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A+E Networks® UK Commissions Studio71 UK for Second Series of Forged With Steele for Sky HISTORY
in Studio71 North America onA+E Networks® UK has commissioned Studio71 UK, a Red Arrow Studios company, for a returning series of Forged with Steele starring 22-year-old blacksmith and YouTube star Alec Steele, to be broadcast on SKY HISTORY in early 2021.
Forged With Steele follows blacksmithing wunderkind and renowned YouTuber (2+Million subs) Alec Steele, as he creates an array of iconic weaponry from across the ages. Steele draws on his love of history and incredible talent for blacksmithing, honed over a decade, to examine some of the past’s most deadly weapons.
Alec has now made a big move from Norwich to the wilds of Montana, where – with his new and equally youthful bladesmith friend, Will Stelter – he is plying his unique trade among the farmers, miners and ranchers of the famous ‘Big Sky Country’.
The new 12×30 series follows Steele as he crafts a new set of impressive apparatus from a number of historical eras. In the series, he acquires ancient skills including gem-setting, inlaying and engraving, to reconstruct more of history’s most remarkable armaments, including the mighty 16th Century Zweihander – sword which stands at 1.4m high, an ornate Cavalry sabre inspired by those used in the American Civil War, as well as a wicked-looking scythe, worthy of the Grim Reaper, and eighteenth-century naval boarding axes. Steele also tries his hand at playful – but deadly – concealed weapons such as Chinese rope darts and a sword cleverly disguised as a cane.
Steele was first introduced to the art of blacksmithing when he was just 11 years-old at a county fair and over the years has documented his blacksmithing journey and technical prowess: amassing an audience of over 2 million subscribers and a staggering 340+ million video views on YouTube. In 2017, HISTORY profiled him for the series Forged in Britain, which explored the lives of five contemporary forgers in the UK. His first series, Forged With Steele, premiered on HISTORY UK in October 2018 and followed the young blacksmith at his workshop in Norwich.
In this new series, viewers are invited to Alec’s new base in the Western US state of Montana where he now resides. His impressive new space has been equipped with a vast range of tools – both modern and ancient – to tackle his new challenges. Along with his remarkable array of historically recreated weapons and tools, he also has a growing sideline in clothing and merchandise as well as apparel for his other great love – cycling…
Alec Steele says “I’m so excited for the launch of series 2 of Forged With Steele where viewers can follow me as I create even more of history’s most astonishing weapons. Since series 1, I’ve advanced my blacksmithing skills and begun learning the art of gem-setting, inlaying and engraving so I can recreate these incredible pieces of history with even more detail.”
Forged With Steele series 2 was ordered by Dan Korn, VP Programming at A+E Networks UK. For Studio71 UK, Tom Payne is series producer, with Jody Smith and Tom Payne as executive producers.
Dan Korn, VP of Programming at A+E Networks® UK commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Alec back to Sky History, together with a new talent in Will Stelter. Their expertise and crafting skills are mesmerising and their enthusiasm is infectious. This really is history in the making”
Jody Smith, VP Creative Director from Studio71 UK, added: “We’re thrilled how well the first series performed for HISTORY and it’s great to get back in the workshop with Alec, whose skills continue to amaze us, as he takes on even more ambitious projects in this second series. We’re pleased to have introduced Alec to a new audience that have embraced him on TV as they have done on YouTube.”
Forged With Steele series 2 is currently in production and scheduled for early 2021 on Sky HISTORY, available on Sky, Virgin, BT and Talk Talk.
Red Arrow Studios International distributes Forged with Steele worldwide.
HISTORY became Sky HISTORY on 27th May on all broadcasting platforms across the UK. For more information about Sky HISTORY, click here.
About Alec Steele
Alec Steele has documented his career by creating videos around his passions for both steelwork and history. Continuing his progress in Series 1 of Forged with Steele, for the second series, the craftsman will forge a new set of iconic weapons, demonstrating his technical ability and vast knowledge of history to create each one. Leaving school at 16 to pursue his craft, Steele initially began making bespoke tools and products but soon discovered there was a huge audience eager to follow his journey into the field. Now with over 340 million views and over 2.15 million subscribers to his channel on YouTube alone, he’s tapped into a highly engaged market that shares his love for the ancient art of blacksmithing.
