Troubleshooter TV
 
 
Robert also gives his widely acclaimed seminars in factual storytelling, around the world.  These range in length from an hour to two days, and have been pitched at all levels from keynote speaking for senior managers to courses for aspiring researchers.

Founded in 2003 Troubleshooter TV has helped many directors and broadcasters to create and sort out TV programmes using the C.O.N.F.L.I.C.T.  model and the 100 Rukes of television and to win awards and audiences around the world
He has been booked numerous times at the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, as well as many independent companies and festivals in the UK.  He has also given them around the world including the US (ABC, Fox and Discovery), Canada, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Germany, Switzerland, and Australia.

They are always very well received - there is no other tv storytelling learning and understanding, and how to make formats work, like it.
His latest to the BBC documentary department was thanked with “just a note to say how brilliant your conflict talk was.  I have never had so many people contacting me after a talk to say how much they enjoyed it” 
 
http://www.tvfestival.dk/sw8365.asp
 
http://www.sidf.co.uk/industry/biographies.php?pid=73
 
http://www.sidf.co.uk/industry/media/archives/2005/09/sessions_and_ma.php
 
Here are a few more thank yous

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Wong, Andrea L at ABC
To: anita@algrade
Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2006 7:18 PM
Subject: Robert

Anita,
Robert was truly spectacular to have with us for the past couple of days!  He is so smart and so fun to be with...
His lecture was incredibly useful. And while much of it is instinctive, it gave us a framework for thinking about story and guidelines to follow when we are stuck.  And yesterday, we applied that to a number of shows we have in development and really pushed them along because of him.
We definitely want him to do more with us and will discuss with you in Jan when everyone is back.
Just wanted you to know how much we valued his time here and we look forward to a long relationship with him (and you)!!

Warmly, Andrea

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: 	denman_rooke at October Films
	Subject: 	Friday thanks
	Date: 	18 June 2007 05:06:35 PDT
	To: 	robertthirkell
	Cc: 	Jane.Manning

Hi Robert


Sorry I had to dash on Friday without saying thanks properly, but let me say it now. Everyone agreed it was a genuinely useful, even inspirational day – which cannot always be said for these kind of seminars. I think we all found your practical, hands-on, demonstrable experience of tackling exactly the sort of problems we face, day in and day out was exceptionally valuable, unlike the often rather vague ‘motivational’ stuff that sometimes comes our way.

Interestingly, I felt that the approach you seem to have brought to your own track record, making programmes which are not only hugely visible and popular but which also have some sort of point and intelligence to them, chimes perfectly with our ambitions here. I’d like to think this might be the start of some sort of longer term relationship – not quite sure what or how, but perhaps we could chat further over a jolly lunch?

Regards


Denman Rooke

Managing Director

October Films

10 Spring Place

London NW5 3BH

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Robert,

Just a quick note to say thank you for the insightful and 
entertaining lecture you gave at Sheffield. As a non-delegate I had 
to lie, cheat and steal my way in risking the wrath of the docfest 
stewards, but it was well worth it. I haven't learnt about 
broadcasting in that manner since I left university - I'm looking 
forward to the book!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Bäcklander Cecilia 
Date: 8 May 2007 10:49:32 BDT
To: robert thirkell
Cc: Godée Mats , "Persson Ralf" , "Birgersson-Dahlberg Anna" 
Subject: August seminar in Sweden 

Dear Robert,
 
I saw and heard you talk about Jamie´s School Dinners in Luzerne. Impressive and inspiring.
I wonder – would you be able to come to a seminar held just outside of Stockholm the 28th of August and hold a lecture, show excerpts and discuss with 60 – 70 persons working with youth programs and adult education programs at the Swedish Educational Broadcasting On 9 May 2007, at 07:20, 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------


Dear Robert

Thank you again. You were great... as always. Now we are on track with doing project development and I will mail you some basis deal memo soon. We will arrange to have meetings on the 5.th.

I send greeting from all the people at the film School who just keep talking about your fantastic performance.


Best wishes

Thomas Heurlin
Koncern tv- & filmproduktion, www.koncern.dk
Esromgade 15. opg.1.5, DK-2200 N
Tel: +45 35 82 82 21, direkte: +45 35 86 08 79
Mobil: +45 40 13 29 99, e-mail: 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------


Anja Taylor wrote:
Dear Robert,
 
I'm a researcher for Catalyst, Australia's leading science program broadcast on the ABC.
 
