Where to Experience the Making of TV Formats: Workshops and Fan Days Around Europe

Want to see how shows like MasterChef and The Traitors are made — not just watch them? Here’s where to go in Europe for hands-on fan workshops, format showcases and behind-the-scenes access.

Travelers and fans often hit a wall: public filming is rare, studio access seems locked behind industry doors, and information is scattered across press releases and social feeds. In 2026 that’s changing fast — production houses and streamers are launching public-facing experiences to monetise formats and build communities. This guide lists the kinds of events to look for, where they crop up across Europe, and exactly how to book, plan and get the most from a production-behind-the-scenes day.

Why fan workshops and format showcases matter in 2026

The business of TV formats evolved beyond the broadcast into live experiences. Two 2026 developments illustrate the shift: industry consolidation (for example, talks between major format owners like Banijay and All3Media) and streaming platforms expanding EMEA teams to grow local unscripted hits. Those moves create scale — and a new incentive: turn IP into live, ticketed experiences.

Expect more official fan events in 2026 and beyond because production companies want new revenue lines and stronger fandoms. That means more production tours, interactive format showcases, and paid workshops where fans can try a role — chef, contestant, editor — under pro supervision.

What a modern fan workshop or format showcase looks like

Not all events are created equal. Here are the elements you’ll commonly find at organised, public-facing experiences:

• Live demonstrations — short live-recording demos showing how a typical scene is lit, miked and directed.
• Hands-on stations — small-group segments where you try a chef’s mise en place, a confession-room interview, or run a camera under supervision.
• Format showcases — producers present a format’s rules in front of fans or potential licensees, often with live gameplay.
• Set and prop tours — guided walks through real sets or recreated immersive installations.
• Masterclasses — mixing crews, editors or casting directors share trade tips and critique attendees’ short pieces.
• Immersive roleplay — short, gamified versions of shows (e.g., a two-hour “traitor hunt” or 90-minute “cook-off”).

In 2026, expect more experiential IP from format owners — the live version is now a standard extension of a hit show.

Where to find hands-on workshops and fan events across Europe

Below are reliable hubs and the types of production-facing events they host. Use these as launch points in your trip planning.

London — the live-tv and unscripted hub

What to expect: masterclasses from production houses, studio-audience shows, and pop-up immersive experiences tied to big-format franchises.

• Studio masterclasses — look for day workshops run by independent producers and format teams (casting, directing or editing clinics). These are often advertised via Eventbrite, production company socials and ScreenSkills listings.
• Audience-ticketed recordings — while not every show allows audiences, many formats stage audience versions or special fan tapings; check ITV Studios and BBC show pages for audience tickets.
• Immersive pop-ups — London’s theatre and live-experience scene frequently hosts short-run immersive versions of popular formats (e.g., themed dining for cooking shows or live deduction nights inspired by The Traitors).

Paris & Île-de-France — corporate HQs and Banijay activity

What to expect: format showcases, industry open days and occasional public workshops run by French producers and format groups.

• Banijay and format showcases — with consolidation in 2026 making format portfolios deeper, Paris is a hotspot for format demo days and multi-format showcases. These events often coincide with industry weeks and can have a public-facing component.
• Cooking festivals — France’s major food festivals sometimes partner with TV chefs and MasterChef license holders for live cook-alongs and culinary masterclasses.

Amsterdam & the Netherlands — production-friendly and format-savvy

What to expect: format labs, pitching showcases and interactive fan sessions run by Dutch producers and distributors.

• Format labs — creators and distributors regularly stage public-facing format demos; Amsterdam is a frequent test market for pan-European pilots.
• Short immersive runs — small theatre and event spaces host playable versions of formats that invite fans to participate (perfect for travelers who prefer intimate groups).

Berlin — tech-first experiences and XR showcases

What to expect: hybrid workshops blending on-site craft with XR — think a virtual edit bay you can step into with an instructor.

• XR format showcases — Germany’s tech cluster powers mixed-reality demos linked to shows; these are often featured at creative-tech festivals and media labs.
• Post-production clinics — editing and sound workshops aimed at fans and creators wanting to upskill.

Madrid & Barcelona — format licence activity and local fan events

What to expect: national license-holders run local versions of workshops, often in Spanish and Catalan — great for bilingual travelers wanting deeper access.

• Local MasterChef licensee events — Spain’s food culture makes it a recurring place for chef-led MasterChef-style cook-alongs and festivals tied to the brand.
• Fan nights — small producers run interactive social-game nights inspired by competitive formats, perfect for evening plans.

