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Name:
Age:
Location:
Do you study or have studied anything to do with television or television writing?
If so what?
Do you watch British television drama?
If so which ones?
What in your opinion makes a good British television drama?
Have you ever watched a drama on BBC 3, 4 or ITV1 or 2
What would make you watch a British television drama instead of a film?
Instead of a play?
Instead of listening to the radio?
Have there been any British television drama’s that you really connect with?
Do you watch any American tv drama’s? how do they differ in your opinion.
Do you think they are better or worse than British drama?
Are you familiar with the names of any British television drama writers?
If so what are their names and how do you know of them?
Why do you think people write for television?
Do I have your permission to use this as research for my dissertation which may result in me quoting from it? (just put ‘yes’ your initials, and the date.)
Thanks!
- Mood:
gloomy
Comments
Age: 22
Location: Wigan, Lancashire
Do you study or have studied anything to do with television or television writing?
No
If so what?
N/A
Do you watch British television drama?
Yes.
If so which ones?
Blackpool, Doctor Who, Queer As Folk
What in your opinion makes a good British television drama?
A good plot/story that is well acted.
Have you ever watched a drama on BBC 3, 4 or ITV1 or 2
Yes
What would make you watch a British television drama instead of a film?
If it had good reviews, sounded as though it has an interesting concept.
Instead of a play?
Nothing
Instead of listening to the radio?
I don't listen to the radio.
Have there been any British television drama’s that you really connect with?
Not particularly
Do you watch any American tv drama’s? how do they differ in your opinion.
Yes, I watch more American than British. Generally they seem to be more exciting/interesting than British ones.
Do you think they are better or worse than British drama?
Better.
Are you familiar with the names of any British television drama writers?
A few
If so what are their names and how do you know of them?
Russell T Davies (Queer As Folk, Doctor Who), Stephen Poliakoff (The Lost Prince), Victoria Wood (Dinnerladies)
Why do you think people write for television?
I suppose it's considered easier/more interesting than writing for theatre.
Do I have your permission to use this as research for my dissertation which may result in me quoting from it? (just put ‘yes’ your initials, and the date.)
Yes. EW. 18 April 2006
Age: 20
Location: Savannah, Georgia
Do you study or have studied anything to do with television or television writing? Yes
If so what? I've studied screenwriting and am also a Film/Telvision Productino major.
Do you watch British television drama? Yes
If so which ones? Doctor Who, Blackpool, Queer as Folk Anything that gets shown over here or has good word of mouth online.
What in your opinion makes a good British television drama? Intersting plot and good writing as well as a strong cast that has a good ensemble report.
Have you ever watched a drama on BBC 3, 4 or ITV1 or 2? Since I live in the States, it's mostly on BBC America. I do occasionally buy dvds and what not of shows that could have been on those channels though.
What would make you watch a British television drama instead of a film? The writing and the plot. There's more you can do in a 6 hour miniseries or a continuous series than you can do in a film.
Instead of a play? Pretty much the same thing as with a film. Also, watching something on TV doesn't (generally speaking) cost as much as going to see a play. Also, location makes a difference. You may not have good theater areound your area, but you can see a well produced television drama from a much wider distance.
Instead of listening to the radio? I'm more of a TV person so I don't really listen to the radio much.
Have there been any British television drama’s that you really connect with? I don't think I would say connected with it, but I have been invested in characters and found good development/interesting plot twists.
Do you watch any American tv drama’s? how do they differ in your opinion. Yes. I think the biggest difference is the size and the budget. Also, by size not only production value but also the sheer number of episodes for a series which generally runs closer to 22 or sometimes as much as 26.
Do you think they are better or worse than British drama? In some cases production values are a little better simply because big name producers over here can get so much money behind them for shows where British dramas seem to be more low key (which is not always a bad thing). I think the acting and the art of television comes through more through British drama.
Are you familiar with the names of any British television drama writers? Yes
If so what are their names and how do you know of them? Russell T. Davies from Queer as Folk and Doctor Who.
Why do you think people write for television? There's a sense of fluidity within television. You are constantly being able to develop a character or characters and in some cases you're able to move from show to show and genre to genre and really explore your craft.
Do I have your permission to use this as research for my dissertation which may result in me quoting from it? (just put ‘yes’ your initials, and the date.) Yes, LH, 4/18/2006
I saw this on one of the communities I'm in and figured I'd help out. Don't know if it matters that I'm not from England, but I figured better than nothing.
