Category: THE WRITERS ROOM
Sun, sea and animals
Writer Simon Nye talks to DQ about writing The Durrells, ITV’s hit family drama about a British family living on the idyllic Greek island of Corfu in the 1930s.
New danger, Will Robinson
Fifty years after it left the small screen, Lost in Space is back. Writers Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless plus showrunner Zack Estrin discuss making this space adventure, a modern take on Irwin Allen’s classic 1960s series.
Jack of all trades
As British drama Kiri makes its US debut, writer Jack Thorne tells DQ about penning the four-part miniseries and his approach to writing, with upcoming projects including The Eddy and His Dark Materials.
So Farr so good
Screenwriter David Farr talks about his fascination with identity and how it informs the characters at the heart of his television dramas, which include Troy: Fall of a City, The Night Manager and Philip K Dick adaptation Impossible Planet.
Brothers in arms
From starting out writing sitcoms, Jack and Harry Williams struck gold with mystery thriller The Missing. In this DQTV interview, the brothers discuss their writing partnership and breaking traditions with dramas such as Rellik and Liar.
Hot damm
German writer Annette Hess tells DQ about period drama Ku’damm 56 and its upcoming sequel Ku’damm 59, her desire to create a series with strong female characters and why she enjoys writing about the past.
A bit on the Side
Brazilian screenwriter Walcyr Carrasco tells DQ how he was inspired by Voltaire’s Candide to create Globo telenovela The Good Side of Life and discusses the changing landscape of Brazilian drama.
Eyes on the prize
Kate Rowland, creative consultant at Red Planet Pictures and former creative director of new writing at the BBC, discusses the challenges of developing new writers for television as Red Planet seeks submissions for the latest round of its writing competition.
Match maker
Having already enjoyed life as short film and a kids’ TV show, the idea behind Martin Lund’s comedy drama Match has now evolved into a “grown-up” series. DQ chats to the writer, director and actor about finding the balance between high stakes and humour in a 15-minute running time.
Slaying the competition
Marti Noxon has written for some of the biggest shows in television, from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Grey’s Anatomy to Mad Men and Glee. She tells DQ about her career on the small screen and previews new series Sharp Objects and Dietland.
Off with a Bang
Hinterland gave Welsh-language drama recognition on the international stage. Now, writer Roger Williams hopes to repeat that show’s success with Bang, a taut bilingual thriller set and filmed in the town of Port Talbot.
Riding high
Acclaimed screenwriter Tony Grisoni, best known for TV series including Red Riding and Southcliffe and movies such as Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas, tells DQ about his eclectic CV and explains why there should be more noise about collaborative nature of filmmaking.
All change
Fiction and reality combine in romantic period drama Nada Será Como Antes (Nothing Remains the Same), set during the time of Brazil’s first TV network in the 1950s. Writer Jorge Furtado spoke to DQ.
A Greek fairy tale
Greek writer Loris Loizidis has ambitions to move into TV drama off the back of his latest comedy, Paramythi… Allios. He tells DQ about producing a show for both Greek and Cypriot viewers.
Jail time
Brazilian series Carcereiros (Jailers) is building on the current trend for prison dramas by presenting events from the unique viewpoint of those charged with keeping the peace between inmates. DQ hears from the writing team behind the show.
From Russia with love
The Cold War has proven to be a popular subject for TV drama in the past couple of years. Russian series Optimisty (The Optimists), created by Michael Idov, continues that trend.
The Fearless factor
After working on Homeland for the past four seasons, British writer Patrick Harbinson is bringing his own brand of conspiracy thriller back to the UK. He tells DQ the story behind Fearless.
On the Boardwalk
Terence Winter recalls the origins of Prohibition-era drama Boardwalk Empire and explains how he created the characters and conflict that would carry the show through five seasons on HBO.
Jordan’s journey
British writer Tony Jordan tells DQ how his creative process changes from project to project, discussing series including Hooten & The Lady, Dickensian and TV movie Babs.
Perfect Storm
A family of priests are at the centre of Herrens Veje (Ride Upon the Storm), Danish writer Adam Price’s follow-up to political drama Borgen.