The Telly That Kept Us Talking, Film
Read time:
6 min
Client:
BAFTA, Virgin Media
Industry:
Broadcast
Starting point
The Telly That Kept Us Talking was designed to celebrate the cultural glue of 2020: the TV moments that defined a year of isolation. This starting point still shows the title sequence in development, overlaid with the precise grid lines and alignment guides used to establish its visual hierarchy. The goal was to create a "broadcast-premium" aesthetic that felt authoritative yet conversational, ensuring the typography carried the same weight on a mobile screen as it would eventually on a 60" television.
Problem solving
The Challenge: To bring the series to life, we needed physical artifacts that felt authentic to the shows we were discussing—specifically a recreation of Bridgerton’s iconic Lady Whistledown scandal sheets.
The Solution: I took on the role of prop designer, meticulously mocking up the period-accurate typography and layout for the papers. I managed the process from digital design to physical print, ensuring the texture and weight of the "scandal sheets" felt authentic on camera. This attention to detail ensured that when the presenters handled the props, the storytelling remained immersive and grounded in the world of the shows.
Implimentation
The true success of the series was measured by its organic reach and the caliber of conversation it ignited. To illustrate this, I’ve highlighted the response from the stars themselves—including Nigella Lawson, Nicola Coughlan, and even Mark Hamill. By designing the GFX and social edits to be inherently shareable and platform-native, the content transcended standard brand promotion and became part of the year's cultural dialogue, validated by the very people who defined the "Must-See Moments."
Results
Broadcast Validation: Featured live on BBC One during the BAFTA ceremony, proving the high-fidelity quality of the GFX and edit.
Prop-to-Pixel Continuity: Successfully managed a 360-degree creative workflow, from physical prop fabrication to digital title design and social media delivery.
Engagement at Scale: Delivered a suite of assets that captured the cultural zeitgeist, commissioned by Virgin Media and recognized by the industry’s most prestigious awarding body.