Age: 17
Location: London
Do you study or have studied anything to do with television or television writing? No.
If so what? N/A
Do you watch British television drama? Yes
If so which ones? Casanova, Blackpool, Secret Smile, Dr Who, Green Wing (does that count?)
What in your opinion makes a good British television drama? An interesting plot/storyline with good actors. Often something a bit different from the norm like the songs in Blackpool. David Tennant :p
Have you ever watched a drama on BBC 3, 4 or ITV1 or 2? Yes
What would make you watch a British television drama instead of a film? If the reviews and the story looked interesting or it had actors in it that I particularly like.
Instead of a play? I don't really get to go to the theatre a lot due to lack of own income :p. But I would rather see a version of something in the theatre than on TV.
Instead of listening to the radio? Depends on the drama or radio station, and what actors are in each.
Have there been any British television dramas that you really connect with? I'm not sure really. I suppose "The Chatterley Affair" that was recently on BBC4 because it made me really interested in the book and made me want to read it. I now want to read other books by DH Lawrence.
Do you watch any American tv drama’s? How do they differ in your opinion? Yes, they often seem more slick and film-like (if that makes sense?).
Do you think they are better or worse than British drama? I think I prefer British dramas because they're often more quirky and interesting.
Are you familiar with the names of any British television drama writers? Yes
If so what are their names and how do you know of them? Russell T Davies (Dr Who, Queer As Folk, Casanova), Andrew Davies (Austen adaptations, The Chatterley Affair), Robert Harley + James Henry + Gary Howe + Stuart Kenworthy + Oriane Messina + Victoria Pile + Richard Preddy + Fay Rusling (Green Wing - if it counts!), Toby Whithouse (Dr Who, No Angels)
Why do you think people write for television?
Maybe because there's more scope for development than in a film, with the possibilites of extra series and so on?
Do I have your permission to use this as research for my dissertation which may result in me quoting from it? (just put ‘yes’ your initials, and the date.) Yes, GSF, 18/04/06 (It's David Tennant's birthday today!)
...I did invite David round to eat it with me but he never turned up ;)
http://dramastar-kt.livejournal.com/318
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v
:)
:)
...should be ok if I can actually manage to drag myself away from the internet and do some work. :p
Age:25
Location:Sheffield (UK)
Do you study or have studied anything to do with television or television writing? Yes
If so what? Media Studies Degree
Do you watch British television drama? Yes
If so which ones? Doctor Who, ITV's one offs, various others that have left my head
What in your opinion makes a good British television drama? The writing and the actors
Have you ever watched a drama on BBC 3, 4 or ITV1 or 2, yes to all of them
What would make you watch a British television drama instead of a film? The subject matter and length
Instead of a play? Being able to watch it at home for free
Instead of listening to the radio? I have a visual mind
Have there been any British television drama’s that you really connect with? Not that I can think of
Do you watch any American tv drama’s? how do they differ in your opinion. Yes, thet tend to have cost more and deal with less believable subject matters, be more upscale in their story telling.
Do you think they are better or worse than British drama? Neither just different.
Are you familiar with the names of any British television drama writers? Yes
If so what are their names and how do you know of them?
Only really Russell T Davis at the moment, I know him from various programmes he's been involved with and have enjoyed them.
Why do you think people write for television?
Because it's what they want to do and are good at, the money probably doesn't hurt though.
Do I have your permission to use this as research for my dissertation which may result in me quoting from it? Yes, KC, 18th April 2006
(also if you need to contact about anything else for this feel free)
Age: 41
Location: Vermont USA
Do you study or have studied anything to do with television or television writing?
No
If so what?
Do you watch British television drama?
Huge amounts
If so which ones?
I couldn't possibly give you all the titles, since I watch so many, but I go for the costume dramas and romances, in particular, as well as the mysteries and suspense dramas. Which is pretty much all the categories! Favorites have included Pride and Prejudice, The Jury, Marple, Waking the Dead, State of Play, Perfect Strangers, Wives and Daughters, Persuasion, Poirot, Ultraviolet, Daniel Deronda, etc.
What in your opinion makes a good British television drama?
Good casting, excellent writing, historical correctness both in setting and costume and manners, and good editing.
Have you ever watched a drama on BBC 3, 4 or ITV1 or 2?
When I was in England in 2002, I watched a lot of dramas, including Daniel Deronda and Doctor Zhivago, and I remember watching BBC 4, but don't remember what stuff I saw on there, except that I liked it!
What would make you watch a British television drama instead of a film?
