absence of an IP tail in branded work, and what changes when a business can finally see a few months of runway. Emma discusses hiring Jade Green out of Spotify's social marketing team, why brand side experience is now a competitive advantage for a production business, and a newly greenlit project that points somewhere genuinely new: a scripted mini series, brand funded, but commissioned by a broadcaster who keeps editorial control.Plus the Disney and TikTok deal, a viral friendship between a monkey and a Buddhist nun, and who is going in the bin this week.(00:00) Introduction (00:57) Founding Curly Media and being a chameleon business (02:50) The first commission and why podcasts were the way in (03:30) "I don't love podcasts": moving from audio to video (05:00) From video podcasts to branded social storytelling (06:00) Why branded entertainment works best when content leads (06:40) Brand money was already funding television (09:00) Where brand budgets sit and how to navigate departments (12:00) Sky's Danny Dyer lookalike contest and 10 million organic views (15:40) Making Spotify Wrapped UK (18:30) Cultural nods, bus auntie and building for the feed (21:00) The ITV ad break takeover and designing scenes to stand alone (23:00) World building: one shoot, one universe, many assets (24:40) Hiring Jade Green from Spotify and why brand side experience matters (28:45) A brand funded scripted series with broadcaster editorial control (30:30) Project fees, retainers and life without IP (32:40) What comes next and what producers can learn from creators (34:00) Story of the week: Disney and TikTok (36:20) Hero of the week (37:50) Get in the binTellyCast is the podcast about the business of digital-first video, hosted by Justin Crosby. Produced by Spirit Studios and recorded in London.Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/85nAhf1oAIYSign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

Three years after ex-LADbible executives Ben Powell-Jones and Thom Gulseven launched Strong Watch Studios with backing from Hat Trick Productions' Jimmy Mulville, the digital-first studio is delivering for Channel 4, the BBC and Netflix - and has just hired two senior TV executives to help it do more. This week on TellyCast, Justin Crosby is joined by co-founder Ben Powell-Jones for his first solo appearance on the show, to talk through how Strong Watch actually works: the strategy-first pitch that won Channel 4's A Comedy Thing, why the studio calls itself a content company rather than a digital one, and why Ben believes TV and digital commissioning are converging into a single industry — content distribution.The conversation also covers Strong Watch's expanding slate, including last year's Sidemen series three for Netflix and the Pluto TV FAST deal for its own factual series People Are Deep, why Ben thinks the creator economy is giving way to a "community economy" built on platforms like Patreon and Substack, and where AI fits — and doesn't — in the studio's workflow.Inside this episode:Why Jimmy Mulville backed Strong Watch Studios, and how the deal came togetherHiring senior TV executives Adam Reeve and Helen Gordon into a digital-first structureThe strategy-first pitch behind Channel 4's A Comedy Thing, and who owns whatWhy TV and digital commissioning are merging into one "content distribution" industryContent acquisition, TFI Friday and Piers Morgan's Uncensored playbookTaking People Are Deep from YouTube to Pluto TV and FAST channelsWhat LADbible's pandemic-era data taught Ben about stripping out "creative ego"The shift from creator economy to "community economy," and what Time Team's Patreon success revealsWhy Strong Watch uses AI everywhere except in the content itselfStory of the WeekHero of the WeekGet in the BinSign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

Recorded on the ground at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, this Cannes special closes the current series of TellyCast before the summer break. Host Justin Crosby meets three guests working at the point where advertising, entertainment and technology now converge.Jason Day, Head of EMEA at Luma AI, explains how the company is unifying multiple video and image models into a single creative platform, why he believes the technology has moved ahead of consumer expectations, and how brands are building AI capability in-house rather than outsourcing it. He also discusses Luma Agents and the Moses drama series produced with Wonder Project and Amazon Prime.Will Scougal, EVP of Brand and Commercial Partnerships at ITV Studios' Studio 55, unpacks Double Date Island, the TikTok-first dating format built with Tinder and OMD. He sets out why ITV Studios is bringing broadcast-grade IP and creator craft to brands, and why production groups are still rare at Cannes.Emma Hardie Commercial and Brand Director at Aardman, marks 50 years of the studio with a look at how Shaun the Sheep, Wallace and Gromit and a forthcoming Pokémon series translate into brand partnerships, gaming, Roblox and live experiences, from a Japanese farmhouse recreation to Feathers McGraw tattoos in China.TellyCast returns in September, with the Digital Content Forum taking place in London on 5 November. Explore the back catalogue of more than 270 shows, plus recent content from the studio and events, on the TellyCast YouTube channel. Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

What does it take to build one of the UK’s most successful branded entertainment franchises?This week on TellyCast, Justin Crosby is joined by Mark Rivers, co-founder of Cold Glass Productions, the company behind the award-winning Dish from Waitrose podcast and video series.Mark shares the remarkable story behind the show’s growth from a bold business plan into a billion-view entertainment brand, why Cold Glass doesn’t think of itself as a podcast company, and how premium digital entertainment is reshaping the production landscape.They discuss:Why podcasting is now an entertainment business, not an audio businessBuilding Dish from Waitrose into one of the UK’s biggest branded content success storiesCreating different edits for YouTube and Spotify audiencesThe importance of quality in an increasingly crowded podcast marketWorking with A-list talent including Dave Grohl, Emilia Clarke and Louis TherouxWhy distribution strategy should be developed alongside creativeCold Glass Productions’ new original series Outside InSubscription, Substack and the future of creator-led media businessesHow TV production companies can learn from digital-first entertainment brandsIf you’re interested in the future of podcasts, branded entertainment, YouTube strategy or the convergence of television and digital media, this episode is essential listening.Visit Tubular LabsSign up for The Drop newsletterSupport the showEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

