BBC THE APPRENTICE | A BEHIND-THE-SCENES EXPERIENCE FROM GUEST JUDGE JULIA CHARLES
Julia Charles Event Management
A Bold, Creative Event Management Company Producing and Managing Exceptional Events.
The Apprentice – a reality television series that first aired in 2005 took the nation by storm with its aspiring entrepreneurs and business-related tasks. Lord Alan Sugar is at the helm of the show’s long-running success, alongside his advisors.
Each week The Apprentice sees a new challenge brief presented to the contestants from a random industry field. The two teams are then judged on their results.
To help ensure that Lord Alan Sugar and his advisors make the right decision when it comes to, ‘you’re fired,’ the contestants are scrutinised by guest expert judges.
Our very own Julia Charles was invited on The Apprentice set, appearing as a guest judge on the 2024 series of the iconic show. Focused on the challenge of creating a ‘virtual escape room.’
Sharing her expertise gathered through over 20 years of running and delivering live and virtual events with her events management company known today as Julia Charles Events Management.
Julia's behind-the-scenes experience at The Apprentice
Julia speaks openly about her behind-the-scenes experience of being on the set of The Apprentice as a professional judge. From the fast-paced nature of the show, building connections and sharing her advice for future applicants and entrepreneurs!
What was your role given to you on the set of The Apprentice?
The production company invited me to be a guest judge on "The Apprentice" for an episode centred around virtual escape rooms. Given our global experience in delivering product launch-related virtual escape rooms , my role was to provide a unique perspective on how these experiences can significantly benefit larger corporate entities in areas such as team building, product launches, and brand awareness and activation.
Did anything surprise you about working behind the scenes on The Apprentice Show?
With my extensive industry experience, dealing with production companies is part of the course. It typically involves last-minute location details, confidentiality negotiations, and a swift move to the set. Once there, it's all about quick moves, a brief legal meeting, and then we dive into the real judging. The testing phase includes microphone checks.
What does set this apart is the authentic, unscripted nature. We, as judges, engage in spontaneous discussions with contestants about their projects. The live setting adds excitement, with the production team working diligently behind the scenes to support the contestants on stage.
People often wonder about the unscripted part. We're just so used to reality shows these days being all planned out instead of spontaneous...
It's all authentic, you do however know they are going to be thrown under the bus. You can't bring your thoughts into it. It needs to be based on the professional opinion of what you saw on their pitch there and then and I took into consideration they only had a day to deliver.
So I assume from that you don't know anything about the contestants?
Certainly, the process is quite spontaneous. There isn't any advanced notice or background information provided about the contestants. Pre-judgment is avoided. The initial encounter with them occurs when they make their entrance on stage. Even then, introductions are limited to the individuals taking a forefront role in that specific challenge.
So no witnessing of the apprentices designing their virtual escape rooms?
As a personal judge, I wasn't involved in that aspect; another judge took on that role as they were responsible for assisting in the development of the actual applications. Our preparation included previewing some of the applications.
How did you navigate the task of judging the contestants?
Following the pitches, there's additional coordination with mentors, and offering a professional opinion becomes pivotal in shaping the outcome. It's a significant responsibility, as I had to delicately balance providing constructive criticism without unknowingly influencing the fate of the contestants!
On that subject were you given any specific criteria that you had to evaluate the apprentices on?
The process was spontaneous, my role did however have a specific corporate focus on the evolution of virtual escape rooms in the business realm. Sharing my expertise, I asked the crucial business-related questions to the contestants. For instance, I probed into their financials, as there were discrepancies, particularly concerning licenses and projected turnover. Much of this detailed questioning doesn't make it into the final aired content but has an impact on final decisions.
With the virtual escape room challenge, what were your thoughts on the contestant's end products?
The contestants did incredibly well, they had to create a virtual escape room from scratch. Writing the script, coming up with a unique concept, and then producing the actual game itself - including the gamification and design. I think both teams delivered fantastic results, particularly for the short time frame given. I do believe given more time that they would come up with something quite amazing. I genuinely do mean that.
What were some stand-out moments for you from what was presented?
There were some elements of the games which were amazing, but some in particular had me dying ( in the best sense!) Parts for example where a helicopter was crash landing and you have to run from this bear chasing you! These parts just made the game so much more playable and exciting. For me I would have played that entire escape room - you know if you don't get the code right you're going to get eaten by a bear - that's pretty cool
That sounds like it feeds straight into your creative out-of-the-box thinking!
Out of the two teams, it was the escape room I was personally more attracted to, the weirder the better! Having said that, the other team's medieval one had impressive graphics. However, I observed shortcomings in the storytelling and the character's longevity. It seemed more like a one-off, shelf-ready concept, lacking potential for further development. That's the feedback we shared with them. Still, it was genuinely interesting to witness what they could create in such a short timeframe!
