The idea of a concert special didn’t exactly light up Ed Sheeran’s mind.
“Every time it was pitched to me, I just wasn’t excited,” says the English singer and songwriter who’s spent the last decade or so among the world’s top touring acts. “‘We could do this theater and this town and this…’ – it was like, ‘I’ve seen that before.'”
But then Sheeran got a call from Ben Winston, the Emmy-winning producer and director known for his role overseeing the Grammy Awards and as a creator of James Corden’s “Carpool Karaoke” series.
Actually, it was an email, Winston points out. “You can’t call Ed because he doesn’t have a phone,” he says.”You have to email him and hope he FaceTimes you back from his iPad.”
Winston’s pitch earlier this year was simple but intriguing: What if they took the one-shot approach that helped make Netflix’s “Adolescence” such a sensation and used it to film a performance by Sheeran – not simply onstage but as he goes on a journey somewhere? And instead of getting a director “kind of like the guy who shot ‘adolescence,'” as Winston recalls putting it, “Why don’t we just ask the guy who shot ‘Adolescence’?”
Sheeran liked the idea; so did Philip Baranti
Emmys 2025: What to Know About the Ceremony
The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards are set to take place on Sunday, September 14, 2025, in Los Angeles, CA. While details are still emerging, anticipation is building for what promises to be a star-studded night celebrating the best in television.
Keep an eye out for updates on nominations, hosts, and potential performances as the event draws closer. The Emmys continue to be a significant event in the entertainment industry, recognizing outstanding achievements and setting the stage for future trends in television.
Ben Winston: From ‘Love Actually’ to Producing the Grammys
Ben Winston is a name synonymous with some of the most beloved and iconic moments in entertainment. While many recognize him as the producer behind the Grammy Awards, his career spans a remarkable range of triumphant projects, beginning with a formative experience on the set of the holiday classic, Love actually.
Winston’s journey into the world of filmmaking began as a production assistant on Love Actually at the age of 19. He’s described the experience as a “university” for filmmaking, learning from director Richard Curtis and observing the collaborative process of bringing a large-scale film to life. This early exposure ignited a passion that would shape his future career.
Following Love Actually, Winston honed his skills working on various television shows, including The Office (UK) and Extras, both created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. he quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating a knack for identifying and nurturing talent, and a keen eye for comedic timing.
In 2011, Winston co-founded Fulwell 73, a production company that has become a powerhouse in entertainment. Fulwell 73 is responsible for a diverse portfolio of projects, including the hugely popular Carpool Karaoke segment on The Late Late Show with James Corden, the global concert film BTS: Permission to dance The Movie, and numerous sports documentaries.
Though,Winston’s most prominent role in recent years has been as the executive producer of the Grammy Awards. Taking the helm in 2021, he’s been credited with revitalizing the show, injecting it with fresh energy and a focus on musical performances. He aims to create a broadcast that celebrates the artistry of music while also appealing to a wider audience. He’s spoken about wanting to make the Grammys feel “current” and “relevant” while still honoring its legacy.
Winston’s success isn’t solely about big-budget productions. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and connecting with audiences on an emotional level. Whether he’s producing a heartwarming film, a hilarious comedy sketch, or a breathtaking awards show, his goal remains the same: to create memorable experiences that resonate with viewers around the world.