UK TV show on Backyard BBQ Geniuses

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wade

Master of the Pit
Original poster
OTBS Member
SMF Premier Member
Apr 12, 2013
3,863
279
Kent, UK
Smokewood has recently brought this to my attention and we thought it may be of interest to the UK residents on SMF. It appears that there is currently research going on for Channel 4 for a new UK series about Backyard BBQ. So that the program does not exclusively feature people from the BBBQS I would encourage anyone who may be interested to contact Naomi as quickly as possible.

Naomi's original message is reposted below

"I am a TV Producer currently researching for a potential new Channel 4 series on BBQing and the hidden amazing creations in people's backyards. We are looking to find people truly passionate about perfecting the BBQ or making it the most fun it can be. If you think you may be interested in featuring in the show please email [email protected]"

Thanks Smokewood for bringing this to our attention. It has the potential to really push forward the non commercial UK BBQ cause and also to raise more awareness of the SMF.

Wade
 
HEY!!  Looks like I have an E-Mail to send unless you have done it Wade.  We need to explain who we are and how we differ from the BBBQS.  Many of you folks are doing some really great stuff.  I can think of 4-6 of you quickly off the top of my head who would have a lot to contribute to a show like that.  For me if they make this a show about "competition BBQ/smoking they are not gonna spread the word and might even put some folks off trying because of the complex nature of competition. Que and smoking should also be about good friends and family sharing great food.

My very first thought is that I will send Jeff a PM and get him involved.  He may need to contact these folks himself.  It might get him U.K. sponsors and maybe a U.K. distributor for his products; or it may not be something he wants to be associated with.  I don't know the technical stuff.

As an individual; ANY member of the U.K. Group can contact this producer and become involved in the project if they chose.  Where the "rub" comes in is using the name of the forum in any way in connection with this project without Jeff's permission.  You can certainly say you are a member of a smoking forum with a great bunch of knowledgeable helpful folks so long as there is absolutely no reference as to what forum until we would get that permission.

Sounds like a good project to promote Que and smoking here in the U.K.  Keep Smokin!

Danny
 
Danny. I think you are maybe being a little too sensitive at this stage regarding getting Jeff actively involved. This whole thing may fizzle out or Channel 4 may not even be interested in us. At the point where it looks as if something MAY happen then that would be the point to see if Jeff feels he needs to get involved personally - and the fact that we are discussing it here will effectively keep him in the loop.

Up to that point I think we should just actively promote the forums presence to Channel 4 - as we would do to anyone else - as at the very least it may result in more UK membership. All additional awareness for the forum is good for everyone however premature talks of "sponsorship" at this stage may well just scare them away.
 
 
HEY!!  Looks like I have an E-Mail to send unless you have done it Wade.  We need to explain who we are and how we differ from the BBBQS.  Many of you folks are doing some really great stuff.  I can think of 4-6 of you quickly off the top of my head who would have a lot to contribute to a show like that.  For me if they make this a show about "competition BBQ/smoking they are not gonna spread the word and might even put some folks off trying because of the complex nature of competition. Que and smoking should also be about good friends and family sharing great food.
Hi Danny - I have e-mailed Naomi to let her know that I have re-posted her request here on the forum. Hopefully she will take a look and see what we are all about. 
 
Hello Wade.  I DO agree with you to a degree.  We are CERTAINLY allowed to promote the website to anyone interested.  I am certain Jeff would not disagree with that statement.  Advertising, sponsorship, distribution aside  ( because that is all a maybe ) Yes; I want those folks to know about us BUT I don't see how you can bring attention to our Group without using smokingmeatforums.com; in a public forum without Jeff's approval.  YES, telling that individual producer about the website is perfectly allowable.  I am certain that producer and the legal team at Channel 4 KNOW they would need Jeff's permission to use the website name.  Again I just didn't want any U.K. member to get in over their head.

HEY!!!!  How did I become the post nazis!!  I don't like rules!  I am redneck from birth to death!  We don't like rules!

Too protective of the "Family"??   I'll shut up now!

Danny
 
I'll be sending and email in mentioning that I've seen it on here .... sending pix and video may help show you are serious

..... Danny do bear in mind that  TV people are ALWAYS "excited" about new projects and 9.999999999 times out of 10 they won't be commissioned so I really wouldn't worry about any details yet
 
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  Have I become my Grandparents??????  PLEASE say it ain't soooo!!!   Just worried about the "Family".


