Recorded live at How to Make Money in Digital on April 20th 2026, this episode of TellyCast features Tim Taylor MBE, the creator of Time Team, in a candid conversation about bringing one of the UK’s most beloved factual formats into the digital-first era.
Tim shares the inside story of how Time Team moved from traditional broadcaster funding to a fan-supported model on Patreon, and what that shift has meant for production, audience relationships, and creative control. From building a global community of supporters to balancing YouTube reach with subscriber exclusivity, this is a rare, practical look at how legacy TV IP can be reimagined for today’s social video landscape.
The conversation also dives into the realities of scaling down production teams, the challenges of converting audience attention into paying fans, and why staying true to the core DNA of a format is critical when evolving it for digital platforms. Along the way, Tim reflects on what producers can learn from Time Team’s journey, including how to test ideas with audiences, monetise catalogue content, and navigate a world where data, community, and storytelling increasingly intersect.
If you’re a TV producer, content creator, or media executive looking to understand how established brands can survive—and thrive—in the digital-first production economy, this is essential listening.
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