Factory Made

We've seen a proliferation of manufacturing "behind-the-scenes" programs in the past few years. They often cover the same products and processes, varying the focus and/or duration when covering different steps. I could swear some shows reuse footage, but I don't know.

When it comes to content, "Factory Made" falls into this same pattern. They cover some new ground, yet also re-hash products covered in other series. One welcome item that they have introduced in their production is the addition of occasional informational graphics. Used sparingly, but effectively, they provide extra information without really interrupting the exposition of the process.

The problem with this show is the stilted narration. Sentences are often stopped midstream in an annoying rhythm, not corresponding with expected hesitation points or durations. For example, "This is the kind ---- of sentence ---------that - might be heard." The narrator, Zach Fine, has done much better narration for "How It's Made," so one wonders how the narration ended up in this format.

All things considered, this show does not do enough to differentiate itself positively in a rapidly populating genre.

The show is absolutely ruined by the ridiculous banter between the two narrators. As another review said, it's stilted... With long pauses...In the middle...Of sentences. But the rapid fire delivery between the two hosts is also excruciatingly silly and distracting. It's like being around two people who think they're really funny, but only they get the joke. And of course there are lots of goofy sound effects and repeated screaming, which is always fun to listen to. I didn't realize that this is the same narrator as "How it's Made". On that show, he's actually pleasant to listen to.

Another big problem is that by reviewing big brand names, EVERYTHING is a trade secret. So you get an outer shot of a machine, and basically "this is where the magic happens", but learn nothing about it. Ingredients state the obvious ones, and then gloss over or ignore the rest. This is why "How it's Made" was better: They typically did off-brand items, which for the most part let you see more of the inner workings.

Worse, the constant camera motion and quick cuts only allow you to see at most 1-2 seconds of each individual process. Their high speed camera also doesn't slow some things down enough to see what's going on, but that was probably a budgetary or technological or limitation of the time.

One thing I do like are the interactions with factory workers. It's nice to see those guys get a short break and a TV appearance, even if the awful narration practically ruins it.