So, we come to the sad, but noisy end. As you may have read, Big Brother is being resurrected on Channel 5. Only a couple of weeks ago I wrote of the missed opportunity not take Big Brother social – dispensing with a tired TV production constrained format.
But, depressingly, they are merely bringing it back to life as a zombie version of it’s previous self.
It is now without doubt that Endemol in the UK are little more than TV version of a microwave – reheating pre-cooked meals – they have lost the ability to cook for themselves. In Ad agency terms, if a bunch of createives went so long without producing award winning, stand out work, they would be fired. But no, in Endemol, those people take home fat salaries and sit on important panels about the future of TV.
Honestly, hand on heart, when has the UK team produced truly innovative TV of their own devising? Peter Bazelgette revolutionised entertainment formats early on, but since those glory days, it’s been one long list of mis-fires.
Yes, The ever popular and grumpy Charlie Brooker works for them, but in reality, Charlie is their one stand out creative. SuperKaylo and TVGoHome was genius long before he got an office on the 5th floor.
I sound bitter when I read back.I’m not. But I’m disappointed at lost opportunity. They were market leaders, had a huge brand, money to back it. They fucked it. They had the opportunity to shape the industry, get way out in front of everyone else. I’m sad when companies don’t see the strategic opportunity in front of them. It’s one thing to see the opportunity but not execute, another not to see it all.
Brilliant creative folk like Pasa Mustafa who ran their original digital content arm have bailed out. Already his East London Production company are starting to do the work Endemol should have been begging for.
So back to Big Brother.
Mr Desmond has scored – his red tops get fodder, Channel 5 will score a sponsor and as they have already stated, sell atttactive media deals across the estate.
Meanwhile, Endemol gets content for Holy Moly, exclusive content and access no doubt.
So i’m sure there are many smiles in various offices in Covent Garden and Shepherds Bush.
But the reality, and no-one knows more about reality than Endemol, is they are dead men walking. They just don’t know it.
I can hear the Last Post being played.
Wildonion 