In the hope of empowering and emboldening the freelance community in the current TV climate, Media Parents hosted “In Development”,  Media Parents’ Amy Walker was joined by Miranda Peters and Meredith Chambers, both legendary creators who shared their development thoughts with attending freelancers. Meredith will be attending Media Parents Spring Drinks on May 1st, along with Amy Walker and companies including Soho Studios, Big Fish Little Fish, Mentorn, South Shore, Box to Box and more… To sign up for the last few places subscribe here or see the Media Parents watercooler for link.

Meredith Chambers, Amy Walker and Miranda Peters - Media Parents In Development Online

Miranda Peters – Surviving 9/11 Exec Miranda Peters is Head of UK Development at Candle Media True Stories, Reese Witherspoon’s factual indie. The label, which was launched in 2023 by former ABC News chief James Goldston, hired Miranda Peters from Top Hat Productions. Peters credit list also includes the BBC’s Exposed: The Church’s Darkest Secret, Paramount+’s  The Box, and Twitter: Breaking the Bird, currently on iPlayer.

Meredith Chambers is an executive producer whose credits include documentaries and formats including … Million Pound Menu (BBC2 and Netflix),Class of ‘92:  Out of Their League (BBC and Netflix) and Celebrity Cooking School (E4).  Meredith was Creative Director at Twenty Twenty where he created First Dates (C4), he was Executive Editor at BBC Wales where he exec’ed the BAFTA winning documentary ‘Between Life and Death’, and as Commissioning Editor for Documentaries at Channel 4, he commissioned and oversaw flag ship series including Hospital, Wife Swap, The Secret Millionaire and Cutting Edge.

He’s now working with independent producers as a consultant and exec on high end documentaries and formats. Meredith encouraged freelancers to be bold with the ideas they generate and pitch “anything in the middle won’t cut through”. Miranda echoed this “Beckham or Bust” sentiment. “Be strategic with what to pitch – crime pays at the moment – think of how to tell the story of a true crime in a different way.” And that thought goes for all ideas across genres.

"It's Beckham or bust for commissions at the moment" Miranda Peters

She added “Streamers just want hits – these can be surprise hits, but they want absolute buy-in and reassurance that the story is full of hooks, and twists and turns – this is most common in retrospective story telling. They don’t want observational docs (unless they are reality) – the BBC is the only broadcaster in the observational space it feels.”  The BBC has redeveloped its pitching portal Amy Walker added, you can access it here.

Both Meredith and Miranda talked about the “why” of your film. Amy  added -  ask yourself in any genre, “Why? Why now? and Why this producer/ production company?”. Someone investing in your idea will undoubtedly be thinking about who they’re investing in, from on-screen to production talent.

Miranda shared that her company Candle Media True Stories accepts pitches from independent producers. They can expect to get a deal of between 1 and 20% of the production fee depending on how developed the film is. And if it’s a streamer budget, that could be a healthy chunk. In the crime space story spots (from a newspaper etc) can work, with elements that touch you, a rich, layered story. “Streamers want a story not only with twists and turns but that can feel like a new story completely from one episode to another – turning itself on its head.” Development teams are combing every area for adaptable stories – books, articles, plays – “It doesn’t have to be a new story, it can be an old story, well told”. Likewise pegs like anniversaries can be a good springboard.

"You need something no-one else has got" Meredith Chambers

Meredith stressed the need for “something no-one else has got – talent relationships and access can secure a commission. Be bold with where you aim your sights at this point – the talent is looking for projects too, it’s not just production that is struggling for work at the moment. There are some big names available – even doing daytime!”

“Titles say it all” says Meredith, in the fact ent and features space. Broadcasters may have first look deals and want to suggest talent, get involved with casting and producing in detail from an early stage. Often it’s relationships that get the commission over the line – as Miranda illustrated with the relationships that secured her recent access for documentary “Twitter: breaking the bird, currently available on iPlayer.

Whether you try to go it alone, creating a pitch deck, sizzle (“It doesn’t have to be glossy” says Meredith – “it can be two sound bites that make me think I must hear more”) and pitching direct to broadcaster via one of the portals “SKY replied to me recently within a week” Amy observed.

