JamieOliver.com

Thu 25 Jun 2009 @ 18:37
Danny McCubbin

Jamie’s television production company, Fresh One, has won the prestigious RTS (Royal Television Society) Education award for "Best Campaign or Season" for Jamie's Ministry of Food. Zoe Collins (Head of Fresh One Productions) collected the award on behalf of Fresh One from the ceremony held at BAFTA. Below she shares her thoughts on winning the award.

Congratulations on the award, this must mean allot to the Fresh One team?
Thank you. The Ministry of Food team worked incredibly hard so it's great that we have received this recognition.

Are awards important to television production companies?
Yes, of course, everyone needs a little validation from time to time, not to mention that fact that the channels and great talent all want to work with award winning producers.

What are some of the other major awards that Fresh One have been awarded?
Yes over the years we have received the following awards - BAFTA, Grierson, a TV Award, another RTS, Broadcast Award, Observer Food Monthly - we've not done too badly in the awards department.


You worked on School Dinners as well – how different was that to working on MOF?
Hmmmmm, it's hard to say because I was actually on the production team on location filming School Dinners whereas for Ministry of Food I stayed almost entirely in the office. But I think School Dinners probably had a clearer concept and end goal.

How does it feel knowing that there are lasting positive effects and changes after the cameras stop rolling?
How do you think? Amazing!

Ever wanted to jump in front of the camera yourself?
I have actually done some presenting before, but no aspirations lately.

Clearly there are trends in terms of what TV programmes are being commissioned and made. Is there a trend at the moment?
Because of viewer’s trust issues last year there has tended to be a move away from “constructed reality” situations that are created in order to manufactured emotions and cause jeopardy. There is a definite move towards stuff that is real and trustworthy so that people so not feel like they are being duped in any way. Also because of the financial climate there is a move towards real entertainment. The shows that are doing really well at the moment are the big Saturday night entertainment formats and there is a sense that at the moment people just want to be entertained and a real rise in those shows where you feel transported for a while from your real life. I think that you will continue to see that because these types of programmes are being commissioned at the moment.

For more information on Jamie’s Ministry of Food
For more information on Fresh One