The Faction team attended The Sheffield Documentary Festival once again this year, maintaining their annual tradition. The event proved to be as brilliant as ever, featuring a few days packed with captivating documentaries and insightful industry discussions.
Katie’s top pick was The Accidental President . This documentary follows Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who put her name on the ballot alongside authoritarian Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko and won. Director’s Mike Lerner and Martin Herring were given unfettered access during Tsikhanouskaya’s campaign, her subsequent exile from Belarus and her navigation through the EU and global political landscape as her country’s legitimately elected leader.
Katie also enjoyed the BBC Interview: Simon Reeve in Conversation where the author, explorer and presenter spoke about his career. Chaired by Jack Bootle ( BBC Head of Specialist Factual Commissioning).
Satu enjoyed the Industry Session: Backing British Storytelling: Meet the BBC Unscripted Commissioners. Where the commissioners from the unscripted team Clare Sillery (Head of Commissioning, Documentaries), Jack Bootle, (Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual), Gian Quaglieni, (Commissioning Editor, Current Affairs), Suzy Klein,(Head of Commissioning, Arts and Classical Music) and Emma Hindley, (Lead Commissioning Editor, Storyville) talked about their upcoming projects and how the BBC is backing British storytelling across its documentary films.
In the Alternative Realities exhibition we found Satu lying on a bed on 1000 silicone fingers (yes real life). In addition both Katie and Satu were spotted with some strange masks on, apparently to imitate how bats see and hear the world..!
Comedian Bill Bailey unleashes his musical passion as he speaks to the next generation of young musicians and explores what is required to maintain musical instruments in the UK.
We spoke to editor Matt Scragg who worked on this special episode. Matt mentioned that he also worked with editor Phil Diprose and Edit Producer Ann Wilson on the episode but he concentrated on parts 2 and 3. Matt said:
“It was a very challenging first week because Phil and I had to first work out the best way of dividing the workload between us and then cut down many hours of interviews and workshops into short 4-8 minute scenes. It was a well shot project though, so it all came together in the final two weeks pretty smoothly – and Sky Arts are a dream to work for so the final review process was a pleasure.”
Matt also mentioned “I think this Special is a bit different from the normal Bill Bailey’s Master Crafters episodes that have come before in that Bill is a musician himself, so he was able to get involved on a more personal level”.
The programme coincides with Sky’s Access All Arts Week, a free learning programme which aims to help teachers celebrate the arts. It will air 20th June at 8pm on Sky Arts, Freeview Channel 36 and NOW.
Tour de France: Unchained offers an in-depth look at the iconic race, following everyone from riders to team directors. This new season delves into the 21 stages of the 2023 Tour de France, highlighting the challenges of this globally renowned event, which is broadcast in 190 territories. Viewers will witness the behind-the-scenes drama amid scandals, strategic maneuvers, and the quest for glory. The series captures the intense battle for the yellow jersey, showcasing dramatic falls, historic breakaways, and the relentless drive to win.
Speaking of behind-the-scenes drama, Editor Charlie Webb said “ I had a great time working across the series and on episode 2. I would say this series has some of the best behind the scenes access I’ve ever worked on, really gripping stories and exciting races”. He also said “I think it’s one of the best sport series box to box have ever done”.
Jayesh Lathia who worked on Series 1 as well as this series said “ Another season of Tour De France and this year the stakes were even higher! As always, weaving the emotional highs and lows of the riders remained central to the storytelling. My episode had a unique twist with a doping story that required careful balance in the edit to ensure that both sides of the controversial story were fairly portrayed.’
All episodes will debut on Netflix Tuesday 11th June.
Congratulations to the 2024 Shortlist! We are proud to see lots of familiar names and projects in the shortlist.
Congratulations to the 2024 Shortlist! We are proud to see lots of familiar names and projects in the shortlist.
– Lockerbie: Mindhouse Productions for Sky Documentaries & NOW TV. Shortlisted for Best Documentary Programme. Editors Charlie Hawryliw and Paul Holland.
– The Rap Game: Naked (a Fremantle label) for BBC. Shortlisted for Best Entertainment Programme. Editors Gwyn Moxham and Chris Naggs.
– Black Stroke: BPCS Films for Netflix. Shortlisted for Best Short Form Documentary. Editor: Desiree Ivegbuna.
