UK Vs US?

In today's Broadcast there is a really interesting interview with Stephen Merchant, who is looking to try his hand at writing drama.

The article states "...he'll be looking to the US rather than British drama for inspiration." It then goes on, "...there's an incredible sense of personality and vision. They [the U.S.] take the genre and invest it with a whole new depth and I just feel like in British drama, we've become a little complacent." He then mentions the 'formula and copycat shows' on British TV, but the article does note "his reluctance to criticise his peers".

What do you think about the differences - if any - between our own homegrown and American drama? For better or for worse? For richer or for poorer? Do 'they' really do it better? Or do they just have more filthy lucre available? Do you think 'The Writing Team' (U.S style) may be the way ahead for UK writing?

Answers on a postcard. Or you could just post a comment here.

2 day TV Forum

I have just noticed the Script Factory are running a two-day TV Forum in April. Here's the info if you haven't read it: Script Factory TV Forum

Is this really it?

Perhaps, just perhaps. I may have finally done it. I have had two minutes to get this darn blog off the ground. Sick of being sighed at by Lucy et al, I decided it was time. Although I still don't know how I do all the things 'The Others' have on their blogs, but I'm sure I'll be told. Must just add it was lovely to catch up with y'all at Adrian Mead's excellent course in very writerly Bloomsbury on Saturday. Ass-pinching & boob-groping aside, it really was a splendid day.

So, here I am. The builders have gone - and left me in a heap of plaster dust - but at least they have gone. They forgot to take their spikey haired sparky with them, so he keeps popping up to finish power points, light switches, heating control valves and little riveting jobs like that. Actually, I'm not sure if he's living in the house somewhere and just hibernates over the weekend. Perhaps when I get round to the last packed boxes and cleaning up the final speck of dust (ha ha ha) I'll find his little den - or whatever electricians hibernate in. Until then, I guess he'll keep scuttling out of his socket den and find a wire to adjust.

One of the builders asked me why I had so many power points installed. My answer: I like having the power. It went over his head too.

Had better move on now as I really should unpack a pot, pan or something. Takeaways are wearing thin after three months. Until next time.