From Casting to Final Cut: CME Content Academy Students Behind the Scenes of Big Brother
In their first year at CME Content Academy, students learn all the essential theory needed for future careers in non-fiction TV. But it’s not just about classroom learning – the real test comes when they apply this knowledge in real-world settings. As part of the program, students are not only required to complete a mandatory internship, where they try out various production roles, but they are also given paid opportunities in both production and creative fields. So, what’s it like to dive straight into one of the biggest TV shows in the world after just 12 months of study?
Big Brother, the most famous reality show globally, has provided several Academy students the chance to join its Czech version’s production team. One such student, Maggie Drahovská, was hired as a casting assistant. She worked closely with the show’s showrunner Elena Chopakova, and Nova TV’s creative producer Samuel Sís. Maggie was heavily involved in the organization process, particularly in selecting candidates based on pre-defined criteria. In addition to Big Brother, Maggie also completed a paid internship on the set of Ordinace v Růžové zahradě, where she attended storyline meetings. Reflecting on her experience, Maggie shared, “During the two months, I gained valuable experience casting non-actors. You have to approach them differently, unlike actors, they lack showbiz experience, so you have to handle things carefully to avoid discouraging them.” Maggie also applied her new skills to cast her own show, Roots, which she developed as part of her coursework.
Another student, Kristina Sverkunová, worked as a story producer and was also involved in casting. The showrunner wanted to fully utilize the students’ talents, so Kristina assisted in casting interviews, processing testimonials, and maintaining contact with the candidates until filming began. This allowed her to get to know the contestants’ personalities, which she later used in the control room. Under the guidance of the daily episode producer, she selected key moments and cut them into individual stories that shaped each episode. “The actual filming in Bulgaria took 10 weeks, but we spent months on casting and preparations. Working closely with the showrunner helped me face any challenge without fear. She regularly mentored me, and though some days were tougher than others, I always knew we could handle it as a team. The episode producer team was incredibly supportive – they were not just professionals, but people who truly put their hearts into the work,” Kristina recalls.
Tereza Krčméry, who had previously proven herself with Nova TV during the filming of Survivor and Love Island, was also offered a position as a story producer. However, since the filming coincided with her honeymoon, she initially had to decline. Eventually, she found a solution and was brought on board as an edit master for a short-term role. Within five weeks, she worked closely with an experienced Bulgarian editor and quickly earned respect from the team. “When I gave feedback, my colleagues respected my opinion because they knew I was studying at CME Content Academy,” Tereza explains.
The students also received a visit from Tubi Neustadt, who came to see the studio, observe the production process, and check in with the students to see how they were enjoying the experience and what they might change. This personal approach is one of the key aspects that sets CME Content Academy apart from other programs.
CME Content Academy, a project of TV Nova and TV Markiza, provides practical training alongside theoretical lectures at the Television Institute. The aim is to educate the next generation of TV professionals and enable them to work with these leading TV companies.
-Kristina Sverkunová