Sunday, January 16, 2011
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Saturday, January 08, 2011
Work by Guild members in next seven days
CAREY ANDREWS wrote the episodes of EastEnders going out on BBC1 at 7:30pm on Tuesday 11th and Thursday 13th January.
JEAN BUCHANAN'S radio play To Catch a Thief goes out on Radio 4 at 2:30pm on Saturday 8th January.
MARK BURGESS'S play 'A King's Speech' was repeated by BBC Radio 4 on Thursday 6th January 2011 at 2.15pm. Set during the afternoon & evening of Coronation Day 1937, it focuses on the relationship between King George VI & his speech therapist Lionel Logue as the King prepares for his first broadcast to the Empire that evening. Alex Jennings plays the King with Trevor Littledale as Logue. 'A King's Speech' is directed by David Blount & produced by Pier Productions Ltd.
Tynan, an adaptation of the diaries of Kenneth Tynan by Richard Nelson and Guild member COLIN CHAMBERS, is to open at the Studio Theatre, Washington DC on January 19th with Philip Goodwin (Pink Panther, Men in Black II, Law and Order) playing the celebrated theatre critic. The play was originally performed by Corin Redgrave at the Royal Shakespeare Company's Swan Theatre and Arts Theatre, London in 2004.
RICHARD CHAMBERS wrote the episode of Silent Witness going out in two parts on BBC1 at 9:00pm on Monday 10th January.
DAVID CRANE co-wrote the first episode of the new series Episodes, starring Stephen Mangan, Tamsin Greig and Matt LeBlanc, going out on BBC2 at 10:00pm on Monday 10th January.
SIMON CROWTHER wrote the episodes of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:30pm and 8:30pm on Monday 10th January.
MARY CUTLER wrote the episodes of The Archers going out on Radio 4 at 7:00pm from Monday 10th till Friday 14th. Every episode is repeated at 2:00pm the day following its original broadcast.
LINDA LOUISA DELL'S new book African Nights has been published by emp3books at £8.95 and is also available as an e-book at £5.95. Available by order from Amazon.com or all good book shops.
TIM DYNEVOR wrote the episode of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm Friday 14th January.
MARK EVAN'S Bleak Expectations begins a new series with the episode "Chapter the First: a Lovely Life Re-Kippered Again Once More" going out on Radio 4 at 11:30am on Friday 14th January.
BILL GALLAGHER'S Lark Rise to Candleford begins a new series on BBC1 at 8:00pm on Sunday 9th January.
TOM GREEN'S new play Talking In Bed will be at Theatre 503 in London from 10th January, starring James Holmes (from BBC Two sitcom Miranda). Full details www.theatre503.com/whatson/detail/232
PATRICK HARBINSON wrote the first episode of the new series Kidnap and Ransom, starring Trevor King as expert hostage negotiator Dominic King, going out on ITV1 at 9:00pm on Thursday 13th January.
MARTHA HILLIER wrote the episode of Holby City "China in Your Hands" going out on BBC1 at 8:00pm on Tuesday 11th January.
IAN KERSHAW wrote the episode of Shameless going out on C4 at 10:00pm on Tuesday 11th January.
ED McCARDIE wrote the episodes of Shameless going out on C4 at 10:00pm on Thursday 13th and Friday 14th January.
DAVID MORGAN took first place in the 17th Annual National Poetry Slam, winning the title of Farrago UK Slam Poetry Champion 2010.
DEBBIE OATES wrote the episode of Primeval going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm on Saturday 8th January.
ASHLEY PHAROAH wrote the first episode of the new series of Wild at Heart going out on ITV1 at 8:30pm on Sunday 9th January.
CHRISTOPHER REASON wrote the episode of EastEnders going out on BBC1 at 8:00pm on Friday 14th January.
PAUL ROUNDELL wrote the episodes of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm on Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th January.
PATREA SMALLACOMBE co-wrote the episodes of Hollyoaks going out on C4 at 6:30pm from Monday 10th to Friday 14th January.
MARTYN WADE'S dramatisation of Miss Mackenzie goes out on Radio 4 at 3:00pm on Sunday 9th January.
PETER WHALLEY wrote the episodes of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:30pm and 8:30pm on Friday 14th January.
JOHN WILSHER wrote the episode of Midsomer Murders "Not in My Back Yard" going out on ITV1 at 8:00pm on Wednesday 12th January.
JEAN BUCHANAN'S radio play To Catch a Thief goes out on Radio 4 at 2:30pm on Saturday 8th January.
MARK BURGESS'S play 'A King's Speech' was repeated by BBC Radio 4 on Thursday 6th January 2011 at 2.15pm. Set during the afternoon & evening of Coronation Day 1937, it focuses on the relationship between King George VI & his speech therapist Lionel Logue as the King prepares for his first broadcast to the Empire that evening. Alex Jennings plays the King with Trevor Littledale as Logue. 'A King's Speech' is directed by David Blount & produced by Pier Productions Ltd.
Tynan, an adaptation of the diaries of Kenneth Tynan by Richard Nelson and Guild member COLIN CHAMBERS, is to open at the Studio Theatre, Washington DC on January 19th with Philip Goodwin (Pink Panther, Men in Black II, Law and Order) playing the celebrated theatre critic. The play was originally performed by Corin Redgrave at the Royal Shakespeare Company's Swan Theatre and Arts Theatre, London in 2004.
RICHARD CHAMBERS wrote the episode of Silent Witness going out in two parts on BBC1 at 9:00pm on Monday 10th January.
DAVID CRANE co-wrote the first episode of the new series Episodes, starring Stephen Mangan, Tamsin Greig and Matt LeBlanc, going out on BBC2 at 10:00pm on Monday 10th January.
SIMON CROWTHER wrote the episodes of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:30pm and 8:30pm on Monday 10th January.
MARY CUTLER wrote the episodes of The Archers going out on Radio 4 at 7:00pm from Monday 10th till Friday 14th. Every episode is repeated at 2:00pm the day following its original broadcast.
LINDA LOUISA DELL'S new book African Nights has been published by emp3books at £8.95 and is also available as an e-book at £5.95. Available by order from Amazon.com or all good book shops.
TIM DYNEVOR wrote the episode of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm Friday 14th January.
MARK EVAN'S Bleak Expectations begins a new series with the episode "Chapter the First: a Lovely Life Re-Kippered Again Once More" going out on Radio 4 at 11:30am on Friday 14th January.
BILL GALLAGHER'S Lark Rise to Candleford begins a new series on BBC1 at 8:00pm on Sunday 9th January.
TOM GREEN'S new play Talking In Bed will be at Theatre 503 in London from 10th January, starring James Holmes (from BBC Two sitcom Miranda). Full details www.theatre503.com/whatson/detail/232
PATRICK HARBINSON wrote the first episode of the new series Kidnap and Ransom, starring Trevor King as expert hostage negotiator Dominic King, going out on ITV1 at 9:00pm on Thursday 13th January.
MARTHA HILLIER wrote the episode of Holby City "China in Your Hands" going out on BBC1 at 8:00pm on Tuesday 11th January.