What does it really take to build a production company for the creator economy?This week on TellyCast, Justin Crosby is joined by production strategist Bryony Hopkins, founder of BRYONY Ink, whose career spans the BBC, LADbible Group, Strong Watch Studios and FlightStory.Bryony has spent years designing production systems for creator businesses, broadcasters and digital-first studios, helping teams make premium content on lean budgets without sacrificing quality.The conversation explores why traditional TV production models often struggle in digital, how creators are building media companies, and why operational excellence is becoming a competitive advantage.Topics include:• Building production infrastructure for digital-first studios• Why mindset matters as much as production skills• Creating more content from every shoot day• Scaling creator businesses sustainably• The future of duty of care in the creator economy• AI tools transforming production workflows• Why TV professionals have valuable skills the creator economy needs• Protecting creators while producing ambitious content• The professionalisation of creator-led media businessesWhether you’re a TV producer, production executive, creator, commissioner or studio founder, this episode is packed with practical insights into how production is evolving in the digital-first era.Visit Tubular LabsSign up for The Drop newsletterSupport the showEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

This week on TellyCast, Justin Crosby is joined by Peter White, Executive Editor at  Deadline⁠, for a wide-ranging conversation covering the biggest issues facing the global content business.Peter shares his perspective from Los Angeles on the changing fortunes of Hollywood, the impact of YouTube on traditional television, the future of late-night programming following Stephen Colbert’s departure from CBS, the economics of streaming, and why production companies need to rethink how they make and monetise content.The discussion explores major industry developments including the Paramount-Skydance deal, the rise of creator-led content, YouTube’s growing dominance in the attention economy, the future of unscripted television, and whether vertical drama is genuinely the next big thing or simply the latest industry fad.Peter also explains why he believes the next generation of media talent will emerge from YouTube rather than traditional television, reveals why Deadline has expanded into live events, and shares his thoughts on the future relationship between creators, broadcasters and streamers.A candid and insightful conversation about where television, social video and the wider creator economy are heading next.In this episode:• Is Hollywood really in crisis? • Why YouTube is winning the attention war • The future of late-night television after Stephen Colbert • The Paramount-Skydance merger and industry consolidation • Why production companies must reduce costs • Creator-led content versus traditional TV models • The rise of YouTube-first entertainment • Why Peter is sceptical about vertical drama • How Deadline is adapting to a changing media landscape • The future of TV, streaming and social videoTellyCast is the podcast exploring the future of television, social video and the creator economy.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

What happens when two experienced television producers decide to leave the traditional TV industry and build a digital-first business from scratch?In this episode of TellyCast, Justin Crosby sits down with Pete Campion, Co-Founder of IndyStudios, to explore how he and former BBC producer Matt Ramsden have made the leap from broadcast television into the creator economy.Pete spent more than two decades producing large-scale international factual series, including the hugely successful Gold Rush franchise. But as the economics of traditional television became increasingly challenging, he saw an opportunity to apply those storytelling skills to YouTube, digital channels and AI-powered content.The conversation explores the realities of building a digital-first production company, why TV producers should have confidence in their storytelling skills, how Indie Studios is developing original YouTube channels, and why AI is creating entirely new opportunities for factual storytelling.Pete also discusses audience behaviour on YouTube, the importance of owning intellectual property, collaborating with creators, working with brands, and the lessons traditional production companies need to learn if they want to succeed in the new production economy.Elsewhere, Justin and Pete discuss the future of reality television, duty of care in content production, the opportunities for experienced TV producers in social video, and why storytelling remains the most valuable skill in any medium.Whether you’re a producer, creator, commissioner, studio executive or media entrepreneur, this episode offers a fascinating insight into how one production company is navigating the transition from television to digital-first content.Key Topics• Building IndyStudios after redundancy from traditional TV • Why experienced TV producers are moving into digital-first content • Gold mining channels and niche audience strategies • Working with creators and athletes • The opportunities and risks of AI-generated storytelling • Legends of Gold and AI-powered factual content • What TV producers can learn from YouTube creators • Audience-first storytelling versus commissioner-led development • Duty of care in digital production • The future of independent production companiesEpisode Highlights• Pete’s journey from Gold Rush to founding IndyStudios • Why “storytelling will win” regardless of technology changes • How AI is unlocking previously impossible factual stories • Building owned IP instead of relying on commissions • Lessons learned from publishing on YouTube • The biggest mindset shifts TV producers need to make • Why collaboration is essential for traditional indies entering digitalSign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

This week on TellyCast, Justin Crosby is joined by Naomi Channell, Head of Podcasts at Curve Media and creator of some of the UK’s fastest-growing true crime podcasts.Naomi shares her journey from a 20-year career in television production to building a portfolio of hit podcast brands that now attract more than a million monthly listeners across audio and video platforms.The conversation explores how Naomi developed her first podcast around the Stuart Lubbock case, why empathy and trust have become central to her approach to true crime storytelling, and how Curve Media has embraced podcasting as a serious digital-first business opportunity.Naomi also reveals how shows such as The Affair and Totally True Crime have found audiences on Spotify, discusses the realities of podcast monetisation, and explains why TV production companies should be thinking about podcasts, communities, live events, books and platform licensing as part of a broader IP strategy.If you’re interested in podcasting, digital-first content, social video, audience building or the future of media businesses, this is an essential listen.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

