Rhod Gilbert’s Work Experience in drag: An episode featuring Ceri Dupree at Milford Haven’s Pill Social Club

THE PRODUCTION company behind Rhod Gilbert’s Work Experience, Zipline Creative, has kickstarted a campaign to fund the DVD release of the award winning show, with the help of the public.

The BAFTA award winning BBC TV series has been beamed into our homes since 2010, and sees Carmarthen comedian, Rhod Gilbert, take on many different job roles across Wales over the four series, including a drag queen in Milford Haven, and a reporter in Lampeter.

Although Rhod, along with Rhys and Nathan of Zipline Creative produced the shows, none of them have total control of the format. However, they have now reached a solid contractual agreement with the rights holder, which will allow them to use Kickstarter to raise the funds needed to release series 3 and 4 on DVD.

Aside from the rights fee, there’s a huge amount of costs associated with releasing Work Experience on DVD. Without the help of the fans, there is a good chance that Rhod Gilbert’s work Experience will never be available in any format.

Due to having such a loyal fan base, it is possible to be able to raise funds to pay for the DVD release, which they otherwise wouldn’t be able to do.

Series 3 and 4 contain four hours of “Rhod fun”, along with extras and deleted scenes. The episodes include Rhod as a Primary School Teacher, Zoo Keeper, Drag Queen, Police Officer, Wedding Planner, Scout Leader, Coach Tour Guide and a Male Model.

Thanks to the Kickstarter campaign, they are also able to cram in some extra funny bits that couldn’t be fit into the 30 minute TV shows.

So far, the campaign at www. kickstarter.com has 51 backers, with a total of £1,876 raised. Rhod is in complete support of the project, and although not directly involved has wished the boys luck with their campaign. To help it along,

Rhod has offered to sign a limited edition of Kickstarter DVDs to those who donate large amounts.

Speaking exclusively to The Herald, Rhod Gilbert said: “Rhys, Nathan and I have made all episodes of my work experience programme since the very first one on the bins in Barry. Series one and two are out on DVD, with loads of extras and interviews and stuff on them, but for boring reasons the other series haven’t been made available.

“So I am chuffed that the boys are now like little piggies trying to bring series three and four to market on DVD. If they manage to get enough support with the crowdfunding there’ll be DVDs with coach tour guide, scout leader, teacher, wedding planner and many more episodes on, plus loads of extras and deleted scenes from the two series.

“For those who invest, there’s loads of goodies, like signed DVDs, memorabilia and props from the series and private viewings with me. So I wish them all the best”

If the goal is reached, it is hoped the limited edition version will be with those who Pledged in September this year.

Rhys Waters, producer and director of the show, said: “We’re trusting in the support of our fan base to help us get them the DVD they’ve been craving all these years!

“It’s been frustrating because we’ve repeatedly had to tell eager fans ‘we don’t know’ whenever they ask 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, the one thing that’s always brilliant about Work Experience is it’s loyal fans. So we’re creating something that allows the fans to become part of the show.”

He added: “We can offer a lot more than just a copy of the programmes, they’ll have their names on the credits, DVD’s and posters signed by Rhod, alongside some genuine props and costumes.”

Some of the goodies that 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 4 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 Rhod Signed original limited edition promotional poster for the series.
• Limited edition collage wall art piece featuring all Patrick Olner’s amazing photographs commissioned for Series 3 & 4