IAN KERSHAW wrote the episode of Shameless going out on C4 at 10:00pm on Tuesday 11th January.
ED McCARDIE wrote the episodes of Shameless going out on C4 at 10:00pm on Thursday 13th and Friday 14th January.
DAVID MORGAN took first place in the 17th Annual National Poetry Slam, winning the title of Farrago UK Slam Poetry Champion 2010.
DEBBIE OATES wrote the episode of Primeval going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm on Saturday 8th January.
ASHLEY PHAROAH wrote the first episode of the new series of Wild at Heart going out on ITV1 at 8:30pm on Sunday 9th January.
CHRISTOPHER REASON wrote the episode of EastEnders going out on BBC1 at 8:00pm on Friday 14th January.
PAUL ROUNDELL wrote the episodes of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm on Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th January.
PATREA SMALLACOMBE co-wrote the episodes of Hollyoaks going out on C4 at 6:30pm from Monday 10th to Friday 14th January.
MARTYN WADE'S dramatisation of Miss Mackenzie goes out on Radio 4 at 3:00pm on Sunday 9th January.
PETER WHALLEY wrote the episodes of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:30pm and 8:30pm on Friday 14th January.
JOHN WILSHER wrote the episode of Midsomer Murders "Not in My Back Yard" going out on ITV1 at 8:00pm on Wednesday 12th January.
Friday, January 07, 2011
Harry Potter plagiarism case dismissed
From BBC News:
A US judge has dismissed a legal action accusing Harry Potter author JK Rowling of copying the work of another author.
The estate of late author Adrian Jacobs claimed that the plot of fourth Harry Potter outing Goblet of Fire plagiarised parts of his book The Adventures of Willy the Wizard.
Judge Shira Sheindlin wrote in her ruling that there were major differences between the two works.
She added they were "distinctly different in both substance and style".
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Public Domain Day
Work by numerous authors entered the public domain in various territories at the start of 2011, as listed on the Public Domain Day website.
London Councils to cull capital’s £3m arts support budget
By Natalie Woolman in The Stage:
London Councils is to axe its entire £3 million financial support for the arts across the capital.Theatre companies that will be affected include Theatre Royal Stratford East, Tamasha Theatre Company, the Tricycle Theatre and Clean Break.
The umbrella body for local authorities in the capital, London Councils raises money from individual boroughs which is then allocated to voluntary sector projects across the city.
It currently spends £3.14 million a year on provision related to culture, tourism and the 2012 Olympics.
London Councils’ new list of strategic priorities will result in the majority of the cultural services it supports losing all of their funding by the end of June 2011.
Research highlights need to improve writers' business and digital skills
Creative & Cultural Skills, the Sector Skills Council for the creative and cultural industries, has launched the Literature Blueprint (pdf) – research highlighting an urgent need to improve the business and digital skills of creative writers and people working in other roles in the sector, such as literature development.It also considers the need to broaden entry routes into the sector, support the development of writers working with children and young people, and ensure that creative writing qualifications reflect the reality of writing professionally.
Creative writing is at the heart of our national identity and cultural economy, and acts as a springboard for many other highly profitable industries, such as film, theatre, gaming and publishing. Meanwhile, digitisation has transformed the way the sector produces, markets and promotes literature and literature events.
Following industry consultation, the Literature Blueprint makes a number of key recommendations:
- Improve professional development opportunities for writers and other literature professionals who work or aspire to work with children and young people.
- Enhance the information, advice and guidance available to individuals aspiring to become writers or to enter the wider literature sector.
- Ensure that entry routes are relevant and fully accessible by all.
- Increase alignment between higher and further education provision and the skills needs of the sector so that courses better prepare students for work.
- Ensure that the right mix of training and qualifications is available to meet current and future skills needs, and that opportunities are promoted and signposted well.
- Help the sector to access relevant business support and ensure that this is communicated well.
- Prioritise the development of digital skills both for individual writers and for literature organisations
Caroline Felton, Chief Executive, Creative & Cultural Skills, said: 'The Literature Blueprint has identified the key areas where skills for the industry need to be developed, and now we must work with the sector to ensure the appropriate support is available and the right interventions are made. On a practical level, this will, I hope, manifest itself in the form of improved access to training opportunities that will best support writers and those in other roles in the sector throughout their careers.'
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Jimmy Gardner obituary
Multi-BAFTA winning screenwriter Jimmy Gardner died on December 14th, 2010 aged 53 of heart failure. His work was marked by an honesty and integrity which reflected his own character. Though best known for the hard hitting and highly acclaimed British television dramas The Cops and Buried, in person Jimmy was a kind, thoughtful, humorous and modest man, qualities not always associated with the television industry.Brought up in Edinburgh, Gardner later studied at Kent University for a BA Hons in English and American Literature. Subsequently, he led a somewhat peripatetic life with an eclectic range of jobs in London, New York and Lisbon before returning to Edinburgh.
In 1992 he graduated from the screenwriting course at the Northern Film School with Borderland which won the Best British Student Short Film Award was shortlisted for the 1996 Dennis Potter Award after a recommendation from Tessa Ross, then at BBC Television. As Ross recalls 'I still remember well how exciting it was to read Jimmy's submission to the Dennis Potter Award, all those years ago - here was an honest and clear original voice, a voice with grit and humanity and a clear sense of purpose. Jimmy was quiet and serious, unshowy and very unusual - just like his writing. Working with him and the team on Buried was a great highlight and Cops remains one of the true inspirational, unforgettable pieces of television drama. I am very sad to hear of his death.'
Following a BAFTA nomination for his short film The Butterfly Man, Gardner began his television career writing episodes of The Bill. Having written for the second series of This Life Gardner, together with Robert Jones and Anita Pandolfo, developed The Cops with producer Francis Hopkinson which went on to win the BAFTA Award for Best Drama Series in 1999 and 2000 and the Royal Television Society’s Best Drama Series Award in 2000.
The Cops was described by Executive Producer Tony Garnett as a 'Trojan Horse drama', a critique of life on a northern sink estate and of the realities of policing in this milieu. Francis Hopkinson described Gardner's first script for the series as a perfect opener and launched the show that boosted many careers – so we all owe Jimmy'. On learning of his death, producer Tony Garnett said 'Jimmy was a real talent, perceptive about people and angry at injustice. It was a privilege to work with a writer of such integrity.'
Gardner went on to co-devise and write (with Robert Jones) the critically acclaimed series Buried and this uncompromising, harsh and violent portrayal of prison life won the 2004 BAFTA Award for Best Drama Series.
He also wrote the screenplay for a feature film Outlanders based on a story by Dominic Lees which was released theatrically in 2009.
Gardner created and was the lead writer for the darkly comic family saga Goldplated; a prescient tale of unsustainable avarice set around a nouveau riche family of property developers in Manchester.
More recently he had written an episode of the period cop drama George Gently starring Martin Shaw and at the time of his death was writing another episode, along with developing a number of original drama projects.