In terms of Virtual Escape Rooms, what was essential?
Virtual escape rooms must align with current trends, or else the audience, which is actively selecting an escape room experience, won't connect. So, incorporating elements from online gaming, virtual reality, metaverses, and AI is crucial. This ensures a modern and memorable experience for audiences, staying relevant with the latest industry trends.
Did any of the contestants stand out to you in particular?
From the short time I got to experience with them on stage, I could pick out the strong and weak personalities immediately. With that, you get a sense of who will go far in the competition.
What did you enjoy most about your The Apprentice experience?
I thoroughly enjoyed working with the other judges and the production team. The energy in the room was truly remarkable, and the dedication of the production team was evident—they were on top of everything. The overall experience, including the contributions of my fellow judges, was truly amazing.
?I suppose it's akin to the everyday experiences that come with event management, isn't it?
Just as you mentioned, that energy of working on an event alongside others is what makes working in the events field so exciting. The atmosphere behind the scenes has a real buzz to it! It's genuinely even more thrilling than being in front of the camera! Much like at an event, the audience experiences the result, but we get to experience the thrill of the build-up!
They should make a TV documentary on television production....why has nobody done that?
Like the Google Box of TV production, I like it!
What would you say is your biggest takeaway from your The Apprentice experience?
I think possibly from my experience of appearing on The Apprentice my biggest takeaway was the fact that I have made some really good connections with the other judges.
A fantastic networking opportunity...
Certainly! The opportunity meant I got to meet more people in our field and look at potentially how we can work together on future projects.
This isn't your first time appearing on the BBC, last time it was in front of the Dragons in Dragons Den. How does that experience compare to judging?
It's an intriguing question! It's interesting because, you know, I've been on both sides. Honestly, I'm completely biased towards judging! I wouldn't want to be back on that stage, facing judgment. I do enjoy Dragons' Den, but there's only so much nervousness one can handle before deciding it's not worth the stress! Being a judge was a far more comfortable experience for me—no anxiety, no nervous moments.
I knew why I was there and what I was talking about. If I were placed on the other side as a judge without understanding it, I might feel nervous. Also, it's worth noting that on The Apprentice, you're not a huge deal in the grand scheme of things, whereas on Dragons' Den, you're there in the flesh, airing your business for everyone in the UK to scrutinize.
And I suppose with Dragons Den there was more at stake....
Of course, it was a game-changer for me.
Finally, do you have any advice for individuals aiming not only to succeed on the show but also to thrive in the real business world?
You need to bring a diverse skill set to the table, think quickly on your feet, and consistently provide solutions. If you're considering the show solely for the potential fame, Lord Alan Sugar will see through that and you will be gone. They're astute; you must have substance, be quick, responsive, and genuinely knowledgeable. The show won't go easy on you; you have to be a strong-willed and highly driven individual to navigate its challenges successfully just as you do in the business world.
If you genuinely believe you have what it takes to be Lord Alan Sugar's business partner – the ultimate goal of the competition – then absolutely go for it.
Just make sure you possess what he's looking for.
And if you can't demonstrate that, then, unfortunately, you're fired!
Who is Julia Charles?
Julia Charles is the co-founder and managing director of Julia Charles Event Management and brings a wealth of industry experience to the brand. With a lifelong dedication to the events industry, she possesses the skills to transform challenging proposals into awe-inspiring experiences!
Julia's leadership qualities include motivation in tough situations, a talent for nurturing young talent, and the ability to build an enthusiastic team founded on trust and respect. Her drive for success inspires ambition in her staff, creating an exciting and dynamic work environment.
Watch out for Julia's own Virtual Escape Room
We're currently thrilled about an ongoing project – an international product feature with a unique product launch approach. It involves Easter eggs hidden in various virtual rooms, leading to the product. If you win the challenge, the physical product is shipped to you. It's an innovative strategy for brand awareness, offering a distinct way to connect with international audiences.
Want to build your own Virtual Escape Room?
Julia and her team can help make your virtual escape room dream a reality. Not only does Julia Charles Event Management specialise in online escape rooms. They offer bespoke live escape rooms , involving custom set design and theming for an in-person immersive experience like no other.
Ideal for teams, product launches, brand activations and commercial ventures. An escape room is the latest wave in experiential marketing that's here to stay. Why not branch out your audience connection and see how an escape room can benefit you and your customers at your next corporate event?
Did you miss the episode? Watch it here on BBC I Player now.
Want to know more? Read more about Escape Rooms for your event.
Related Reading: Meet the escape room judges from BBC The Apprentice.