Thread: Woodworking TV Show

Originally Posted by joez

Sounds interesting I really hope its a 1hr show, 30 minute shows always seem to be rushed. That's true Joe, but 30 ABC minutes are worth more than 60 commercial minutes (leave the ads out of the equation - it's telling me what they've already told me four times every five minutes that's just filla).

I think the show should have 2 projects running at once, one long term (whole season) build and short segments to keep people interested and appeal to all levels. Great idea.

Visiting other woodies and manfacturers would also be interesting and the show would need to be backed up with a website selling/supplying plans etc..

There's scope for a stack of things.

I think my original comment may have been misunderstood. I was not implying there was a lack of makers or skills in Australia, I was more thinking along the lines that there aren't names (for me at least) that readily come to mind when mentioning Australia and furniture in the same sentence. Parker perhaps?

The Americans have various styles that do readily come to mind and each could be the feature of a full series in its own right, Federal, Shaker,Adirondack, Arts and Crafts, etc. I'm sure there were craftsman in Oz making contemporary pieces, but I for one don't know their names or where an easily accessible collection of safely conserved and documented pieces exists.

I think a series that includes our own historical perspective would be good. An awful lot has been lost.

Originally Posted by Fuzzie

I think my original comment may have been misunderstood. I was not implying there was a lack of makers or skills in Australia, I was more thinking along the lines that there aren't names (for me at least) that readily come to mind when mentioning Australia and furniture in the same sentence. Parker perhaps?

The Americans have various styles that do readily come to mind and each could be the feature of a full series in its own right, Federal, Shaker,Adirondack, Arts and Crafts, etc. I'm sure there were craftsman in Oz making contemporary pieces, but I for one don't know their names or where an easily accessible collection of safely conserved and documented pieces exists.

I think a series that includes our own historical perspective would be good. An awful lot has been lost.

Maybe part of the show could concentrate on finding and making known some of the craftsmen that have created fine woodwork in our brief history

Me, I'm a bit of a fan of the Woodsmith shaaaap and it works as it has a lighthearted format that is supported by plans from the website and you can get the DVD of the show. The projects aren't too difficult and they give enough that the process can be used in your own projects. Every now and then they have a hints and tips show which includes tools and their use.

Originally Posted by Farmer Geoff

Great idea. If there will be ads or sponsorship then it will need to be aimed at people who may become interested in those products.

Some info on how to do basic repairs to existing items with basic tools may be handy - chairs, bookshelves, cutting boards often need attention - 'good enough' rather than perfect work will help draw people in. Provide a mix of people doing hands on stuff - kids, women, old folks, etc.

Good luck.

Originally Posted by dabbler

I particularly enjoyed the format and presentation style used in The Milton Workshop which I saw as a 6-part (?) series on Foxtel some years (3 or 4 ?) back. They used aussie timbers, showed/demonstrated a range of skills with machine, power and handtools.

No site visits or exploring the shed as such, not much on finish from what I recall, mainly builds.

It's worth a look, even if just to see what has been done by others.

edit: Found a youtube version.
Milton Woodshop - YouTube

Originally Posted by FenceFurniture

G'day Steve

I'd suggest that you turn that, and any other ideas into a Poll, because I think you'd get a helluva lot more responses, for two reasons: quick and easy, don't have to type anything; and also because it will appear as a Poll in the index, and that would attract more viewers.

Other than that, it's a wonderful idea which I think will rate well.

Farmer Geoff. Like your ideas, involving all ages and sexes (2 at last count but I may be wrong) I feel sponsors won't be an issue as it is a specific market.

Dabbler. thanks for the link only 1.12min but I like the easy laid back (aussie) approach.

Fence Furniture, Good suggestion, Polling, which I may do later on, at the moment i'm not so interested in polling (my) ideas more looking for ideas which other are suggesting. Thanks for the heads-up though didn't know it could be done.