Gardner was born with a congenital heart defect, which required surgery at different stages of his life, together with ongoing treatment, all of which he bore with characteristic good grace and wry humour. He is survived by his wife, Claire Russell, three brothers, his son, Eugene, and his parents.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
The future of S4C
On the Click on Wales website, Guild member Roger Williams argues that Welsh language channel S4C should reinvent itself as mainstream service after the 7pm watershed.
S4C should demand the time and space to decide how best it can serve the needs of its audience. It should focus its resources on making vital programming that reflects Wales culturally, socially and politically. Since 1982 ITV has abandoned its role as a regional broadcaster and BBC Wales makes fewer programmes that represent Wales and its people in the authentic way that used to be the case.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Work by Guild members in the next seven days
JESSE ARMSTRONG and SAM BAIN wrote the episode of Peep Show going out on C4 at 10:05pm on Friday 24th December. The series concludes on C4 at 10:00pm on Wednesday 29th December.
SIMON ASHDOWN wrote the episode of EastEnders going out on BBC1 at 8:00pm on Saturday 25th December.
RAY BROOKING wrote the episode of Doctors " Signs and Wonders" going out on BBC1 on Tuesday January 4th.
JEAN BUCHANAN'S adaptation of To Catch a Thief by David Dodge goes out on Radio 4 as the Afternoon Play on Saturday 8th January. This is preceded by a tie in Radio 4 Arts Feature at 11:30am on Thursday 6th January called In Search of the Villa Noel Fleuri, in which Jean attempts to find the villa in the South of France where David Dodge and his family lived when he was writing To Catch a Thief, the best-selling novel on which Hitchcock's Oscar-winning film was based.
DAVE COHEN, David Quantick and Richie Webb have written a new series of 15-Minute Musicals for Radio 4. Friday 24 December: Dr. Bruce - Brucie saves the BBC. Monday 27 December: The Lying King - Cleggba is taken under Scarmeron's wing, and disappears. Tuesday 28 December: Mary Poppinthebackofthenet - Fabio gets a nanny to sort his wayward footballing youngsters. Wed 29: Sweary Todd (the Writers' Guild Award-winning episode from 2008 gets another airing) - Gordon Ramsay the demon cook of Grub St. Thursday 30 December: Just The Two Tone Of Us - Ant & Dec look into life as Dec & Ant. Friday 31 December: Quadroqueenia - The Queen looks back on her miserable year. Monday 3 Jan: Thoroughly Modern Miliband - a musical for the new depression.
DAVID CROFT and JIMMY PERRY wrote the episodes of Dad's Army "My Brother and I" going out on BBC2 at 8:00pm on Saturday 18th, "Turkey Dinner" going out on BBC2 at 6:15pm on Friday 24th and "For the Love of Three Oranges" going out on BBC2 at 8:00pm on Saturday 25th December.
RICHARD CURTIS co-wrote the episode of Blackadder "Bells" going out on BBC2 at 8:40pm on Saturday 18th December. He also co-wrote the Christmas special Blackadder's Christmas Carol going out on BBC2 at 8:35pm on Saturday 25th December.
On Sunday January 2nd the 60th Anniversary episode of the Archers will be broadcast on Radio 4. To mark the occasion, it will be half an hour and run from 7pm to 7.30 pm. The anniversary week January 2nd to January 7th willair at their usual time of 7pm repeated next day at 2pm with the Omnibus on Sunday January 9th at 10 am. MARY CUTLER wrote the whole week's episodes, including the anniversary episode. Mary also wrote the episodes from January 9th-16th.
TIM DYNEVOR wrote the episodes of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st December.
MATT EVANS wrote the episode of EastEnders going out on BBC1 at 7:30pm on Thursday 30th December.
STEVE FAY wrote the episodes of Hollyoaks going out on C4 at 6:30pm on Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd December.
JONATHAN HARVEY wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm on Saturday 25th December.
MARTHA HILLIER wrote the episode of Holby City "Snow Queens" going out on BBC1 at 8:00pm on Tuesday 28th December.
JAYNE HOLLINSON wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:30pm on Monday 27th December.
MARTIN JAMESON'S radio play in two parts, Devil in the Fog, goes out on Radio 4 at 2:15pm on Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th December.
JULIE JONES wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 8:30pm on Monday 27th December.
TONY JORDAN'S adaptation of the story of Jesus's birth, The Nativity, goes out in four parts on BBC1 starting at 7:00pm on Monday 20th, Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd December.
PETER KERRY wrote the episode of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm on Friday 24th December.
DAVID LANE wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 8:30pm on Thursday 23rd December.
Following excellent reviews and high demand for tickets to this year's Christmas show at Liverpool's Royal Court Theatre, Scouse Pacific, written by FRED LAWLESS, has been extended and will now run until Saturday 15th January. '...a surreal play that is cleverly written, brilliantly acted and totally crazy... Lawless has the ability to make even the most ridiculous plot work' - The Stage. http://nwtheatre.info/events/743
DARAN LITTLE wrote the episode of EastEnders going out on BBC1 at 8:30pm on Sunday 26th December.
JANE MARLOW wrote the episode of EastEnders going out on BBC1 at 7:30pm on Thursday 23rd December.
JIMMY McGOVERN wrote the concluding episode of Accused "Alison's Story" going out on BBC1 at 9:00pm on Monday 20th December.
TONY McHALE wrote the episode of Holby City "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" going out on BBC1 at 8:00pm on Tuesday 21st December.
JAN McVERRY wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 8:40pm on Friday 31st December.
STEVEN MOFFAT wrote the Doctor Who Christmas special, "A Christmas Carol" going out on Saturday 25th December.
SUE MOONEY wrote the episodes of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm and 8:00pm on Thursday 23rd December.
ALICE NUTTER recently wrote Helen's Story as part of Jimmy McGovern's BBC TV series the Accused. Each episode stands alone and starts with a character in the dock, the ensuing hour tells how they got there. A copy of the script can be downloaded free on the BBC Writersroom website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/writersroom/2010/12/accused_helens_story.shtml
JANE PEARSON wrote the episode of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 6:00pm on Saturday 25th December.
GAIL RENARD'S new book, Give Me A Chance, about her teenage experiences with John and Yoko at the Bed-In, is out, published by Walker Books.
DAVID RENWICK wrote the episode of Jonathan Creek "The Judas Tree" going out on BBC1 at 8:40pm on Friday 31st December.
DAMON ROCHEFORT wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:30pm on Friday 31st December.
ALISTAIR RUTHERFORD's half hour comedy drama Happy New Year will go out on BBC Radio Scotland on 31st December at 8:00pm.
KATHRINE SMITH wrote the episode of Hollyoaks going out on C4 at 6:30pm on Monday 20th December.
Congratulation to SAM SNAPE, who won "Best International Short Film" at the Foyle Film Festival in Ireland last week with 3 Hours. http://www.northernirelandscreen.co.uk/newspage.asp?id=100&storyID=2866
RICHARD STONEMAN'S adaptation of Rumpole and the Penge Bungalow Murders goes out in two parts on Radio 4 at 2:15pm on Thursday 30th and Friday 31st December.
