Latest news with #McGarvey
New York Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Filming Welcome to Wrexham: ‘Parkinson and the players have had to trust us'
As Wrexham embark on a first season at Championship level in 43 years, a familiar dressing-room face will be missing. Patrick McGarvey, co-executive producer on Welcome to Wrexham, is moving on after three years helping to uncover the stories and characters that have turned the documentary chronicling Wrexham's historic promotions into a global hit. Advertisement He leaves with a wealth of memories to go with the eight Primetime Emmy awards that the show has already garnered for co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. 'The last three years have been so special,' the 46-year-old Irishman tells The Athletic. 'I've made friends for life since coming to Wrexham and I've shared in so many great moments. 'Obviously, the three promotions stand out. The open-top bus tour (that followed winning the National League title in 2023) is something I'll never forget until the day I die. 'I was on the bus with the women's team that crazy, crazy evening, plus Rob and Ryan. Seeing the colour in the town and the happiness on people's faces was amazing. 'I've also got a photo I love, taken from behind Phil (Parkinson, manager) and Steve (Parkin, assistant) after the first promotion: looking out over the fans as they invade the pitch, with both Phil and Steve taking it all in. 'I look at that picture from time to time as it brings home the privileged position this job has put me in — to see what it all means, not just to them but their families and an entire community.' When the call first came in 2022 about joining the Welcome to Wrexham team, McGarvey was already an experienced sports producer who had covered everything from three World Cups to a European Championship and several Olympic Games for a variety of channels, including the BBC and ITV, and RTE in his native Ireland. The first series, charting the opening months of the new Hollywood owners and culminating in losing to Grimsby Town in the play-offs, had already been shot but was still to air on either side of the Atlantic. It meant that the global whirlwind that has so transformed this previously provincial club had yet to gather pace. 'I didn't know a huge amount about the project at the time,' McGarvey admits. 'Probably been to the (Racecourse) ground a couple of times, when previously working for ITV. Advertisement 'I'd also been to Wrexham for a few cycling events and had friends from university (in Manchester) who lived in north Wales, so I knew the area. Anyway, we had a conversation over the phone and then I came down for a couple of days, just to meet people and for them to see what I was like. 'You've got to be the right fit for a football club.' McGarvey has certainly proved to be that since first joining the documentary team in September 2022. Initially, he worked for a year alongside Milos Balac, the show's first co-executive producer on the ground in Wrexham. Then, after Balac returned to his native New York, McGarvey stepped up from his role as supervising producer to spend the last two years leading a small but dedicated team in the UK featuring Claire Sarsfield, Matt Hopwood and Gareth Roberts. 'Wrexham is a very different club today to back when I first started,' he says. 'But what hasn't changed is what makes the show such a success: great storytelling. Rob always says to the crew: 'Everyone has a story to tell. What is that story and how best do we get it on camera?'. That's the key.' After more than two decades in the business, McGarvey recognises what makes for great TV. So, when filming co-chairman McElhenney's now-famous motivational speech to the Wrexham squad during last season's run-in, the County Tyrone-born freelance producer knew straight away what the show had. 'We were in the Bamford Suite at the ground and the players had just finished their lunch,' he recalls. 'Rob started speaking and straight away the hairs on the back of my neck are standing up, just listening to the words as I film the room.' McElhenney's emotional words later became the focal point of a truly stunning series four finale, with his message about the need to play with the freedom they had enjoyed as youngsters forming the backdrop as goal action from the promotion-clinching win over Charlton Athletic was interspersed with footage of the players as kids. Advertisement It made for wonderful TV and will surely be rewarded with another slew of awards when the Emmys next come around. 'Rob deserves the credit for that; inspired stuff,' McGarvey says about the montage. 'My role was to be the one on the ground, liaising with the players, collecting all the footage. Some was easier than others, with Max Cleworth's mum simply sending me clips from her mobile phone. 'Others were a bit more difficult, as the footage came in many different forms and had to then be digitised. Matty James had to go through the family archives, same with Ollie Palmer. 'Sam Smith's footage (as a toddler kicking a ball in the hallway at home) was probably the hardest to get but it was also maybe the most iconic, due to Sam scoring twice that day.' Working on Welcome to Wrexham can be demanding, especially for the team on the ground in Wales. A typical working week during the season can be between 60 and 70 hours, and sometimes more with travel if, say, there are back-to-back away games, such as last season's long-distance double-header against Exeter City and Cambridge United. High-profile matches demand a full turnout from the UK crew, including three members of staff in the dressing room — McGarvey as producer, regular soundperson Hopwood and a camera operator. Other fixtures might seem less promising on paper but football's ability to throw up a surprise when least expected means every game has to be staffed, particularly when it comes to shooting the all-important dressing-room footage that has become such a cornerstone of the show. 'An element of familiarity is key,' he says when asked about the scenes featuring Parkinson famously letting rip at his players. 