Post uncovered: Dock10 on Waterloo Road, series 17 (BBC)

Dock10 has post-produced the latest series of Rope Ladder Fiction’s long-running drama series Waterloo Road, after having posted the series since its return in 2022.

The regional production is filmed across multiple locations and has a relatively short timeframe from shoot to output delivery. It also runs several programmes to develop emerging creative talent, with 35 trainees from the local community involved in the production.

As part of the post-production contract, Dock10 was challenged with ensuring the same opportunities were provided through its own career pathways.

Dock10’s post-production team was headed up by a dedicated producer – senior post producer, Kirby Dunlop – who worked alongside the producers, directors and the production’s own post-production co-ordinator to manage the post-production throughout every stage of the process

On location edit suites connected to Dock10’s servers enabled editors and edit assistants to work closely with the directors without requiring them to leave set. Remote ADR booths were also used on set to catch actors between takes to record any required ADR lines and reduce time spent off set travelling to recordings.

Dock10 post-production creatives – online editors, colourists, dubbing mixers – made regular visits to the sets to meet with production counterparts and discuss upcoming scenes to ensure aligned outcomes

Jon Nunn, commercial manager at dock10, MediaCity said: “Our team, which included representatives from post-production, technology and cyber security, created a tailored solution for Rope Ladder Fiction, that blended technology, creativity, and streamlined workflow management. We pride ourselves on giving clients the feeling and attentiveness of a boutique post-production house, with the unrivalled infrastructure of Dock10 and MediaCity, as the most connected creative campus in the UK, with one of the most resilient data centres in the world due to our role in live broadcast.”

Kirby Dunlop, senior post producer at dock10, MediaCity added: “For many of the post team at dock10 this wasn’t their first encounter with Waterloo Road. Many of us worked on the original incarnation earlier in our careers, so the chance to be involved in the revival of such a well-loved series was exciting for everyone. Waterloo Road has always been a huge proponent of pushing new talent in front of and behind the camera, and that’s very much aligned with Dock10’s ethos around staff progression.” 

Cameron Roach, founder and executive producer at Rope Ladder Fiction, said: “Dock10 has proven itself to be the perfect post-production partner, which is why we’re still here four years later, celebrating an incredible 20-year milestone together. Advances in connectivity, remote workflows and high-resolution production mean you can combine world-class regional facilities like Dock10 with talent working from across the UK and beyond. What really matters is bringing those elements together, great infrastructure, collaborative post-production and technology teams and a commitment to developing people. When that works well, you create a cluster that not only supports production but also generates ideas, IP and the next generation of talent.

Alice Webb, CEO of MediaCity and Dock10, added: “Shows like Waterloo Road don’t come around too often – it has social impact, doesn’t shy away from the tough stories, and has remained relevant as new generations discover it. It fully deserves to be celebrating this 20-year milestone and we feel privileged to be part of its production story.

“Not only is dock10 built on some of the most advanced technology and connectivity in the production world, we also start from a position of true collaboration with our partners. We will continue to invest in large scale studios, end to end production, innovation and talent, so that the productions that turn to us for our expertise can deliver ambitious work that drives growth for them, the sector, and the region, as well as creating meaningful talent pathways.”