JOHN SULLIVAN special, Rock & Chips goes out on BBC1 at 9:00pm on Wednesday 29th December.
BILL TAYLOR wrote the episodes of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm and 8:00pm on Thursday 30th December.
ELLEN TAYLOR wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:30pm on Monday 20th December.
HEIDI THOMAS'S new three-part series of Upstairs Downstairs goes out on BBC1 at 9:00pm on Sunday 26th, Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th December.
CHRIS THOMPSON wrote the episode of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm on Tuesday 28th December.
JOANNA TOYE wrote the episodes of The Archers going out on Radio 4 at 7:00pm from Sunday 26th till Friday 31st December. Each episode is repeated at 2:00pm the day following its original broadcast.
NICK WARBURTON'S radio play On Mardle Fen continues with part 3/4 "Pitiless Storm" going out on Radio 4 at 2:15pm on Monday 20th December. It concludes with "The Dancing Stone" going out on Radio 4 at 2:15pm on Monday 27th December.
SIMON ASHDOWN wrote the episode of EastEnders going out on BBC1 at 8:00pm on Saturday 25th December.
RAY BROOKING wrote the episode of Doctors " Signs and Wonders" going out on BBC1 on Tuesday January 4th.
JEAN BUCHANAN'S adaptation of To Catch a Thief by David Dodge goes out on Radio 4 as the Afternoon Play on Saturday 8th January. This is preceded by a tie in Radio 4 Arts Feature at 11:30am on Thursday 6th January called In Search of the Villa Noel Fleuri, in which Jean attempts to find the villa in the South of France where David Dodge and his family lived when he was writing To Catch a Thief, the best-selling novel on which Hitchcock's Oscar-winning film was based.
DAVE COHEN, David Quantick and Richie Webb have written a new series of 15-Minute Musicals for Radio 4. Friday 24 December: Dr. Bruce - Brucie saves the BBC. Monday 27 December: The Lying King - Cleggba is taken under Scarmeron's wing, and disappears. Tuesday 28 December: Mary Poppinthebackofthenet - Fabio gets a nanny to sort his wayward footballing youngsters. Wed 29: Sweary Todd (the Writers' Guild Award-winning episode from 2008 gets another airing) - Gordon Ramsay the demon cook of Grub St. Thursday 30 December: Just The Two Tone Of Us - Ant & Dec look into life as Dec & Ant. Friday 31 December: Quadroqueenia - The Queen looks back on her miserable year. Monday 3 Jan: Thoroughly Modern Miliband - a musical for the new depression.
DAVID CROFT and JIMMY PERRY wrote the episodes of Dad's Army "My Brother and I" going out on BBC2 at 8:00pm on Saturday 18th, "Turkey Dinner" going out on BBC2 at 6:15pm on Friday 24th and "For the Love of Three Oranges" going out on BBC2 at 8:00pm on Saturday 25th December.
RICHARD CURTIS co-wrote the episode of Blackadder "Bells" going out on BBC2 at 8:40pm on Saturday 18th December. He also co-wrote the Christmas special Blackadder's Christmas Carol going out on BBC2 at 8:35pm on Saturday 25th December.
On Sunday January 2nd the 60th Anniversary episode of the Archers will be broadcast on Radio 4. To mark the occasion, it will be half an hour and run from 7pm to 7.30 pm. The anniversary week January 2nd to January 7th willair at their usual time of 7pm repeated next day at 2pm with the Omnibus on Sunday January 9th at 10 am. MARY CUTLER wrote the whole week's episodes, including the anniversary episode. Mary also wrote the episodes from January 9th-16th.
TIM DYNEVOR wrote the episodes of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st December.
MATT EVANS wrote the episode of EastEnders going out on BBC1 at 7:30pm on Thursday 30th December.
STEVE FAY wrote the episodes of Hollyoaks going out on C4 at 6:30pm on Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd December.
JONATHAN HARVEY wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm on Saturday 25th December.
MARTHA HILLIER wrote the episode of Holby City "Snow Queens" going out on BBC1 at 8:00pm on Tuesday 28th December.
JAYNE HOLLINSON wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:30pm on Monday 27th December.
MARTIN JAMESON'S radio play in two parts, Devil in the Fog, goes out on Radio 4 at 2:15pm on Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th December.
JULIE JONES wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 8:30pm on Monday 27th December.
TONY JORDAN'S adaptation of the story of Jesus's birth, The Nativity, goes out in four parts on BBC1 starting at 7:00pm on Monday 20th, Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd December.
PETER KERRY wrote the episode of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm on Friday 24th December.
DAVID LANE wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 8:30pm on Thursday 23rd December.
Following excellent reviews and high demand for tickets to this year's Christmas show at Liverpool's Royal Court Theatre, Scouse Pacific, written by FRED LAWLESS, has been extended and will now run until Saturday 15th January. '...a surreal play that is cleverly written, brilliantly acted and totally crazy... Lawless has the ability to make even the most ridiculous plot work' - The Stage. http://nwtheatre.info/events/743
DARAN LITTLE wrote the episode of EastEnders going out on BBC1 at 8:30pm on Sunday 26th December.
JANE MARLOW wrote the episode of EastEnders going out on BBC1 at 7:30pm on Thursday 23rd December.
JIMMY McGOVERN wrote the concluding episode of Accused "Alison's Story" going out on BBC1 at 9:00pm on Monday 20th December.
TONY McHALE wrote the episode of Holby City "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" going out on BBC1 at 8:00pm on Tuesday 21st December.
JAN McVERRY wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 8:40pm on Friday 31st December.
STEVEN MOFFAT wrote the Doctor Who Christmas special, "A Christmas Carol" going out on Saturday 25th December.
SUE MOONEY wrote the episodes of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm and 8:00pm on Thursday 23rd December.
ALICE NUTTER recently wrote Helen's Story as part of Jimmy McGovern's BBC TV series the Accused. Each episode stands alone and starts with a character in the dock, the ensuing hour tells how they got there. A copy of the script can be downloaded free on the BBC Writersroom website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/writersroom/2010/12/accused_helens_story.shtml
JANE PEARSON wrote the episode of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 6:00pm on Saturday 25th December.
GAIL RENARD'S new book, Give Me A Chance, about her teenage experiences with John and Yoko at the Bed-In, is out, published by Walker Books.
DAVID RENWICK wrote the episode of Jonathan Creek "The Judas Tree" going out on BBC1 at 8:40pm on Friday 31st December.
DAMON ROCHEFORT wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:30pm on Friday 31st December.
ALISTAIR RUTHERFORD's half hour comedy drama Happy New Year will go out on BBC Radio Scotland on 31st December at 8:00pm.
KATHRINE SMITH wrote the episode of Hollyoaks going out on C4 at 6:30pm on Monday 20th December.
Congratulation to SAM SNAPE, who won "Best International Short Film" at the Foyle Film Festival in Ireland last week with 3 Hours. http://www.northernirelandscreen.co.uk/newspage.asp?id=100&storyID=2866
RICHARD STONEMAN'S adaptation of Rumpole and the Penge Bungalow Murders goes out in two parts on Radio 4 at 2:15pm on Thursday 30th and Friday 31st December.
