How The Grand Tour & Clarkson's Farm Were Born | Andy Wilman
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The Room Where It Happened
This episode is titled:
How The Grand Tour & Clarkson's Farm Were Born | Andy Wilman
Notable Quotes
"It is boring. That's why it's unbelievable. I know. That's why it's the greatest television show of this century."
"You mean like look at the view? And he's like, yeah. I'm wondering if that's a format point."
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Get More InsightsEpisode Summary
In this episode, Andy Wilman, the executive producer behind popular TV shows such as 'Top Gear', 'The Grand Tour', and 'Clarkson's Farm' shares insights into his career and the evolution of these shows. The conversation begins with the pivotal moment when Wilman and the other show's hosts transitioned from the BBC to Amazon, highlighting the differences in corporate culture and expectations. Amazon demanded a significant output of shows while ensuring they remained distinct from 'Top Gear', leading the team to innovate with new ideas. One memorable idea involved constructing a 'tent studio' for 'The Grand Tour', which presented both creative opportunities and financial risks.
Wilman recounts the tension during initial pitch meetings and the humorous challenges faced when collaborating with lawyers to navigate format rights and avoid lawsuits from the BBC. They eventually launched 'The Grand Tour', which became a successful format. Wilman also expresses his thoughts on the reception of 'Clarkson's Farm', emphasizing that its charm lies in its authenticity and relatable characters. He reflects on the special moments created through real-life situations versus scripted content.
The episode touches on the shift in viewership with the advent of streaming services, where the communal experience of watching television changed. Wilman compares his feelings on 'The Grand Tour' versus 'Top Gear', noting that while the latter had an element of surprise, the former was a result of their professional experience. The discussion concludes with reflections on how shows like 'Clarkson's Farm' have struck a chord with viewers, bringing unexpected joy and connection in contemporary television.
Wilman recounts the tension during initial pitch meetings and the humorous challenges faced when collaborating with lawyers to navigate format rights and avoid lawsuits from the BBC. They eventually launched 'The Grand Tour', which became a successful format. Wilman also expresses his thoughts on the reception of 'Clarkson's Farm', emphasizing that its charm lies in its authenticity and relatable characters. He reflects on the special moments created through real-life situations versus scripted content.
The episode touches on the shift in viewership with the advent of streaming services, where the communal experience of watching television changed. Wilman compares his feelings on 'The Grand Tour' versus 'Top Gear', noting that while the latter had an element of surprise, the former was a result of their professional experience. The discussion concludes with reflections on how shows like 'Clarkson's Farm' have struck a chord with viewers, bringing unexpected joy and connection in contemporary television.
Key Takeaways
- The transition from BBC to Amazon brought both challenges and creative freedom.
- The idea of using a tent studio for 'The Grand Tour' was initially met with skepticism but ultimately became a defining feature.
- The success of 'Clarkson's Farm' lies in its relatability and unscripted moments, contrasting with more structured productions.
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