Meet My Top Gear Boss: ANDY WILMAN

Рет қаралды 361,759

4 ай бұрын

YOU'RE FIRED!!!! No he never said that. But working for Andy was a rite of passage and a PHD in film-making. No two days were the same. He was a man of few words and I can honestly say that I think we spoke more during this podcast than in the 8 years I worked on Top Gear.
Wilman, as we know him, is a fascinating character and hopefully I teased out enough of his personality to give you some idea of what he's like. Enigmatic, a perfectionist, inspirational, ruthless, charming, hyper-focused and a brilliant creator.
Like Jeremy, his best mate from school, Wilman has a demanding work ethic that can be a ball ache but usually rewarding in equal measure. From childhood prodigy to failed actor (LOL) to TV presenter (naked and otherwise), to Executive Producer (we argued on the meaning) of Top Gear, Grand Tour and Clarkson's Farm - Wilman is a very rare human being and I'm glad that despite our courtroom antics, I think we are mates. It meant a great deal to me that he agreed to do this interview. Hope you enjoy it.
Thank you for the great times Wilman.

Пікірлер: 721

@AndrewCherry458 4 ай бұрын

Andy "paint me like one of your French girls" Wilman

@adrianstroud1558 4 ай бұрын

Took me 20 mins to get this joke😆

@Yvolve 4 ай бұрын

Came here to say this. The man does not care about anyone or anything, what a legend.

@jkent9915 4 ай бұрын

He does look quite comfortable.

@sportbikejesus6297 4 ай бұрын

France, where the naked ladies dance / and they look like Dennis Franz

@BenCollinsDrives 4 ай бұрын

Soulacroix eat your heart out 😜

@imaner76 4 ай бұрын

"You were a brilliant Stig. There's no question. 100%. And you built him. So... there." Andy Wilman 2024.

@imaner76 4 ай бұрын

@BenCollinsDrives pin that, or make a poster of it! What a parting gift of a statement.

@stelvioooo 3 ай бұрын

Naturally this will need to come on a shirt.

@styill 3 ай бұрын

Because of this interview, I have to agree Ben was a brilliant Stig. I always thought that the films with the Stig doing anything other lap times were just played by a member of production or the crew, but I see now that it was always Ben.

@MichaelLoda 4 ай бұрын

OH MY GOD MR WILMAN INTERVIEW THANK YOU, there’s not enough videos with that brilliant genius man

@daveconlon5235 4 ай бұрын

Wilman is giving it a bit of the Rick James with his shoes on the sofa 🛋 he be like "f*ck yo couch"

@BenCollinsDrives 4 ай бұрын

LOL its his couch he slouch all he likes 😂🎉

@daveconlon5235 4 ай бұрын

@@BenCollinsDrives kzfaq.info/get/bejne/e62ngMyErraRl6M.htmlsi=D7P7vhjrWMO8nxGN

@daveconlon5235 4 ай бұрын

@@BenCollinsDrives kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jJ-Fp7d73J3LYn0.htmlsi=dhQXGcFE7W3kvGqr

@imaner76 4 ай бұрын

@@BenCollinsDrives Wilman has a lot of things that are his, that often others like to pass comment on. But push comes to shove it IS his. He can do with as he pleases. End results talk for themselves. Loved the interview. Well done.

@circleforalanding 4 ай бұрын

I could listen to Wilman tell stories for hours...perhaps days. Wondering if, in Part 2, someone will walk into view and hand Ben an envelope from "Mr. Wilman"?

@patrykholc 4 ай бұрын

No, this time the envelop should be from Clarkson, Hammond and May

@richardharrold9736 4 ай бұрын

I knew a guy who drove the trucks that carried the TV gear for F1, and was also a church organist. One day he found himself having lunch with Schumacher... and Schumacher interrogated him for the best part of two hours on his life, music, the history and mechanics of the organ... he said he was hugely impressed at Schumacher's sheer insatiable intellectual curiosity.

@adam872 3 ай бұрын

that's a brilliant story

@richardharrold9736 3 ай бұрын

@@adam872 it is! Just one of those random encounters... apparently he knew Senna very well too, and was insistent that (like himself) Senna was gay. I think something may have happened between them. But the Schumacher thing was a totally random occurrence, just a case of Michael wanting to get away from the team and eat in peace, while my friend Colin was sat at a table alone...