This week on TellyCast, Justin Crosby is joined by Andrew Eastel, Managing Director of Middlechild Productions, for a fascinating conversation about how traditional TV production companies can adapt to the digital-first production economy.Andrew explains how Middlechild launched the hugely successful Gardening With Alan Titchmarsh YouTube channel, why factual producers may be better placed for social video than they realise, and how TV indies can build long-term IP businesses beyond traditional commissioning.The discussion explores YouTube strategy, digital monetisation, brand partnerships, broadcaster pre-sales, connected TV viewing habits, audience behaviour, and why producers should think like entrepreneurs when building social video channels.Andrew also reveals how Middlechild’s new digital division Wildchild is developing future-facing content brands in areas including pets and survival, and explains why digital-first production could eventually create more stable long-term work for freelancers.This episode is essential listening for anyone working in TV production, social video, YouTube strategy, digital-first content, or the wider creator economy.Key Topics: • The success of Gardening With Alan Titchmarsh on YouTube • Why TV producers still have valuable advantages in digital • How broadcasters may increasingly acquire digital-first IP • Building long-term content brands beyond commissioning • YouTube as a search engine and connected TV platform • Monetisation strategies beyond YouTube ad revenue • Why producers need a business model before a format idea • The future of factual TV and digital-first productionSign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

Spotify is no longer just an audio platform. Video podcasts are now at the centre of its growth strategy — and according to Spotify’s Rowan Collinson, they are rapidly becoming one of the most important opportunities in the digital-first production economy.  In this episode of TellyCast, Justin Crosby speaks to Rowan Collinson, Audience Lead at Spotify, about why video podcasts are exploding, how creators are building entire IP ecosystems around shows, and what traditional TV producers need to understand about succeeding in social video and podcasting.Rowan explains why podcasting is becoming a natural entry point for TV indies moving into digital-first content, how Spotify’s Partner Programme creates new revenue opportunities, and why genres like comedy, true crime and interview formats are thriving on the platform.The conversation also explores data, retention metrics, creator monetisation, the rise of vertical video, Channel 4’s move into Spotify video podcasts, and why the future belongs to always-on content brands rather than traditional six-part TV commissions.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

Recorded live at How to Make Money in Digital on April 20th 2026, this episode of TellyCast features Tim Taylor MBE, the creator of Time Team, in a candid conversation about bringing one of the UK’s most beloved factual formats into the digital-first era.Tim shares the inside story of how Time Team moved from traditional broadcaster funding to a fan-supported model on Patreon, and what that shift has meant for production, audience relationships, and creative control. From building a global community of supporters to balancing YouTube reach with subscriber exclusivity, this is a rare, practical look at how legacy TV IP can be reimagined for today’s social video landscape.The conversation also dives into the realities of scaling down production teams, the challenges of converting audience attention into paying fans, and why staying true to the core DNA of a format is critical when evolving it for digital platforms. Along the way, Tim reflects on what producers can learn from Time Team’s journey, including how to test ideas with audiences, monetise catalogue content, and navigate a world where data, community, and storytelling increasingly intersect.If you’re a TV producer, content creator, or media executive looking to understand how established brands can survive—and thrive—in the digital-first production economy, this is essential listening.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

This week on TellyCast, Justin Crosby speaks to Timothy Oh from COL Group, one of the biggest players in the booming micro drama business.As the company behind platforms including ReelShort, Timothy explains why short-form, vertical storytelling has exploded in China and the US, why it is now starting to spread across Europe, and what it could mean for broadcasters, producers and content businesses in the UK.The conversation explores why micro drama has already overtaken the Chinese box office, how companies are making tens of millions of dollars from series costing a fraction of traditional TV budgets, and why the next battle will be fought over monetisation, IP and audience ownership.Justin and Timothy also discuss why British audiences may need their own version of micro drama, why the current content often feels too “cheesy” for UK viewers, and how broadcasters could reinvent familiar brands and soaps for a vertical, mobile-first world.Inside this episode:– Why micro drama has become one of the fastest-growing sectors in global entertainment– How COL Group built a global micro drama empire– The role of apps including ReelShort in driving the market– Why UK broadcasters and producers are starting to pay attention– How data, testing and constant iteration drive success in social video– Whether micro drama will eventually move onto platforms like YouTube, TikTok and streaming services– Why the future of digital-first storytelling may depend on creating local content for local audiencesIf you want to understand where the next wave of social video and digital-first entertainment is heading, this is an episode you do not want to miss.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

This week on TellyCast, Justin Crosby sits down with Matt Campion, co-founder of Spirit Studios, for a deep dive into how one of the UK’s most established digital-first production companies is building for the future.Matt explains how Spirit evolved from an early digital production business into a multi-strand content company spanning originals, podcasts, branded content, YouTube channel management and new vertical video formats. He talks through Spirit’s revenue model, why digital growth demands a different mindset from traditional TV, and why building platform-native IP is a long-term entrepreneurial play rather than a quick fix.The conversation also explores how audience data shapes development, why production companies need to think beyond single commissions, and what the next generation of super indies could look like in a world where content brands need to live across YouTube, podcasts, social video, streaming and linear.Justin and Matt also discuss the rise of micro drama, the reality of making money in digital, the value of owning IP, and what legacy producers still misunderstand about the digital-first production economy. To close, Matt gives his take on the launch of Saturday Night Live UK and what it says about risk, ambition and the future of entertainment.This is a sharp conversation for anyone working in TV, digital production, podcasting or social video who wants to understand where the content business is heading next.If you work in production and want to understand how the digital-first economy really works, this episode is for you.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

