Casting Call: Bill Bailey’s Master Crafters

2 May 2024

Bill Bailey’s Master Crafters: The Next Generation is returning for a third series and will continue to shine a spotlight on heritage crafts in the UK.

The team are seeking new UK-based students, trainees and apprentices over the age of 18, who are showing talent and passion for mosaics, letterpress printing, blacksmithing and stone masonry/carving.

If you know of any UK-based students or apprentices over the age of 18 with a basic understanding of these crafts and a strong desire to pursue a career in these crafts, Sky Arts would love to feature their skills on TV in a supportive, non-competitive environment, with Bill Bailey leading the way.

To find out more, please send an email with your name, contact number, a brief description of your craft experience and any images of your work to crafts@lovemondaytv.com

THE FORMAT 
Series three of Sky Arts’ Bill Bailey’s Master Crafters: The Next Generation will feature 12 talented early-career craftspeople as they engage in tailor-made masterclasses aimed at honing their skills in their respective fields. Each episode will focus on one specific craft and will feature three of the 12 early-career crafters.

Hosted by Bill Bailey, the show centres around a filmed masterclass, led by an industry leader, and will provide participants with the opportunity to create a unique piece of work, offering hands-on learning experiences.

Participants will journey to our studio craft barn, where they will be tasked with a timed challenge to create a piece of work. Emphasising collaboration over competition, each crafter’s creations will be celebrated and evaluated for their individual merit; there are no winners or losers.

To give you a taste of our previous series, here’s an episode:

https://vimeo.com/927595777?share=copy
password: mastercrafters2024

SHOOT DAYS
Participants will be needed for three individual filming days between May and July. Depending on locations, contributors may need to take time off the day before a shoot to arrive at location the night before.

While specific dates are yet to be confirmed, we will be eager to discuss logistics further as we move forward with candidates. Rest assured, all travel and accommodation expenses related to filming will be covered by the production team.

Below is an overview of three filming days the contributor will be involved with:

Shoot 1: Backstory Film
We visit the crafter’s workplace, college, or home, conduct a sit-down interview, and capture b-roll footage of them at work.

Shoot 2: The Main Challenge
Our crafters will convene at the studio barn for a masterclass led by an industry leader. They will then embark on a timed challenge to showcase their skills and creativity.

Shoot 3: Experience Film
Our crafters will then venture to a workplace in the UK to explore the innovative ways their craft is being used, which will hopefully broaden their perspectives for future endeavours.