@adam872 3 ай бұрын

@@richardharrold9736 I've come to the view that the best leaders have this innate curiosity about the world around them and in people more generally. Schumacher sounds like one of those people - even though I didn't always agree with how he drove.

@JamieBaxen-pp5zs 2 ай бұрын

lucky guy

@duncancrickett9212 3 ай бұрын

First time I've ever heard Andy Wilman speak - you can understand now just why Top Gear ended up being as successful as it was. What a driven, perceptive bloke.

@Landpirate 3 ай бұрын

He has very similar mannerisms as Clarkson.

@hesky10 3 ай бұрын

@@Landpiratecan see why they were friends at school

@Khuros 3 ай бұрын

they legit grew up together. @@Landpirate

@AndyWilman-cy2eu 4 ай бұрын

It's my sofa! nevertheless apologies for causing upset.

@acyko 4 ай бұрын

alright but did you have to pick purple? great interview.

@topmandog1 4 ай бұрын

nobody really cares that much mr wilman dont worry, its a great interview

@RWL2012 4 ай бұрын

When the executive producer of a 2002-2015 show joins KZfaq in February 2024 lol

@richardharrold9736 3 ай бұрын

@@RWL2012 he's also EP of Grand Tour and Clarkson's Farm. Hardly a washed-up has-been.

@GT380man 3 ай бұрын

I get the impression that Clarkson & Wilman were both outsiders at Repton, never quite accepted by the real posh boys. And that attitude, of never being insiders, but knowing what both the insider and outsider viewpoints looked like, was probably an important ingredient in their long-running success.

@Jason-mk3nn 4 ай бұрын

This was one of the single best interviews in so very long. It was so real and personal that it will be an interview looked back upon as a testament to a great chapter of car culture. Great job to everyone that helped to make this, and thank you, Andy, for getting back in front of the camera for this.

@sajjeel123 4 ай бұрын

Andy get your dirty shoes off the sofa and sit up

@MadeoN 4 ай бұрын

He's giving Rick James vibes

@samuelgarrod8327 4 ай бұрын

@@MadeoNWho is Rick James?

@piet302 4 ай бұрын

He is Andy f*cking Wilman, he can do what he wants

@tdolan500 4 ай бұрын

@@samuelgarrod8327I’m Rick James Bish haha enjoy yo self

@Yvolve 4 ай бұрын

@@samuelgarrod8327 Search for Charlie Murhpy's story of Rick James and you'll get it.

@markmalcolmdunthorne-holme7653 4 ай бұрын

Thanks Ben, that was a lovely interview. It was nice to hear Andy talking and now I can easily understand how he and Jeremy work together so well. Thank you Andy for giving us so much wonderful entertainment over so many years and thanks Ben for being the Stig.

@latrinedveen 4 ай бұрын

The golden age of Top Gear, thank you for all the insight on the show we all love.

@Rusty-GB 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for this Ben. I was glued to the screen for that whole chat. Can't wait for the next part.

@BenCollinsDrives 4 ай бұрын

Thank you glad you enjoyed it - very candid although if you buy him a martini in Soho he REALLY gets going

@Rusty-GB 4 ай бұрын

@@BenCollinsDrives 🤣

@JourneywithSmee 3 ай бұрын

@@BenCollinsDrivesthank you for being my inspiration to getting into motor racing. Obviously I’m never going to be as skilled as yourself. 🫡

@watchvidjedi 4 ай бұрын

I'm 7 minutes in. Loving it... "Why would I do Britain's biggest paving slabs?..Willman is a legend

@MichaelLoda 4 ай бұрын

He’s like saying funny things without even realising it, like it’s normal

@battmarn 3 ай бұрын

@@MichaelLodagreat example of how the funniest person you know is usually just some bloke who's a good laugh rather than an actual comedian