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Studio71 UK Lands TLC TV Wedding Commission ‘Countdown To I Do’
in Studio71 North America onThe format’s episodes follow the hours leading up to a couple’s wedding ceremony, entirely self-shot by the bride, groom, friends and family. And one year on, the couple look back at the moments they’ll treasure forever… and those they’d rather forget!
Studio71 UK, a Red Arrow Studios company today announces its new TV commission for TLC UK in ‘Countdown To I Do’, a 5×30 series for the TLC UK channel. Countdown To I Do is a reality wedding series which follows couples in the nail-biting last moments before they say, ‘I do’ and returns to the couple one year on to revisit their magical day and explore it in finer detail.
The series revisits another Studio71 UK format, which was piloted on TLC UK’s YouTube channel in 2019 and innovated by having the wedding preparation, drama and emotion captured entirely by the bride, groom and their nearest and dearest.
In Countdown To I Do, viewers will be given a behind-the-scenes look at the run-up to the big day of five sets of partners. Self-shot documentary footage from the perspectives of the wedding VIPs will allow viewers to witness all the unfolding nerves, drama and joy that comes with the most important day in a couple’s life. The format will also see couples look back at their big day – giving further context to any dramas and answering the question of were they to do it all again, would they change anything?
Couples will reveal all the intimate details of the wedding day that made their day special, from the proposal, the planning, the dress and the venue, including specifics on how much they intended to spend – and how much they actually spent! The series will provide a real insider’s perspective of how 5 different couples decided to signify their partnerships, what made them bespoke, what they learned and what they would never do again.
Countdown To I Do will be created using entirely self-shot footage and produced by STUDIO71 UK. While the weddings were shot in the summer of 2019, the retrospective interviews are being produced safely under strict COVID-19 lockdown rules. Countdown To I Do is part of several new formats ordered for Discovery’s Lifestyle & Entertainment channels announced today.
Studio71 UK draws upon its experience in TV development/production and the talent management of hundreds of online Creators to produce the series. Understanding the way Creators and Vloggers engage their audiences on platforms such as YouTube has contributed to the series’ development which allows stories from members of the wedding party to be told down the lens of a camera.
Jody Smith, Studio71 UK VP Creative Director, says: “We’re thrilled to use our experience of working with hundreds of online talent who self-shoot every day and apply that to the most dramatic day of a couple’s lives, training them to tell their story authentically via self-shooting. Joining each couple again, one year later, provides a perspective often overlooked by wedding formats, with each of our couples experiencing big, joyful life changes by the time of their anniversaries.”
The series will be Exec Produced by Jody Smith and Tom Payne, Director of Content.
For further information on Countdown To I Do or any other Studio71 UK production, contact phie.mckenzie@studio71uk.com.
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Studio71’s ‘F**ks Given’ Nominated for Best Podcast in the 24th Annual Webby Awards
The sex-positive podcast, F**ks Given with YouTubers ComeCurious is one of only five podcasts selected in the Health & Wellness category for this prestigious accolade.
Studio71 UK, a Red Arrow Studios company, announces it has been nominated for Best Health & Wellness Podcast in the 24th Annual Webby Awards. The podcast is one of five best podcasts selected in the category and is one of 13,000 entries received in this year’s Awards ranging from over 70 countries worldwide.
Vote for ‘F**ks Given’ in the Webby Awards here
Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honour” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards, presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS), is the leading international awards organization honouring excellence on the Internet.
IADAS, which nominates and selects The Webby Award Winners, is comprised of Internet industry experts including Instagram Co-founder Kevin Systrom, Mozilla Chairwoman Mitchell Baker and 23andMe Co-Founder and CEO Anne Wojcicki.
“Nominees like Studio71 UK are setting the standard for innovation and creativity on the Internet,” said Claire Graves, Executive Director of The Webby Awards. “It is an incredible achievement to be selected among the best from the 13,000 entries we received this year.”
Fans Can Vote Online to Help F**ks Given Win the Internet’s Top Honour
vote.webbyawards.com
‘F**ks Given’ is a weekly podcast hosted by sex-positive activists and YouTubers Come Curious (Florence Barker and Reed Amber) which helps to further the conversation around sex, helping dismantle its taboos – particularly for young people. The podcast, which has had over 1 million downloads since it was launched, asks both guests and listeners to celebrate their sexual pasts and participate in the conversation around sexual histories to promote a healthy and honest culture around sex.
