“Planning for the HCTV coverage of the British Open confirms to me that I am incredibly lucky to have this job. I’ve worked in television for the past 15 years, but always in post production - the technical side of programme making.

Planning for a live event like the British Open is a bit like a military operation. The first thing we have to agree are the rights to film, otherwise it’s a non-starter. After several meetings with the organisers of the show, we came to a deal and I was able to pull together a budget for my managers to approve. Penny pinching is crucial at a small, specialist channel like HCTV, so I then have to negotiate hard with suppliers and contributors. It’s difficult to make sure that all costs are covered as there are always hidden extras, so I hope I have everything covered.

The next step for me is to book people to help make the plan happen. My main worry at this stage is securing an Outside Broadcast Unit – the team and technology to operate the cameras and record the footage. All the cameras are wired into a truck full of monitors and technical equipment, where a director will sit and edit the programme as it happens. We have to meet with the provider at the venue and work out where to put cameras for the best coverage of the arena; it strikes me that the NEC is a strange place when it’s empty!

Alongside all the organising, I take part in several production meetings to come up with ideas for the shows we hope to produce. I make sure all the people that we’re using to present and commentate are available, as well as some of the riders to see if they’re happy to be interviewed by us over the four days. Everyone is very positive and helpful, which is a huge relief as it makes such a big difference to the programmes we make.

This week, my director Nigel is editing a title sequence for the programmes as well as writing scripts. We’re filming with Amy Guy (Siren from Gladiators) at Rugby Polo Club, as she’s competing against Katie Price in the celebrity polo match on Sunday 19th April. I’m trying not to drown in paperwork and organising a shoot with Robert Smith next week to capture his preparation for the show. Two weeks to go and believe me, it will fly by.”