@AnthonyFransella 4 ай бұрын

So cute that they chose to coordinate their outfits

@yarost12 4 ай бұрын

They didn't have to, this is the default Brit outfit

@c-w-h 4 ай бұрын

@@yarost12 please explain. Is this the NPC clothing.😂

@1969Risky 4 ай бұрын

"Some say that he thinks that all furry cats are born from a cars catalytic converter, which is why he's so fascinated by them & whenever French lorry drivers go on strike, he has a smile similar to the Mona Lisa. All we know is, he’s called the Stig!" Ben, that was a brilliant interview with Mr Wilman. If you interviewed him for 24hrs straight I'd still watch it for the stories to be told. Just remember Ben, you made the Stig popular for his little quirks which always bring us a laugh. I still do on re-runs of TG. The trio, Mr Wilman, former Stig Perry McCarthy, yourself and those who worked behind the scenes of TG gelled in a car show that only comes together once in a lifetime! Thanks for all the laughs, the ups & downs and going sideways! Looking forward to the next video!

@Birdy606 4 ай бұрын

I'm just an old hillbilly from the hills of eastern Kentucky and even I know this is an incredible interview and is going to be viewed by many... thanks for sharing...

@especiallycocaine9031 4 ай бұрын

high praise at the end when he basically said "you ARE the Stig" great video, i cant wait for part 2. bout time Andy shares his memories and i cant think of anyone better to host him than you

@JaradS99 4 ай бұрын

This is awesome, one day we need Clarkson 👌

@daveanaru3038 12 сағат бұрын

Yawn.....er.......No thanks.....

@JaradS99 12 сағат бұрын

@@daveanaru3038 er......no one er.....asked....er....you.....

@jamespickersgill8416 4 ай бұрын

That’s the longest mug of tea……red wine I’ve ever seen. Great bloke.

@newagetemplar6100 4 ай бұрын

What a beautiful interview ❤ . I’ve been waiting for something like this for years . I can honestly say Top Gear and everyone involved deserves so much respect and recognition . It got both me and my young son through some not very pleasant times and lit up up our lives even when things were SHT . I’m proud to be of the age when the worlds biggest show was around. Although I’ve never met Jeremy I did live in the same village/ town and know of his family’s Paddington Bear Factory . Always a buzz when Top Gear visited Cadwell too as that was my first race circuit where I’d go and spectate and eventually compete. You guys deserve the Nobel Peace prize for bringing joy to the world . 👍🇬🇧

@invisiblekid99 4 ай бұрын

Yeah. That team are lightning in a bottle. OK so I do think the ideas/script is being a stretched, but, BUT, as a group they are gold. And it shows how instrumental Clarkson is. He comes across as a buffoon, but there are many cogs in that head of his. His farm is the last conformation you need.

@Frankestein01nl 4 ай бұрын

From Hearing " mr Wilman" this " mr Wilman" that... it's refreshing to finally meet the man in an open, no nonsence, amazing interview. We love the both of you dearly. Thank you for the jobs you've done and are doing... amazing. Thank you.

@cromulence 4 ай бұрын

Really enjoyed how this was open ended with some light steering of the conversation - lovely viewing.

@TheGlingfram 4 ай бұрын

You can see Andy is touched by success. The directness and confidence with which he speaks, even if he sounds like a complete asshole. All of that only comes from some one whose done it all. What a guy.

@peaktraveller 4 ай бұрын

That was long overdue - an interview with Andy Wilman! It got better and better as it went on. Loved it.

@leeavison 4 ай бұрын

Oh. A text from Mr Mr Wilman , Ben Get me on your Channel !! 😂😂 loved this chat with the Master

@MrSlowly63 4 ай бұрын

This just ties together so many pieces of information about TG and Jeremy and Wilman that I've known about for years but never quite understood how they came about. Thank you so much for these insights

@CarTrouble 3 ай бұрын

Great interview Ben. Its rare nowadays to have an hour long interview that captivates you until the end. Looking forward to part 2.

@jonathancost4927 4 ай бұрын

The best video on your channel to date Ben, an awesome interaction and your interview technique was spot on, feeding him snippets and letting the stories flow.

@Mustavacamel 4 ай бұрын

Ive always been interested in hearing Mr Wilman 🎉

@AthanImmortal 4 ай бұрын

He had a few jabs at you but that last 5 minutes of him really reliving some of the key moments where you grew the Stig character were great. I'm really glad to see this kind of behind the scenes details.

@mymodel6 4 ай бұрын

@19:44 - "Get your fucking shoes of my sofa Wilman!"