I have a note pinned on my board, kindly sent to me by my caring auntie in Bangalow, Qld, which outlines the conflict toolkit from a seminar you gave there. It gives just a half page summary (which makes me sorry that I missed your seminar, by probably a couple of years)... any chance you have a publication out? or are you visiting Australia again? Would love to find out more.
 
Many thanks and kind regards, 
 
Anja Taylor 
 
Researcher
Catalyst
ABC TV Science



-------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: 	gorica@interlog
	Subject: 	conflict workshop query
	Date: 	12 July 2007 16:36:07 PDT
	To: 	robertthirkell

Hello Robert I'm a documentary producer from Toronto, Canada.  I heard you speak at the Australian documentary festival two years ago and really enjoyed what you had to say about "conflict".  I will probably be attending the Sheffield doc festival in November and I know in the past you have had workshops there.  Do you plan to have one there this fall?  Or are there other places in the UK or North America where you shall be holding them this year?

Best,

Felice Gorica
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: 	rachel.noar@
	Subject: 	Thank you
	Date: 	23 July 2007 03:06:26 PDT
	To: 	robertthirkell

Dear Robert,
 
I wanted to drop a line to say thank you.
 
I was one of the people who attended the workshop that you gave when you came to October Films. I found what you said incredibly helpful and have since been using the principles of 'CONFLICT' to write treatments and pitch ideas. And, when it came to filling out my application form for this year's MGEITF Fast Track scheme, I really think that it made all the difference - one of the questions required me to pick a programme and say what I would have done differently had I been involved. I remembered what you said about CONFLICT and I am pleased to report that it worked - I now have a place on this year's Fast Track scheme and I can't wait to go to Edinburgh to learn even more.  

Best wishes,
 
Rachel Noar
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: 	nickynylon@
	Subject: 	thanks for the weekend
	Date: 	28 May 2008 17:36:33 BST
	To: 	robertthirkell
	Reply-To: 	nickynylon@
Many thanks for a fantastic workshop over the weekend.  It was really refreshing to have so much common sense talked about making telly.  Your insights and suggestions will stay with me throughout the rest of my career.  Also, my exec is dead impressed that I had a whole weekend with you and is now picking my brains for what was taught.  Now I can add weight to my suggestions - "well, of course, Robert Thirkell says it's best to get straight into the story after the pre-titles" - works a treat.  I'm also trying out your tip of confidentially telling someone I've got a great job offer elsewhere.  Fingers crossed!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: 	lorraineok@
	Subject: 	Heellllppp
	Date: 	28 May 2008 12:40:15 BST
	To: 	robertthirkell@

Hi Robert
 
Thanks again for a stunningly stimulating weekend at DV Talent. It was great to be able to have the chance to 'rob' from you.
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: 	Lisa@lambentproductions.co.uk
	Subject: 	Thank you
	Date: 	27 May 2008 11:06:44 BST
	To: 	robertthirkell@yahoo.com
Good Morning, Robert,
 
I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for a great weekend on the Series Producers’ course.
 
It was a rare opportunity to see how you work to bring out the best in the material to tell a great story. I’m already plotting how to put your lessons into action, I’m sure it’s going to help pitching ideas too – so maybe I won’t be in development “hell” much longer!
 
All very best, and many thanks
 
Lisa Fairbank

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: 	poppy.edwards@diverse.tv
	Subject: 	thank you
	Date: 	16 April 2008 14:20:04 BST
	To: 	robertthirkell@yahoo.com

Dear Robert, thank you for your time and advice on Thursday last week- it was really great to get an insight into winning program formats and the perfect program fairy tale.
Good to meet you,

best wishes

Poppy 
Diverse Production Ltd, A Zodiak Television Company 
6-12 Gorleston Street, London W14 8XS
Tel: +44 (0) 207 603 4567
Fax: +44 (0) 207 603 2148
www.diverse.tv

-------------------------------------------------------------------------


From: 	Ulrika.Arlert@ur.se
	Subject: 	
	Date: 	7 January 2008 07:41:41 PST
	To: 	'robertthirkell@yahoo.com', 'conflict@robertthirkell.com'

Just wanted to tell you that you are wonderful!!!
 
