2026-07-18
Written by Sophia Rodriguez Garcia
Make That Movie was a British television series created by and starring Garth Marenghi, a satirical send-up of the film industry that parodied elements of actual movies. A similar mockumentary-style project, Garden Force, also came from the same creative team of Sam Campbell and Joe Pelling.
When it comes to creating unique and innovative content, few shows have managed to capture the imagination of audiences quite like Make That Movie. The brainchild of Sam Campbell and Joe Pelling, this anthology series has been a staple of British television for years, delighting viewers with its offbeat style and witty references. We caught up with the creator and co-writer/director to talk about their creative approach, the show's enduring popularity, and the making of one of its most iconic episodes.
For those who may not be familiar, Make That Movie is a series that began life as an online project, with Campbell and Pelling producing and starring in short films made on shoestring budgets. As they progressed, the format evolved to become a full-fledged television show, still characterized by its DIY ethos and irreverent humor. According to Campbell, this approach has been key to the series' success: "We've always been about making films that we would want to watch ourselves," he explains. "If it's not fun for us, why should it be fun for anyone else?"
One of the defining features of Make That Movie is its love of TV references. Campbell and Pelling are both huge fans of classic television, from The Twilight Zone to Monty Python, and their shows frequently pay homage to these iconic series. However, they also like to subvert expectations and surprise audiences with unexpected twists and turns. In the case of the Yooglet episode, a standout installment featuring a bizarre and unsettling performance by guest star Steve Coogan. When asked about this episode in particular, Pelling admits: "We knew we were taking a risk, but it paid off in a way we didn't expect."
For Campbell and Pelling, making content on a low budget has been liberating rather than restrictive. Rather than being bound by traditional television constraints, they've been able to experiment and take risks that might not have been possible otherwise. As Pelling observes: "When you're working with limited resources, you have to think creatively about how to tell a story." This approach has allowed them to develop a distinctive voice and style that sets Make That Movie apart from more conventional television shows.
Despite the show's offbeat nature, Campbell and Pelling are committed to making content that resonates with audiences. They've always been keenly attuned to viewer feedback, incorporating suggestions and ideas into their shows over the years. As they prepare for future installments of Make That Movie, they're excited to explore new themes and ideas: "We want to keep pushing the boundaries and doing something different every time," Campbell promises.
In addition to its TV references, another key element of Make That Movie is its use of amateur filmmaking techniques. While some shows might rely on high-tech gadgetry or expensive sets, Campbell and Pelling prefer a more low-key approach: "We like to think of ourselves as being part of the same tradition of amateur filmmakers who've been making movies since the dawn of time," explains Pelling.
Campbell agrees that this DIY ethos has been an essential part of the series' success. Rather than trying to create something polished and professional, they're happy to focus on telling a compelling story in a more stripped-back way: "We don't have the budget or resources to do anything fancy," Campbell admits. "So we've learned to make the most of what we have."
As our conversation draws to a close, it's clear that Sam Campbell and Joe Pelling are still passionate about making content that they love – regardless of the audience response. They're excited about future projects, including several new episodes of Make That Movie: "We're always looking for ways to surprise ourselves and take risks," Pelling promises.
In an industry dominated by big-budget productions and established stars, Campbell and Pelling's approach is a refreshing change. Their commitment to creating unique content that resonates with audiences has made Make That Movie a staple of British television – and their influence can be seen in many other shows and filmmakers who've followed in their footsteps.
For fans of the show, one thing's certain: they'll always look forward to seeing what Campbell and Pelling come up with next. With their continued creativity and willingness to take risks, it's clear that Make That Movie will remain a vital part of British television for years to come – as long as its creators keep pushing the boundaries and making something truly special.
One final question: What advice would they give to aspiring filmmakers? Campbell and Pelling have certainly built successful careers on their own shoestring budgets. For them, the key is embracing your limitations and finding ways to work within them rather than trying to overcome them. As Campbell summarizes: "It's not about having a lot of money or resources – it's about being creative and taking risks."
As we conclude our conversation with Sam Campbell and Joe Pelling, it's clear that their passion for filmmaking is still burning bright. Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or just starting out, Make That Movie offers a valuable lesson in creativity, risk-taking, and the importance of staying true to your vision – no matter what the industry throws at you.
