A new reality show format for RTÉ, ‘Keeping Mum’, is currently in post-production at
High Wire ahead of its February 4 air date.
The hour-long pilot, which is presented by 2007 IFTA nominee Lucy Kennedy (The Podge and Rodge Show), follows two sets of parents in one house over the course of a week as 13 cameras capture their very different parenting techniques.
Adare Productions developed the show for RTÉ Two, with Brian Graham the exceutive producer. Speaking of the new format, Graham said: “This is a new and very brave departure for RTÉ Two, it’s the first real ‘rig show’ of its type in this country.”
The show is filmed on 13 robotic cameras, Big Brother-style, which Graham says was a very “technical” procedure. “It was a very complicated production, in effect turning a real house into a set where all areas were covered for sound and vision, the gallery was constructed in the adjacent house. It’s a strong format, right up RTÉ Two’s street, young, edgy and relevant”.
Shane Callan in Highwire is currently heading up post production on the show, which was produced by Graham, Tom Evans and Colin Cowman.
Camera operation was overseen by Paul O’Connor from the Complete Camera Company UK (One Born Every Minute) using a mix of Sony and Panasonic hotheads. Stephen Macken and Riverside Television were the Irish liaison for the production.
Damien Clifford and OBS rigged the house for sound and Martin Birney and Gerry McArthur from Windmill Lane oversaw the EFP output and interior lighting.
The new format is the latest in a long line of original Irish formats RTÉ has commissioned, following on from the broadcaster’s Format Farm scheme, which launched in 2012. Five original pilots aired on RTÉ over a five-week period. The broadcaster has just announced it is now calling for ideas for a second Format Farm, details here.
‘Keeping Mum’ airs on Monday February 4 on RTÉ Two at 9.30pm.