The attention to detail, the casting, and the high level of acting.
Instead of a play?
That's not usually a contest for me. For me, nothing beats live theatre.
Instead of listening to the radio?
Don't listen to the radio, mainly because most of the radio here in the States is crap.
Have there been any British television drama’s that you really connect with? Perfect Strangers by Stephen Poliakoff, Reckless, Grafters, The Jury, etc.
Do you watch any American tv drama’s?
I watch a lot of the American dramas that appear on HBO and Showtime over here. They do compare very favorably with British TV dramas, and they're actually better than things like Footballer's Wives. I do not watch any of the network shows, except House and Lost, both of which I think do give British shows some cause for concern.
How do they differ in your opinion? Really, for the most part, it is the consistent sense of reality that the British dramas, both historical and contemporary bring to television that strikes me. There is a naturalness to the acting styles that draws one into the story much quicker than even the best of the HBO dramas. I am always aware that American actors are "acting". I don't have that problem with most British actors. Part of the problem is that American scripts are often more stylized, even if they're trying for hyper-reality. I also put it down to the whole "method-acting" thing, which isn't as prevalent, but it still is the underlying acting style for this country.
Do you think they are better or worse than British drama? See above answer.
Are you familiar with the names of any British television drama writers?
If so what are their names and how do you know of them?
Andrew Davies is the first one who springs to mind. There's also Stephen Poliakoff. Those are the only two I know. I know Andrew Davies from his wonderful adaptations of British classic novels for the BBC. I know Stephen Poliakoff from Perfect Strangers and the Tribe.
Why do you think people write for television? As far as writing adaptations goes, one can fit a lot more material into a miniseries than into a two hour film. I suppose it's the same for original dramas.
Do I have your permission to use this as research for my dissertation which may result in me quoting from it? (just put ‘yes’ your initials, and the date.) Yes, BEM, 4/18/06
Thanks!
Age: 18
Location: Australia
Do you study or have studied anything to do with television or television writing?
No, but does scriptwriting count? Learnt a bit about screenwriting in high school.
If so what?
See above.
Do you watch British television drama?
Yes.
If so which ones?
Blackpool, Shameless, Green Wing (well it's serious sometimes), Hex, Life on Mars, Spooks, Hotel Babylon, Doctor Who, Cambridge Spies, State of Play; adaptations like Fingersmith, Daniel Deronda etc.
What in your opinion makes a good British television drama?
Good writing and producing. Also, good acting and production values often can make something that's good into something excellent.
Have you ever watched a drama on BBC 3, 4 or ITV1 or 2
Yes.
What would make you watch a British television drama instead of a film?
Mostly, the people involved e.g. writers, actors especially if I was already familiar with their work. Sometimes I hear good things about certain programs so I check them out for curiosity's sake.
Telly is a bit more accessible than film - I tend to watch films on DVD or at the cinema.
Instead of a play?
I don't go to the theatre much.
Instead of listening to the radio?
n/a.
Have there been any British television drama’s that you really connect with?
Adaptations such as The Forsyte Saga or The Tenant of Wildfell Hall - I like reading, and it's interesting to see screen adaptations.
I like the humour in Green Wing.
Do you watch any American tv drama’s? how do they differ in your opinion.
Yes, occasionally. Generalising here, but I think they try to appeal to the widest audience possible rather than telling an engaging story, which is what good drama is all about. Also, American TV series seem to try to have as many series as possible whereas British ones stop when 'enough is enough' - this is probably because the American TV industry has more money than the Brits, not necessarily a good thing.
Do you think they are better or worse than British drama?
Different, not better or worse.
Are you familiar with the names of any British television drama writers?
Yes, some.
If so what are their names and how do you know of them?
Russell T. Davies - Doctor Who, Casanova, Queer as Folk (haven't seen it though)
Andrew Davies - Pride and Prejudice, Wives and Daughters, He Knew He Was Right, Tipping the Velvet, Daniel Deronda
Stephen Poliakoff - Perfect Strangers, The Lost Prince, Friends and Crocodiles, Gideon's Daughter (haven't seen F&C and GD)
Paul Abbott - State of Play, Clocking Off, Shameless, Cracker (haven't seen Cracker)
James Henry, Victoria Pile... Green Wing people
Why do you think people write for television?
To tell stories which would not be suited to other formats like plays, films or radio.
Do I have your permission to use this as research for my dissertation which may result in me quoting from it? (just put ‘yes’ your initials, and the date.)