JOHN SULLIVAN special, Rock & Chips goes out on BBC1 at 9:00pm on Wednesday 29th December.
BILL TAYLOR wrote the episodes of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm and 8:00pm on Thursday 30th December.
ELLEN TAYLOR wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:30pm on Monday 20th December.
HEIDI THOMAS'S new three-part series of Upstairs Downstairs goes out on BBC1 at 9:00pm on Sunday 26th, Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th December.
CHRIS THOMPSON wrote the episode of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm on Tuesday 28th December.
JOANNA TOYE wrote the episodes of The Archers going out on Radio 4 at 7:00pm from Sunday 26th till Friday 31st December. Each episode is repeated at 2:00pm the day following its original broadcast.
NICK WARBURTON'S radio play On Mardle Fen continues with part 3/4 "Pitiless Storm" going out on Radio 4 at 2:15pm on Monday 20th December. It concludes with "The Dancing Stone" going out on Radio 4 at 2:15pm on Monday 27th December.
Writing comedy for TV
In a new Writers' Guild podcast, comedy writers Jane Bussmann and Andrew Ellard discuss sitcom, gag writing and how to get your first break as a TV comedy writer.
You can listen online at http://writersguild.libsyn.com, or download the podcast from iTunes.
You can listen online at http://writersguild.libsyn.com, or download the podcast from iTunes.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Upcoming work by Guild members
JESSE ARMSTRONG and SAM BAIN wrote the episode of Peep Show going out on C4 at 10:00pm on Friday 17th December.
PIERS BECKLEY is producing The Just So Stories at The King's Head Theatre (http://redtabletheatre.com/the-just-so-stories/) from 15th December to 3rd January and he wrote the adaptation of A Christmas Carol at The Lion and Unicorn Theatre (http://www.giantolive.com/) running from 7th December to 15th January.
DAVID CROFT and JIMMY PERRY wrote the episodes of Dad's Army "Sergeant, Save My Boy!" going out on BBC2 at 5:30pm on Saturday 11th and "Don't Fence Me In" going out at 7:30pm on Sunday 12th December.
MARK EVANS'S Bleak Expectations concludes on Radio 4 at 6:30pm on Thursday 16th December.
DARREN FAIRHURST wrote the episode of Hollyoaks going out on C4 at 6:30pm on Tuesday 14th December.
JEREMY FRONT'S adaptation of A Charles Paris Mystery: Murder in the Title going out on Radio 4 at 11:30am on Monday 13th December.
ROB GITTINS wrote the episode of EastEnders going out on BBC1 at 7:30pm on Tuesday 14th December.
JULIE JONES wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:30pm on Friday 17th December.
JOHN KERR wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 8:30pm on Thursday 16th December.
JIMMY McGOVERN and ESTHER WILSON wrote the episode of Accused "Kenny's Story" going out on BBC1 at 9:00pm on Monday 13th December.
DAVMON ROCHEFORT wrote the episodes of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:30pm and 8:30pm on Monday 13th December.
KATHRINE SMITH wrote the episode of Hollyoaks going out on C4 at 6:30pm on Friday 17th December.
CHRIS THOMPSON wrote the episodes of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm and 8:00pm on Thursday 16th December.
NICK WARBURTON'S comedy drama On Mardle Fen "The Dream Insists" goes out on Radio 4 at 2:15pm on Monday 13th December.
NICOLA WILSON wrote the episode of Holby City "The Lying Kind" going out on BBC1 at 8:00pm on Tuesday 14th December.
PIERS BECKLEY is producing The Just So Stories at The King's Head Theatre (http://redtabletheatre.com/the-just-so-stories/) from 15th December to 3rd January and he wrote the adaptation of A Christmas Carol at The Lion and Unicorn Theatre (http://www.giantolive.com/) running from 7th December to 15th January.
DAVID CROFT and JIMMY PERRY wrote the episodes of Dad's Army "Sergeant, Save My Boy!" going out on BBC2 at 5:30pm on Saturday 11th and "Don't Fence Me In" going out at 7:30pm on Sunday 12th December.
MARK EVANS'S Bleak Expectations concludes on Radio 4 at 6:30pm on Thursday 16th December.
DARREN FAIRHURST wrote the episode of Hollyoaks going out on C4 at 6:30pm on Tuesday 14th December.
JEREMY FRONT'S adaptation of A Charles Paris Mystery: Murder in the Title going out on Radio 4 at 11:30am on Monday 13th December.
ROB GITTINS wrote the episode of EastEnders going out on BBC1 at 7:30pm on Tuesday 14th December.
JULIE JONES wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:30pm on Friday 17th December.
JOHN KERR wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 8:30pm on Thursday 16th December.
JIMMY McGOVERN and ESTHER WILSON wrote the episode of Accused "Kenny's Story" going out on BBC1 at 9:00pm on Monday 13th December.
DAVMON ROCHEFORT wrote the episodes of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:30pm and 8:30pm on Monday 13th December.
KATHRINE SMITH wrote the episode of Hollyoaks going out on C4 at 6:30pm on Friday 17th December.
CHRIS THOMPSON wrote the episodes of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm and 8:00pm on Thursday 16th December.
NICK WARBURTON'S comedy drama On Mardle Fen "The Dream Insists" goes out on Radio 4 at 2:15pm on Monday 13th December.
NICOLA WILSON wrote the episode of Holby City "The Lying Kind" going out on BBC1 at 8:00pm on Tuesday 14th December.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
In defence of arts funding
On the Guardian theatre blog, Guild member Sarah Grochala urges people to join the campaign against arts funding cuts.
We are all busy, but if we focus too exclusively on individual battles, there is a danger we will lose the overall war. The DCMS's four-year plan implies a slow death for the Arts Council. As much as we might grumble about ACE from time to time, surely none of us want to see its demise. Events such as Cut Off might not offer any new perspective on the current situation but they serve to remind us that our voices are strongest when we speak out as a community. Together we should be able to collect enough signatures to instigate a Commons debate on the arts. It may not change anything, but it's worth a shot.You can sign the Save the Arts petition here.
In bed with John and Yoko
For BBC News, Guild member and TV Committee Chair, Gail Renard, shares memories of meeting John Lennon and Yoko Ono in 1969.Gail's new book about her week with John and Yoko, Give Me A Chance, is published by Walker Books.
Monday, December 06, 2010
Google ebooks launches in America
By Charles Arthur in The Guardian
Google is launching its long-expected web-based ebook offering, now renamed Google eBooks, in the US from today and says it aims to bring it to other countries next year.Here's the story on the Official Google Blog, with the video below.
The launch means that there are now three big players – Amazon, Apple and Google – in the ebook market, with the latter two having only just joined this year. Apple launched into the market with its iBooks offering for its iPad tablet in April.
Previously known as Google Editions, the new platform will be web-based but incorporate various technologies to prevent piracy.
