Meet My Top Gear Boss: ANDY WILMAN
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- čas přidán 24. 02. 2024
- YOU'RE FIRED!!!! No he never said that. But working for Andy was a rite of passage and a PHD in film-making. No two days were the same. He was a man of few words and I can honestly say that I think we spoke more during this podcast than in the 8 years I worked on Top Gear.
Wilman, as we know him, is a fascinating character and hopefully I teased out enough of his personality to give you some idea of what he's like. Enigmatic, a perfectionist, inspirational, ruthless, charming, hyper-focused and a brilliant creator.
Like Jeremy, his best mate from school, Wilman has a demanding work ethic that can be a ball ache but usually rewarding in equal measure. From childhood prodigy to failed actor (LOL) to TV presenter (naked and otherwise), to Executive Producer (we argued on the meaning) of Top Gear, Grand Tour and Clarkson's Farm - Wilman is a very rare human being and I'm glad that despite our courtroom antics, I think we are mates. It meant a great deal to me that he agreed to do this interview. Hope you enjoy it.
Thank you for the great times Wilman. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Andy "paint me like one of your French girls" Wilman
Took me 20 mins to get this joke😆
Came here to say this. The man does not care about anyone or anything, what a legend.
He does look quite comfortable.
France, where the naked ladies dance / and they look like Dennis Franz
Soulacroix eat your heart out 😜
"You were a brilliant Stig. There's no question. 100%. And you built him. So... there."
Andy Wilman 2024.
@BenCollinsDrives pin that, or make a poster of it! What a parting gift of a statement.
Naturally this will need to come on a shirt.
Because of this interview, I have to agree Ben was a brilliant Stig. I always thought that the films with the Stig doing anything other lap times were just played by a member of production or the crew, but I see now that it was always Ben.
OH MY GOD MR WILMAN INTERVIEW THANK YOU, there’s not enough videos with that brilliant genius man
Wilman is giving it a bit of the Rick James with his shoes on the sofa 🛋 he be like "f*ck yo couch"
LOL its his couch he slouch all he likes 😂🎉
@@BenCollinsDrives czcams.com/video/EGwMiSIP-go/video.htmlsi=D7P7vhjrWMO8nxGN
@@BenCollinsDrives czcams.com/video/V9UtTJw7g2I/video.htmlsi=dhQXGcFE7W3kvGqr
@@BenCollinsDrives Wilman has a lot of things that are his, that often others like to pass comment on. But push comes to shove it IS his. He can do with as he pleases. End results talk for themselves. Loved the interview. Well done.
I could listen to Wilman tell stories for hours...perhaps days.
Wondering if, in Part 2, someone will walk into view and hand Ben an envelope from "Mr. Wilman"?
No, this time the envelop should be from Clarkson, Hammond and May
I knew a guy who drove the trucks that carried the TV gear for F1, and was also a church organist. One day he found himself having lunch with Schumacher... and Schumacher interrogated him for the best part of two hours on his life, music, the history and mechanics of the organ... he said he was hugely impressed at Schumacher's sheer insatiable intellectual curiosity.
that's a brilliant story
@@adam872 it is! Just one of those random encounters... apparently he knew Senna very well too, and was insistent that (like himself) Senna was gay. I think something may have happened between them. But the Schumacher thing was a totally random occurrence, just a case of Michael wanting to get away from the team and eat in peace, while my friend Colin was sat at a table alone...
@@richardharrold9736 I've come to the view that the best leaders have this innate curiosity about the world around them and in people more generally. Schumacher sounds like one of those people - even though I didn't always agree with how he drove.
lucky guy
First time I've ever heard Andy Wilman speak - you can understand now just why Top Gear ended up being as successful as it was. What a driven, perceptive bloke.
He has very similar mannerisms as Clarkson.
@@Landpiratecan see why they were friends at school
they legit grew up together. @@Landpirate
It's my sofa! nevertheless apologies for causing upset.
alright but did you have to pick purple? great interview.
nobody really cares that much mr wilman dont worry, its a great interview
When the executive producer of a 2002-2015 show joins CZcams in February 2024 lol
@@RWL2012 he's also EP of Grand Tour and Clarkson's Farm. Hardly a washed-up has-been.
This was one of the single best interviews in so very long. It was so real and personal that it will be an interview looked back upon as a testament to a great chapter of car culture. Great job to everyone that helped to make this, and thank you, Andy, for getting back in front of the camera for this.
I get the impression that Clarkson & Wilman were both outsiders at Repton, never quite accepted by the real posh boys. And that attitude, of never being insiders, but knowing what both the insider and outsider viewpoints looked like, was probably an important ingredient in their long-running success.
Andy get your dirty shoes off the sofa and sit up
He's giving Rick James vibes
@@MadeoNWho is Rick James?
