Hey, remember that time we were on the TV being all expert and that with comedian Rhod Gilbert? Well…
The Welsh production company behind TV comedy show Rhod Gilbert’s Work Experience, is launching an online campaign to finally bring more of the BAFTA Cymru award winning series out on DVD.
Zipline Creative producers Rhys and Nathan, are close to launching a Kickstarter campaign to allow fans to pre-order copies of Series 3 & 4 as a DVD boxset and in an attempt to guarantee its release.
“We’ve always wanted the show to be released on DVD, but unfortunately although we’re the producers, directors, editors, do the camera and the sound with Rhod, the rights are actually owned by a much bigger media company outside of Wales. To cut a long story short, we just haven’t been able to do it.” says Nathan.
“Usually it’s giant corporations releasing these kinds of products, so as a tiny company based in the valleys it’s going to be a real underdog battle to get it off the ground. We hope fans of the show and followers of Mr Gilbert will get involved to help us achieve our goal.”
The critically acclaimed show sees stand up comedian Rhod Gilbert try his hand at an eclectic mix of jobs with hilarious results. Since the first series aired in 2010, Rhod has experienced careers all across Wales, from Bin Man to Fighter Pilot, Zoo Keeper to Mum, Policeman to Drag Artist and more.
The series 3 and 4 DVD will feature arguably some of the best episodes of the comedy show to date. Who can forget Rhod dragging a bunch of Welsh pensioners on a chocolate snorting holiday to Belgium in the Coach Tour Guide show. Or even Scott Williams’ castle and Ella May’s play doh boat from the Teacher episode.
“We’re trusting in the support of our fan base to help us get them the DVD they’ve been craving all these years!” says Rhys Waters, also a producer and director of the show.
“It’s been frustrating because we’ve repeatedly had to tell eager fans ‘we don’t know’ whenever they’ve asked us when they might be able to buy the DVD.”
“Kickstarter felt like the natural choice, as aside from working with the incredibly talented and funny Mr Gilbert, one thing that’s always brilliant about Work Experience is its loyal fans. So we’re creating something that allows fans to become part of the show”, said Rhys. “We can offer a lot more than just a copy of the programmes, they’ll have their names on the DVD, DVD’s and posters signed by Rhod, alongside some genuine props and costumes.”
Some of the goodies that the team hope to offer backers include:
- Special Kickstarter limited edition design DVD Box sets of series 3&4 with Bonus features SIGNED BY RHOD.
- An invite to the exclusive screening of 4 selected episodes of Work Experience.
- Rhod / Rachel’s Wig from the ‘Drag Artist’ Episode.
- The original Give a S#!t Weddings T-Shirt from the Wedding Planner Episode.
- Give a S#!t Weddings Car Signage from the Wedding Planner Episode.
- Rhod’s ‘finger gym’ from the Male Model episode.
- Rhod’s ‘Rhod Squad Scout’s Camp Badge’ from the Scout Leader episode.
- One of Rhod’s ‘Edwards Coaches Ties’ from the Coach Tour Guide Episode.
- A Rhod Signed original limited edition promotional poster for the series.
- Limited edition collage wall art piece featuring all Patrick Olner’s amazing photographs commissioned for Series 3 & 4.
On top of this, the team will be trawling the archives for as many extras and deleted scenes as they can cram on the disk. “Since we make the show, we know the footage and original edits really well. This gives us the unique ability to create additional funny scenes and unseen moments for those who want a bit more.” Said Rhys.
Although Rhod himself is not directly involved in the Kickstarter project, he backs Rhys and Nathan’s campaign and wants to see them achieve success. “I could not believe my ears when I heard those crazy dudes Rhys and Nathan were starting this campaign, but my ears were right and they are, so I wish them all the best. I’ll lob in some signed DVD’s or boxsets, and bits of work experience memorabilia for a few dedicated investors too!”
If you think you’d like to get your hands on some of these goodies or just show some moral support keep an eye on the @rhodsworkex twitter feed or follow Zipline Creative on Facebook, or alternatively email info@ziplinecreative.co.uk to get signed up for campaign updates.
“We are offering pledges starting at £1, so there’s an opportunity for all fans to support the project if they want. Hopefully we’ll get enough people behind us, if not then we’ll disappear back behind the cameras never to be seen in public again!” Said Rhys.
“It’s a bit of an all or nothing venture. Either Kickstarter works, and we can cover the rights of the show for release, or it doesn’t and to be honest, we’re not sure what will happen next.” says Nathan.
Press Release published on http://www.ohsoperfect.co.uk – all words by Zipline Creative. Samantha from Oh So Perfect features in series 4 episode 1 – The Wedding Planner.
