Category: THE WRITERS ROOM
Fault lines
All Her Fault writer Megan Gallagher speaks to DQ about adapting Andrea Mara’s novel for the screen, working with star Sarah Snook and why she’s confident the eight-part thriller sticks the landing.
Forsyte unseen
Poldark writer Debbie Horsfield tells DQ about her “alternative” approach to crafting The Forsytes, a new period drama based on John Galsworthy’s Forsyte novels, writing for its starry ensemble cast and the unique circumstances behind making the series.
Eyes on Iris
The Iris Affair creator Neil Cross reflects on making this topical eight-part Sky thriller set across Italy, how he was inspired by the glamorous TV he grew up with and why he embraces the “chaos” in his career as a writer.
Imposter syndrome
Imposter creator and writer Jason Herbison tells DQ about reuniting with Neighbours star Jackie Woodburne for this four-part family feud thriller set in Melbourne, the appeal of Brits abroad and tapping into the “romanticised” appeal of Australia.
Unlocking Keyes
Irish actor and writer Stefanie Preissner and author Marian Keyes tell DQ how they came together to bring some of Keyes’ most famous characters to the screen with The Walsh Sisters, a comedic drama about five chaotic yet lovable siblings navigating their late 20s and 30s.
Selina’s story
Rekviem for Selina (Requiem for Selina) creator Emmeline Berglund reflects on creating this six-part drama about Norway’s first beauty blogger, why it’s a show for the TikTok generation and how it has changed the conversation around beauty standards.
Zonz of interest
French dramedy Zonz (Jailbreakers) follows a group of teenagers who find friendship, and possibly freedom, together in a youth detention centre. Co-creators Marine Maugrain-Legagneur and Quentin Pissot tell DQ how the dynamic series was brought to the screen.
Boiling over
Coldwater writer David Ireland speaks to DQ about penning this ITV thriller about family, masculinity and serial killers, working with star Andrew Lincoln and why he doesn’t like being on set.
Special Guest
Writer Matthew Barry reveals the inspirations behind his BBC thriller The Guest, discusses the toxic friendship at the heart of the story and explains why he wants his work to be “unashamedly commercial.”
Getting ready for Ridley
As Ridley returns to ITV, creator Paul Matthew Thompson tells DQ about reuniting with Adrian Dunbar’s captivating detective, the challenge of writing compulsive murder mysteries and what it’s like swapping police drama for high-seas adventure aboard The Good Ship Murder.
Killer instincts
From developing a high-octane plot to leading their first writers room, Harry and Jack Williams share their experience of making The Assassin – and why they’re always up for a creative challenge.
Bigger and better
As BAFTA winner Mr Bigstuff returns for a second season, creator and star Ryan Sampson tells DQ about making the Sky comedy, writing a series for fellow lead Danny Dyer and how he juggles multiple roles behind the scenes.
Making Dreamers come true
Dreamers creator, writer and executive producer Lisa Holdsworth explains how she found the balance between drama and authenticity in this Channel 4 drama about a group of dance students.
Not your average Joe
As the writer behind Giri/Haji, The Lazarus Project and Black Doves, Joe Barton has worked across multiple genres while retaining his trademark humour and style. He discusses creating characters, casting and the things up-and-coming writers should focus on.
Night to remember
Nos vies en l’air (A Night to Live) writer Margaux Bonhomme discusses the challenging themes and format at the heart of this French coming-of-age drama, which centres on two desperate teens who find solace in strangers as they face a decision between life and death.
McCredie’s juggling act
Australian screenwriter Elise McCredie reveals how she manages multiple projects, from topical dramas like Stateless to airport-set development project The Chaplain, and discusses her passion for telling bold, character-driven stories that explore the depths of humanity.
Lockerbie’s untold story
Novelist-turned-screenwriter Jonathan Lee details how years of research led him to write The Bombing of Pan Am 103, a BBC drama exploring the investigation into and response to the Lockerbie disaster in 1988.
In good taste
Dood Spoor (Dead End) creator, writer and director Malin-Sarah Gozin helps DQ digest this unique Flemish crime series, in which a man with a unique gift – he can see the last moments of anything he puts in his mouth – joins the police hunt for a serial killer.
On a slippery soap
Lisa Holdsworth, a writer, producer and the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain regional representative for Yorkshire, writes for DQ about the importance of continuing drama on television and why the falling number of soap writing opportunities is bad news for the drama industry as a whole.
I, Chris Lang
Unforgotten creator Chris Lang’s new show, I, Jack Wright, focuses on the shockwaves sent through a family by its deceased patriarch’s will. The writer and exec producer lays out his wishes for the series and explains why he wanted to tell this story.