Ulrika Arlert
TV Producent
Utbildningsradion
11395 Stockholm
+46 8 7844004
0702 761957

From: 	poppy.edwards@diverse.tv
	Subject: 	thank you
	Date: 	16 April 2008 14:20:04 BST
	To: 	robertthirkell@yahoo.com

Dear Robert, thank you for your time and advice on Thursday last week- it was really great to get an insight into winning program formats and the perfect program fairy tale.
Good to meet you,

best wishes

Poppy 
Researcher
Diverse Production Ltd, A Zodiak Television Company 
6-12 Gorleston Street, London W14 8XS
Tel: +44 (0) 207 603 4567
Fax: +44 (0) 207 603 2148
www.diverse.tv

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: 	Lisa@lambentproductions.co.uk
	Subject: 	Thank you
	Date: 	27 May 2008 11:06:44 BST
	To: 	robertthirkell@yahoo.com

Good Morning, Robert,
 
I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for a great weekend on the Series Producers’ course.
 
It was a rare opportunity to see how you work to bring out the best in the material to tell a great story. I’m already plotting how to put your lessons into action, I’m sure it’s going to help pitching ideas too – so maybe I won’t be in development “hell” much longer!
 
All very best, and many thanks
 
Lisa Fairbank

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: 	lorraineok@btinternet.com
	Subject: 	Heellllppp
	Date: 	28 May 2008 12:40:15 BST
	To: 	robertthirkell@yahoo.com

Hi Robert
 
Thanks again for a stunningly stimulating weekend at DV Talent. It was great to be able to have the chance to 'rob' from you.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: 	nickynylon@bust.com
	Subject: 	thanks for the weekend
	Date: 	28 May 2008 17:36:33 BST
	To: 	robertthirkell@yahoo.com
	Reply-To: 	nickynylon@bust.com

Many thanks for a fantastic workshop over the weekend.  It was really refreshing to have so much common sense talked about making telly.  Your insights and suggestions will stay with me throughout the rest of my career.  Also, my exec is dead impressed that I had a whole weekend with you and is now picking my brains for what was taught.  Now I can add weight to my suggestions - "well, of course, Robert Thirkell says it's best to get straight into the story after the pre-titles" - works a treat.  I'm also trying out your tip of confidentially telling someone I've got a great job offer elsewhere.  Fingers crossed!
 
I've decided when I grow up, I want your job.  I'm sure there will still be plenty of shows to be Thirkellised.  Hope the Heston Services and Complaints Department things are coming on well.  The weekend team has a facebook group 'The Fast Track SPs 2008'.  We'd love you to be an honorary member.

Nicola Key
Producer / Director

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: 	m.heide@post.tele.dk
	Subject: 	Script
	Date: 	16 August 2008 16:36:55 BST
	To: 	robertthirkell@yahoo.com

Hi Robert. Hope you and Mattie are enjoying yourself. We didn't finish in the edit before yesterday. I'll send you the revised script and a new play out on Monday. It really works well what you have done. You are great. Love MetteXXX

Mette Heide
Managing Director Team Productions Copenhagen

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: 	Rita.Daniels@freshone.tv
	Subject: 	FW: Programme 3
	Date: 	24 September 2008 17:40:53 BST
	To: 	robertthirkell@yahoo.com

Dearest Robert,

I wanted you to see Peter's comment below. We would not have got there without you!!

xx

From: Peter Berry 
Sent: 24 September 2008 15:07
To: 'Matthew Robinson'; Zoe Collins; Eve Kay
Subject: Programme 3

Amazing, amazing TV. These programmes just get better and better. 

The scene in the hospital is probably the scariest piece of television I've seen this year.

Peter Berry
PR Manager Jamie Oliver


-------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: 	Sarah@dvtalent.co.uk
	Subject: 	dvtalent series producer course for ITV
	Date: 	13 October 2008 18:02:30 BST
	To: 	robertthirkell@yahoo.com

OK. OK. OK. So you pulled off another fantastic course. So yet again they all loved you. So they thought it a fantastic honour. So they all appreciated your input into their projects, so the official feedback was amazing SO SO SO...
 I  think it must all be because you have such an incredibly charming and efficient assistant.  Please send him too, my thanks and gratitude. 
 
Sarah
Managing Director
DV Talent

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: 	helena.ward@trcmedia.org
	Subject: Channel 4 series producer course  big thanks...
	Date: 	3 December 2008 11:19:24 GMT
	To: 	robertthirkell@yahoo.com
	Cc: 	victoriaroye.trcmedia@bbc.co.uk
	Reply-To: helena.ward@trcmedia.org

Robert and to Mattie.
 
The group found it the best session of the whole programme, so no more needs saying!
 