Danny
 
Hello.  Update.  I received Jeff's reply:

38x38px-ZC-c5c4e29c_IMG_5881_pp-512x512.jpg


TulsaJeff
Today at 2:56 pm

Danny,

Sorry for the delay in getting back with you on this.. it's the busiest time of the year for me with everyone in the U.S., it seems, wanting to smoke a turkey for Thanksgiving!

The show sounds like a great thing and I have no problem at all with you guys using the website name or your association with SMF.

I would love to see some good barbecue competition in the UK.. there may be more than I know about but, from my neck of the woods, it appears that barbecue/smoking meat doesn't have as large of a foot hold there as it does here in the States.

Let me know if you need anything further on this.

Jeff Phillips

So all bases are now covered.  You Prima Donnas can start booking your places in the que for costume, hair and make up.  
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  Keep Smokin!

Danny

Danny
 
emailed a few days ago and had a very nice reply back today ......

Hello Mark

Just a quick note to say thank you for your interest in our show and for taking the time to contact me. We have a channel interested and so are busy developing it to make an awesome show! As soon as we need to find people to feature I will be sure to be back in touch

Kindest

Naomi Harvey

Development Producer
 
I think that is a stock reply 
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A STOCK REPLY???  HAVE YOU SEEN MARK AFTER HAIR AND MAKEUP?????  That Brad Pitt guy has nothin on Mark!  
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Serious now!  I think many of you folks ought to send that e-mail.  You guys got some skills.  We don't want British BBQ/Smoking to be all about competition.  Competition will just put off the new folks who are wanting to get started.  They know they have zero chance at a competition so why bother.  WE WANT THOSE NEW FOLKS who want to give this smoking thing a try without the pressure.  Folks who need to ask questions and want to learn.  Spread the word brothers!  
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  Keep Smoking!


Danny
 
It all sound excellent, but not wanting to pee on anyone's parade, you will have no control over the final edit, and what is actually aired on TV.  It all sounds good in principal, but the production team could edit the programme so you come across as a complete anorak.  At the end of the day the production team are going to portray the show in whatever light that gets them the best ratings, be it positive or negative way.  

The only reason I am mentioning this is because a number of years ago I wrote a feature article, and when it was finally released they had not used the full article, but only used certain paragraphs which totally changed the feature totally.  Sorry for being negative, but I wouldn't want anyone to be featured in a negative way
 
 
It all sound excellent, but not wanting to pee on anyone's parade, you will have no control over the final edit, and what is actually aired on TV.  It all sounds good in principal, but the production team could edit the programme so you come across as a complete anorak.  At the end of the day the production team are going to portray the show in whatever light that gets them the best ratings, be it positive or negative way.  

The only reason I am mentioning this is because a number of years ago I wrote a feature article, and when it was finally released they had not used the full article, but only used certain paragraphs which totally changed the feature totally.  Sorry for being negative, but I wouldn't want anyone to be featured in a negative way
I think Smokewood makes a good point and something everyone should be aware of although it is only BBQing and not something too serious - a lot of these shows featuring the "public" tend to concentrate on the more outgoing characters which is why Benefits Street got such a backlash as it was originally polled as a sympathetic look at that way of life but it was of course something very different....

As I have been suggesting anything concrete is a long way off but if it does happen being aware of what you are letting yourself in for is important.... 
 
 
It all sound excellent, but not wanting to pee on anyone's parade, you will have no control over the final edit, and what is actually aired on TV.  It all sounds good in principal, but the production team could edit the programme so you come across as a complete anorak.  At the end of the day the production team are going to portray the show in whatever light that gets them the best ratings, be it positive or negative way.  

The only reason I am mentioning this is because a number of years ago I wrote a feature article, and when it was finally released they had not used the full article, but only used certain paragraphs which totally changed the feature totally.  Sorry for being negative, but I wouldn't want anyone to be featured in a negative way
I am not sure that even they could make me look more of an anorak 
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I am not expecting to hear any more anyway as from a subsequent post on "the other place" she alluded to the them not being able to find sufficient radical BBQers for a series.
 
One Anorak for sale, one previous owner but in good condition.
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If it comes with a trainspotters notebook and pencil, I have an erm "friend" who may be interested in it 
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Just to update you all on this...

I had a film crew from Plimsole Productions with me at home for a whole day in January to film part of the pilot show that Channel 4 were potentially interested in developing into a series. They also filmed several other people as well that week - though mainly from the BBBQS. They completed the pilot (which they appeared quite excited about) and it was then presented to Channel 4 as part of this seasons mix of potential new shows. Unfortunately Channel 4 subsequently decided not to proceed with it this year but have left their options open for taking up again at a future date.

Sad for British BBQ awareness I know but at least we know that there may be potential in the future.
 
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