Google says that it will "make it easier for writers to find new audiences for their books, and for readers to find, buy, and read books on most devices."
Adrienne Benham Award
From the Theatre Centre (TC) website:
TC is proud to announce TC Adrienne Benham Award 2011.Full details are on the Theatre Centre website.
In its 3rd year, this writing Award is intended to spotlight promising writing talent and steer gifted writers towards young audiences.
The Award is a £2,000 Seed Commission/Attachment.
The award is made to a writer who satisfies the following criteria:TC’s Artistic Director and independent advisers will select, short list and choose the winner.
- an interest and enthusiasm for young people’s theatre
- a professional commitment to playwriting
- imagination, skill, personality and adventure in his/her writing to date
Deadline for submissions: 11 January 2011.
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Work by Guild members in next seven days
MARTIN ALLEN wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm on Wednesday 8th December.
SARAH BAGSHAW wrote the episodes of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm and 8:00pm on Tuesday 7th December.
SIMON BRETT'S comedy murder mystery A Charles Paris Mystery: Murder in the Title, adapted by JEREMY FRONT goes out on Radio 4 at 11:30pm on Monday 6th December.
DAVID CROFT and JIMMY PERRY wrote the episode of Dad's Army "Boots, Boots, Boots" going out on BBC2 at 6:55pm on Saturday 4th December.
SIMON CROWTHER wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 8:30pm on Friday 10th December.
MARK EVANS'S Bleak Expectations continues on Radio 4 at 6:30pm on Thursday 9th December.
CHRIS FEWTRELL wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 8:30pm on Tuesday 7th December.
ROSEMARY FRIEDMAN'S memoir Life is a Joke - A Writer's Memoir was published by Arcadia Books on 11th November. It is a thoughtful, inspiring and often very funny account of how creativity can banish the everyday "disagreeables", not least of which is ageism. As she tries to make sense of everything life has thrown at her, Rosemary Friedman takes us behind the scenes of playwriting and publishing and gives us her insights into a wide variety of topics, from serious illness to food, friends, families, religion and travel.
DAVID GOODERSON's 60-minute stage adaptation of The Wind in the Willows opens at the Maltings Arts Centre, Farnham on Wednesday 8th December and runs until 12th December. More details and Booking: www.farnhammaltings.com
MARK ILLIS wrote the episode of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm on Friday 10th December.
JULIAN JONES wrote the episode of Merlin "The Coming of Arthur" going out on BBC1 at 7:40pm on Saturday 4th December.
JESSICA LEA wrote the episodes of Hollyoaks going out on C4 at 6:30pm on Thursday 9th and Friday 10th December.
DARAN LITTLE wrote the episodes of EastEnders going out on BBC1 at 7:30pm on Thursday 9th and at 8:00pm on Friday 10thDecember.
JIMMY McGOVERN co-wrote the episode of Accused "Liam's Story" going out on BBC1 at 9:00pm on Monday 6th December.
JAN McVERRY wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 8:00pm on Thursday 9th December.
GUY MEREDITH'S radio play Sky High goes out on Radio 4 at 2:15pm on Friday 10th December.
CAROLINE MITCHELL wrote the episode of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm on Thursday 9th December.
CARMEL MORGAN wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:30pm Friday 10th December.
DAVID STAFFORD co-wrote the episode of Hazelbeach going out on Radio 4 at 11:30pm on Wednesday 8th December.
JOE TURNER wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 8:30pm on Monday 6th December.
NICK WARBURTON'S radio play On Mardle Fen begins a new series with the episode Bird in Hand going out on Radio 4 at 2:15pm on Monday 6th December.
PETER WHALLEY wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:30pm on Monday 6th December.
KARIN YOUNG wrote the episode of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm on Monday 6th December.
SARAH BAGSHAW wrote the episodes of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm and 8:00pm on Tuesday 7th December.
SIMON BRETT'S comedy murder mystery A Charles Paris Mystery: Murder in the Title, adapted by JEREMY FRONT goes out on Radio 4 at 11:30pm on Monday 6th December.
DAVID CROFT and JIMMY PERRY wrote the episode of Dad's Army "Boots, Boots, Boots" going out on BBC2 at 6:55pm on Saturday 4th December.
SIMON CROWTHER wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 8:30pm on Friday 10th December.
MARK EVANS'S Bleak Expectations continues on Radio 4 at 6:30pm on Thursday 9th December.
CHRIS FEWTRELL wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 8:30pm on Tuesday 7th December.
ROSEMARY FRIEDMAN'S memoir Life is a Joke - A Writer's Memoir was published by Arcadia Books on 11th November. It is a thoughtful, inspiring and often very funny account of how creativity can banish the everyday "disagreeables", not least of which is ageism. As she tries to make sense of everything life has thrown at her, Rosemary Friedman takes us behind the scenes of playwriting and publishing and gives us her insights into a wide variety of topics, from serious illness to food, friends, families, religion and travel.
DAVID GOODERSON's 60-minute stage adaptation of The Wind in the Willows opens at the Maltings Arts Centre, Farnham on Wednesday 8th December and runs until 12th December. More details and Booking: www.farnhammaltings.com
MARK ILLIS wrote the episode of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm on Friday 10th December.
JULIAN JONES wrote the episode of Merlin "The Coming of Arthur" going out on BBC1 at 7:40pm on Saturday 4th December.
JESSICA LEA wrote the episodes of Hollyoaks going out on C4 at 6:30pm on Thursday 9th and Friday 10th December.
DARAN LITTLE wrote the episodes of EastEnders going out on BBC1 at 7:30pm on Thursday 9th and at 8:00pm on Friday 10thDecember.
JIMMY McGOVERN co-wrote the episode of Accused "Liam's Story" going out on BBC1 at 9:00pm on Monday 6th December.
JAN McVERRY wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 8:00pm on Thursday 9th December.
GUY MEREDITH'S radio play Sky High goes out on Radio 4 at 2:15pm on Friday 10th December.
CAROLINE MITCHELL wrote the episode of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm on Thursday 9th December.
CARMEL MORGAN wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:30pm Friday 10th December.
DAVID STAFFORD co-wrote the episode of Hazelbeach going out on Radio 4 at 11:30pm on Wednesday 8th December.
JOE TURNER wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 8:30pm on Monday 6th December.
NICK WARBURTON'S radio play On Mardle Fen begins a new series with the episode Bird in Hand going out on Radio 4 at 2:15pm on Monday 6th December.
PETER WHALLEY wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:30pm on Monday 6th December.
KARIN YOUNG wrote the episode of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm on Monday 6th December.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Children's Bafta Awards 2010
The Children's Bafta Awards 2010 were presented in London last night. Among the winners were:
- The writing team of Horrible Histories (Best Writer and Best Comedy)
- Tracey Beaker Returns (Best Drama)
- Timmy Time (Best Pre-School Animation)
- Shaun The Sheep (Best Animation)
Emmerdale producer Gavin Blyth dies
From BBC News:
Gavin Blyth, the TV producer in charge of Emmerdale for the last two years, has died at the age of 41.
