For April’s masterclass, we partnered with Studio Lambert, the team behind hit shows like The Traitors, Gogglebox, Race Across the World and Squid Game: The Challenge, for an honest, behind-the-scenes look at careers in unscripted television.
From casting and development to logistics and storytelling, the session unpacked what it really takes to bring large-scale productions to life and how to build a career in the process.
Chaired by Mel Rodrigues, CEO of Creative Access, the expert panel featured a talented team from Studio Lambert:
- Sabeh Bali, producer director
- Zoe King, junior production manager
- Zyreeta Abadji, casting executive
Drawing from their experience working on Race Across the World, the panel shared insights into the complexity, creativity and collaboration behind one of television’s most demanding formats.
No two days and no two roles look the same
A clear theme throughout the session was the breadth and unpredictability of roles in unscripted TV.
Sabeh described Race Across the World as “almost indescribable”: a blend of competition, reality and travelogue, where storytelling unfolds from multiple perspectives. Working on the series means navigating intense conditions on the ground while capturing authentic human stories.
For Zoe, the role of a production manager has evolved significantly. From coordinating travel, booking accommodation and managing checkpoints to overseeing budgets and working closely with editorial teams, her day-to-day work sits at the centre of the production’s moving parts.
Zyreeta offered insight into the casting process, highlighting the level of care and strategy involved. From building a “wishlist” of characters to running nationwide outreach and reviewing applications, casting is about finding people who are not only representative and diverse, but whose stories resonate. “You meet so many people, and sometimes their journey surprises you,” she shared.
What it really takes to make a show like Race Across the World
From pre-production to filming, the scale of planning behind Race Across the World is vast. Before filming begins, teams carry out recces, map routes, assess safety risks and plan for multiple scenarios. But as the panel made clear, even the most detailed planning cannot account for everything.
Zoe recalled navigating unexpected challenges, from political unrest to wildfires and even a typhoon, requiring constant contingency planning. “You can plan and plan, but something will always shock you,” she said.
On the ground, adaptability is essential. Sabeh described receiving last-minute changes and setting up entirely new checkpoints, often while travelling for weeks at a time. “It’s about being one, two, three steps ahead,” he explained.
At the heart of it all is teamwork. With crews spending up to 54 days on the road, trust, communication and empathy are critical, not just within teams but with contributors too. “You’re experiencing it with them,” Sabeh noted, emphasising the importance of duty of care.
Taking the first step
As with many Creative Access sessions, the conversation turned to career pathways and the reassurance that there is no one “right” way in.
Zoe shared her journey from North Wales into the industry, starting as a runner and intentionally exploring different roles. At one point, she even stepped back to try new areas before progressing again. Her advice was clear: “Try everything, big, small, scripted, unscripted. There’s no right or wrong.”
Zyreeta’s route into casting began outside the industry, working in local government before moving into creative spaces through radio and training programmes. Her experience highlighted the value of transferable skills and staying open to opportunity.
Sabeh emphasised the importance of curiosity and initiative. “Learn on the job, ask questions, and be patient. Build your skillset step by step.”
Skills that matter: adaptability, resilience and saying yes
Across all roles, the panel highlighted a shared set of essential skills:
Adaptability – responding to constant change and unexpected challenges
Resilience – learning from setbacks and continuing to push forward
Curiosity – asking questions and actively seeking to learn
Collaboration – working closely across teams in high-pressure environments
Zoe encouraged attendees to adopt a “say yes” mindset early in their careers. “It’s about thinking, how can I make this work? Not, I can’t do this.” For Zyreeta, confidence in your perspective is equally important. “It’s ok to have an opinion, especially in casting.”
Representation and inclusion behind the scenes
The panel also spoke about the importance of building inclusive production teams, both on and off screen.
Zyreeta highlighted the need for diverse casting teams who can connect with lived experiences and communities authentically. Outreach to grassroots networks plays a key role in ensuring representation is not just visible, but meaningful.
Zoe pointed to initiatives like placements and training schemes as ways production companies are working to widen access, while Mel emphasised a simple but powerful truth. “If you can’t represent behind the scenes, how are you going to represent on screen?”
Mentorship was also highlighted as a crucial tool for progression, helping individuals navigate the industry and build confidence.
Expect the unexpected and keep going
The session closed with reflections on navigating uncertainty in both the job and the industry. Whether it is adapting to new technologies, changing roles or responding to unexpected challenges on location, the ability to stay flexible and keep learning is key.
When asked for one piece of advice, the panel kept it simple:
Zoe: Seize every opportunity
Sabeh: Be resilient, try again
Zyreeta: Trust your voice
Thank you to Studio Lambert and our brilliant speakers for an honest and insightful look into the world of unscripted TV.
For those looking to break into the industry, sessions like this are a reminder that while the path may not be linear, there are many ways in, and every experience counts.
Interested in joining a Creative Access masterclass? Register with us today and keep an eye out for our upcoming events. We can’t wait to say hi!
