TV producers turn to Kickstarter to get DVD out

Rhod Gilbert's Work Experience could be coming out on DVD… if a crowdfunding drive pays off.

Unusually for a show that has already been broadcast on TV, the producers have had to turn to fans to get series three and four released.

Welsh programme-makers Zipline Creative say the problem is in securing the rights from their production partners, the international Zodiak Media conglomerate, as well as issues such as getting clearance for using copyrighted music.

'We've always wanted the show to be released on DVD, but although we're the producers, directors, editors, do the camera and the sound with Rhod, the rights are actually owned by a much bigger media company,' said Zipline's Nathan Mackintosh. 'To cut a long story short, we just haven't been able to do it.'

'Usually it's giant corporations releasing these kinds of products, so as a tiny company based in the valleys it's going to be a real underdog battle to get it off the ground. We hope fans of the show and followers of Rhod's will get involved and help us achieve our goal.'

Series three and four aired on BBC One in Wales in 2012 and 2013, where the comedian took on the jobs of primary school teacher, zoo keeper, drag artist, police officer wedding planner, scout leader, tour guide and male model.

Following these, last year's fifth series was screened across the whole UK on BBC Two.

Zipline are hoping fans will pre-order the DVD for £20 via Kickstarter, with bigger rewards for larger pledges. Backers who put up £250 can get a prop from the series, including his wig from the drag artist episode, or 'Give a S#!t' signs from the wedding planner episode. Pledges of as little as £1 are welcome, too as the team try to reach their £20,000 funding target.

Rhys Waters, Mackintosh's colleague in producing and directing the show, added: 'We're trusting in the support of our fan base to help us get them the DVD they've been craving all these years. It's been frustrating because we've repeatedly had to tell eager fans "we don't know" whenever they ask us when they might be able to buy the DVD.'

Gilbert is not directly involved in the crowdfunding drive, but has backed it, saying: 'I could not believe my ears when I heard those crazy dudes Rhys and Nathan were starting this campaign, but my ears were right, and they are, so I wish them all the best. I'll lob in some signed DVD's or boxsets, and bits of work experience memorabilia for a few dedicated investors too.'

Published: 25 May 2016