He is Andy f*cking Wilman, he can do what he wants
@@samuelgarrod8327I’m Rick James Bish haha enjoy yo self
@@samuelgarrod8327 Search for Charlie Murhpy's story of Rick James and you'll get it.
This is awesome, one day we need Clarkson 👌
I'm 7 minutes in. Loving it... "Why would I do Britain's biggest paving slabs?..Willman is a legend
He’s like saying funny things without even realising it, like it’s normal
@@MichaelLodagreat example of how the funniest person you know is usually just some bloke who's a good laugh rather than an actual comedian
Thanks Ben, that was a lovely interview.
It was nice to hear Andy talking and now I can easily understand how he and Jeremy work together so well.
Thank you Andy for giving us so much wonderful entertainment over so many years and thanks Ben for being the Stig.
Thanks for this Ben. I was glued to the screen for that whole chat. Can't wait for the next part.
Thank you glad you enjoyed it - very candid although if you buy him a martini in Soho he REALLY gets going
@@BenCollinsDrives 🤣
@@BenCollinsDrivesthank you for being my inspiration to getting into motor racing. Obviously I’m never going to be as skilled as yourself. 🫡
"Some say that he thinks that all furry cats are born from a cars catalytic converter, which is why he's so fascinated by them & whenever French lorry drivers go on strike, he has a smile similar to the Mona Lisa. All we know is, he’s called the Stig!"
Ben, that was a brilliant interview with Mr Wilman. If you interviewed him for 24hrs straight I'd still watch it for the stories to be told. Just remember Ben, you made the Stig popular for his little quirks which always bring us a laugh. I still do on re-runs of TG. The trio, Mr Wilman, former Stig Perry McCarthy, yourself and those who worked behind the scenes of TG gelled in a car show that only comes together once in a lifetime! Thanks for all the laughs, the ups & downs and going sideways! Looking forward to the next video!
I'm just an old hillbilly from the hills of eastern Kentucky and even I know this is an incredible interview and is going to be viewed by many... thanks for sharing...
high praise at the end when he basically said "you ARE the Stig"
great video, i cant wait for part 2. bout time Andy shares his memories and i cant think of anyone better to host him than you
The golden age of Top Gear, thank you for all the insight on the show we all love.
@19:44 - "Get your fucking shoes of my sofa Wilman!"
it's Wilman's sofa...
@@RWL2012 Oh...
@@RWL2012 thankyou. I just started watching and found myself looking through the comments hoping to see someone say this so I could enjoy it without thinking about it constantly. Ah neuroses
So cute that they chose to coordinate their outfits
They didn't have to, this is the default Brit outfit
@@yarost12 please explain. Is this the NPC clothing.😂
Oh. A text from Mr Mr Wilman , Ben Get me on your Channel !! 😂😂 loved this chat with the Master
This is absolutely amazing to watch and hear the stories and all the inspirations that went into the show. Thank you both ! can't wait for part 2
Really enjoyed how this was open ended with some light steering of the conversation - lovely viewing.
The best video on your channel to date Ben, an awesome interaction and your interview technique was spot on, feeding him snippets and letting the stories flow.
I want part 2 so bad now, that was amazing to hear how my teenhood of TV came to be and discuss how it worked. Amazing work Ben
This is pure gold. I can't wait for part2.
This has to be one of the best personal videos made. Thank you to you both
I love the dynamic between yourself and Mr Wilman, can't wait for the next episode!
That’s the longest mug of tea……red wine I’ve ever seen.
Great bloke.
Wow, what a marvelous interview and conversation. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and can’t wait for part 2. Thank you both for taking the time to have such a genuine conversation and allowing us to listen in!
That was long overdue - an interview with Andy Wilman! It got better and better as it went on. Loved it.
This has to be the pinnacle of interviews so far! There must be so many more stories to be told. Please tell me there are another 3 or 4 episodes of talking to this man to come yet. Just brilliant!
Honestly one of the most enjoyable interviews I’ve watched in a long time. Thank you both 🙏🏻
Absolutely love this episode/podcast. Love hearing from people who are such an integral part of something we love, but don’t often get much of the lime light. Love your work Ben.
So glad there is a second part of this. Looking forward to it:)
Both seems to enjoy taking.
Ive always been interested in hearing Mr Wilman 🎉
Great you both taking the piss out of each other and everything. Just don't get to see this now! Excellent look forward to the next episode .
I could listen to Wilman talk for days on end, absolute legend. Big thanks to you Ben for having him on.
I could listen to him for days. Ben, awesome job on the interview and simply letting Andy talk. Simply brilliant.
Of all the interviews I have heard about Top Gear, this is the best and most informative look behind the curtain ever. Thank You !
