Fame, Fortune & The Real Meaning Of ‘Talent’

As Director General Tim Davie tackles the term 'talent' at the BBC, what does it really mean and how important are the 'talent'?

Marina's new show, The Franchise is out now. What goes on in the writing room, how does a show evolve from idea, to pilot, to series, and to release? Marina takes us through all the stages.

There is another release around the corner, a new John le Carré novel. Written by his son Nick Harkaway Richard has had an early read and it is the very essence of all that we loved from le Carré's writing. What goes into managing the legacy of a creative catalogue, and why are some legacies successful and others less so?

Recommendations:
Marina: Agatha Christie's Miss Marple (ITVX)
Richard: Karla's Choice (read) / Sweetpea (Sky)

*** BIG NEWS - The Rest Is Entertainment Live is happening at the iconic Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday 4th December! Join The Rest Is Entertainment Club for a very special ticket pre-sale for members from 10am on Thursday 24th October before general tickets go on-sale 10am Friday 25th October.

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[Cchogan]

In my Studio days, whether I was an engineer or producing, I refused to differentiate between anyone other than by job. Even if that job was “to be interviewed.” I was always friendly, welcomed people, but fawning was banned. In 30 plus years I only ever had one person object that I wasn’t treating them like a god. Indeed, most “talent” very quickly relaxed and enjoyed being one of the team. I even had one US celeb comment that they like coming to the studio because they were treated like a human and they didn’t feel they had to wear a “camera face” all the time.
But the main reason I worked like that (and many people work in that way) was that if everyone was on the same level, each respecting each other’s jobs, then the sessions went twice as fast and the result was twice as good. There is nothing like pretentiousness to completely ruin the creative vibe! It spoils the work, puts noses out of joint, and costs money.

[garethrhodes]

This podcast and these two together is one of my weekly treats. Huge love.

[nicholedowning]

I have never missed an episode of the podcast. The unusual things about that statement are 1. I’m American. 2. I never watch television…ever. 3. I never watch movies. But I love the podcast. I initially watched it because I do watch a lot of YouTube episodes of British panel shows and I recognized Richard.
Anyway, just wanted to say I enjoy the podcast.

[famouswolfdesignco]

Had a shot every time Richard said talent, absolutely smashed beyond comprehension 🕺

[ellie]

I'm glad you've got the hang of setting up the cameras so that R"s waving arm isn't obliterating a shot of M

[thescowlingschnauzer]

"Talent" was also used to remind people that they weren't "stars", at least not yet. David Beckham, star. TV presenters, just talent.

[solipsismworld]

There's a great old Mitchell and Webb skit about "not this, but something like this"

[stixdan]

I think the 'talent' vs everyone else is interesting, I've seen similar in other industries where the people doing billable work are referred to as 'professionals' while the receptionists, secretaries, IT etc are called 'support staff'... because they obviously aren't as professional or something I guess (joking of course!), so the same thing happens elsewhere

[MassiveCatLittleLegs]

I don't know where it originated (I heard it first in a Noel Gallagher interview), but there's a famous saying that if you become famous before you know who you are then it will come to define you.

Liam Payne was 17 when he became famous.. It formed a foundational aspect of his self-identity that when it was taken away (to the extent that it was taken away - he was still famous), he had nothing left.

Cowell and his cohort have blood on their hands - they take these children from total obscurity and, with well oiled marketing, promotional, and songwriting teams behind them, propel them to enormous fame. It's almost a license to print money, and very difficult to get wrong. There are enough young girls out there, hormones just kicking in, who are going to be enraptured by 5 decent looking haircuts singing songs about how "we're gonna be together, gurrrl" and such like. Then, inevitably, and with rare exception, it all falls apart.

[sandramckeehan]

I just re watched Joan Hickson as Miss Marple and loved every minute of it. I even watch and listen to the credits and music every time! I do that about once a year. What a fantastic look at the time, era, and the person that character is. I cannot imagine anyone doing ti better.

[ChrisH]

I'd love it if Marina could ask Richard E. Grant why he won't let Richard Herring put out his RHLSTP podcast!

[steveb]

I absolutely love the passion and excitement coming from you both when you’re talking about your bizarre, utterly pointless (sic), fascinating and exciting working World! I could listen to you both for hours - oh wait, I DO! ☺️

[kernowchris]

When Richard said 'Talent Stairs' I assumed it was an idea for a new show where 'Talent' have to _stare_ at each other without blinking. Winner gets nothing but a boost to their ego, loser gets eyedrops and a tissue.

[irFergie]

I'm really enjoying franchise so far

[Tom_Dancer]

Listen, I'm not sure how I haven't noticed before quite how much Richard says "Listen".

[lisearchbold]

I totally agree, Joan Hickson in the best Marple. I love the radio plays she did as well.

[ilpalozzo]

Richard Osman mentioned his brother was in Suede?

[billyb]

As someone who used to work in hospitals, the ego of the “talent” also exists for certain surgeons and doctors. Their over inflated ego helps get them to their position but they can be divas, bullies, and immense headaches for everyone else. It is very difficult in any top down organisation to avoid developing this kind of culture.

[archwombat]

They did call an ambulance in the hotel for Liam. It’s clear they did if you read the 911 call transcript. The police came with them because he was trashing the room.

[icvozcf]

There's a very good song from Just Jack 'stars in their eyes' that sums up quick access to stardom very well.