Join us for Media Parents Spring Drinks on May 1st, Central London

Or, if you decide to link up with a production company in advance, three key pieces of encouragement surfaced here:

Firstly, from Miranda “It’s your idea, stick to your guns and negotiate, taking the idea to several production companies to get a better deal if you need to”. Secondly, from Meredith, ”Even if you warehouse it through a production company and don’t get the best deal – you’ve still got something away. Your name is on it somewhere, it’s on your CV to your credit. Go for it and go boldly!” Thirdly from Media Parents’ Amy Walker: “There are plenty of freelancers on Media Parents who pitch ideas either to indies to get jobs, or who get series away. Don’t block yourself and if you want another opinion on an idea, reach out to Media Parents, Meredith through his Media Parents profile, or pitch to Miranda via Candle True Media. You just never know…”

Contact Meredith Chambers by logging in, here.

Contact Miranda Peters here.

Contact Amy Walker at Media Parents here.

Our next event is in person drinks in Central London on May 1st, join here:https://www.mediaparents.co.uk/signup/?t=freelancer

In between husbands, about fifteen years ago, I found myself dating for the first time in the 21st century, writes Edit Producer and Writer Claire Seeber. Completely baffled by the rules of mobiles/ messaging et al: did a woman, i.e. me, have to wait for the man? Was it social suicide to text first? Why did no man want a serious relationship with a mum whose house was full of lego?

Subscribe to Media Parents now to meet Writer / Edit Producer Claire Seeber at Media Parents Drinks on May 1st

Over lunch with a wise friend: a woman who’s run youth groups all her life, and still advises local council on youth policy, I asked if she thought I was ‘allowed’ to suggest drinks with the bloke I was ‘seeing’. Her response surprised me: ‘I feel sorry for men today.’ ‘why?’ ‘They’re confused, they don’t know their place anymore.’

And I was confused by my own confusion over dating, and then when I stopped dating again, I felt increasingly confused about being the mum of boys. Not because there is owt wrong with my boys, but because I kept being told how bad boys were. A new report commissioned by the Centre for Social Justice speaks of exactly this belief system and confusion: tellingly entitled Lost Boys (LOST BOYS report), State of a A Nation – and no it’s not an ‘80s film about cool vampires because why would life be that simple?

It’s actually a deeply worrying dive into what’s going on in the UK with boys and young men: Why so many fall behind at school until they do far worse in the (awful IMO) exam system the UK clings to; are more likely to be unemployed/ NEET (neither Employed, in Education / Training) or take their own lives (highest levels are between 15-19). Things like deindustrialision have had a massive impact on male employment; likewise a lack of ‘father figures’ in households. Women have fought tooth and nail for equality and we still lack it in too many respects, but we also seem to too often be parenting alone, which means the ‘lost boys’ suffer worse outcomes because they don’t have male role models. It’s frankly a bit of a mess.

As mum and step-mum of boys/ young men (and divorced from my boys’ own dad), as well as both human and therapist, the report dismays me. BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour ran a piece last week about the heinous killer of the Hunt family having listened to Andrew Tate podcasts: when my kids were both still in a huge inner-city comprehensive, we had many a ‘chat’ about that man in our house.

Join us for Spring Drinks on May 1st in Central London, pictured Media Parents January Drinks

But as the report says, these misogynists are symptom not cause of this lost boy generation. And I don’t want to talk about that awful man again, do you? He’s had much airtime for an alleged sex trafficker. No, I want to talk about our boys, and to the people looking for answers and solutions. And I’m curious why Woman’s Hour chose not to talk to any mums in this piece, but chose a male educator, albeit an informed one, and a young woman who may run an admirable equality website but is also possibly helping perpetuate the ‘toxic masculinity’ myth, and that only drives our boys further into shame and confusion.

And listening to yet another item about why boys shouldn’t listen to misogynists but do, as a mum I feel irritated on both my boys and my own behalf – it’s as if I’m stupid, as if I need a 30-something to tell me how to parent teens and YAs. I have fought for three years to find parents outside my own small circle to talk to and support each other. But it’s hard to get traction in a world more interested in ££. The social media companies should be forced to take ACCOUNTABILITY, but aren’t, so instead allow algorithms to churn out afore-mentioned crap and porn to the boys (though girls undoubtedly watch porn too, just saying, a subject barely touched on). It’s the governments who’ve bowed to the monopolies and allowed Amazon, Meta, X and the like to become so powerful (because of the ££), they now stand with fascistic leaders of the world – but it’s the mums and dads at home, or the teachers at school, left trying to pick up the pieces or sometimes, as in Esther Ghey’s case, not be able to because it’s too late.