Having actively broadened the discourse around sexual education and enjoyment with their YouTube channel, Come Curious have become pioneering figures in the underserved sexual wellness space and possess a young, highly engaged and growing audience previously not served by traditional sex education. ComeCurious are signed to Studio71 UK’s boutique talent management company Moxie, and are one of over thirty social talents on its client roster it is developing for different platforms.
The podcast is eligible to win a Webby People’s Voice Award, which is voted online. From now until May 8th, F**ks Given fans can cast their votes here
Winners will be announced on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, and honoured in an Internet Celebration on Tuesday, May 19, 2020.
‘F**ks Given is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, acast & all good streaming platforms. It is a Studio71 production, produced by Jack Claramunt and Winnie Simon, executively produced by Tom Payne and Jody Smith. For more information on Studio71 or its podcast slate, contact phie.mckenzie@studio71uk.com
About The Webby Awards
Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honour” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international awards organization honouring excellence on the Internet, including Websites, Video, Advertising, Media & PR, Apps, Mobile, and Voice, Social, Podcasts, and Games. Established in 1996, this year’s Webby Awards received nearly 13,000 entries from all 50 states and 70 countries worldwide. The Webby Awards are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include: WP Engine, Monday.com, Slack, YouGov, BASIC, KPMG, Adweek, Fast Company, The New Museum, and Social Media Week. -
Studio71 UK Announces Slay in Your Lane: The Podcast from Award-Winning Authors Yomi Adegoke & Elizabeth Uviebinené
in Studio71 North America onThe authors of the groundbreaking Slay in Your Lane: The Black Girl Bible follow-up their widely acclaimed guide with a new fortnightly, topical podcast that addresses present news while continuing to drive important conversations around the experiences of Black British women.
Studio71 UK, a Red Arrow Studios company, announces today its latest podcast collaboration in Slay in Your Lane: The Podcast from multi-award-winning authors Yomi Adegoke and Elizabeth Uviebinené who rose to prominence with their pioneering guide to life for young Black Women.
The podcast, which launches 24th April 2020, will explore topical news and popular culture from a Black British female perspective while expanding upon many of the same themes addressed in the Slay in Your Lane book including navigating the workplace, finances, education, health, relationships and dating. Crucially, the podcast will allow the hosts to bring their experiences into the present, allowing listeners an accessible way to engage with the subjects while getting to know the women behind the movement.
Yomi Adegoke and Elizabeth Uviebinené released Slay in Your Lane: The Black Girl Bible to critical acclaim in 2018 through 4th Estate. It won the Groucho Maverick 2018 Award, the Marie Claire Future Shaper 2018 Award, and was shortlisted for British Book Awards Non-Fiction Lifestyle Book of the Year 2019. The book has sold over 30,000 copies across all editions and has received praise from The Guardian, The Observer, The Times, Stylist, Daily Telegraph and more.
The hosts see the launch of the podcast as a natural evolution of the Slay in Your Lane movement which has now produced two literary offerings, and a third (Slay in Your Lane Presents Loud Black Girls) due out later this year. The audio format offers an additional way for Adegoke and Uviebinené to connect with listeners, and they hope the relaxed and candid environment of the studio will reprise a similar tone to their popular live talk and panel discussions and a way to bring new voices to the discussion.
“What we were able to offer in the book – the same accounts that made people laugh and cry, validated experiences, informed their understandings – we hope we can bring to the audio space in Slay in Your Lane: The Podcast in our frank, funny and honest discussions. We’re now in our late twenties but we’re still navigating lives ourselves. We have so many experiences we want to share but we also have lots of questions and hope through Slay in Your Lane: The Podcast, we’re able to help answer them and be a voice for others – Yomi Adegoke and Elizabeth Uviebinené.
Slay in Your Lane: The Podcast is the tenth UK podcast production from media company Studio71 UK. It joins a diverse slate of productions hosted by acclaimed young British voices such as wellness expert and Power Hour podcast coach Adrienne Herbert, pioneers of the sex-positive movement and hosts of F**ks Given, ComeCurious, and rising comedians Rosie Jones and Helen Bauer, presenters of Daddy Look at Me. The release of the Slay in Your Lane podcast is a continuation of Studio71’s commitment to providing exceptional storytellers with the opportunity to reach new audiences and believes that Slay in Your Lane: The Podcast will help to bring two more essential and underrepresented voices into the audio space.