Copenhagen, Stockholm & the Nordics — public-broadcaster access

What to expect: public broadcaster open days, studio tours and production craft sessions offered to the public as part of cultural outreach.

• DR and SVT open days — Nordic public broadcasters periodically run tours, workshops and educational sessions. Check broadcaster websites for seasonal announcements.
• Smaller immersive producers — Nordic studios excel at intimate, design-forward immersive events that blend theatre and TV formats.

Rome & Milan — Italian production houses and festival tie-ins

What to expect: festival-aligned format showcases and cooking events with celebrity chefs linked to popular cooking franchises.

Reliable festivals and markets that offer fan-facing access

Not all access comes from studios. Several festivals and markets now have public programmes or fringe events geared to fans and creators:

• Series Mania (Lille) — known for masterclasses and public screenings; increasingly includes fan-focused sessions.
• Canneseries & MIPCOM/MIPTV (Cannes) — while primarily industry, both festivals host format showcases and often have public fringe events and day-passes for non-industry attendees.
• Berlinale and CPH:DOX — major festivals with industry forums that sometimes open workshops to the public.

Specific experiences fans can look for (and what they include)

Below are realistic fan-facing experiences you can expect to book or find at short notice, plus what you’ll take away from each.

MasterChef-style cook-alongs

• Format: 90–180 minute small-group sessions led by a TV chef or an alumni contestant, often run by a licensee partner or culinary school.
• Takeaways: plated dish, fast tips on mise en place and plating, a certificate or social-ready photos. Often hybrid — recorded clips are shared to participants after the event.

The Traitors-style deduction games and roleplay

• Format: a two- to four-hour immersive game night that recreates the social deduction structure of the format in a controlled setting with facilitators.
• Takeaways: gameplay experience, rules breakdown, tips from producers on casting and pacing for tension — great for groups travelling together.

Set tours and prop workshops

• Format: guided tours through working or recreated sets, followed by a hands-on prop-creation or set-dressing session.
• Takeaways: behind-the-scenes stories, souvenir photos, occasional small prop to take home.

Technical masterclasses (camera, lighting, editing)

• Format: short, coached sessions in a studio or post house. Expect hands-on time with a camera or editing suite and a meet-and-greet with a technician.
• Takeaways: practical skills, demo reels (if allowed), and contacts for freelance work or follow-up courses.

How to find and book legitimate events — practical checklist

Because schedules and availability change, these practical steps will keep you from wasting time and money.

1. Start with the company and show pages — producers and show pages often announce fan or masterclass events (follow Banijay, Fremantle, All3Media labels, Studio Lambert, BBC Studios and local licensees).
2. Check festival schedules — Series Mania, Canneseries and MIP fringe events often list public sessions months ahead.
3. Use ticket platforms — Eventbrite, Dice and Resident Advisor list small-run immersive nights and workshops; search show names + "workshop" or "fan day".
4. Follow alumni and judges — contestants, judges and guest stars often promote cook-alongs or pop-up experiences on Instagram and X.
5. Join local fan communities — Facebook groups, Discord servers and Meetup groups often post insider tips for upcoming experiences.
6. Ask production offices directly — email the press or audience team; some events are offered ad hoc based on demand.

Booking tips

• Book early for festival-tied experiences; they sell out quickly.
• Check cancellation and refund policies — last-minute changes are common in production schedules.
• Bring ID and proof of vaccination/health paperwork if required (rules vary in 2026 by country and producer).
• Respect photography and confidentiality rules — many workshops forbid recording during certain segments.

Budgeting and travel logistics

Plan for a mix of free and paid options. Typical price ranges in 2026:

• Free: occasional public studio open days or festival panels (register early).
• Low-cost (15–60 EUR): local fan nights, small workshops and university-hosted sessions.
• Mid-range (60–200 EUR): hands-on MasterChef-style cook-alongs or small-group post-production classes.
• Premium (200–600+ EUR): full-day producer-led format labs, VIP studio tours with meet-and-greets, multi-day industry-adjacent masterclasses.

Accessibility and language — what to expect

Producers often host sessions in the local language; however, international cities increasingly offer English-language options. If you need accessibility accommodations, contact the event organisers at booking — many studios now publish accessibility statements as part of 2025–26 compliance improvements.

Case study: What a 1-day "Format Fan Day" itinerary looks like (sample)

Use this template as a model for booking a single-day hands-on experience in a major city.

