This week on TellyCast, Justin Crosby is joined by Andrew Eastel, Managing Director of Middlechild Productions, for a fascinating conversation about how traditional TV production companies can adapt to the digital-first production economy.

Andrew explains how Middlechild launched the hugely successful Gardening With Alan Titchmarsh YouTube channel, why factual producers may be better placed for social video than they realise, and how TV indies can build long-term IP businesses beyond traditional commissioning.

The discussion explores YouTube strategy, digital monetisation, brand partnerships, broadcaster pre-sales, connected TV viewing habits, audience behaviour, and why producers should think like entrepreneurs when building social video channels.

Andrew also reveals how Middlechild’s new digital division Wildchild is developing future-facing content brands in areas including pets and survival, and explains why digital-first production could eventually create more stable long-term work for freelancers.

This episode is essential listening for anyone working in TV production, social video, YouTube strategy, digital-first content, or the wider creator economy.

Key Topics:
• The success of Gardening With Alan Titchmarsh on YouTube
• Why TV producers still have valuable advantages in digital
• How broadcasters may increasingly acquire digital-first IP
• Building long-term content brands beyond commissioning
• YouTube as a search engine and connected TV platform
• Monetisation strategies beyond YouTube ad revenue
• Why producers need a business model before a format idea
• The future of factual TV and digital-first production

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