‘Slay in Your Lane: The Podcast’ is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, acast & all good streaming platforms. Listen to the podcast here. It is a Studio71 production, produced by Jack Claramunt and Winnie Simon, executively produced by Tom Payne and Jody Smith. For more information on Studio71 UK or its podcast slate, contact phie.mckenzie@studio71uk.com
About Yomi Adegoke & Elizabeth Uviebinené
Adegoke is a multi-award-winning journalist and author. She has worked at ITN, Channel 4 News and is the women’s columnist at the Guardian, and freelanced for Vogue, Elle, and the Independent amongst others. This year she was listed as one of the most influential people in London by the Evening Standard. She was awarded Journalist of the Year by the Woman In Africa awards.
Uviebinené is a multi-award-winning author. She’s a brand strategist and has worked across brands from Nike to HSBC. Uviebinené is a columnist at The Financial Times, where she writes about business culture and the new rules of work and has also written for publications such as Elle and Stylist. She has been named of the most influential people in London by the Evening Standard and she has also been recognised as a woman redefining the creative industry.
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Studio71 commissioned by TLC for its First YouTube Wedding Series
in Studio71 North America onCountdown To I Do is a reality wedding series that follows the crucial last moments before real-life couple’s tie the knot
Today, Studio71 UK, a Red Arrow Studios company announces the production of Countdown To I Do, an original short-form wedding series. The format, which will run on TLC UK’s YouTube channel follows couples on the biggest day of their lives.
It’s the first series of its kind for both the TLC UK channel and produced by Studio71 UK and will act as a pilot for a potential future TV series.
Countdown To I Do (6×8’) is the most intimate wedding series ever made. Each episode is self-shot by the bride, groom, bridal party and selected guests who all have an important role to play in the couples’ big day. The show captures the excitement, nerves, drama and humour of the wedding build up, as each episode starts only hours before the ceremony and finishes with ‘I do’.
Shot using handheld Sony RX100 cameras, the self-shot format plays out like a collection of Instagram stories.
Studio71 UK draws upon its experience in TV development/production and the talent management of hundreds of online Creators to create the series. Understanding how Creators and Vloggers engage an audience on platforms such as YouTube has contributed to the development of this series, to create wedding stories direct from members of the wedding party, told down the lens of a camera.
Clare Laycock, VP Head of Brands, Quest Red, TLC, ID and Food Network, said: “We’re celebrating an amazing quarter and year for TLC UK YouTube, which has seen incredible triple-digit growth in subscribers. As our first YouTube commission, Countdown To I Do marks an exciting step in TLC’s digital evolution, and promises fans the ultimate front row seat to the most important day in couples’ lives.”
Jody Smith, Studio71 UK Creative Director, said: “We’re using a discreet production unit to capture honest and open stories from a number of perspectives on the nerve-racking build-up to the ceremony. The hand of the producer will be absent from these honest, moving, funny and sometimes calamitous stories. We’re thrilled to make this original format for TLC.”
The series will be Exec Produced by Jody Smith and Studio71 UK Head of Content, Tom Payne.
Countdown To I Do follows the production of three BBC Factual series, ‘Fashion Conscious’, ‘Sex in Seconds’ and ‘Period Dramas’ providing fresh perspectives on fashion and sustainability, body positivity and sexual health by young, unfiltered voices.
This is in addition to ‘Forged With Steele’, an A+E commissioned series for HISTORY UK starring 20-year-old blacksmith and YouTube personality Alec Steele.
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Studio71 UK voted #3 in Broadcast’s ‘Best Places to Work in TV’ poll
in Studio71 North America onBroadcast announces the winners for its annual workplace satisfaction guide, with Studio71 UK its third place winner.
The Broadcast list, sponsored by Universal Production Music, features 30 companies which hail from across the UK with the Endemol Shine Group-owned Dragonfly claiming the top employer and the ITV Studios-owned The Garden coming second place.
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Studio71 UK announces the launch of Moxie, a major new 360 talent management company
in Studio71 North America onContinuing Studio71’s commitment in supporting the UK’s bravest and most exciting creators from the YouTube and digital space, Moxie has been launched to assist emerging creators to reach their full potential, strengthening their existing skills to allow them to break from their original platforms and reach greater audiences. Moxie will also help connect creators to influential players in the industry, from strategists to brands to broadcasters, allowing them to expand their ideas and build their empires while losing none of their authenticity.
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