– High: Surviving a Dubai Drugs Bust Blast Films for BBC & BBC iPlayer. Shortlisted for best True Crime Documentary. Editor Chris Scurfield.
– Big Zuu’s Big Eats: Boom & Big Productions for Dave. Shortlisted for best Popular Factual Programme. Editor Gavin Ames.
– 90 Day Fiancé. CPL Productions for discovery+. Shortlisted for Best Popular Factual Programme. Editor: Desiree Ivegbuna.
David Hockney: Directors Cut Productions for Sky Arts. Shortlisted for Best Specialist Factual Programme. Editor Andreas Torner.
Painting Birds: Drum Studios for Sky Arts. Shortlisted for Best Specialist Factual Programme. Editors: Joe Swanson, Brian Campbell, Mohsin Bhatti and Jonnie Case.
The awards take place on the 3rd July, Good luck everyone!
This compelling documentary tells the remarkable story of Manchester United’s unprecedented triumph in 1999, when the team made football history by clinching the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League titles.
Spanning over three captivating parts, the film features in-depth interviews with the key figures who were instrumental in this legendary achievement, including the iconic manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Fans will hear firsthand accounts from star players such as Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, and David Beckham.
The documentary unveils untold stories from within the team, shedding light on dressing room conflicts, personal struggles, and pivotal moments that defined the season. Viewers will also be treated to never-before-seen archive footage and candid behind-the-scenes videos from the club and its devoted fans.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Manchester United’s historic Treble win, making this documentary a must-watch for all football enthusiasts!
Lead editor Graham Taylor attended the premiere in Manchester’s Printworks and brushed shoulders with Davd Beckham, Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole (he had to pretend he likes football)! On working on this project, GT said “ It was quite an intimidating prospect to re-assess one of the great sporting achievements of the 90’s, but with Ventureland producing and working again with Sampson Collins, we were able to cut through the cliches and get to the essence of what made that season and that team so great. Working alongside Sam from pre-production right through gave me the opportunity to shape multiple narrative and thematic arcs across the series and individual episodes. Entirely shaped in the edit suite, with an unprecedented depth of research and material, comprehensive original interviews, and with sound design, music and VFX given due prominence and attention, 99 was a dream to work on from start to finish”.
99 Premieres tomorrow: Friday 17th May on Amazon Prime
Dragonfly Film & Television for Really and Discovery+
The Face Doctors: Dragonfly Film & Television
Ben Burgess and Dermot O’Brien were two of the editors on the team for this new medical documentary series that follows the incredible work of a group of world-leading NHS doctors at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
Each week this new series will follow the journeys of patients whose lives have been changed as a result of flesh-eating infections, challenging genetic conditions, and life-changing traumas. The procedures aren’t just about fixing broken bodies, but restoring identities, mending confidence, and helping patients and families rebuild their lives. The series covers touching moments as patients see their new reflections, and as families share their joy.
We caught up with Ben Burgess who worked on two episodes. He said “I really enjoyed working on Face Doctors. It was a fascinating (and somewhat disturbing) subject. It was amazing to see how brilliant the facial surgeons and prosthetists of Addenbrookes Hospital at Cambridge University are, and how much they can transform people’s lives for the better. It’s tricky trying to make an entertaining watch out of something gruesome and harrowing. But we got there in the end”.
Dermot O’Brien also shared his experience working on the show. “This was a challenging but rewarding project to work on. In the edit we had to get the right balance between the patients’ backstories and emotional journeys, and the technical aspects of complex surgical procedures – as told by the doctors – which often required crunching down up to 10 hours of surgery into 7 or 8 minutes of screen time. As this is a new series the edit teams and producers worked hard to get the style, tone and pace right for the channel. Ultimately the rewarding side was in getting to showcase the amazing life-changing work that the surgeons and prosthetics team at Addenbrookes Hospital do”.
The Face Doctors starts this Wednesday 15th May 9pm on Really and streaming on Discovery+
Billed as Britain’s own version of Netflix’s hit show Selling Sunset, Buying London is a Netflix series following estate agent boss Daniel Daggers and his uber-competitive team.
Enter the world of opulent real estate where the series delves into the inner workings of one of the city’s premier luxury estate agencies. Join Daniel Daggers, the formidable leader of DDRE Global, and his driven team as they navigate the competitive landscape, striving to broker deals for London’s most extravagant properties. The series transports viewers from the affluent streets of Mayfair to the prestigious pockets of Holland Park in West London.