As always thanks to all

Cheers

Steve

Originally Posted by chambezio

I would not like to see a presenter with a big ego. That Kevin Mcloud is the type I would not like to see! Yes I agree with being "Australian" as long as its not done over board. Something along the lines of Norm and the Yankee Workshop. He did on some occasions go to museums and antique stores and found subjects to rework and modernise.
It would be good to see workshops and what the blokes do with them. I think its a great idea. The idea of "Tool Time" as a show I thought was a good one. Yeh OK Tim was over the top but an Al type of presenter would be watchable (everyone loves AL . You get what I mean as they featured some car projects as well as furniture and pergolas and patios.
Years ago, and I mean years ago Knock and Kirby had a half hour show on Saturday afternoons where the presenter would review tools and what they could do. He was a dear old chap, his surname was Waugh.
A problem that this type of show runs into is time. There have been a few shows over the years that have had good content but rushed through leaving the audience with a heap of questions.
But why stop at woodworking? The metal men need the same sort of show with welding, fabricating, turning/milling etc. Even a project of building a steam engine or the like.

Originally Posted by fields

I think you will find that you will need to appeal to multiple audiences in the one program so having small segments / segways are going to keep people who want to be inspired fed with things they can actually do, whilst keep the people who know what they are doing learning at the same time without turning off.

Short bits like having a craftsman of the week doing 5 minutes on the tips they have for getting the best out of a particular tool or projects that can be finished in a weekend or doing things with a minimal setup would be good for the novices / people who want to get building things without sawing off more than they can chew.

Originally Posted by joez

Sounds interesting I really hope its a 1hr show, 30 minute shows always seem to be rushed.

I think the show should have 2 projects running at once, one long term (whole season) build and short segments to keep people interested and appeal to all levels.

Visiting other woodies and manfacturers would also be interesting and the show would need to be backed up with a website selling/supplying plans etc..

I also think past episodes should be either available online or for sale at a reasonable price, say whole season for $30-$50.

joez

chambezio: Sincerely hope the presenters aren't egotistical. Personally I would love to see a Tool Time Show as well as a Woodworking One but that decision ids beyond my control. Main reason for woodworking focus is I am a Professional Woodworker. But come to think of it I also use metal, do welding and fix cars so who knows...

Fields, Would take the pressure off the presenters if we can get the 5 min slots you suggest.

joez. Have thought about one small project per show and a more ambitious one for the length of the season so thanks for the confirmation and yes 1 hour would be good. i see the on;ine back-up as a real positive for the station.

Many thanks keep 'em coming

Cheers

Steve

I think Joez has a good point in running two projects simultaneously. This could aim at new woodworkers looking for small projects and focus on the tools most necessary for this project.

The longer term project would be aimed at people more into the hobby or profession. You could focus on one part of the project each week, going through the necessary tools needed to complete one stage of the project, then give an overview of the next bit to help keep the more involved practitioners of our obsession interested.

I also think an hour would be a better format. Look at the long term. A paying program that is popular on commercial TV lasts a lot longer than most of the ABC productions. (I know there are exceptions).

Perhaps look at some of the successful formats used at present. Like "I Fish", "Better Gnomes and Cardigans"....sorry, "Better Homes and Gardens" DIY segment.

The idea of some recognition of Australian versions of Classic styles is well worth the effort as well. Colonial, Art Deco, Contemporary are just some of the styles that were heavily influenced by Australian Designers and conditions.

And so the list grows. Maybe also have a look at some of the PBS (Public Broadcasting Systems) shows out of the us. These are sponsor supported shows which cover a lot of stuff. Everyone's heard of Bob Vila through "Tool Time"

Um...

Regards,

Rob

There are many aspects of wood working and some items we have not touched on, wood turning, scroll sawing pyrography.

I love watching the work in progress on this site and occasionally the metalwork. I would want a show that has a build progress not necessary a renovation type show, no before shots, no destruction shots and no finally completion shots telling me how beautiful it looks? I should be able to decide that based on my perspective.

It might seem a bit harsh but that's what has put me off the current lifestyle shows.

I would like to see something along the lines of recycling old timber and the use of sustainable timber in the program, the more we incourage it the the quicker it will happen.

Too many programmes of this sort become adverts for the latest 'must have'. So how about showing what can be done with a few basic hand tools, to give the person watching it the idea he/she does not need a workshop full of power tood to achieve something.

