TV Makers
TV Makers is a podcast that takes listeners behind the scenes of the TV industry, interviewing professionals in various roles to gain insights into their work. Host Ashley Golder speaks with the likes of Steadicam operators, Production Managers, Directors, Lighting Technicians, and more, covering all aspects of the TV world. In each episode, we delve into the intricacies of their roles, learning about the challenges and rewards of working in the industry. With episodes released every two weeks, TV Makers is perfect for TV enthusiasts, aspiring industry professionals, and veterans with years of experience. Subscribe now on your preferred platform and follow @tvmakerspod on Instagram and Twitter for more content.
TV Makers
Ep 44: Grenfell: Uncovered Director, Olaide Sadiq - Directing Her First Documentary to 2 BAFTAs
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From the moment Olaide Sadiq was offered the job to winning two BAFTAs almost two years later, she shares what it really took - professionally and personally - to direct Grenfell: Uncovered.
Just days before recording this episode, documentary director Olaide Sadiq won not one, but two BAFTAs for Grenfell: Uncovered - taking home Emerging Talent at the BAFTA Craft Awards and Best Single Documentary at the BAFTA Television Awards.
The remarkable part? It was her very first documentary as a director.
In this episode, Olaide joins obs doc director Ashley Golder to talk about making the leap from experienced producer to first-time director, overcoming imposter syndrome, and leading one of the UK's most significant documentaries for Netflix.
Along the way, she shares the practical realities of directing at the highest level - from writing her first director's vision statement and creating beat sheets and look books, to building trust with contributors, developing a visual style, and leading a team through emotionally demanding material.
No topic is off the table. Olaide is exceptionally humble and refreshingly honest about what she didn't know, what scared her, and what she learned along the way. In a world where everyone seems to have it all figured out, Olaide does the opposite - even revealing that she emailed the execs to say she didn't think she was ready for the job.
We discuss:
- Winning two BAFTAs with a first directing credit
- Why she almost turned the opportunity down
- Pitching herself to direct for Netflix
- Writing a director's vision statement
- Creating beat sheets and look books
- Finding your directing style
- Building trust with contributors
- Directing one of the UK's most sensitive documentaries
- Working with Netflix and the support that shaped her journey
- Managing imposter syndrome and self-doubt
- What she's learned that she's taking into her next documentary
Whether you're looking to direct your first film, step up into a directing role, or simply want to understand how award-winning documentaries are made, this episode is packed with practical advice, honest reflections and reassurance that even the best directors don't always feel ready.
Follow TV Makers on Instagram @tvmakerspod.
Special thanks to Directors UK for letting us use their space for the recording.
Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
This Episode is Sponsored by:
RIMMS - https://www.rimms.tv
Recorded by Ashley Golder - https://ashleygolder.tv/
Instagram @tvmakerspod
Email: Podcast@tvmakers.co.uk
Artwork by Benjamin Leon -
Instagram: @benleondraws
Website: www.benleondraws.com