The TV industry is changing fast, and traditional production models are no longer enough. In this episode of TellyCast, recorded live at How to Make Money in Digital, Anjdy Fry digs into what the digital-first production economy really looks like in 2026.From YouTube and social video to new studio models, monetisation strategies and creator-led IP, this conversation explores how TV producers, executives and indie founders can build sustainable digital businesses alongside – or beyond – broadcast.If you work in TV and want to understand where the growth is coming from, how successful digital studios are operating, and what skills and mindsets are now essential, this episode is a practical guide to navigating the shift to social video and platform-native content.TellyCast is the podcast for people working at the sharp end of digital-first video, bringing together producers, platforms and creators shaping the future of the production economy.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

Justin Crosby speaks to Chinese micro-drama expert Wenwen Han, founder and CEO of the Short Drama Alliance, about how China built the world’s most advanced short-form drama economy. The conversation explores platform ecosystems on Douyin and WeChat, in-app payments versus ad-funded viewing, the rise of AI-generated “motion comics,” and what Western producers keep getting wrong about vertical drama. Han also shares her predictions for where the market expands next and why the US and India could be on the brink of major growth.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

In this anonymous edition of TellyCast, Justin Crosby is joined by two experienced digital-first producers who speak candidly about the realities of building sustainable businesses in social video, YouTube and podcasting in 2026.They discuss why digital producers are suddenly in demand, how broadcaster strategies are changing, and why success on YouTube is far from guaranteed for traditional TV indies. The conversation digs into budget expectations, premium versus low-cost production models, the need for multi-skilled teams, and the growing importance of community building over single commissions.Rights and IP are a major focus, with the guests explaining how current broadcaster deals work, why ownership of audiences and channels matters, and what a future industry framework for digital-first production might look like. They also explore branded content pricing, fears of a race to the bottom, and whether new industry standards are needed to protect producers.The episode closes with predictions for the rest of 2026, including the impact of the BBC’s new digital initiatives, creator cross-overs into television, and what the next phase of the digital-first production economy could bring.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

Micro drama is one of the fastest-growing scripted formats in global digital video, and UK producers are only just beginning to understand its scale, speed and commercial potential.In this episode of TellyCast, Justin Crosby is joined by micro drama producer Samantha Sun from ReelForce to unpack how vertical, app-based scripted series really work. Samantha shares her journey from early Chinese-backed micro drama platforms to producing some of the biggest-budget vertical dramas made in the UK, and explains why this format is not a downgrade from television, but a fundamentally different production and monetisation model.The conversation explores how micro drama platforms acquire audiences through social video, why the first ten episodes matter more than anything else, how payment and revenue-share models actually function, and what UK TV producers often misunderstand when they approach the space with traditional assumptions.Samantha also addresses talent, diversity, AI in post-production, genre limitations, audience behaviour, and why micro drama is attracting serious attention from Hollywood, platforms, brands and investors. This is an essential listen for producers, commissioners, and digital-first studios trying to understand where scripted content is heading next.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

This week Justin is joined by Steve Ackerman, one of the UK’s leading audio execs and former EVP and Head of Global Podcasts at Sony Music. Steve talks through three decades of shaping audio, from starting in hospital radio to building Somethin’ Else into a major content studio before its acquisition by Sony. He explains why audio and video now need to work together, why podcasting is still early in its maturity cycle, how revenue models are evolving, and what traditional TV producers can learn from the podcast ecosystem. Steve also discusses his time in the US, why the market is more entrepreneurial, and why creators need to think beyond commissioning models to build real IP value.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

In this special end-of-year episode of TellyCast, Justin Crosby looks back at 2025 and unpacks the structural shifts that have quietly but fundamentally reshaped the digital-first production economy.Drawing on reporting from The Drop, conversations on the podcast, and insights from TellyCast events throughout the year, the episode breaks down six defining trends: the rise of creator collectives as studio systems, the explosion of micro drama and vertical video, the maturation of vodcasting as a business model, YouTube’s dominance as the world’s leading AVOD platform, brands operating as broadcasters rather than advertisers, and AI becoming everyday production infrastructure rather than headline disruption.Justin then looks ahead to 2026, outlining how the industry is moving from speed to value, from publishing videos to building IP, and from chasing reach to prioritising audience loyalty. The episode explores why YouTube is now television, how brands are shifting towards funding entertainment rather than interrupting it, why social platforms have become the industry’s R&D engine, and how relevance is overtaking recency as the key performance driver.This episode is a clear-eyed assessment of where the digital-first industry stands, and what producers, creators, brands and studios need to focus on next to build sustainable businesses in the new production economy.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

In this episode of TellyCast, Justin Crosby is joined by Joe Churchill, former Digital Commissioning Editor for Branded Content at Channel 4 and now co-founder of Fan Club, a digital-first agency built around brands, creators and premium social video.Joe breaks down what it really means for brands to behave like broadcasters, why owning audiences now matters more than owning formats, and how branded entertainment has moved far beyond interruptive advertising. Drawing on his experience inside Channel 4 and now on the agency side, he explains how brands are developing long-term IP, building native formats for YouTube and social video, and working more strategically with creators.The conversation covers the realities of talent costs, the role of creators versus legacy talent, and why audiences are far more comfortable with brand-funded content than the industry often assumes. Joe also shares his predictions for 2026, including YouTube’s collaboration tools, the rise of brand-backed micro drama, consolidation between broadcasters and digital studios, and why audience ownership is replacing IP as the most valuable asset in the production economy.Topics include branded entertainment, social video strategy, creators and talent economics, micro drama, YouTube’s evolution, audience growth, and what comes next for digital-first studios.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