'There's times, as a crew, when you need to be able to fade into the background, almost not be noticed. That can only happen if Phil and the players have trust in who is there in the room. Advertisement 'It's why we've gone with familiar faces when it's a chosen game and three crew members are needed in the dressing room. Other times, it'll be me filming in there on my own. It probably isn't my greatest strength but this is live sport, so there's always a chance of something big happening. You have to be there, just in case.' This near-constant presence in the dressing room makes us wonder what it's really like when Parkinson launches into those now-famous tirades, complete with plenty of swearwords. 'The funny thing is you 100 per cent know when something is documentary gold, such as when Phil or Steve are saying something,' adds McGarvey. 'But you can't let on, can't even flinch. 'That's what I mean by not being noticed, that need to be able to fade into the background. You can't even get your phone out to type in a note. Just store it away in your brain and then, first chance you get after things have calmed down, take a note.' McGarvey is certainly going out on a high after three promotions in three years working on Welcome to Wrexham. The show is also up for another three Emmys in September, including the Outstanding Unstructured Reality category it won in 2024. 'That's what makes all the sacrifices worthwhile,' he adds. 'When you get recognised with an award like that, there's not a higher award I could get.' A desire to spend more time with his young family — wife Annie, plus sons Thomas, 14, and Jack, seven — and wanting to explore other projects, including some possible World Cup 2026-related work, explains the move. There's no doubt, however, that Wrexham has left an indelible mark on the Irishman and in particular, how so many, both inside and outside the club, were willing to open up their lives on camera. 'The James Jones story was one of the most moving,' he says about the episode in series three when the midfielder and wife Chloe spoke so candidly about son Jude's ultimately successful fight for life after being born 15 weeks prematurely. '(We're) really honoured they let us tell their story. Advertisement 'Same with Paul Mullin being so open (about son Albi being diagnosed with autism). Seeing this guy who is so adored on the terraces as a great family man at home reminds you sometimes that there's more important things in life. 'There's so much I'll miss. Rob and Ryan have been great; just genuinely nice lads who I've learned so much from. Fantastic storytellers. Then there's Humphrey (Ker, community director) and (director) Shaun Harvey. Both became great friends and real confidants. 'Telling the story of the Gresford disaster (when 266 lives were lost) with one of the victim's daughters was another privilege. Likewise, getting to know Arthur Massey (Wrexham's oldest fan who passed away at the age of 100) and his family. 'All special in their own way, especially as what I take most pride from the show are the stories where you've gained people's trust and, hopefully, justified that trust.' (Top photos: Left, Patrick McGarvey and Matt Hopwood, and right, James McClean; Patrick McGarvey and Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Daily Record
08-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
New tourism project plan mooted for Bannockburn battlefield site
The council's leader was quizzed on the possibility of working alongside the National Trust for Scotland for developing plans for the land after trotting track proposals were rejected. Stirling Council and the National Trust for Scotland could team up for a tourism project on an area of Bannockburn recently rejected for a trotting track after Scottish Ministers said it would impact the Bannockburn battlefield. The Trust had been one of the most vocal critics of the track plans, which the harness racing community argued were their last hope of safeguarding the sport in Scotland. But at a recent full meeting of Stirling Council, SNP councillor Gerry McLaughlan asked the council's leader, Labour's Cllr Gerry McGarvey about the possibility of the local authority entering into a joint venture with NTS in the area. 'With the recent decision by the Scottish Government to reject the planning application for a trotting track to be built on the fields immediately adjacent to the Heritage Centre,' said Cllr McLaughlan, 'this now presents an opportunity for an initiative to boost tourism in the area. 'Will the council leader encourage officers to discuss with the Trust the possibility of a joint venture for the use of the land that the application was based on?' Cllr McGarvey said he was happy for officers to enter into discussions about the future of the field with the Trust but warned that the sensitivities of the site would have to be taken into account. 'Following the decision of the Scottish Government Ministers and the [Scottish Government appeals] Reporter, we will need to carefully consider the future impact of any proposals in relation to the dual impact of the green belt and historic asset protection policies which is likely to make any future development in this area very restricted.' Cllr McLaughlan, however, suggested the decision could be a positive element in terms of setting parameters. 'We should note that following the guidance from the Scottish Government that we now have a very clear indication of the green belt and historic assets,' said Cllr McLaughlan. 'It's important south Stirling particularly retains green space but also that opens it up to the public. 