Another thought, you (Australia) lead the world in the Men's Shed Association. They should get a prominent showing, crow about the best you can offer.

Originally Posted by FenceFurniture

There's scope for a stack of things.

Originally Posted by Fuzzie

I think my original comment may have been misunderstood. I was not implying there was a lack of makers or skills in Australia, I was more thinking along the lines that there aren't names (for me at least) that readily come to mind when mentioning Australia and furniture in the same sentence. Parker perhaps?

The Americans have various styles that do readily come to mind and each could be the feature of a full series in its own right, Federal, Shaker,Adirondack, Arts and Crafts, etc. I'm sure there were craftsman in Oz making contemporary pieces, but I for one don't know their names or where an easily accessible collection of safely conserved and documented pieces exists.

I think a series that includes our own historical perspective would be good. An awful lot has been lost.

Originally Posted by TTIT

Maybe part of the show could concentrate on finding and making known some of the craftsmen that have created fine woodwork in our brief history

Fence Furniture- It's that stack of Things I want to hear about.

Fuzzie- I agree we don't have that many "well known", large production names here, but my experience is that we had and continue to have many makers working from lone workshops that are well known within their demographic area. I would like to spend time with different styles and explore how they we adapted to the Australian experience.

TTIT- That's where the good people on this Forum will be invaluable and would work well with the suggestion above from Fuzzie.


These comments and ideas are a real help for plotting our direct. Thanks again.


Cheers

Steve

Originally Posted by fineboxes

..... but my experience is that we had and continue to have many makers working from lone workshops that are well known within their demographic area.

Hopefully, they'll be well-known after this.

Originally Posted by Markw

Me, I'm a bit of a fan of the Woodsmith shaaaap and it works as it has a lighthearted format that is supported by plans from the website and you can get the DVD of the show. The projects aren't too difficult and they give enough that the process can be used in your own projects. Every now and then they have a hints and tips show which includes tools and their use.

Originally Posted by LGS

I think Joez has a good point in running two projects simultaneously. This could aim at new woodworkers looking for small projects and focus on the tools most necessary for this project.

The longer term project would be aimed at people more into the hobby or profession. You could focus on one part of the project each week, going through the necessary tools needed to complete one stage of the project, then give an overview of the next bit to help keep the more involved practitioners of our obsession interested.

I also think an hour would be a better format. Look at the long term. A paying program that is popular on commercial TV lasts a lot longer than most of the ABC productions. (I know there are exceptions).

Perhaps look at some of the successful formats used at present. Like "I Fish", "Better Gnomes and Cardigans"....sorry, "Better Homes and Gardens" DIY segment.

The idea of some recognition of Australian versions of Classic styles is well worth the effort as well. Colonial, Art Deco, Contemporary are just some of the styles that were heavily influenced by Australian Designers and conditions.

And so the list grows. Maybe also have a look at some of the PBS (Public Broadcasting Systems) shows out of the us. These are sponsor supported shows which cover a lot of stuff. Everyone's heard of Bob Vila through "Tool Time"

Um...

Regards,

Rob

Originally Posted by Christos

There are many aspects of wood working and some items we have not touched on, wood turning, scroll sawing pyrography.

I love watching the work in progress on this site and occasionally the metalwork. I would want a show that has a build progress not necessary a renovation type show, no before shots, no destruction shots and no finally completion shots telling me how beautiful it looks? I should be able to decide that based on my perspective.

It might seem a bit harsh but that's what has put me off the current lifestyle shows.

Markw- Its a good format that's for sure, initial problem we are faced with is that we don't have a full workshop in the studio but give it time. I do like the lighthearted approach. And internet back-up.

LGS- Definitely don't want to go the way of Better Gnomes and Cardigans that area seems to be covered quite well. We want to move towards more specifics rather than a few smatterings of many things. Which does work for many shows, hence why there are so many of them. Good point to check out PBS show, will do.

Christos- One goal is to have a strong viewer input of what they want to see or how to over come a sticking point in a project, aiming for this how it can be done rather than "gee i'm good!"


A lot of food for thought, but room for more. Many thanks


Cheers

Steve