@RWL2012 4 ай бұрын

it's Wilman's sofa...

@mymodel6 4 ай бұрын

@@RWL2012 Oh...

@_j_j 3 ай бұрын

@@RWL2012 thankyou. I just started watching and found myself looking through the comments hoping to see someone say this so I could enjoy it without thinking about it constantly. Ah neuroses

@minxlabrada 4 ай бұрын

Was always impressed with the cinematography. And I also think the endurance of the entire production staff should be commended. Every one of those specials looked like a tough shoot and they were able to make art. Also, Clarkson seemed to have tapped into the idea that people like stories about friends on journeys. Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and even the band Rush to a degree, all involve friends on a journey.

@Yvolve 4 ай бұрын

What about the band Journey? 😉 I think WIlman summed it up perfectly: fun with cars, without getting too technical. This is why the rest of the show worked as well. All the information was relatable, even when reviewing a supercar. Top speed, 0-60, etc. Regular people will watch that, which is what you need for the show to become big. One of the major reasons was the chemistry between the trio, obviously, but without a good show, there is no banter. We all know cars and we all like fun, so three guys being extremely juvenile with cars and constantly ripping on each other, is going to get views. Clarkson and Wilman are geniuses for making that connection so early on.

@minxlabrada 4 ай бұрын

Journey all hate each other pretty much. @@Yvolve

@Yvolve 4 ай бұрын

@@minxlabrada Really? I never knew.

@robertslugg8361 4 ай бұрын

The adventure starts when things don't go as planned.

@joshiles 3 ай бұрын

Journey may all hate each other, but I’ve heard Capt Slow & the Big Ape both speak publicly about their mutual hatred for each other in their own way. I can’t think of a moment Richard’s said it on camera, but it may have happened.

@glensgraphix 4 ай бұрын

This has to be the pinnacle of interviews so far! There must be so many more stories to be told. Please tell me there are another 3 or 4 episodes of talking to this man to come yet. Just brilliant!

@gerbil_horde 4 ай бұрын

Honestly one of the most enjoyable interviews I’ve watched in a long time. Thank you both 🙏🏻

@adrianmiller1971 4 ай бұрын

This was unexpected brilliance, good on Mr Wilman for fronting up. Id never really heard from him, so he was to me, like the 5th Beatle. This also shows the true character of both, having had a tangle in the past. Good form from both.

@YourContentSucks. 4 ай бұрын

This is the interview the world has needed for far too long. Thank you, Ben, for getting Andy on to share his stories

@samuelgarrod8327 3 ай бұрын

"Interview the world has needed" Such utter bollocks

@user-zm3zx5hd3h 4 ай бұрын

Wow, what a marvelous interview and conversation. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and can’t wait for part 2. Thank you both for taking the time to have such a genuine conversation and allowing us to listen in!

@cameronchalmers1424 4 ай бұрын

Brilliant interactive interview, Ben. You can tell that Wilman has the greatest of admiration for you. He just doesn't know how to tell you!

@DavidandLegs 4 ай бұрын

Epic, my eyes lite up when this came up in my feed! This is the interview I was waiting for. Can’t wait for part 2!! Would be great to have Jeremy, Richard and James together for a future interview.

@denisegore1884 3 ай бұрын

What a fabulous story of the long friendship between Jeremy and Andy. During covid, many people complained they could not read expressions on faces due to masks but The Stig conveyed so much without voice or facial expressions. That is a real talent.

@SimonChampagne 4 ай бұрын

This is pure gold. I can't wait for part2.

@robertwiddrington 4 ай бұрын

I can't believe that you were both willing to do that, thanks so much and it is great that after everythung that happened, you can still be friends.

@michaeljarcher 4 ай бұрын

How come 56minutes only seem to last 10minutes. This is so refreshing, and how great maturity and clear air between Ben and Andy has happened. Two wonderful guys who gaves part in what so many love.

@dccllcjjt7062 4 ай бұрын

I could listen to him for days. Ben, awesome job on the interview and simply letting Andy talk. Simply brilliant.