'I've already spoken to the National Trust and to the action group that fought the original decision and opposed it and it would be good if we as a council showed a willingness to support work with the National Trust and to work with local people to open that field in particular up to some green space that people in south Stirling can use. I'd hope we can get some support from the council leader for that.' Cllr McGarvey replied: 'I'd like to assure you that we do all we can to ensure that there's a positive use of the space and we will be encouraging officers to engage with yourselves and it would be good for this area ...and for you to engage with the process in a constructive and productive way is to be commended, and I would also like to ensure that officers work alongside you in order to develop that relationship.' The trotting track plans had been recommended for conditional approval by the Scottish Government's appeals report before Ministers vetoed the move and called the application in. Harness racing experts had argued that the track application, lodged by Mr H Muirhead for land west of New Line Road and south of Fairhill Road, was vital to safeguard the future of their sport. But the proposals also attracted strong objections from those concerned about protection of the battlefield and views from the nearby Battle of Bannockburn Centre and rotunda. In their decision, Ministers said they disagreed with the reporter's findings 'that the proposed development would not have significant effects on the battlefield or listed buildings and that it accords overall with the development plan.' The Ministers added: 'The proposed development would introduce new development and urbanisation into one of the few remaining undeveloped parts of the battlefield and it would have a significant adverse effect on the character of the battlefield, its setting and sense of place.' They also said it would 'detract from the prominence of the listed buildings'. As one of the fiercest critics of the trotting plans, Scotland's largest conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland, welcomed the decision.
Perth Now
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
What Network 10 boss told staff as The Project axed
While viewers have been dropping off for some time, the reality is that most of the personnel impacted by The Project's axing this week are those working behind the scenes to keep it afloat. Speaking to staff on Monday, Network 10 president Beverley McGarvey confirmed that up to 100 jobs would be affected by the nightly news program's cancellation, and more than 50 slashed. Insiders revealed to that they were made aware of the decision in a four-minute address by Ms McGarvey. Broadcasting six evenings a week, and with offices in Sydney and Melbourne, teary staff were reportedly told that after 16 years audiences had 'evolved and they're watching different platforms'. If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. Of the viewers that remained, Ms McGarvey said they weren't 'as well served by The Project as (audiences) were back in the day' and that 'we didn't think we'd ever have this problem'. She conceded this disconnect was largely due to a shifting media landscape. 'We didn't think we'd be here for 16 years but as you all know those younger demographics in particular who really made the show … thrive in the beginning have just evolved and they're watching different platforms and they're watching different services,' she said. 'For those reasons, unfortunately the show just doesn't stack up any longer.' The Projects's regular rotation of daily panellists has recently included Sarah Harris, Georgie Tunny, Sam Taunton, Waleed Aly, Steve Price and several others. However, long-time fans might recall the inaugural hosting panel of Charlie Pickering, Carrie Bickmore and Dave Hughes. Dave Hughes, Charlie Pickering, Carrie Bickmore - The Project (formerly the 7pm Project) on Ten - Nov 2011. Credit: Supplied Comedians Tommy Little and Peter Helliar also enjoyed extended stints and were largely well-received. In wake of the news, Harris joked that she may need to find work on another platform. 'I've had a blast but it's time to take a breath and spend some time with my boys ... keep an eye out for my OnlyFans page!' she said. If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. Polarising host Waleed Aly suggested the show was a trailblazer, saying, 'The projected kicked down the door of how news could be done'. Ms McGarvey reportedly said that network executives had been considering the decision for 'years', declaring 'unfortunately we're at the point now where it just doesn't make sense'. She added that making the decision mid-year would prove easier than in summer when changing audience habits would be more challenging. Replacing The Project in the 6pm time slot would be an 'extended national news', catering to the audience that exists in the current free-to-air environment. Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace are primed to host the program, believed to be titled Behind the Lines – A 10 News First Investigation, according to TV Blackbox. Acknowledging the burden tens of staff would be left with, Ms Garvey contrasted the decision to axe The Project with other more temporary programs that had been dumped over the years. 'Because of all those reasons, the show getting cancelled after 16 years is much more difficult than shows that we normally cancel after three seasons or five seasons or 10 weeks or whatever it is, so we appreciate that this is difficult and you'll need time to think about it,' she said. June 27 has been set as the show's final night on air. If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. Sharing the news to the program's official social media channels on Monday, the announcement was met with a flood of negative responses, including cries of 'did people actually watch this?' and 'been flogging a dead horse for years'. The vitriol didn't sit well with panellist Steve Price, who defended the program as having a balanced take on news despite accusations to the contrary. In a Herald Sun column earlier this week, Price wrote: 'Those ignorant people doing the 'glad they got sacked' dance over the cancellation called the show woke and leftie. 'Hello, I am the exact opposite of that description, and have been there from almost the start. 'Show me that sort of political balance on any ABC TV show – you can't.'
