Director Ben Hardy has provided an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the hit reality series Last One Laughing, revealing surprising details about the filming process. Speaking ahead of the BAFTA Craft Awards, Hardy explained that the show's six-hour gameplay is just the tip of the iceberg, with a total of three days dedicated to filming including pre- and post-game interviews.
How Long Does It Really Take to Film?
Hardy disclosed that the actual gameplay is shot in a single day, but the production requires an additional day on either side for interviews. The team uses 38 cameras, with 12 operated by camera operators, capturing approximately 18 hours of footage that must be edited down to a three-hour episode. "It's a real team effort to make sure we have everyone covered all the time," Hardy said.
The Complexity of the System
Each comedian has an independent observer monitoring for laughs, and the director works in a truck with three other directors to manage replays and camera shots. Hardy compared the setup to a sports gallery rather than an entertainment gallery. The running order is constantly adjusted live, with executives deciding which comedy items to insert next. "Someone might laugh while we are doing all that which might change everything," he added.
Challenges and Rewards
Hardy described the filming day as "insane" and "the most stressful day," but also the funniest. The show has been renewed for a third season and a Halloween special. On his BAFTA nomination, Hardy said, "I'm excited and terrified. I never thought I'd be nominated for a BAFTA."
Behind the Scenes of BBC's VE Day Celebrations
Diccon Ramsay, director of the BBC's VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember, also shared insights into the challenges of televised royal events. He noted that royal protocol, such as the arrival of the Royal Family, is "always quite fiddly" and can be a "sick in the mouth moment." One of the biggest hurdles was a Dad's Army sketch that had limited rehearsal time. Despite the pressures, Ramsay found the experience rewarding, especially during a sunset moment in the Royal box.
The BAFTA Television Craft Awards with Samsung OLED will take place on Sunday, April 26, hosted by comedian Maisie Adam.
