WFTV in Manchester: Behind the Scenes of Daytime TV & Networking

The daytime TV programming slot is home to some of the UK’s best loved shows and talent providing a raft of varied and entertaining content to millions of viewers every day.

Co-hosted with the UK’s leading TV, Film and Live Event Studios Network VERSA Studios, join WFTV for a conversation with some of the women behind UK’s hit daytime TV shows. 

Hosted by Natalie O'Leary (Broadcaster), joining the panel will be Kathy Schulz (Strategy and Business Development Advisor, VERSA Studios), Julie Kelling (Executive Producer), Han Thompson (Production Executive, BBC Studios) and Briony May Williams (Presenter). 

They will be discussing the current landscape of daytime TV and audience trends, how to keep ideas fresh and interesting for returning programmes and insight to the production of different formats. Our panel will also discuss their career journeys, providing valuable insight into career progression in the daytime TV world.

Following the panel there will be networking with WFTV members and colleagues from around the industry as well as the opportunity to take a tour of the VERSA Studios dedicated home to the BBC’s leading daytime show Morning Live, located in the VERSA Skyline Studio, rooftop floor of the ABC Buildings.

Event Schedule:

18:30-19:00: Guest arrivals and check-in

19:00-20:00: Welcome and panel talk

20:00-22:00: General Networking and food & drinks and the opportunity to take a tour of VERSA Studios rooftop Skyline Studio - a dedicated home to the BBC’s Morning Live Daytime show

Panel

Julie Kelling, Executive Producer

Julie is a Broadcast and Bafta Award winning Executive Producer, currently producing Lingo (Series 4) a word based quiz for ITV Daytime. Earlier this year she Exec produced a brand new Saturday night show for BBC 1 called Picture Slam, hosted by Alan Carr, which begins airing mid-Sept.

She spent the last 10+ years producing daytime and prime time Entertainment for all the major channels, including Fifteen to One, The 100K Drop, The Question Jury, The Link for the BBC, ITV and Channel 4. Prior to that she produced shows in a variety of genres and also led various Development teams.

Han Thompson, Production Executive, BBC Studios

Han Thompson is the Production Executive on BBC One’s “Morning Live” – the UK’s most watched daytime show. She helped relocate the show from London to Manchester in 2021 and together with the Executive Editor, output a daily live show which runs on a demanding and ambitious schedule. She has over 17 years’ experience working in TV and uses her reputation and LinkedIn platform to promote a diverse and inclusive culture within Morning Live as well as help to build Manchester’s TV network with particular focus on Production Management and those starting into the industry.

Kathy Schulz, Strategy and Business Development Advisor, VERSA Studios  

Kathy Schulz is a highly successful media executive with significant experience of leading large-scale studio-based broadcast television production businesses. She studied electronic engineering at Bristol University before joining the BBC and discovering a love of television. She moved to ITV in the 1980s and, in the mid 90s, moved from the technical side of the business and into studio production. 

Following roles including Studio Manager, Director of Sales and Director of Studio Services, Kathy took on the role of MD at The London Studios in 2016. In 2018, Kathy was awarded the RTS Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of the professionalism, passion, honesty and loyalty she has demonstrated throughout her career, and the dedication and expertise she has provided to the industry. With a shared passion for a collaborative and people-first approach, Kathy joined VERSA Studios in 2021 to support the continued growth and evolution of their UK network of studios, all with the ultimate aim of making great productions happen. Kathy is also a member of the Women Film and TV Association.

Briony May Williams, Presenter

Briony May Williams is a presenter who first rose to prominence after reaching the semi-final stage of The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4. Briony presents Channel 4’s Food Unwrapped and BBC One’s Escape to the Country. She is also one of the presenting team of BBC One’s Morning Live. Her other credits include Would I Lie To You?, Pointless Celebrities, House of Games, The Last Leg and Celebrity Mastermind. Briony is an ambassador for Reach and Bristol Mind. In 2022, Briony was named on The Shaw Trust’s Disability Power 100 List of the UK’s most influential disabled people.

Host 

Natalie O'Leary, Broadcaster

Natalie O’Leary is a broadcaster and one of the newest faces at BBC Radio 1. She will host a brand new show ‘Radio 1 00’s’ every Sunday at 11am. She also hosts the most successful branded fashion podcast ‘PrettyLittleThing’s - Behind Closed Doors’.

Nat is a seasoned interviewer having hosted many live events, red carpets, backstage interviews and social shorts. She has conducted interviews with the likes of Mabel, Zara Larson, Becky Hill, Maya Jama, Molly-Mae, Little Mix, Doja Cat, Jordan Woods and many more.

If you are not a member and would like to join, membership costs just £100 + VAT/yr , please click here or email admin@wftv.org.uk

At WFTV, we want our events to be accessible for everyone. If you have any access requirements, please let us know in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you. Please contact admin@wftv.org.uk and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Cancellation Policy

Due to limited capacity, we request that if you are unable to attend this event to please cancel your ticket at least 24 hours before the event. To cancel your ticket, please contact the WFTV team on admin@wftv.org.uk or 020 287 1400.