@Chobbito 4 ай бұрын

I want part 2 so bad now, that was amazing to hear how my teenhood of TV came to be and discuss how it worked. Amazing work Ben

@Bazfrog 4 ай бұрын

What a brilliant Podcast by both interviewer and interviewee. Great to get an insight into the "Behind the Scenes" of "The most watched...etc." and The Grand Tour" and the relationships. Extremely "looking forward" to part 2. 👌👍

@LoftechUK 4 ай бұрын

This has to be one of the best personal videos made. Thank you to you both

@chickentonight22 4 ай бұрын

I love the dynamic between yourself and Mr Wilman, can't wait for the next episode!

@nosalis 4 ай бұрын

This is absolutely amazing to watch and hear the stories and all the inspirations that went into the show. Thank you both ! can't wait for part 2

@ResolvezDubstep 4 ай бұрын

Two of the unsung heroes of my youth, thanks for giving us over a decade of fun and passion, both of you !

@arthuralford 4 ай бұрын

It's rare that I sit through a nearly hour long video, but this one? I can't wait for the next part. And, good on Wilman for giving Ben deserved kudos

@JakeSoulFreeTravels 4 ай бұрын

VERY good interviewing skills Mr. Collins!! Not underestimating you, but keen that you did it so well!

@damianmackinlay 4 ай бұрын

Absolutely love this episode/podcast. Love hearing from people who are such an integral part of something we love, but don’t often get much of the lime light. Love your work Ben.

@angelaj686 3 ай бұрын

I love this interview. The back story, relationship with Clarkson, and evolution of Top Gear and Grand Tour. The bit on Schumacher was touching and tragic. I can't wait until the next installment.

@MBDB666 4 ай бұрын

Finally, the interview EVERYONE has been waiting for! This was a long time coming and can't wait for part 2.

@robsometimes 3 ай бұрын

Of all the interviews I have heard about Top Gear, this is the best and most informative look behind the curtain ever. Thank You !

@richardleigh4958 4 ай бұрын

Amazing - a gold dust interview...... Looking forward to the next part!

@tripprogers4814 4 ай бұрын

This is freakin *amazing* and just what we needed!! It's crazy how much Clarkson there is in Andy and conversely, How must Wilman there is in Jeremy. Please Andy, Don't shoot me in the face.

@CJFerg81 4 ай бұрын

The cherry on the top of this interview: The Top Gear clips being included despite the BBC owing the footage 😃 Brilliant interview Ben. Looking forward to Part 2.

@runarandersen878 3 ай бұрын

So glad there is a second part of this. Looking forward to it:) Both seems to enjoy taking.

@guym2170 4 ай бұрын

Ben, this was fantastic, great interview. Fascinating to hear more from Wilman, and as you can tell from previous things you have said on Drivetribe etc it was clear you wanted there to be no bad blood there so to speak after leaving Top Gear etc, so this is great to see. Pleased for you :) can't wait for the next one! If you can swing it one day it would be amazing to see you reminisce with all the trio too. I'm sure that's a logistical nightmare to organise but one can dream 😂

@zeesiiij 4 ай бұрын

Fantastic work Ben and Kyle, such an awesome interview with Andy about some fantastic stories from Top gear and the ol' BBC days. As a young lad I loved all the Clarkson DVD's and motorworld series as education to my little mind during the 90's. I find it a tad bit ironic that your interviewing him like he described the Schumacher interview he did in Italy lol. Schumacher GBH, may he recover, we all routing for that legend. Insightful, exciting and very poignant! Can't wait for Part 2!! GO GO Ben!!! 🤣🤘

@Eat-MyGoal 4 ай бұрын

42:06 one of the reasons Schumacher is an ATG with seven world titles and Alonso only two. A weird hybrid between incredibly selfish and self-centered behind the wheel and gregarious in the garage. Absolute legend...

@mattperry3364 3 ай бұрын

Cannot wait till part 2! What an absolutely amazing and fascinating interview! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

@lennygermany1507 4 ай бұрын

Pure Entertainment on a whole new level ... thanks for all the inisghts , can´t wait for part two

@xsmogxcz 4 ай бұрын

Thanks a lot for this! So much history between you two which matters to so many of us! 😊✌️

@cam_reed 4 ай бұрын

Always great to hear from Wilman. One of the best producers out there. What he says about being an exec at the coalface is so refreshing, doing it differently, and damn well too!

@Mountain-Man-3000 4 ай бұрын

This is the best Top Gear related interview I've ever seen. Kudos to you good sir.