Ben, this was fantastic, great interview. Fascinating to hear more from Wilman, and as you can tell from previous things you have said on Drivetribe etc it was clear you wanted there to be no bad blood there so to speak after leaving Top Gear etc, so this is great to see. Pleased for you :) can't wait for the next one!
If you can swing it one day it would be amazing to see you reminisce with all the trio too. I'm sure that's a logistical nightmare to organise but one can dream 😂
Finally, the interview EVERYONE has been waiting for! This was a long time coming and can't wait for part 2.
This just ties together so many pieces of information about TG and Jeremy and Wilman that I've known about for years but never quite understood how they came about. Thank you so much for these insights
It's rare that I sit through a nearly hour long video, but this one? I can't wait for the next part. And, good on Wilman for giving Ben deserved kudos
Epic, my eyes lite up when this came up in my feed! This is the interview I was waiting for. Can’t wait for part 2!! Would be great to have Jeremy, Richard and James together for a future interview.
Brilliant interactive interview, Ben. You can tell that Wilman has the greatest of admiration for you. He just doesn't know how to tell you!
Was always impressed with the cinematography. And I also think the endurance of the entire production staff should be commended. Every one of those specials looked like a tough shoot and they were able to make art. Also, Clarkson seemed to have tapped into the idea that people like stories about friends on journeys. Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and even the band Rush to a degree, all involve friends on a journey.
What about the band Journey? 😉
I think WIlman summed it up perfectly: fun with cars, without getting too technical. This is why the rest of the show worked as well. All the information was relatable, even when reviewing a supercar. Top speed, 0-60, etc. Regular people will watch that, which is what you need for the show to become big. One of the major reasons was the chemistry between the trio, obviously, but without a good show, there is no banter.
We all know cars and we all like fun, so three guys being extremely juvenile with cars and constantly ripping on each other, is going to get views. Clarkson and Wilman are geniuses for making that connection so early on.
Journey all hate each other pretty much. @@Yvolve
@@minxlabrada Really? I never knew.
The adventure starts when things don't go as planned.
Journey may all hate each other, but I’ve heard Capt Slow & the Big Ape both speak publicly about their mutual hatred for each other in their own way. I can’t think of a moment Richard’s said it on camera, but it may have happened.
You can see Andy is touched by success. The directness and confidence with which he speaks, even if he sounds like a complete asshole. All of that only comes from some one whose done it all. What a guy.
Cannot wait till part 2! What an absolutely amazing and fascinating interview! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
He had a few jabs at you but that last 5 minutes of him really reliving some of the key moments where you grew the Stig character were great. I'm really glad to see this kind of behind the scenes details.
What a beautiful interview ❤ .
I’ve been waiting for something like this for years .
I can honestly say Top Gear and everyone involved deserves so much respect and recognition .
It got both me and my young son through some not very pleasant times and lit up up our lives even when things were SHT .
I’m proud to be of the age when the worlds biggest show was around. Although I’ve never met Jeremy I did live in the same village/ town and know of his family’s Paddington Bear Factory .
Always a buzz when Top Gear visited Cadwell too as that was my first race circuit where I’d go and spectate and eventually compete.
You guys deserve the Nobel Peace prize for bringing joy to the world .
👍🇬🇧
Yeah. That team are lightning in a bottle. OK so I do think the ideas/script is being a stretched, but, BUT, as a group they are gold.
And it shows how instrumental Clarkson is. He comes across as a buffoon, but there are many cogs in that head of his. His farm is the last conformation you need.
Great interview Ben. Its rare nowadays to have an hour long interview that captivates you until the end. Looking forward to part 2.
This is freakin *amazing* and just what we needed!! It's crazy how much Clarkson there is in Andy and conversely, How must Wilman there is in Jeremy. Please Andy, Don't shoot me in the face.
Always great to hear from Wilman. One of the best producers out there. What he says about being an exec at the coalface is so refreshing, doing it differently, and damn well too!
From Hearing " mr Wilman" this " mr Wilman" that... it's refreshing to finally meet the man in an open, no nonsence, amazing interview. We love the both of you dearly. Thank you for the jobs you've done and are doing... amazing. Thank you.
Amazing - a gold dust interview...... Looking forward to the next part!
This is so good, and insightful, there is so much to say, but this is gold. Can we please have some moooore. I'm sure there is hundreds of hours of things Top gear lovers would love to hear and find out about.
This was unexpected brilliance, good on Mr Wilman for fronting up. Id never really heard from him, so he was to me, like the 5th Beatle. This also shows the true character of both, having had a tangle in the past. Good form from both.
Fantastic work Ben and Kyle, such an awesome interview with Andy about some fantastic stories from Top gear and the ol' BBC days. As a young lad I loved all the Clarkson DVD's and motorworld series as education to my little mind during the 90's. I find it a tad bit ironic that your interviewing him like he described the Schumacher interview he did in Italy lol. Schumacher GBH, may he recover, we all routing for that legend. Insightful, exciting and very poignant! Can't wait for Part 2!! GO GO Ben!!! 🤣🤘
Two of the unsung heroes of my youth, thanks for giving us over a decade of fun and passion, both of you !
