"It’s 12 noon in London, 7am in Philadelphia... And around the world, it’s time for Live Aid..."

On the 38th anniversary of Live Aid on 13 July 1985, RTS London presents this wide-ranging, full-length interview with Harvey Goldsmith CBE by broadcaster Andrew Eborn.

Harvey Goldsmith is an iconic and visionary figure known for his exceptional work as a producer and promoter of rock concerts, charity events, and television broadcasts. Working with most of the world’s major artists, Harvey has successfully managed, produced, and promoted shows that have shaped the music industry. Among his extraordinary achievements, Harvey orchestrated two of the most monumental music events ever held: Live Aid and Live 8. These ground-breaking spectacles have solidified his reputation as a trailblazer in the field, leveraging the power of music to inspire global audiences and support meaningful causes.

In the fascinating interview, Harvey discloses how childhood formed his character, his early career leading to an accidental start in the music business, the secrets behind Live Aid & Live 8, Wham! in China, Pavarotti in the Park, F1 in London, the secrets to televising music events, successful negotiation, and the future of the music business.

A Barnestorming Production for RTS London     
© Harvey Goldsmith 2023

When it comes to game shows and reality TV formats, taking a popular series from one country and making a new version is fairly easy. But remaking scripted formats has always been a harder nut to crack. 

From homegrown hits Doctor Foster and Liar to global phenomena like Call My Agent! and Skam, scripted formats are traveling further than ever. With streaming services battling for more localised content, they're also a multi-billion dollar business.

Yet for every successful remake, whether The Office or Shameless, there are countless dramas that haven’t cut through the cultural divide. Add in the accepted position that “comedy doesn’t translate,” and this begs the question, what makes a good or bad adaptation, and who gets to decide? 

In this session, RTS London brings together a panel of leading experts to answer this, alongside what formats sell, how scriptwriters can address the challenge of creating cultural relevancy while keeping the values of the original, and why in the age of global media consumption, do broadcasters still need to adapt when they can just dub or use subtitles.

They’ll also explore the reaction towards remakes in fan communities, whether having the original creator be involved impacts success, and what role the choice of platform/channel has on the form and style of the adaptation. 

Chair:
Dr. Andrea Esser, Professor of Media and Globalisation, King’s College London 

Panel:
Sumi Connock, Creative Director for TV Formats, BBC Studios
Marianne Furevold-Boland, Head of Drama, NRK, and Producer, Skam
Sabrina Duguet, EVP Asia-Pacific, All3Media International
Matt Baker, Writer, Professor T, Before We Die, and Suspect

Producer: Damien Ashton-Wellman

RTS London marks the BBC's centenary with a look at the BBC's history, the celebrations planned and the inspiration for the next generation.

Created 100 years ago, on 18th October 1922, the BBC transformed people's lives at the turn of a dial, bringing voices out of the ether and conjuring up the magic community of radio. The TV services followed and now, many aspects of our lives are inextricably linked to broadcasting. It is how we remember where we come from and who we are — from the Moon Landing to the 9/11 attacks, Monty Python to Strictly, and Live Aid to London 2012.

In this RTS London event, Head of BBC History Robert Seatter charts the story of a broadcaster and a nation, reflecting the story of our lives across ten eventful decades. He looks at how the BBC is celebrating its centenary and how it can inspire upcoming generations to join the national and global conversation, building on the foundations of public service broadcasting.

Host:
Lettija Lee, Presenter

Speaker:
Robert Seatter, Head of BBC History
Peter Rippon, Executive Editor, BBC Archive

Producer: Carol Owens