Zipline Creative Launch Kickstarter Campaign

Zipline Creative has launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring comedy Rhod Gilbert's Work Experience to DVD. The production company is behind the award-winning television show and producers Rhys and Nathan hope to deliver Series 3 and 4 as a DVD boxset.

The premise of the show follows stand-up comedian Rhod Gilbert as he tries his hand at a mix of jobs – often with hilarious results. The first series was broadcast in 2010 and since then, Rhod has experienced careers throughout Wales; from Bin Man to Fighter Pilot, Zoo Keeper to Mum, Policeman to Drag Artist, and many, many more.

"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, 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."

Nathan added: "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. 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."

Rhys continued that they can offer fans more than just a copy of the programmes, such as their names on the DVD, while DVDs and posters will be signed by Rhod, and genuine props and costumes from the show will be available.

Although Rhod is not directly involved in the Kickstarter project, he has voiced his support for Rhy and Nathan's campaign: "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 DVDs or boxsets, and bits of work experience memorabilia for a few dedicated investors too!"

Some of the memorabilia 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 four 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 signed Rhod original limited edition promotional poster for the series
• Limited edition collage wall art piece featuring all Patrick Olner's photographs commissioned for Series 3 & 4.

With regards to the DVD itself, the team will explore 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," admits Rhys. "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!"

Nathan added: "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."

For those interested in getting their hands on some of the goodies, or show their support for the campaign, follow the @rhodsworkex Twitter feed or follow Zipline Creative on Facebook. Alternatively, email [email protected] to get signed up for campaign updates.

The Kickstarter page can be found here.

www.ziplinecreative.co.uk

(JP/LM)