Are Newsroom Backgrounds Real Or Fake?

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Are those people working, or eating their lunch, in the background of newsrooms live, or is it all faked? What is the thought process behind adaptations and who decides if it is best to adapt for film or TV? When reporters are in a war zone, do they have access to water, food, power? And how safe are they? Richard Osman and Marina Hyde answer your questions.
Producer: Neil Fearn + Joey McCarthy
Executive Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

Inside This Episode:

CONFLICT REPORTING
Discussion of how TV news reporters handle food and safety in conflict zones
War reporters handle conflict zones differently depending on location and situation. When embedded with military units, they share rations and facilities. Often there’s a “Wild West prospecting town” atmosphere in safe zones near conflict areas, with makeshift facilities and support services emerging. A reporter, Ramita Navai, shared experiences of tracking ISIS in Iraq, including finding recently abandoned positions with “still warm” blankets.
MOVIE TRAILERS
Explanation of how movie trailers influence final film content, including reshoots
The influence of trailers on final film content is significant, with some shots being planned as early as day two of filming. The Minecraft movie trailer received significant negative feedback (“millions of dislikes”), leading to planned retooling. The Sonic movie underwent expensive CGI changes after trailer feedback, despite toy manufacturing deals being already in place.
ITV FRANCHISING
Detailed look at 1980s ITV regional franchising system
The 1980s ITV system comprised 15 regional companies producing local content and contributing to national programming. Franchise renewals involved creating consortia of local dignitaries, including “lords”, clergy, and business people. The process was overseen by the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), described ironically as using both “independent” and “authority” in its title.
TV NEWS STUDIOS
Discussion of filming consent and background actors in TV news studios
Sky News uses actual office environments as backgrounds, sometimes leading to unplanned incidents. The BBC News background office scene is revealed to be “a loop” showing the same people repeatedly. ITV News reportedly sends someone outside to check the weather before selecting appropriate background imagery.
BOOK ADAPTATIONS
Debate about book-to-screen adaptations (TV vs film)
The discussion explored whether books are better suited to film or TV formats, noting that “TV really devours plot”. Richard Osman chose a film adaptation for Thursday Murder Club despite prevailing wisdom favouring TV series. Interestingly, movie trailers appear more effective at driving book sales than TV adaptations, serving as “2 minute adverts for your book”.
FILMING CONSENT
Revelation that BBC News background office scenes are “a loop”
Different rules apply for journalism versus entertainment filming. News crews don’t need individual consent for background pedestrians, while office documentaries require release forms. Some venues use blanket consent notices: “by walking in here, you consent to being filmed”. There’s discussion of people trying to negotiate payment for appearing in background shots.

Media Mentions:

Television Shows:

Rivals
Coronation Street
Sky News
BBC News
This Morning
Below Deck
Dickinson’s Real Deal
Who Do You Think You Are?
Lord of the Rings (TV series)

Movies:

Minecraft (upcoming)
Sonic the Hedgehog
Gladiator II
Snakes on a Plane
Return of the Jedi
Lord of the Rings trilogy

Books:

Thursday Murder Club
We Solve Murders
Rivals

Video Games:

Minecraft

Hot Takes:

Lord of the Rings films “are far better than the TV series that is going at the moment”
On Snakes on a Plane: “People liking things ironically has cost an awful lot of money to an awful lot of people over the years”
On TV adaptations: “TV really devours plot”