VERY good interviewing skills Mr. Collins!! Not underestimating you, but keen that you did it so well!
The cherry on the top of this interview: The Top Gear clips being included despite the BBC owing the footage 😃
Brilliant interview Ben. Looking forward to Part 2.
This was absolutely brilliant, so much knowledge and just love of media and cars. Thank you Ben!
This is the best Top Gear related interview I've ever seen. Kudos to you good sir.
How come 56minutes only seem to last 10minutes. This is so refreshing, and how great maturity and clear air between Ben and Andy has happened. Two wonderful guys who gaves part in what so many love.
Thanks a lot for this! So much history between you two which matters to so many of us! 😊✌️
This is good interview Ben. Keep up the solid work
Brilliant. Love a back story to something we were all so immersed in and knowing all that went into it only makes it that much better. Round 2 🤘
What a brilliant Podcast by both interviewer and interviewee.
Great to get an insight into the "Behind the Scenes" of "The most watched...etc." and The Grand Tour" and the relationships.
Extremely "looking forward" to part 2. 👌👍
Wow, that was easily the BEST interview I've ever watched period! Awesome, so relaxed and natural. Andy Wilman is a total gentleman, a real dude, awesome guy! Excellent video Ben, really awesome, more like this please! Not sure how you'll top it though! 👍😎
Pure Entertainment on a whole new level ... thanks for all the inisghts , can´t wait for part two
I really enjoyed this! Looking forward to part 2
What a fabulous story of the long friendship between Jeremy and Andy. During covid, many people complained they could not read expressions on faces due to masks but The Stig conveyed so much without voice or facial expressions. That is a real talent.
I love this interview. The back story, relationship with Clarkson, and evolution of Top Gear and Grand Tour. The bit on Schumacher was touching and tragic. I can't wait until the next installment.
Great video Ben, love your interview style. I could listen to Andy all day, his standard of work and dedication is truly ninja level! He is a great inspiration to many including myself. It was also particularly fascinating to get a bit of an insight into his and Jeremy's creative process. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall!
That was fantastic to watch! Thanks for sharing Ben. 👍🏻
Ben - thanks again for this - I’m the chap who had a go at explaining the role of an EP - possibly with some knowledge (not specifically of Top Gear btw) however, thanks to you and Andy again for this - watched again. Just really well done. PS appreciate your 23 bits too :)
Brilliant interview, looking forward to part 2
I can't believe that you were both willing to do that, thanks so much and it is great that after everythung that happened, you can still be friends.
Absolutely Brilliant Ben, loved it. Can't wait to watch the next part. 👍
Thank you, Ben, can't wait for part 2. Mr Wilman is a national treasure.
Excellent interview- as much as I love the show , learning about how it was done was absolutely fascinating
Loved this. Cant wait for part 2, Cuddles! (Props to those that get the reference)
This was a fantastic podcast. Great chemistry between presenter and guest (the both were interchangeable haha) Can’t wait for part 2!
Mr Collins, just like to say I’m really getting into your channel!
Wasn’t sure to start but thinking I’m getting it & you now! This one was really enjoyable, didn’t think I’d stay for the whole vid but yeah, nice one!👍👏👏👏❤️
What a truly great interview❤
Fantastic interview, looking forward to pt. 2
Great interview, extremely entertaining, can’t wait to see part 2.
That was a great interview . cant wait for the second part .
omg that was the best freaking piece of youtube I've seen since long ago. Sincere thank you, Ben! It's awesome!
Great interview. Not sure I’d class Sargeant as a great F1 driver (or Stroll for that matter) but listening to two car guys talking about the best motoring programs ever made and their mutual love of racing was wonderful 👌
I loved the bit about Schumacher. What an amazing chat, I could listen for hours!
Quality interview, Ben, thanks. Really enlightening!
This is a great interview with one of the most famous know names but unknown faces the great Andy Wilman. Its great hearing about the stories with Michael Schumacher.
Listening to Wilman talk....Top Gear just makes so much more sense to me (and I think I had a decent enough understanding of it before hand).
And OH man - THE interview I wanted to see as of finding others recently!
Well done Ben on persevering with a tricky character in Andy Wilman. Best interview yet, keep going.
Fantastic interview Ben, loved Wilman’s little insights into Schumacher, we don’t here enough about his human side. I also loved the quote from Wilman “you made The STIG” you should have that framed and put on the wall.
Brilliant insight into the workings of Andys mind and just how close he and Jezza are, nice one Ben
This is a jewel of a podcast for me. Incredible insight and a lot of questions answered, thanks!