Case Study – SkyKids

THE CHALLENGE

MonRae Productions is a company on a mission to ‘bridge the gap between digital and traditional talent and entertainment’. In this instance – their first foray into TV production – they wanted to do it by bringing digital stars to TV. With all the creative elements, MonRae were tantalisingly close to doing just that.

But they needed a co-production partner who could assist with the formal commissioning of the series, put in place the necessary production infrastructure, and guide them through the production management process from beginning to end.

THE ANSWER

With children’s entertainment among our specialisms and a positive attitude towards novel ideas and innovative TV, we readily joined forces with this daring new production company. And, with Nest on board, MonRae’s team soon swelled to include a Head of Production, a Production Executive, a Production Manager, and a Junior Production Manager. Initial budgeting and scheduling negotiations were then concluded with the broadcaster, and contracts drawn up.

To maintain the smooth running of the production, production updates as well as cost and variance reports were scheduled. We acted as lead contacts for the broadcaster’s production management and finance teams and, working alongside a freelance Production Accountant, implemented cash flow and invoicing as agreed with Sky, and took care of pay roll and pensions where needed.

Throughout filming, we dealt with all compliance, H&S, and legal issues, including the lawful contracting of freelancers and suppliers, and the drafting of risk assessments. With children featuring heavily in the production, this involved checking and obtaining the relevant licences, drafting a Child Protection Policy, and making sure it was always adhered to.

As production partners, our final contribution to the making of the series involved completing post-production paperwork and overseeing the smooth supply of the programme and all deliverables to the broadcaster.

THE RESULT

MonRae Productions not only broke into but shook up the TV world with a series of 60 episodes of Let’s Game, a show featuring YouTubers DanTDM, Yammy, Ethan Gamer and Blackpanthaa – which is being streamed on Sky Kids.

It’s a hugely successful first step towards fulfilling their mission to ‘bridge the gap between digital and traditional talent and entertainment’, and we’re honoured to have been holding their hands when they did it.

“We discovered The Nest Productions by chance via a recommendation and we now won’t do anything without them. Not only are Stew and Derek brilliant, professional and hilarious to work with, but their experience and contact base is unparalleled. We have now entered into several successful co-pros with them, had their amazing staff lead on our commissions and help create our visions. I can’t recommend them enough.”

Elspeth Rae, MD and Founder MonRae Productions

GAME-CHANGING TV FOR SKY KIDS