Mr Blyth, who was Emmerdale's series producer and had previously worked on Coronation Street, suffered a short illness, ITV said.
Emmerdale executive producer Steve November said he had "made an immense contribution" to the show.
BFI to take on Film Council role
Ed Vaizey, minister for Culture and the Creative Industries, has announced that the British Film Institute (BFI) will take on the work previously done by the UK Film Council (UKFC) which will be abolished by 2012.
Olivia Hetreed, Chair of the Writers' Guild Film Committee, reports.
Ed Vaizey spoke to industry this morning at Bafta. He talked of the success of the film industry and of the consultation so far. He namechecked a number of organisations, including producers' organisation PACT and their 'lock box' idea of giving producers funding control. He confirmed what everyone seemed to know, that BFI will take over most functions of the UKFC.
These include: distribution of Lottery funds, which will rise to £43 mill in 2014 (for all outbound not prod fund); certification of British films; media desk and funds for nations and regions. There will be no gap in Lottery funding. Skillset and First Light to continue. Film tax credit will also continue.
The regional screen agencies will be reorganised as Creative England with hubs in the north of England the midlands and the south.
Film London will take on film commission role of selling UK film facilities and personnel abroad.
Bafta, BFI and BBC Worldwide will work together to sell British films abroad.
Ed Vaizey said that he wants a ministerial film forum to meet every six months or so comp of the trade bodies and 'interesting personalities with something to say'. The first step will be an open process to appoint new board members then consultation on the detail.
No specifics were given on what is going from UKFC or how much they plan to save but all done and dusted by spring 2012.
I asked how Creative England would avoid the problems currently besetting Creative Scotland. Vaizey said Creative England will not take on Arts Council functions but be focused on the creative side of film, TV, games, the internet and publishing rather than taking on wider artistic admin.
In a BFI statement its chair, Greg Dyke, said that the production fund will increase from £15m to £18m in 2011/12 thanks to significant savings in overheads.
The UK Film Council has also issued a statement in response to Ed Vaizey's annoucement this morning.
Update: The Department for Culture Media and Sport website now has a report, Vaizey's full speech and full details of the reforms.
Olivia Hetreed, Chair of the Writers' Guild Film Committee, reports.
Ed Vaizey spoke to industry this morning at Bafta. He talked of the success of the film industry and of the consultation so far. He namechecked a number of organisations, including producers' organisation PACT and their 'lock box' idea of giving producers funding control. He confirmed what everyone seemed to know, that BFI will take over most functions of the UKFC.
These include: distribution of Lottery funds, which will rise to £43 mill in 2014 (for all outbound not prod fund); certification of British films; media desk and funds for nations and regions. There will be no gap in Lottery funding. Skillset and First Light to continue. Film tax credit will also continue.
The regional screen agencies will be reorganised as Creative England with hubs in the north of England the midlands and the south.
Film London will take on film commission role of selling UK film facilities and personnel abroad.
Bafta, BFI and BBC Worldwide will work together to sell British films abroad.
Ed Vaizey said that he wants a ministerial film forum to meet every six months or so comp of the trade bodies and 'interesting personalities with something to say'. The first step will be an open process to appoint new board members then consultation on the detail.
No specifics were given on what is going from UKFC or how much they plan to save but all done and dusted by spring 2012.
I asked how Creative England would avoid the problems currently besetting Creative Scotland. Vaizey said Creative England will not take on Arts Council functions but be focused on the creative side of film, TV, games, the internet and publishing rather than taking on wider artistic admin.
In a BFI statement its chair, Greg Dyke, said that the production fund will increase from £15m to £18m in 2011/12 thanks to significant savings in overheads.
The UK Film Council has also issued a statement in response to Ed Vaizey's annoucement this morning.
Update: The Department for Culture Media and Sport website now has a report, Vaizey's full speech and full details of the reforms.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Minimum rates for BBC TV drama writers increase
Following negotiations under the WGGB / PMA / BBC TV drama agreement minimum rates for BBC TV writers have increased.
Full details can be found on the Writers' Guild website.
Full details can be found on the Writers' Guild website.
Work by Guild members in next seven days
RICHARD BURKE wrote the episode of Hollyoaks going out on C4 at 6:30pm on Monday 29th November.
ANNA CLEMENTS wrote the episodes of Hollyoaks going out on C4 at 6:30pm on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd December.
DAVID CROFT and JIMMY PERRY co-wrote the episode of Dad's Army "Don't Forget the Diver" going out on BBC2 at 8:00pm on Saturday 27th November.
HELEN CROSS'S documentary drama Blue Eyed Boy goes out on Radio 4 at 2:15pm on Monday 2th November.
SIMON CROWTHER wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:30pm on Friday 3rd December.
MATT EVANS wrote the episodes of EastEnders going out on BBC1 at 8:00pm on Monday 29th and at 7:30pm on Tuesday 30th November.
Congratulations to MICHAEL FRAYN who received a nomination for the Costa Biography Award for his memoir of his father and his childhood, My Father's Fortune. Michael Frayn also was awarded the Writers' Guild Lifetime Achievement Award on Sunday.
JEREMY FRONT'S adaptation of A Charles Paris Mystery: Murder in the Title continues on Radio 4 at 11:30am on Monday 29th November.
ROB GITTINS wrote the episode of EastEnders going out on BBC1 at 8:00pm on Friday 3rd December.
CAROLINE HARRINGTON wrote the episodes of The Archers going out on Radio 4 at 7:00pm from Sunday 28th November till Friday 3rd December. Each episode is repeated at 2:00pm the day after its original broadcast.
JOHN KERR wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 8:00pm on Thursday 2nd December.
ROB KINSMAN wrote the episode of Doctors "Fault Lines" going out on BBC1 at 1:45pm on Friday 3rd December.
FRED LAWLESS has written this year's Christmas show for the Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool. Scouse Pacific open on Friday 26th November and runs until Saturday 8th January. More details at http://www.royalcourtliverpool.co.uk
PENNY LEICESTER'S abridgment of The End of the Alphabet goes out on Radio 4 at 2:15pm on Wednesday 1st December.
BILL LYONS wrote the episode of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm on Wednesday 1st December.
Congratulations to JIMMY McGOVERN who won an International Emmy at a ceremony in New York this week for his drama series, The Street. The show also received a Best Actor award for Bob Hoskins for his role as a reformed alcoholic pub landlord who took a stand against a local gangster. In July 2009, Jimmy McGovern announced the programme was ending because of cuts to the Manchester drama department of ITV Studios, which made The Street for the BBC. He told BBC Radio 4's Front Row he would not take the drama to another producer.
GRAHAM MITCHELL wrote the episode of Holby City "Future Shock" going out on BBC1 at 8:00pm on Tuesday 30th November.
ALICE NUTTER and JIMMY McGOVERN co-wrote the episode of Accused "Helen's Story" going out on BBC1 at 9:00pm on Monday 29th November
TIM PRICE wrote the episode of EastEnders going out on BBC1 at 7:30pm on Thursday 2nd December.
DAMON ROCHEFORT wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:30pm on Monday 29th November.