@canoaslan1011 3 ай бұрын

This is so good, and insightful, there is so much to say, but this is gold. Can we please have some moooore. I'm sure there is hundreds of hours of things Top gear lovers would love to hear and find out about.

@UKBarnFinds 4 ай бұрын

Great video Ben, love your interview style. I could listen to Andy all day, his standard of work and dedication is truly ninja level! He is a great inspiration to many including myself. It was also particularly fascinating to get a bit of an insight into his and Jeremy's creative process. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall!

@zetecrv10 3 ай бұрын

Good interview Ben. I had the pleasure to work with Michael and spend time with him. He was a great man. I spent a lot of time at Mugello and Fiorano. After many laps he still talked like he was sitting in an armchair. I liked to enjoy himself where possible and liked to play tricks. Very sad what happened.

@MikeyAware 4 ай бұрын

Fantastic interview, looking forward to pt. 2

@alickmwable 3 ай бұрын

Brilliant. Love a back story to something we were all so immersed in and knowing all that went into it only makes it that much better. Round 2 🤘

@Speedy_dew 3 ай бұрын

This is a great interview with one of the most famous know names but unknown faces the great Andy Wilman. Its great hearing about the stories with Michael Schumacher.

@avandriver 3 ай бұрын

That was a great interview . cant wait for the second part .

@craigoneill4504 4 ай бұрын

Wow, that was easily the BEST interview I've ever watched period! Awesome, so relaxed and natural. Andy Wilman is a total gentleman, a real dude, awesome guy! Excellent video Ben, really awesome, more like this please! Not sure how you'll top it though! 👍😎

@davej6335 4 ай бұрын

That was fantastic to watch! Thanks for sharing Ben. 👍🏻

@kevinmiller1947 4 ай бұрын

Brilliant interview, looking forward to part 2

@louissanderson719 4 ай бұрын

I really enjoyed this! Looking forward to part 2

@haralamc 4 ай бұрын

Great stuff, Andy the kind of guy could imagine having a fire side chat the kind were you look at the time and realise its 5am

@shingie_x 4 ай бұрын

This is good interview Ben. Keep up the solid work

@skvltdmedia Ай бұрын

And OH man - THE interview I wanted to see as of finding others recently!

@chefcc90 3 ай бұрын

Loved this. Cant wait for part 2, Cuddles! (Props to those that get the reference)

@jakowalenburg9124 4 ай бұрын

This was a fantastic podcast. Great chemistry between presenter and guest (the both were interchangeable haha) Can’t wait for part 2!

@0xlowlevel 3 ай бұрын

omg that was the best freaking piece of youtube I've seen since long ago. Sincere thank you, Ben! It's awesome!

@finnkrisDE 4 ай бұрын

This was absolutely brilliant, so much knowledge and just love of media and cars. Thank you Ben!

@pfeventsorganiser 3 ай бұрын

Brilliant insight into the workings of Andys mind and just how close he and Jezza are, nice one Ben

@TheActualJae 4 ай бұрын

Listening to Wilman talk....Top Gear just makes so much more sense to me (and I think I had a decent enough understanding of it before hand).

@cryha8789 4 ай бұрын

Cant wait for part 2!

@astro8062 4 ай бұрын

im glued to my screen watching this

@nigelbond4056 4 ай бұрын

Great interview. Not sure I’d class Sargeant as a great F1 driver (or Stroll for that matter) but listening to two car guys talking about the best motoring programs ever made and their mutual love of racing was wonderful 👌

@DennisfromMunich 3 ай бұрын

I loved the bit about Schumacher. What an amazing chat, I could listen for hours!

@Games_and_Music 3 ай бұрын

Great conversation, looking forward to the next part!

@dougsdiecast608 3 ай бұрын

Great interview, extremely entertaining, can’t wait to see part 2.

@nig87101 4 ай бұрын

Thank you, Ben, can't wait for part 2. Mr Wilman is a national treasure.

@seaninherts 3 ай бұрын

Ben - thanks again for this - I’m the chap who had a go at explaining the role of an EP - possibly with some knowledge (not specifically of Top Gear btw) however, thanks to you and Andy again for this - watched again. Just really well done. PS appreciate your 23 bits too :)