Forbes
08-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Dem Lawmaker Praises Trump's Sovereign Wealth Fund Idea: My Bill Ensures It's Done ‘The Right Way'
Congressman Morgan McGarvey (D-KY) joined "Forbes Newsroom" to discuss his new legislation, the American Sovereign Wealth Fund Exploration Act of 2025, which would create a commission to study the best way to make a U.S. sovereign wealth fund. Back in February, President Trump signed an executive order calling for the creation of a sovereign wealth fund. Watch the full interview above.
06-05-2025
- Business
Kentucky bourbon exports at risk as Trump-Canada trade tensions escalate
Kentucky's bourbon industry faces potential devastation as President Donald Trump's latest tariff dispute with Canada threatens to halt $43 million in annual whiskey exports. During Tuesday's Oval Office meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump maintained his hard stance on tariffs, declaring that Canada would need to make significant concessions to see any relief. The dispute is part of a broader trade conflict that has particularly impacted American spirits, with Canadian retaliatory tariffs targeting bourbon producers. Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-KY), chair of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, expressed concern about the meeting's outcomes in an interview with ABC News. "With Kentucky, Canada is our largest trading partner," McGarvey said. "We're going to lose tens of millions of dollars in bourbon sales in Ontario province alone, not to mention the whole country, because of what Trump's policies are doing." The congressman highlighted how the administration's shifting tariff policies are affecting Kentucky's distilleries. When asked about conditions for ending the tariffs, Trump indicated there were none, a stance McGarvey found particularly troubling. "If you're using tariffs as a negotiating tactic, but then you say there's nothing you can do to get rid of it, that's going to be problematic," McGarvey noted. McGarvey criticized the administration's approach to trade policy, highlighting the chaos it has created for local businesses. "There was one week I was working with the bourbon companies in my district where, quite literally, on Monday, the tariffs were on. On Tuesday, they were off. On Wednesday, they were on. On Thursday, they were off again," he explained. The impact extends beyond just sales figures. Kentucky's bourbon industry supports over 22,500 jobs and contributes $9 billion annually to the state's economy. The ongoing trade dispute threatens this economic engine, with some distilleries already reporting decreased international orders and considering production cutbacks. Beyond trade concerns, McGarvey also addressed proposed cuts to Medicare and Medicaid that could impact Kentucky residents. "The Republican budget that Donald Trump has been pushing will cut Medicaid, 46% of the kids in Kentucky have health insurance through Medicaid," he said, emphasizing that Kentucky receives more federal Medicaid dollars than its entire state budget. The congressman, who serves on the Veterans Affairs Committee, also expressed strong opposition to recently announced VA staffing cuts. "Cutting 80,000 people from the VA workforce is not going to help our veterans access their benefits," McGarvey stated. "We made them a promise, both a legal and a moral obligation, that we would take care of them after their service." As negotiations continue with Canada, uncertainty remains about whether a deal can be reached before the 90-day pause expires. McGarvey and his colleagues continue to push for what he calls "serious, certain strategic trade policies that are beneficial to American workers and consumers."
