Sam Stamp

Joint Head of Production

(she/her)

Sam has worked in TV for over twenty-five years, covering factual, features and entertainment. At True North she has worked across lots of different shows, all of which have had their individual challenges. She’s particularly enjoyed being involved in the large-scale reality shows we’ve made.

Sam is also one of our Mental Health First Aiders and our Access Link – which means she is the key contact for disabled talent and advocates for them and for their access needs.

When did you join True North?

October 2011

What shows are you particularly proud of that you have worked on at True North and elsewhere?

I have been involved in Teen Mom for 10 years and it is a show I am really proud to have worked on. The girls have been so generous to let us share their and their children’s lives and it has been lovely to watch them grow up. Now we have launched the Next Generation, we have a whole new cast to follow for the next 10 years!

Ashley Cain: Into the Danger Zone was also a highlight, as it was such a big international and challenging show. Filming with criminal gangs across the globe was a health and safety and insurance nightmare, but the series is amazing and the teams in the UK and the different territories were incredible.

Anything that stands out about your career?

On Challenge Anneka, I had to try and persuade the Sri Lankan government to allow us to fly a plane full of donated items into the country, to support the rebuilding of a maternity clinic that had been damaged by the Tsunami. World Vision met us off the plane and said it would be impossible as they had been unable to fly ambulances in without paying tax. However, a friendly Minister of Tourism took pity on us (or we had amazing negotiating skills!) and signed off the plane, covering the cost of the import tax from their own budget. When the TNT plane landed and the truck was loaded, it was one of the happiest days of my career.

What’s your favourite bit of your job?

I love working with people and working closely with all the teams and contributors over the years has been the best fun.

What show would you most like to make if you could make anything in the world?

I love observational reality, and would love to come up with and work on the next international format, the new Real Housewives or Below Deck!

Anything you feel really strongly about in the industry?

It is really important to treat people well. Everyone works so hard in TV and we should respect each other whatever the role. The industry is moving into a better place where there is more appreciation across the grades.