Sam Barcroft returns to TellyCast with a major update: he’s now Group CEO of SWNS Media Group, the UK’s largest independent newswire. In this wide-ranging conversation, Sam explains why news, social video and the creator economy are colliding faster than anyone expected — and what that means for producers, brands and the entire media landscape.Sam breaks down the future of news in a video-first world, how SWNS is reshaping itself across six companies, and why trust, truth and journalistic rigour are becoming more valuable as AI-generated content floods feeds. He also gives a brutally honest diagnosis of the UK’s collapsing documentary ecosystem, why most TV producers misunderstand YouTube, and what it really takes to build a sustainable content business in 2026.The conversation digs into creator M&A, branded content, subscription models, the rise of news influencers, vertical video, micro-drama, Goalhanger’s expansion, TikTok’s disruption of YouTube, and the biggest consolidation moves sweeping global media. Sam also shares his story of the week, his hero of the week, and who he’s putting in the bin.A sharp, punchy, essential episode for anyone navigating the new production economy.#TellyCast #SamBarcroft #DigitalFirst #SocialVideo #CreatorEconomy #NewsMedia #YouTubeStrategy #MediaTrendsSign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

Factual isn’t standing still - and this panel proves it. Recorded live at the TellyCast Digital Content Forum, this conversation digs into how the factual genre is being rebuilt for a digital-first world. Lucy Smith hosts a sharp, unsentimental discussion with Gerrit Kemming (Quintus Studios), Marvyn Benoit (Baker’s Dozen Studios) and Jamie McDonald (After Party Studios) about who really owns value in today’s market: the audience-holders or the IP-holders.They unpack how social video has reshaped commissioning logic, why audience ownership is now the most powerful currency in factual, and how creators are becoming new-age broadcasters. The panel gets into hybrid funding models, co-ownership of IP, rapid-cycle development, YouTube economics, CPM realities, danger-led factual, testing formats on social platforms, and the rise of patchwork financing. This is a clear-eyed look at the future: faster turnarounds, collaborative models, creator-talent partnerships, and a factual economy where anyone with audience can commission.If you want to understand where factual formats are heading - and how digital-first production companies are finding new routes to money, scale and global reach - this session is required listening.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

Vertical video drama has exploded in the past year – but is it a passing craze or the next big shift in storytelling? Recorded live at the TellyCast Digital Content Forum, this session brings together Spirit Studios’ Matt Campion, TheSoul Group’s Victor Potrel and writer-director-producer Katharina Gellein Viken to unpack the boom in micro drama. Moderated by Deadline’s Stewart Clarke, the panel digs into what audiences are actually watching, how shows are being funded and distributed, the role of AI in production, the emergence of new platforms, and why the economics are creating a brand-new content category. A sharp, forward-looking conversation on how vertical drama is being made, monetised and scaled.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

This week’s TellyCast comes from Lisbon and the 2025 Web Summit, featuring three standout conversations from the frontline of social video. Engineering superstar and YouTube icon Colin Furze joins the show fresh from his packed session to discuss two decades of building one of the world’s biggest creator channels, the near-mythical underground tunnel project, his relationship with TV, and how he keeps millions of viewers hooked. Ahmed Fayed from Dose of Society shares the journey behind the fast-growing social video brand, how they built a global audience from London street interviews, and why authentic storytelling now travels everywhere from the Emirates to Africa. Justin also catches up with Eline van der Velden from Particle6 after the global reaction to the launch of her AI actress — covering the backlash, the outcomes, and what comes next for creators building with AI. A Web Summit special packed with insight on the future of content, creators and social video.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

Strong Watch Studios co-founder Thom Gulseven joins the show to talk about building one of the UK’s most exciting digital-first production companies. He reveals how lessons learned at LADbible shaped the launch of Strong Watch with Ben Powell-Jones, how their channel People Are Deep became an award-winning social video hit, and why Channel 4 trusted them to run its new comedy channel A Comedy Thing. Thom also shares his take on the next phase of the creator economy, the rise of streamer-led digital content, and how traditional media can adapt to the social video revolution.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

In the final TellyCast MIPCOM special from Cannes, we hear from the people shaping the digital-first future of TV. Fan Club’s Joe Churchill talks about brands becoming broadcasters and his upcoming session at the TellyCast Digital Content Forum. Luci Sanan from Cowshed Ventures reveals her new YouTube adventure joint venture with Propagate Content. EndemolShine Nederland’s Sil Geurtsen explains how hit format Let’s Play Ball made the leap from YouTube to TV, and Arsenal Fan TV’s Robbie Lyle shares how he built a global fan-led media empire.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

In part two of our TellyCast MIPCOM special, Justin Crosby dives deep into the creator economy — the fastest-evolving part of the global content industry. Guests include Gerrit Kemming of Quintus Studios, Paul Telner from Viral Nation, Matt Gielen — digital media entrepreneur and former CEO of Electric Monster, Tobias Hoss from Lunar X, ITV Studios’ Cecile Olsen, Spirit Studios’ Matt Campion and All3 Media International's Gary Woolf.They discuss how traditional media is finally embracing YouTube, how creators are becoming full-scale studios, what investors are looking for in digital IP, the rise of micro-drama, and how AI is reshaping factual production. Recorded on the Croisette during MIPCOM 2025, this episode captures the energy of a TV industry in transition — from broadcast to social-first and beyond.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