1. 09:30 — Check-in and briefing with production facilitator (safety and recording rules).
2. 10:00 — Studio tour: set walkthrough and live-demo of a scene being blocked and lit.
3. 11:30 — Hands-on station #1: camera and mic basics (rotate groups).
4. 13:00 — Lunch break — meet other fans and participants.
5. 14:00 — Hands-on station #2: a 90-minute cook-along or social-deduction roleplay session.
6. 16:00 — Post-production masterclass: watch a short clip, see the edit process live, ask questions.
7. 17:30 — Q&A with producer or a former contestant and photos (some events charge an upgrade for photos).

For creators: how to team up with production companies to host workshops

Creators who want to monetise local knowledge can partner with production companies. Here’s a short roadmap:

1. Research local licensees and indie producers — find the team that holds the local format rights and email a short pitch explaining your audience and the proposed workshop.
2. Offer a branded concept — e.g., a MasterChef alumni-led pop-up cook-along with ticketing split and cross-promo responsibilities.
3. Draft a simple revenue model — ticket tiers (general, VIP), digital add-ons (livestream access for non-attendees), and affiliate links for gear and travel partners.
4. Set safety and legal terms early — non-disclosure, image release, insurance, and GDPR consent for attendee data.
5. Promote via combined channels — producer’s socials, your channels, local tourism boards and event platforms to maximise reach.

2026 trends and near-future predictions

Several trends are shaping the fan-facing format economy in 2026:

• Consolidation-driven scale — bigger format owners (see Banijay/All3Media discussions) mean pan-European touring events and cross-format hybrid experiences.
• Streamers building local fandoms — with platforms boosting local commissioning teams in EMEA, expect more region-specific fan activation and smaller, language-friendly events.
• XR and hybrid formats — mixed-reality workshops and VR set recreations will become a staple entry-level product for fans who can’t make it to the studio.
• Creator partnerships — production companies will increasingly partner with local creators to sell tickets and livestreams; this expands reach and helps creators monetise live local content.
• Regulatory and privacy focus — events will standardise consent and data handling for attendee footage and marketing use, so read terms carefully before booking.

Sample 48-hour itineraries for format fans

48 hours in London (sample)

1. Day 1 morning: Book a morning studio masterclass (camera/lighting) — small group.
2. Day 1 afternoon: Pop-up MasterChef-style cook-along or food tour tied to culinary alumni.
3. Day 1 evening: Attend an immersive Traitors-style social-night (booked via Eventbrite).
4. Day 2 morning: Festival or exhibition visit (if Series Mania/industry week is on).
5. Day 2 afternoon: Post-production clinic and Q&A with a show producer; wrap with networking at a local creative hub.

48 hours in Paris/Amsterdam (sample)

1. Day 1: Check for Banijay or distributor format showcase during an industry week; attend public masterclasses.
2. Day 2: Local cook-along or immersive set experience with smaller producers — great for hands-on photos and social content.

Safety, refunds and last-minute changes — a short risk plan

Production schedules can change. Follow these rules to protect your trip:

• Buy refundable tickets where possible and read cancellation policies closely.
• Buy travel insurance that includes event cancellations and COVID/health closures (policies in 2026 are more comprehensive).
• Keep a local contact for the event organiser and save confirmation emails/screenshots offline.

Quick checklist before you go

• Confirm language, accessibility and what is and isn’t allowed to be recorded.
• Bring comfortable shoes (studio floors and sets vary), a power bank, and a compact notebook or phone for notes.
• Have digital copies of tickets and ID and a printed emergency contact card if you travel without local SIM.

Final takeaways — how to get inside the process (fast)

• Follow the format owners and local licensees — they announce workshops first.
• Watch festival calendars — Series Mania, Canneseries and MIP fringe events are a shortcut to public sessions.
• Use ticket platforms and local fan groups — many pop-ups are only listed there.
• Consider hybrid and XR options if travel costs are prohibitive — they’re increasingly immersive and cheaper.

Whether you want to flame a perfect soufflé under a TV chef’s direction, play a weekend-long deduction game with fellow Traitors fans, or learn how an edit turns chaos into a 40-minute episode, 2026 opens more doors than ever. Production companies are actively packaging experiences for paying fans and creators — use the playbook above to find the right event, prepare smartly, and turn a city stop into a production-day memory.

Ready to plan your next fan workshop? Sign up for european.live’s live events calendar to get weekly alerts for format showcases and fan days across Europe — and download our quick checklist for booking studio experiences on the go.

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