I’m reading my way through the Lost Boys report because I’m looking for a spark of hope that we can find ways to make it better. And meanwhile, I’m here to say that for once ADHD might be standing me in good stead because it makes me get off my arse & at least attempt to do something, even if it is often shouting into the void! I will keep trying to reach and potentially build a community of people who care about our youth

PLEASE IF YOU LIKED THIS READ, SHARE / SUBSCRIBE: IT’S FREE!!!!!

https://substack.com/@clairesunnyseeber

To join Media Parents, go here https://www.mediaparents.co.uk/signup/?t=freelancer

Our next event is in person drinks in Central London on May 1st, join here:https://www.mediaparents.co.uk/signup/?t=freelancer

I’ve recently joined Media Parents to connect with new contacts and hopefully find my first welfare producing role for 2025, writes David Allberry.  I took advantage of Media Parents free CV advice for subscribers to help me create a new Welfare Producer CV so I can diversify my skills. Like many freelancers, it’s been a challenging few months, with a couple of projects falling through.  I know I’m not alone – it’s a difficult time for so many talented people in the industry.

Talent Exec David Allberry is transferring his experience to Welfare Producing too

I am an experienced Celebrity Talent Executive with over 20 years of success casting some of the UK’s biggest shows, including Celebrity Bear Hunt, Hunted, The Island with Bear Grylls, Soccer Aid, The Jump, and Scared of the Dark.  Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with high-profile talent, navigating complex personalities, and handling sensitive situations with care and discretion.

Over the years, I’ve realised that the parts of my job I enjoy the most often go beyond booking talent.  Whether it’s supporting a celebrity through bereavement, having honest conversations about consent and shared spaces, or offering reassurance during emotionally charged moments, I’ve naturally stepped into a welfare role – albeit uncredited.

On location with LLB on Celebrity Bear Hunt https://www.mediaparents.co.uk/freelancers/10584/david-allberry

As the industry continues to evolve, I made the decision to upskill and diversify by formally moving into welfare producing.  My aim is to bring my well-honed people skills, active listening abilities, and deep industry knowledge to support the mental health and well-being of talent and crew alike.

To back up my experience with credentials, I’ve spent the last year building my qualifications. I’ve completed the CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills course and I’m currently studying Level 3 Applied Counselling Skills in Tonbridge, attending weekly classes.  This journey has given me valuable insights into empathy, boundaries, and emotional resilience – skills that are highly transferable to welfare producing.

I’m also a certified mental health first aider and volunteer as a listener for Samaritans, offering support to people in crisis.  From September, I plan to further deepen my expertise by studying a part-time PG Diploma in Counselling and Coaching, with the ultimate vision of providing specialist mental health support within the screen industries.

My ambition is to straddle both celebrity casting and welfare, using my experience and contacts to improve mental health support in the industry I love, and I feel I’m making good progress with the help of Media Parents.  I’m part of the Film and TV Welfare Association (FTVWA) working group, helping to shape the future of welfare practices across productions of all sizes.

Book David Allberry https://www.mediaparents.co.uk/freelancers/10584/david-allberry

I still have a passion for casting big, noisy shows, but I’m equally excited about stepping into my first welfare producing role as my primary focus.  With my unique blend of industry experience, mental health training, and people-first approach, I’m confident I can be a valuable asset in supporting the well-being of talent and crew on productions.

If you’re looking for a welfare producer with deep industry knowledge, hands-on experience, and formal counselling training, I’d love to connect and explore how I can contribute to creating healthier, more supportive working environments in TV.

Contact David Allberry here, he is currently available.

Our next event is in person drinks in Central London on May 1st, see blog post for more details and booking link. Scroll down the blog for more info www.mediaparents.co.uk - the jobs and social networking site for short term, part time, job share and regular hours jobs in media. For free events for subscribers, join here:https://www.mediaparents.co.uk/signup/?t=freelancer