TellyCast is back in Cannes for Day One of MIPCOM 2025 — bringing you the biggest new shows, the freshest formats, and the digital-first innovators transforming the global content business.Justin Crosby talks to Jodie Whittaker and Elizabeth Berrington about Frauds — the hit ITV drama created by Suranne Jones and Anne-Marie O’Connor — as it makes waves with international buyers.Then it’s format innovation with Richard Cowles of Lifted Entertainment and Jonty Nash and Chris Potts of Nobody’s Hero, joined by Emily Atack, discussing the making of Nobody’s Fool — the quiz-meets-reality hybrid co-hosted by Atack and Danny Dyer.Mike Beale, Managing Director of Creative Network at ITV Studios, reveals the company’s new global formats including Celebrity Sabotage, The Neighbourhood, and Nobody’s Fool, and explains how ITV is working with creators across the evolving entertainment landscape.From the digital-first front, Neil Francis of Night Train Digital talks about the studio’s new micro-drama partnership with Spirit Studios, while Bogdan Nesvit and Anatolii Kasianov from HolyWater unpack their landmark deal with Fox Entertainment and how AI and vertical video are shaping the future of storytelling.Nella Rose, Specs Gonzalez join Callum McGinley (Callux) and Ben Doyle (Rvbberduck) to talk about her new show and After Party Studios.Then we have Victor Bengtsson from Sidemen Entertainment on what comes next for the supergroup creator collectiveFinally, Jay Bennett, EVP of Creative and Innovation at Shaftesbury, joins Justin to discuss the Canadian company’s digital-first strategy, its success with short-form storytelling, and how traditional producers can evolve to meet the demands of the social video era.Recorded on location in Cannes, this episode captures the energy, creativity, and big ideas driving the future of global TV and social video.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

Actor Shaun Evans and executive producer Tom Leggett join Justin Crosby on TellyCast to discuss Betrayal — ITV Studios and Mammoth Screen’s gripping new espionage drama.Best known for Endeavour, Shaun takes on a very different kind of spy in Betrayal, playing MI5 operative John Hughes — a man navigating a collapsing marriage, shifting office politics and a looming terrorist threat no one else believes is real.The pair reveal the five-year journey behind the series, how writer David Eldridge infused the genre with emotional truth, and why Betrayal feels unlike any spy drama you’ve seen before. They discuss its themes of trust, loyalty and midlife reckoning, as well as the show’s dark humour, grounded realism and cinematic visual style.Betrayal premieres on ITV in early 2026 and is one of the most anticipated dramas on the ITV Studios slate.Listen to the full conversation for an inside look at how Evans and Leggett brought this complex, modern spy story to life.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

This week on TellyCast, Justin Crosby is joined by ITV Studios EVP of Global Content, Julie Meldal-Johnsen, for an exclusive preview of the company’s 2025 MIPCOM slate. From high-stakes thrillers like Frauds and Betrayal, to sun-soaked drama A Taste for Murder, bold new formats including Nobody’s Fool and Celebrity Sabotage, and powerful documentaries such as Operation Dark Phone and Poisoned, ITV Studios is showcasing one of its most ambitious line-ups to date. Julie shares insights into the creative strategy behind the slate, the global trends shaping buyer demand, and how ITV Studios is evolving across scripted, non-scripted and factual.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

In this week’s TellyCast, Justin Crosby is joined by filmmaker Ben Zand and Documentary Campus CEO Donata von Perfall. Ben discusses the launch of Human, his bold new self-funded YouTube documentary strand that puts storytelling and brand-building ahead of TV commissioning. He explains why he’s betting on a digital-first strategy, how Zandland is creating content with empathy and access, and the business model behind the series.Donata von Perfall outlines the evolution of Documentary Campus, its renowned Master School training programme, and the launch of NEXTWAVE – a new digital-first documentary summit taking place in Halle, Germany this autumn. She shares how Documentary Campus is helping filmmakers adapt to the fast-changing factual landscape and why now is the moment to champion digital-first storytelling in Europe.HUMAN launches Thursday 2nd October on ZANDLAND's YouTube channelBuy tickets to NEXTWAVESign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

This week on TellyCast, Justin Crosby is joined by writer, producer and cultural commentator Stephen Arnell. With a career spanning Sky Arts, BritBox, ITV and bylines in The Guardian, The New Statesman and The Spectator, Stephen has seen the TV industry from every angle.In this episode we dive into the big media stories of the week, from the Baywatch reboot and the search for Channel 4’s next CEO, to Jimmy Kimmel’s clash with Trump, the BBC’s coverage of Reform UK and the future of Channel 5 under Paramount. Stephen shares sharp insights on what these shifts mean for broadcasters, audiences and the future of television.TellyCast is the media industry’s podcast – exploring the latest trends, formats and business stories shaping the global TV and social video landscape.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

Is YouTube really the new TV? In this week’s TellyCast, Justin Crosby speaks with Ben Woods, Creator Economy Analyst at MIDiA Research, about his new report The New Hollywood: Tactics for YouTube’s TV Takeover. They explore why YouTube has now overtaken Netflix on living room TV sets, how younger audiences are watching social video instead of broadcast, and what this means for broadcasters, producers, and advertisers.From the dominance of children’s content and the long-tail power of creators, to the rise of AI tools and the threat of platform cannibalisation, Ben unpacks the biggest shifts shaping the production economy. He also shares lessons traditional media can learn from creators who iterate fast, build communities, and turn audiences into collaborators.Discover why thinking like a creator – not a broadcaster – is becoming essential for the future of TV and digital video.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

This week on TellyCast, Justin Crosby is joined by Tom Jenkins, Creative Director of Spud Gun Studios, the digital-first indie behind the hugely popular animation channel Mashed. Fresh from taking full ownership of the brand from Channel 4, Tom reveals how the studio is building on Mashed’s global fanbase of nearly seven million followers, striking new brand partnerships with the likes of Xbox and Baldur’s Gate, and winning four awards at the inaugural TellyCast Digital Video Awards. He shares insights on developing fan-focused animation in the new production economy, diversifying revenue through branded content, Patreon and FAST channels, and why staying human-made is central to their creative ethos in an era of AI-generated “slop.”Knights of Guinevere trailerSign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

