A documentary-style overview of the creation, filming, broadcast, and digital revival of the British music series.
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Genesis & Creative Vision
Nigel Godrich conceptualizes the series to capture authentic musical performances without TV interference. He draws inspiration from historical broadcasts and concert films to establish a raw, unpolished aesthetic.
Key Events
Concept Development — Godrich conceives the show to capture authentic artist performances.
Location: Production Office
Historical Inspiration — Godrich draws inspiration from 1970s TV and 1996 concert film.
Location: Research Phase
Pilot Production — Producers begin filming the internet-only pilot episode.
Location: Maida Vale Studios
Director Collaboration — Sophie Muller is hired to direct the pilot episode.
Location: Maida Vale Studios
Episode 1 Recording — First episode features multiple artists performing live. Characters: Self - The White StripesLocation: Maida Vale Studios
Maida Vale Studios — Primary London studio hosting most episodes.
Location: Maida Vale Studios
Pilot Footage — Initial internet-only episode establishing the format.
Location: Editing Suite
Production & Studio Sessions
The pilot and first series are filmed primarily at Maida Vale Studios with director Sophie Muller. Episode 6 shifts to Los Angeles, while Radiohead receives dedicated full-episode features.
Key Events
Episode 1 Recording — First episode features multiple artists performing live. Characters: Self - The White StripesLocation: Maida Vale Studios
Artist Collaboration — Kieran Hebden and Steve Reid perform a special collaboration.
Location: Maida Vale Studios
Pilot Completion — Pilot is finalized and prepared for internet release.
Location: Maida Vale Studios
Series 1 Filming — Full series production begins with additional funding.
Location: Maida Vale Studios
LA Studio Shift — Episode 6 moves filming to Bob Clearmountain's Los Angeles studio.
Location: Mix This! Studio
Radiohead Session 1 — First full Radiohead episode recorded for special release. Characters: Self - RadioheadLocation: Maida Vale Studios
Radiohead Session 2 — Second Radiohead episode filmed for later release. Characters: Self - RadioheadLocation: Maida Vale Studios
Mix This! Studio — Los Angeles facility used for Episode 6.
Location: Mix This! Studio
Broadcast & Distribution Rollout
The series launches on Sky Arts in the UK and premieres on Rave HD and IFC in the US. Episodes are edited for television and later compiled into a DVD release.
Key Events
Radiohead Session 2 — Second Radiohead episode filmed for later release. Characters: Self - RadioheadLocation: Maida Vale Studios
UK Broadcast Launch — Series premieres on Sky Arts in December 2007.
Location: UK Television
US Platform Premiere — Show premieres on Rave HD in February 2008.
Location: US Digital Network
IFC Distribution — IFC airs split half-hour episodes in fall 2008.
Location: US Cable Network
DVD Compilation — Performances released on DVD in March 2009.
Location: Distribution Center
Series 2 Airing — Second series runs on Sky Arts from December 2008 to January 2009.
Location: UK Television
DVD Release — Physical media compilation of series performances.
Location: Retail Distribution
Broadcast Strategy — Multi-platform rollout across UK and US networks.
Location: Network Offices
Digital Revival & Legacy
The format transitions to YouTube in 2022, introducing contemporary acts like Idles and Warpaint. The series cements its status as a benchmark for honest music documentation.
Key Events
Series 2 Airing — Second series runs on Sky Arts from December 2008 to January 2009.
Location: UK Television
YouTube Transition — Series format transitions to YouTube for broader access.
Location: Digital Platform
New Era Casting — May 2022 revival features contemporary indie and punk acts.
Location: YouTube Channel
Modern Performance — New artists deliver raw, unfiltered performances for digital audience.
Location: Studio Setup
Legacy Documentation — Complete series preserved as a benchmark for honest music television.
Location: Archival Database
Story Breakdown
Creative Vision — Godrich's philosophy to capture raw artist performances without TV pressure.
Historical Inspiration — Drawing from 1970s TV and 1996 concert films.
Format Design — Studio setup without host or audience interference.
Pilot Development — Initial internet-only episode production and director collaboration.
Director Hiring — Sophie Muller appointed to film the pilot.
Studio Setup — Maida Vale Studios prepared for recording.
Series Production — Filming of multiple episodes across different locations.
Episode 1 Casting — Thom Yorke, White Stripes, and collaborators perform.
Location Shift — Episode 6 moves to Los Angeles Mix This! Studio.
Broadcast Strategy — Multi-platform rollout across UK and US television networks.
UK Launch — Sky Arts premieres the series in December 2007.
US Distribution — Rave HD and IFC air edited episodes in 2008.
Special Episodes — Dedicated full-episode features for major artists.
Radiohead Sessions — In Rainbows and King of Limbs performances recorded.
DVD Release — Physical compilation released in March 2009.
Digital Revival — Series transitions to YouTube for modern audiences.
Platform Migration — YouTube becomes the primary broadcast channel in 2022.
New Artist Roster — Idles, Warpaint, Caribou, and Geese join the lineup.
First DVD release from this refreshingly basic UK music programme puts the music in the foreground with an impressive role call of acts. With sparse production and no filler (no host, no audience, just artist centre stage), From The Basement's eclectic line-up reads like a contemporary alternative who's who; The White Stripes, Sonic Youth, Radiohead, Thom Yorke, Albert Hammond Jr., The Shins, Beck, Damien Rice, José González, Super Furry Animals, Eels, and more.
