The in-house production of the Network engaged Ben Allan to analyse the production and produce a report of recommendations to modernise the series to help boost its relevance and popularity into the 9th Season. These recommendations were implemented in full and helped to return the show to the top ten in the national TV ratings, while keeping it within budget and increasing the quality of the production.
The Australian Seven Network’s flagship primetime drama ALL SAINTS was nearing the end of its 8th Season when the producers and the network realised that the show was no longer as competitive as it had once been. The rise of high-end dramas from the US and the UK with production values increasingly closer to feature films than traditional TV was changing audience expectations while the budget constraints of a local show in Australia remained fixed.
Observation & Analysis
Allan spent time observing every stage of the production from writing and rehearsals to post-production and even broadcast. This made it possible to propose cohesive solutions which would not only allow the whole process to work together but also for cost savings in some areas to balance out increased costs of improvements in others.
This was significant for both on-set and post-production, taking advantage of new technology or better processes that existing technology made possible.
Another key requirement of the client was that any changes needed to minimise overtime for the production cast and crew. This was not only a cost issue but because the series filmed for a gruelling 40 weeks each year, the risk of burnout needed to be managed proactively.
Report & Recommendations
The report recommended sweeping changes to how the show was made including substantial changes to the personnel structure, how the major studio sets were configured, the daily production process and post-production workflow. This also included using the latest breakthroughs in hardware and software to bring key parts of the post-production from a multi-million dollar facility to an in-house suite.
This change produced significant cost savings, while simultaneously improving the production quality and creative control.
Implementation & Results
The producers and the network decided to implement the recommendations in full and this began at the start of Season 9, with changes to the sets, equipment packages and post-production systems being put in place over the Christmas break in production.
The changeover was immediately successful with production of Season 9 beginning on time and the first episodes completed on time and on budget, with a decrease in overtime required.
New staff were efficiently onboarded into new roles, while several exisiting staff were up-skilled and moved into new roles required for the updated processes.
When the new season went to air, the result was a sudden revival of critical acclaim, dramatic increase in ratings and unprecedented awards for the long running show.
The changes laid the groundwork for a record breaking 4 more years, itself longer than the entire run of most primetime drama series.
The renewed success of the show after the changes were implemented, clearly demonstrated that Australian TV drama could compete with international productions in cost effective ways. This success also preceded a wave of new Australian TV dramas, all using similar techniques, crew structure and technology solutions, a trend which continues to this day.