Most producers are having to cut back on staff just to stay on air -but not at The Block.
Ask most producers and they will tell you the same thing.
They are being asked to produce more with less money.
But not at The Block.
This year the Nine show features a ‘Sponsor Village Saloon’ with McCafe, Chemist Warehouse, Bunnings and The Block Pop-Up Store.
That’s not including the show’s further sponsors Google, MG Motor, Snooze, Simparica Trio, and partners Aldi, Arnott’s, Truecore steel and Colorbond steel.
Executive producer Julian Cress says brand integration means The Block has not had to face production cutbacks.
“We’re in a very fortunate position at the moment,” he tells TV Tonight.
“We get so much support from our sponsors. I think we’ve gota great formula for being able to showcase so many products and brands that allows us to continue to deliver such a quality product. You’ll see this year we’ve got a Bunnings warehouse which has come on board. That’s a real upgrade for us, in my view, to be able to partner with a brand like that. That’s what I would call ‘peak Block,’ and it’s the support of companies like Bunnings, McCafe and Chemist Warehouse who’ve joined us this year that just allows us to continue to maintain the quality of the show.
“I do understand the pressures that many shows are under, and I think that we’re lucky that we do have that support and are able to deliver such great results back for those brands. That just keeps the quality where it needs to be.”
Given the show is currently winning the ratings, it seems like Cavlier Productions has landed on a winning formula, leaving them free of pressure to trim production staff.
“No, the pressure on us is to continue to deliver for our sponsors. But I think our audience understands that, those sponsors are the reason why we’re able to deliver such a great show and I think it’s synchronicity.”
The Block screens Sunday – Wednesday on Nine.