We caught up with Gruff who edited across several episodes, he told us we can expect lots of drama in the series and it will definitely satisfy fans of shows like Selling Sunset. We look forward to watching this one!
Miriam: Death of a Reality Star is a hard-hitting documentary about Miriam Rivera, recognised as the world’s first transgender reality TV star. The documentary series chronicles the Mexican model’s groundbreaking life and extraordinary legacy.
Using Miriam’s own voice and words throughout, the series will restore Miriam as the star of her own story: a trans trailblazer who remains an icon for many in the transgender community Drawing on rich archive and with exclusive access to Miriam’s family and close friends from the trans community, each episode will take the audience into the colourful worlds she inhabited.
Miriam starred in There’s Something About Miriam, one of the most controversial reality shows of the early noughties. Set in a luxury Ibiza Villa, six men went head-to-head to win the heart of Miriam, the stunning supermodel from Mexico. It was only at the end of the final episode that Miriam revealed to the boys: “I was born as a man”. What followed was years of negative media attention and transphobic abuse, the outrage was targeted at a 21-year-old Miriam, rather than the TV executives who’d put her in that position. Fifteen years later Miriam was tragically found dead in her mother’s apartment in an apparent, (though disputed), suicide.
Charlie Hawryliw edited all three episodes of the series which airs tonight 9pm on Channel 4.
ITV Exec Producers: Ceri Aston and Elen Moore Editors: Simon Bennett ( Episodes 2 and 5) Harry Anstey ( Pre-titles)
For The Love of Dogs with Alison Hammond: ITV
Alison Hammond follows in the footsteps of the late Paul O’Grady as she heads behind the scenes at Battersea Dogs Home. With the number of abandoned and stray dogs at an all-time high, it’s an increasingly important task.
In Episode 2 which Simon Bennett edited, Hammond meets a lurcher who was found tied up in a graveyard and now needs emergency surgery. An anxious French bulldog is struggling to breathe, while an extremely matted bichon frisé desperately requires a haircut! Simon said, “Alison Hammond has done an amazing job and she’s so genuine and funny, Paul o Grady would be proud”.
For the Love of Dogs with Alison Hammond continues Tuesday 8pm on ITV
Nish and Josh are back for another round of adventures across the UK. They once again hop from one local newspaper job to another, immersing themselves in different communities. They are on the hunt for real-life tales that’ll make you laugh, cry, and everything in between. They’re on a mission to find best local stories, ones so good they’ll land right on the front page. In this series they concentrate on delving into local mysteries, taking part in unusual events, covering the burning issues of the day and they enlist a celebrity or two to help them out along the way.
Connor said “It was a lot of fun, it was kind of a dream team of people I’ve worked with before so things clicked pretty well. They needed to as we only had a few weeks between two editors to do the final episode. It felt like long odds, but with the right elements in place, and we did it”.
Hold The Front Page will air on 24th April on Sky Max.
Exec Producers: Rachel Viner and Georgina Hinds Editor: Jack Brown CPL Productions for BBC One Brand-new dating experiment Stranded on Honeymoon Island takes twelve singles looking for lifelong love and throws them into the ultimate test of commitment. After just a five-minute speed date, they’re paired up, married on… Read More
Exec Producers: Tom Pearson & Stuart Cabb. Director and Exec Producer: Michael Beach Nichols Editor: Franco Bogino Plum Pictures for Hulu and Disney+ 30th July Mr and Mrs Murder. Plum Pictures for Hulu and Disney+ Mr. & Mrs. Murder is a gripping four-part true crime docuseries, set in… Read More
The Garden for Netflix Editors: Jennifer Hampson ( Ep1 ) and Duncan Hill ( Ep2) Exec Producers: Zac Beattie, Flavia Taylor Working in Soho, London on the 7th July 2005, I remember in the morning hearing about the bomb going off and worrying that friends and colleagues may… Read More
Series 7 Exec Producers: James Gay-Rees & Paul Martin Box to Box for Netflix Editors: Jake Lofdahl and Mark Pickles Jake Lofdahl returned to Box to Box to help edit the highly anticipated seventh season of Netflix’s acclaimed docuseries, Formula 1 Drive to Survive which… Read More
