Columnists Robert Crampton and Jane Mulkerrins delve into the art of political speechmaking through a lens on Barack Obama's recent address at the Democratic Convention. They highlight the rarity of exceptional orators and debate the emotional resonance of Obama's rhetoric compared to Biden's. The duo also analyzes the often undervalued yet significant role of political spouses, particularly Michelle Obama. Plus, they touch on contemporary topics like weight loss trends among Tories and explore the evolving landscape of the UK film and television industry.
Barack Obama's impactful speech underscores the rarity of great oratory in politics, highlighting its significance in contemporary discourse.
The podcast explores the UK film and TV industry's challenges, revealing a shift towards reality programming amidst economic and creative struggles.
Deep dives
The State of British Film and Television
The podcast examines whether the British film and television industry is in crisis or undergoing a revolution. It highlights the impact of recent actors' and writers' strikes in LA, which led to production slowdowns in the UK. The industry is facing challenges such as rising costs, lack of diverse talent, and underfunding, all exacerbated by competition with large streaming services. Experts argue that while international investments boost production, they threaten the sustainability of independent British film and television.
Success Stories in Reality TV
The discussion highlights the success of reality television formats like 'Traitors,' which gained popularity due to its engaging storytelling and participatory elements. This format reflects a broader trend where audiences are gravitating towards interactive and reality-based content amidst challenges faced by scripted programming. Such shows can create significant cultural conversations, and their format is often exported globally, showcasing the UK's strength in producing relatable television. This pivot towards reality TV suggests a shift in audience preferences and industry focus.
Government Support and Tax Initiatives
The role of government support in the UK film and TV sector is critical, with tax breaks being a focal point of discussion. Recent initiatives aimed at encouraging independent filmmaking include new tax relief for films with budgets under £15 million, which industry insiders hope will stimulate growth. However, challenges remain in ensuring that smaller, independent projects can compete amidst the dominance of larger blockbusters, which often crowd out local filmmakers. There is a call for ongoing policy development to better support grassroots film production and strengthen the creative economy.
The Workforce and Industry Challenges
The podcast addresses the difficulties faced by the creative workforce in the current climate, with many professionals experiencing job insecurity and reduced work opportunities. Despite the attractiveness of the UK as a production hub, freelancers are struggling due to downturns in commissioning and the fallout from recent strikes. Concerns are raised about the long-term impact of these challenges on skills retention within the industry. The conversation emphasizes the need for better workforce planning and the necessity of making the industry more accessible to new talent.
Was Barack Obama's speech to the Democratic Convention a reminder that great orators don't come along very often? Columnists Robert Crampton and Jane Mulkerrins discuss the speech by the former US president, the role of political spouses, and why Tories are all taking Ozempic to lose weight.
Plus: We continue Ed Vaizey's culture week with a look at whether the golden age of the British TV and film industry has come to an end.