And I enjoyed it too as an interested observer.
 
All best wishes
 
Helena
 
Helena Ward


227 West George St.
Glasgow G2 2ND
T:  +44 (0) 141 568 7118
M:  +44 (0) 7876 216586
www.trcmedia.org





http://www.tvfestival.dk/sw8365.asphttp://www.sidf.co.uk/industry/biographies.php?pid=73http://www.sidf.co.uk/industry/media/archives/2005/09/sessions_and_ma.phpmailto:anita@algrade.demon.co.ukmailto:denman_rooke@octoberfilms.co.ukmailto:robertthirkell@yahoo.commailto:Jane.Manning@octoberfilms.co.ukhttp://www.koncern.dkmailto:gorica@interlog.commailto:robertthirkell@yahoo.commailto:rachel.noar@octoberfilms.co.ukmailto:robertthirkell@yahoo.commailto:nickynylon@bust.commailto:robertthirkell@yahoo.commailto:nickynylon@bust.commailto:lorraineok@btinternet.commailto:robertthirkell@yahoo.commailto:Lisa@lambentproductions.co.ukmailto:robertthirkell@yahoo.commailto:poppy.edwards@diverse.tvmailto:robertthirkell@yahoo.comhttp://www.diverse.tvmailto:Ulrika.Arlert@ur.semailto:robertthirkell@yahoo.commailto:conflict@robertthirkell.commailto:poppy.edwards@diverse.tvmailto:robertthirkell@yahoo.comhttp://www.diverse.tvmailto:Lisa@lambentproductions.co.ukmailto:robertthirkell@yahoo.commailto:lorraineok@btinternet.commailto:robertthirkell@yahoo.commailto:nickynylon@bust.commailto:robertthirkell@yahoo.commailto:nickynylon@bust.commailto:m.heide@post.tele.dkmailto:robertthirkell@yahoo.commailto:Rita.Daniels@freshone.tvmailto:robertthirkell@yahoo.commailto:Sarah@dvtalent.co.ukmailto:robertthirkell@yahoo.commailto:helena.ward@trcmedia.orgmailto:robertthirkell@yahoo.commailto:victoriaroye.trcmedia@bbc.co.ukmailto:helena.ward@trcmedia.orghttp://www.trcmedia.orgshapeimage_1_link_0shapeimage_1_link_1shapeimage_1_link_2shapeimage_1_link_3shapeimage_1_link_4shapeimage_1_link_5shapeimage_1_link_6shapeimage_1_link_7shapeimage_1_link_8shapeimage_1_link_9shapeimage_1_link_10shapeimage_1_link_11shapeimage_1_link_12shapeimage_1_link_13shapeimage_1_link_14shapeimage_1_link_15shapeimage_1_link_16shapeimage_1_link_17shapeimage_1_link_18shapeimage_1_link_19shapeimage_1_link_20shapeimage_1_link_21shapeimage_1_link_22shapeimage_1_link_23shapeimage_1_link_24shapeimage_1_link_25shapeimage_1_link_26shapeimage_1_link_27shapeimage_1_link_28shapeimage_1_link_29shapeimage_1_link_30shapeimage_1_link_31shapeimage_1_link_32shapeimage_1_link_33shapeimage_1_link_34shapeimage_1_link_35shapeimage_1_link_36shapeimage_1_link_37shapeimage_1_link_38shapeimage_1_link_39shapeimage_1_link_40shapeimage_1_link_41shapeimage_1_link_42shapeimage_1_link_43shapeimage_1_link_44shapeimage_1_link_45
C.O.N.F.L.I.C.T  SEMINARS
 
 
Founded in 2003 Troubleshooter TV has helped many directors and broadcasters to create and sort out TV programmes using the C.O.N.F.L.I.C.T.  model and the 100 Rules of television and to win awards and audiences around the world.
 Find the fairy tale, find the reason for your hero to embark on an adventure, follow your hero through gripping struggle and adventure.  See your hero change under the pressure.  The archetypal old tales are the best,  find one and stick to it!  This might help:
C, find the Characters
O, think Out of the box
N, find a Narrative drive, the big question of the film leading to a big answer, and small questions and small answers that contribute to this
F, make a Front of your film that highlights are characters, why they are setting off, what they are up against, and the reason
L, love your characters and turn them into people
I, Interview for feeling, write short terse commentary for fact
C, Make your audience care, at every moment
T, get a timeline going from the start, find a good title, and stick to the truth
 
hopefully get watched