DAVID STAFFORD co-wrote the episode of Hazelbeach going out on Radio 4 at 11:30am on Wednesday 1st December.
AMANDA WHITTINGTON's Paradise Place concludes this evening at 7.45 pm on BBC Radio 4. Paradise Place is a series of five linked plays, broadcasted every day this week in the Woman's Hour drama slot at 10.45 am and repeated at 7.45 pm. The five plays can be heard on the Listen Again part of the BBC website for up to seven days after the original broadcast: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00w5cwv
ANNA CLEMENTS wrote the episodes of Hollyoaks going out on C4 at 6:30pm on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd December.
DAVID CROFT and JIMMY PERRY co-wrote the episode of Dad's Army "Don't Forget the Diver" going out on BBC2 at 8:00pm on Saturday 27th November.
HELEN CROSS'S documentary drama Blue Eyed Boy goes out on Radio 4 at 2:15pm on Monday 2th November.
SIMON CROWTHER wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:30pm on Friday 3rd December.
MATT EVANS wrote the episodes of EastEnders going out on BBC1 at 8:00pm on Monday 29th and at 7:30pm on Tuesday 30th November.
Congratulations to MICHAEL FRAYN who received a nomination for the Costa Biography Award for his memoir of his father and his childhood, My Father's Fortune. Michael Frayn also was awarded the Writers' Guild Lifetime Achievement Award on Sunday.
JEREMY FRONT'S adaptation of A Charles Paris Mystery: Murder in the Title continues on Radio 4 at 11:30am on Monday 29th November.
ROB GITTINS wrote the episode of EastEnders going out on BBC1 at 8:00pm on Friday 3rd December.
CAROLINE HARRINGTON wrote the episodes of The Archers going out on Radio 4 at 7:00pm from Sunday 28th November till Friday 3rd December. Each episode is repeated at 2:00pm the day after its original broadcast.
JOHN KERR wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 8:00pm on Thursday 2nd December.
ROB KINSMAN wrote the episode of Doctors "Fault Lines" going out on BBC1 at 1:45pm on Friday 3rd December.
FRED LAWLESS has written this year's Christmas show for the Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool. Scouse Pacific open on Friday 26th November and runs until Saturday 8th January. More details at http://www.royalcourtliverpool.co.uk
PENNY LEICESTER'S abridgment of The End of the Alphabet goes out on Radio 4 at 2:15pm on Wednesday 1st December.
BILL LYONS wrote the episode of Emmerdale going out on ITV1 at 7:00pm on Wednesday 1st December.
Congratulations to JIMMY McGOVERN who won an International Emmy at a ceremony in New York this week for his drama series, The Street. The show also received a Best Actor award for Bob Hoskins for his role as a reformed alcoholic pub landlord who took a stand against a local gangster. In July 2009, Jimmy McGovern announced the programme was ending because of cuts to the Manchester drama department of ITV Studios, which made The Street for the BBC. He told BBC Radio 4's Front Row he would not take the drama to another producer.
GRAHAM MITCHELL wrote the episode of Holby City "Future Shock" going out on BBC1 at 8:00pm on Tuesday 30th November.
ALICE NUTTER and JIMMY McGOVERN co-wrote the episode of Accused "Helen's Story" going out on BBC1 at 9:00pm on Monday 29th November
TIM PRICE wrote the episode of EastEnders going out on BBC1 at 7:30pm on Thursday 2nd December.
DAMON ROCHEFORT wrote the episode of Coronation Street going out on ITV1 at 7:30pm on Monday 29th November.
DAVID STAFFORD co-wrote the episode of Hazelbeach going out on Radio 4 at 11:30am on Wednesday 1st December.
AMANDA WHITTINGTON's Paradise Place concludes this evening at 7.45 pm on BBC Radio 4. Paradise Place is a series of five linked plays, broadcasted every day this week in the Woman's Hour drama slot at 10.45 am and repeated at 7.45 pm. The five plays can be heard on the Listen Again part of the BBC website for up to seven days after the original broadcast: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00w5cwv
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Lean times for children's theatre
On The Guardian Theatre Blog, Mike Kenny argues that there is a desperate need for more original plays for children to be commissioned and performed.
Be honest, can you name a person working consistently as a children's playwright? If you can, have you ever seen one of their plays? In such a landscape, you might wonder why I still plug away. Funnily enough, I entered the business in a boom time. For a while, from the late 60s till the 80s, theatre in education flourished. Every major city had an ensemble creating original work for children. Coventry Belgrade's Rare Earth Trilogy, and Killed, Theatre Centre's 1985, Leeds TIE's Raj, Cockpit's The First Casualty, Ludus's Power – all great lost pieces from companies cut in the 80s. We haven't got near to that quality and output, and now we're facing cuts again.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
International Emmy success for British writers
British writers had a successful night at the International Emmy Awards last night.
Jimmy McGovern's The Street won best drama series, Shaun The Sheep won the best children's series and Small Island (by Paula Milne and Sarah Williams based on the novel by Andrea Levy) was named best TV movie/mini-series.
Jimmy McGovern's The Street won best drama series, Shaun The Sheep won the best children's series and Small Island (by Paula Milne and Sarah Williams based on the novel by Andrea Levy) was named best TV movie/mini-series.
Amazon Studios
Olivia Hetreed, Chair of the Writers' Guild's Film Committee, responds to the launch of Amazon Studios.
This seems tempting - free entry with the potential to have your script seen by many and maybe picked up by Warner Bros; the harnessing of a wide open talent pool of perhaps previously unheard voices - but the terms and conditions are not good.
The Guild does not approve of free options and 18 months exclusive while anyone can read, rewrite, rip off and variously mess about with your script in any way is particularly unattractive.
The idea that the collective creativity of the web will come up with a good screenplay looks both a) completely untenable and b) frankly insulting to professional screenwriters. Monkeys and typewriters comes to mind.
If a) then the whole project will wither and die under the weight of appalling writing and outraged squawking. If a good script does make it through this process and get made (or a bad script, which is just as likely) then the insult b) will become more serious.
A judgement process based on internet 'popularity' without any filtering seems both open to abuse and most unlikely to produce good or interesting results.
See more comment on Amazon Studios from:
This seems tempting - free entry with the potential to have your script seen by many and maybe picked up by Warner Bros; the harnessing of a wide open talent pool of perhaps previously unheard voices - but the terms and conditions are not good.
The Guild does not approve of free options and 18 months exclusive while anyone can read, rewrite, rip off and variously mess about with your script in any way is particularly unattractive.
The idea that the collective creativity of the web will come up with a good screenplay looks both a) completely untenable and b) frankly insulting to professional screenwriters. Monkeys and typewriters comes to mind.
If a) then the whole project will wither and die under the weight of appalling writing and outraged squawking. If a good script does make it through this process and get made (or a bad script, which is just as likely) then the insult b) will become more serious.
A judgement process based on internet 'popularity' without any filtering seems both open to abuse and most unlikely to produce good or interesting results.
See more comment on Amazon Studios from:
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