Branded entertainment is booming - but how can producers really work with brands? In this TellyCast episode, Justin Crosby talks to brand funded content specialist Charlie Read, founder of Upstream, about the five things every content producer needs to know about brand-funded content. From understanding business outcomes and audience insight to building IP with brands, learning their language, and shifting from interruption to engagement, this episode is a practical guide to the fast-growing branded content space.Charlie's Story of the Week https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/aug/28/bland-easy-to-follow-for-fans-of-everything-what-has-the-netflix-algorithm-done-to-our-filmsSign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

Big Deal Films co-founder Dhanny Joshi joins Justin Crosby to share how he turned a call centre hustle into a BAFTA-winning indie. They discuss breaking through with Dreaming Whilst Black, navigating the commissioning crisis, and why digital-first, talent-led content is the future of TV.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

This week on TellyCast, Justin Crosby sits down with Ofcom’s Director of Broadcasting and Media, Cristina Nicolotti Squires, for a deep dive into the regulator’s urgent six-point action plan to save public service media in the digital-first era. With younger audiences flocking to YouTube, Netflix and TikTok, and PSBs losing share, is the UK’s broadcast model reaching a breaking point? Christina unpacks the tough questions: securing YouTube prominence, the future of Freeview, public funding for news and kids content, and why media literacy and strategic collaboration are vital to survival. Essential listening for anyone working in public service, digital-first or social video production.Includes key insights on:Why PSBs are losing visibility and what can be doneThe digital terrestrial TV dilemma and future of FreeviewAI, misinformation and media literacy in the online content eraWhether it’s already too late to save UK public service broadcastingListen now and stay ahead of the changing media landscape.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

This week on TellyCast, Justin Crosby sits down with Taf Makopa, founder of Mako Studios and one of the most exciting new forces in digital production. Taf reveals his first slate of four brand-funded shows with BoohooMan — including Are You Even Real?, a dating series hosted by UK rap icon Chip, and Luke Comes Home, a Luke Littler documentary featuring Angry Ginge.In this candid conversation, Taf unpacks why talent-first formats are the future, how brand-creator partnerships are evolving, and why social video is no longer just “digital TV” - it’s its own creative economy.Expect honest reflections on leaving Wall of Entertainment, the business of making hit social formats on a budget, and how Mako Studios plans to shake up the industry.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

This week on TellyCast, Justin Crosby sits down with Andrew Trotman, CEO and founder of Komi Group, to explore how one of the UK’s most forward-thinking creator businesses is reshaping the digital content landscape. From building data-driven social brands to launching creator-led businesses, Andrew shares how Komi Group went from a horse racing tipster account to a global social video powerhouse producing 4.5 billion views a month.We dive into the realities of creator burnout, why Facebook might be poised for a comeback, and how Andrew is backing creators with rapid payments, platform diversification strategies, and mental health support. With 40+ owned brands, a proprietary data stack, and a growing talent division, this is a masterclass in the modern creator economy from someone who’s building it from the inside.Recorded in London and produced by Spirit Studios.Listen now to discover how the digital-first game is changing — and how to win it.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

This week on TellyCast, Justin Crosby is joined by social video sensation Hayley Morris. Known for her viral vertical comedies and brilliant multi-character sketches, Hayley shares her journey from early YouTube experiments to creating hit series like ‘The V Hotel’ and her growing portfolio of self-funded short films. She reveals how she built an audience of over nine million followers, the creative process behind her weekly videos, why she’s passionate about retaining creative control, and how she sees the future of social video evolving. Hayley also talks about her plans to develop longer form episodic content for YouTube and the importance of balancing creativity with social platform algorithms. If you’re interested in social video, digital-first production, or how to build an audience from scratch—this is essential listening.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

On this week’s TellyCast, Justin Crosby is joined by two of the UK’s most respected TV leaders – Jimmy Mulville, co-founder of Hat Trick Productions, and Peter Fincham, co-founder of Expectation and former controller of BBC One and director of television at ITV. They discuss the health of the UK TV industry, the impact of YouTube, the future of comedy, and the challenges facing independent producers today. Jimmy and Peter also reflect on their own experiences as producers and commissioners, the Channel 4 in-house production shake-up, and what it takes to build a successful indie in today’s digital-first landscape.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

This week on TellyCast, Justin is reporting from Conecta Fiction & Entertainment in Cuenca, Spain — the heart of Hispanic TV content innovation. He’s joined by two of Banijay’s top executives shaping the future of unscripted in Latin America: Frank Scheuermann, Chief Content Officer of Endemol Shine Boomdog, and Marie Leguizamo, Managing Director of Banijay Mexico and US Hispanic.Frank unpacks why long-running formats are dominating in Mexico, the rise of celebrity-led content, and how digital-first strategies are reshaping audience habits. Marie reveals why LOL (Last One Laughing) has become Prime Video’s most successful unscripted show globally, how to pitch in the region, and teases her new dating-meets-superfan format Star Crush.Recorded live among the lightning storms of Castilla-La Mancha, it’s a frontline insight into how Latin America is redefining global unscripted.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

The TellyCast Digital Video Awards have arrived! In this special episode, we bring you all the highlights from the first-ever awards show dedicated to the social video and digital-first industry, held at The Londoner Hotel in London’s Leicester Square.Hosted by Max Fosh, the night celebrated the creators, producers, studios and platforms redefining what video content means in the digital age. Hear from winners including Channel 4.0, Footasylum, Spud Gun Studios, Sidemen Entertainment, and World of Entertainment — plus red carpet interviews with Zeze Millz, Joe Sugg, Eman SV2, and more.🎧 Subscribe for more conversations and insights from the digital-first video world.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

