Episode 32 – Fiona McDermott

This Way Up

"Imposter syndrome? Absolutely. How you deal with that is by being graceful and empathic and supportive, and not protecting. Owning up when you don't know something? So majorly important. You don't have to know everything." Fiona McDermott 2020
This is a very special episode recorded live on stage at the APA future of advertising conference earlier this year - and features the fantastic Fiona McDermott.

For those who don’t know, Fiona she is Channel 4’s head of comedy. After joining Channel 4 in 2011 as Commissioning Editor she has worked across some amazing award-winning shows such a Derry Girls, Catastrophe, The Windors and Home, just to name a few. And before that she was a Producer at Zeppotron, working on shows such 8 out of 10 Cats, Would I Lie To You and Screenwipe.

During our conversation, we speak about Fiona’s introduction to the world of TV and the different roles she has had along the way. We also talk about what it was like working with some of the best comedians in the UK including Jimmy Carr, Franky Boyle, Charlie Brooker and Sean Pye. And of course, how she became the Head of Comedy and the day to day work that entails.

She talks openly about often feeling like she has a lot to prove and how the all too familiar imposter syndrome often rears its ugly head. We also talk about the amount of responsibility she has to face on a daily basis, such as having to work out and evolve Channel 4’s comedy taste and the difficult job of knowing when to turn down new scripts and formats – with the all-important question – has she ever turned down a show that goes on to be a smash hit!

P.S. She also gives an insight into the best way to pitch your idea to Channel 4 but keep it to yourself... ;)