Daisybeck Archives - North East Screen

5 to follow Ben Fogle on high stakes mission as he takes over iconic clothing brand

5 have announced an ambitious new two-part documentary series – co-produced by Daisybeck Studios and Middlesbrough-based Wander Films – which follows adventurer and broadcaster Ben Fogle as he embarks on his most formidable challenge yet: taking over an iconic British business.

Ben Fogle: Made in Sheffield (w/t) (2x 60’), will chart Ben’s gamble into the unknown as he risks his life savings, reputation, and family’s financial future to invest in and nurture Buffalo, a legendary British brand. The Sheffield-based cult outdoor brand is known for its old-school, indestructible kit and is beloved by mountain rescue teams and military folk.

All eyes are on Ben as we follow him from factory floor to shop launch party as he tries to bring a cult brand into the modern era.

The commission follows 5’s commissioning team visiting the North East earlier this year to meet emerging production companies in the region as part of an event organised by North East Screen.

Ben Fogle commented: “I’ve taken on some big adventures in my life, but this might be the boldest yet. Buying a Sheffield factory and investing in Buffalo is a huge leap – financially and emotionally. I’ve put everything into it because I believe in the brand, the people, and the power of British manufacturing. It’s a challenge, no doubt, but I can’t wait to see how it turns out.”

Denise Seneviratne Commissioning Editor, Factual at 5 added: “I believe this new series will offer a fresh perspective on Ben – one our audience hasn’t seen before. It’s a bold and risky personal challenge that promises both heart and grit. I’m genuinely excited to be working with the small North Eastern company Wander, based in Middlesbrough, alongside Daisybeck. I believe they’ll craft a compelling and emotional series as Ben trades the wild for the workshop in his mission to revive a British iconic brand.”

Mark McMullen, Executive Producer for Daisybeck Studios said “We’re thrilled to be part of Ben’s boldest adventure yet. This series will showcase the vision, resilience, and sheer determination needed to revive a much-loved Yorkshire brand. We’ll be following Ben from the factory floor through to his ambitious relaunch and can’t wait to share this remarkable journey with the audience.”

Chloë Clover Executive Producer, Wander Films noted: “This is exactly the kind of story we love; bold, full of personality, real people taking risks. Buffalo is a Sheffield icon with a cult following and Ben’s mission to bring it into the modern era is packed with heart and high stakes. We’re buzzing to co-produce and can’t wait for audiences to see how it plays out.”

Ben Fogle: Made in Sheffield (w/t) is a 2 x 60’ series commissioned by Denise Seneviratne Commissioning Editor, Factual at 5. The series will be co-produced by Daisybeck Studios and Wander Films and directed by Adam Caldow. Mark McMullen serves as Executive Producer for Daisybeck Studios and Chloë Clover and Lou Tonner are Executive Producers for Wander Films.

The series is expected to air in 2026 on 5.

Ben Frow, Chief Content Officer at Channel 5 joined commissioners and production company Daisybeck Studios at an event in Newcastle to speak with developing production companies from across the North East.

The event, organised by North East Screen, was to introduce Channel 5 to the region’s emerging production companies and producers to build relationships and foster opportunities to produce more unscripted programming in the North East.

With TV and film production continuing to grow in the region, North East Screen are working closely with emerging companies to ensure they are ready to make commissionable programmes for broadcasters and streamers. At the same time, they are growing relationships with TV commissioners who are keen for new programme ideas and concepts.

Ben Frow, Chief Content Officer at Channel 5 said:

“As a public service broadcaster we are passionate about representing the UK on and off-screen. We spend over 40% of our commissioning budget in the UK’s Nations and regions but the North East is an area which has been underserved and where we would like to do more production.

“We’re particularly focused on working with smaller indies and I was incredibly impressed with the passion and creativity on show from everyone we met had. We look forward to doing more and supporting the growth of the North East as a production hub.”

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive at North East Screen said;

“We were delighted to welcome the senior broadcast team from Channel 5, alongside established multi-award winning northern indie, Daisybeck, to the North East. Channel 5 already commission content from some of the experienced indies in the region, but it’s been a breath of fresh air to see them taking the time to get to know our emerging indie talent.

“Channel 5 attracts more northern audiences than any other broadcaster and there is a real opportunity to work together to grow our regional companies and develop more content here.

We are keen to work with broadcasters and commissioners who want to build genuine relationships and make a real and long-lasting difference in our region – that’s something we certainly see with Channel 5.”

The North East has a talented entrepreneurial pool of production companies and individuals who all have high-growth potential working in the wider screen industry. North East Screen’s Talent and Business Development team work closely with these companies providing industry led advice and guidance, championing a culture that will attract and retain outstanding talent.

Tag: Daisybeck

Middlesbrough’s Wander Films to co-produce two-part series with Daisybeck Studios for 5

North East Screen welcomes Ben Frow and Channel 5 to the region

Ben Frow, Chief Content Officer at Channel 5 joined commissioners and production company Daisybeck Studios at an event in Newcastle to speak with developing production companies from across the North East.