Sam Pearson, Digital Commissioning Editor at Hearst Networks UK, joins Justin Crosby to reveal how the broadcaster is reshaping its digital-first strategy across platforms like YouTube, Facebook, TikTok and AVOD. From breakout social formats like History Crush and Unbreakable to monetising archive content and launching purposeful true crime programming, Hearst is evolving with the audience.We go behind the scenes on the company’s commissioning strategy, platform experimentation, and what success looks like for digital-first originals. Sam also shares insights on creator partnerships, brand-funded video, and the role of test-and-learn in today’s content economy.🎧 This episode is essential listening for anyone working in social video, digital commissioning, or the future of factual content.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

He’s the YouTube creator who trained a horse to bet on racing and tricked Heathrow passengers with a fake “Welcome to Luton” sign — now Max Fosh joins TellyCast to reveal how he’s built a global creator business rooted in originality, lean production, and long-form storytelling.In this week’s episode, Max shares the inside story of his rise from Facebook vlogger to international touring comedian and digital video pioneer. He explains how he approaches YouTube strategy, why branded stunts work (and when they don’t), and why so many traditional media companies are getting it wrong when they try to work with creators. Max also discusses creator burnout, sustainable growth, and the business decisions that keep his channel thriving.Plus, as host of the first-ever TellyCast Digital Video Awards, Max gives us a sneak peek at what to expect on the night — and of course, he shares his Story of the Week, Hero of the Week, and what’s going in the bin.👀 A must-listen for anyone interested in the business of social video, creator economy strategy, and the future of digital entertainment.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

This week on TellyCast, Justin Crosby is joined by Amie Parker-Williams, Director of Commissioning & Production at MTV Entertainment Group International. Amie shares how MTV and Comedy Central are evolving their commissioning models to embrace a bold digital-first approach. She breaks down how her team balances in-house production with collaborations with indies, the importance of commissioning content that tackles social issues head-on, and why authenticity and flexibility are key in today’s youth media landscape. From standout series like Every Woman with Sophie Kasaei to the upcoming Geordie Stories: Nathan and Dad, this episode dives deep into how MTV is creating real connections with global audiences on YouTube, TikTok, and beyond. Plus, Amie reveals her Story of the Week, Hero of the Week, and what she’s putting in the bin.Listen now for powerful insights into social video, platform-native storytelling, and commissioning strategies that work in 2025.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

In this powerful episode of TellyCast, host Justin Crosby sits down with Danny Fenton, CEO and founder of Zig Zag, to discuss the turbulent journey his company has faced over the past 12 months. From insolvency to reinvention, Danny opens up about the personal and professional challenges of leading an independent production company through financial crisis, the impact of industry upheavals, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Discover how Zig Zag 2.0 is navigating the changing landscape of TV and digital content, with a focus on leaner operations, brand-funded content, and international expansion.Listen now for an unfiltered conversation about resilience, leadership, and the future of the production business.#TVIndustry #DigitalContent #IndieProduction #ZigzagProductions #MediaBusiness #Podcast #SocialVideoSign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

Top digital commissioners from MTV, Channel 4, and A+E Networks reveal exactly what they’re looking for - and what they’re not - when commissioning social video content.Recorded live at the TellyCast How to Make Money in Digital event, this expert panel explores How to Work with Digital Commissioners and What They Want. Featuring Amie Parker-Williams (MTV and Comedy Central), Sam Pearson (Hearst Networks), Evie Buckley (Channel 4.0), and Joe Churchill (Channel 4 Branded Entertainment), the session dives into what commissioners look for in social video content, the opportunities for production companies and talent, and how to pitch winning ideas for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and beyond.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

This week on TellyCast, Justin Crosby is joined by Channel 4’s Digital Commissioning Editor and Channel 4.0 lead, Evie Buckley. In a wide-ranging and insightful chat, Evie reveals her latest exclusive digital commissions, shares her evolving commissioning strategy, and explains how data, talent, and creator-first thinking are transforming Channel 4’s approach to digital content. They also explore how traditional producers can break into digital, what makes a pitch stand out, and why creators shouldn’t be labelled as influencers. Plus — Hero of the Week, Story of the Week, and what Evie thinks needs to go straight in the bin.Got YouTube? Head to TellyCast TV and hit subscribe.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok

This week on TellyCast, Justin Crosby is joined by Eline van der Velden, founder and CEO of Particle 6 – an AI-first production company shaking up the world of digital video. With a background in both physics and performance, Eline shares how her unique career path has shaped Particle 6’s groundbreaking approach to content creation using artificial intelligence.From slashing production costs by 60% to creating AI-generated scripted content and short-form dramas, Eline reveals how she and her team are applying cutting-edge tools like Sora, DeepSeek, and ElevenLabs across the entire production pipeline. She also discusses the rise of AI-driven characters, the shift in industry roles, and why traditional production models need urgent reinvention.Whether you’re a TV producer feeling overwhelmed by tech, or a digital-first creator eager to push the limits of storytelling, this episode is packed with practical insight, inspiration, and bold predictions about the future of our industry.Sign up for The Drop newsletterEnrol on the TellyCast Digital BootcampBuy tickets for the Digital Content ForumSubscribe to the TellyCast YouTube channel for exclusive TV industry videosFollow us on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedINTellyCast videos on YouTubeTellyCast websiteTellyCast instaTellyCast TwitterTellyCast TikTok