Yes; JY; 19/4/06
Age: 21
Location: UK
Do you study or have studied anything to do with television or television writing?
No
If so what?
N/A
Do you watch British television drama?
Yes
If so which ones?
Various one off things, Doctor Who.
What in your opinion makes a good British television drama?
A mixture of a good cast and good intelligent writing. I can't stand lazy formulaic things that are dumbed down.
Have you ever watched a drama on BBC 3, 4 or ITV1 or 2
Yes, all of them.
What would make you watch a British television drama instead of a film?
Who was in it, and if the trailer looked interesting. If there's a good actor in something I will probably check it out but only if the subject looks like it would interest me.
Instead of a play?
I don't go to many plays because of the price. TV is easier.
Instead of listening to the radio?
I like to see what's going on or I find it quite difficult to concentrate.
Have there been any British television drama’s that you really connect with?
Over the last couple of years: Bleak House, Tipping the Velvet, Fingersmith, The Long Firm, and more recently on ITV, Walk Away and I Stumble and The Best Man were all really good. And Doctor Who!
Do you watch any American tv drama’s? how do they differ in your opinion.
In the budget obviously, and in the fact that the series are much longer and you can get to know the characters. I do get annoyed by everyone being so good looking though! I reguarly watch House and Lost and sometimes Desperate Housewives. I also enjoyed Rome.
Do you think they are better or worse than British drama?
Better in some respects but Britain still has a couple of good writers.
Are you familiar with the names of any British television drama writers?
Yes.
If so what are their names and how do you know of them?
Russel T Davies, writer of Doctor Who and previously Queer as Folk. Paul Abbot, writer of Shameless. Stephen Poliakoff who writes one off TV dramas, and who I am a big fan of. His writing is quite theatrical but his visuals are made for TV. Andrew Davies, adapter of many period dramas. Rather obsessed with sex, but annoyingly good - see Bleak House.
Why do you think people write for television?
Perhaps because it can reach everyone - that's why I would do it anyway.
Age: 29
Location: Croatia
Do you study or have studied anything to do with television or television writing? Yes.
If so what? Film and TV editing at FAMU, Prague
Do you watch British television drama? Yes
If so which ones? Anything I can get my hands on: from costume dramas (Pride & Prejudice, Daniel Deronda, Wives and Daughters, The Forsyte Saga) to crime series (Dalziel and Pascoe, Silent Witness, A Touch of Frost, Midsomer Murders).
What in your opinion makes a good British television drama? Quality script and direction, and incredible acting.
Have you ever watched a drama on BBC 3, 4 or ITV1 or 2: I don't have those programs here.
What would make you watch a British television drama instead of a film? The interesting plots, quality execution and the wonderful actors I know I can expect.
Instead of a play? Well, if I had the opportunity to see a British play in England, I'm guess I'd opt for that. I'd be able to see my favourite actors in the flesh, so to speak.
Instead of listening to the radio? I used to listen to the radio a lot when I was in college, and there were some excellent radio dramas on BBC radio. But I guess, I'd go with the same answer as the one for the film.
Have there been any British television drama’s that you really connect with? Well, I wouldn't call it connection, but rather a healthy obsession. And it included most of the series I've mentioned above.
Do you watch any American tv drama’s? how do they differ in your opinion. The main difference is money. And the fact that because of it, Americans don't seem to know when to call it quits. It often happens that they have this great idea for a story, and the first season or two turn out to be a smash hit, and then they keep filming and filming, and the plot eventually waters down. Or they start filming spin-offs, which in most cases has an even worse effect. (CSI, Law and Order). Or, what's even worse, they come up with an exciting new show, and cancel it before they've given it time to make an impact. (My-So-Called-Life would be the most (in)famous example of that.)
Do you think they are better or worse than British drama? I follow quite a number of American tv dramas, but the ones I prefer tend to be on the quirkier, more original side, and thus on the same quality level of British tv dramas. For example, I really liked Six Feet Under, Angels in America, Carnivale, Deadwood and Rome (the last two featured British actors, proving my point that as far as acting goes, no one can beat the British.)
Are you familiar with the names of any British television drama writers? Some of them, yes.
If so what are their names and how do you know of them? The only name I can remember right now is Andrew Davis, most famous for his work on Pride and Prejudice.
Why do you think people write for television? It's more rewarding because, even if you do have to compromise, you don't have to do it as much as in the movie business. I also think it presents more challenges, because in the case of a tv series it can turn into an on going process.
Do I have your permission to use this as research for my dissertation which may result in me quoting from it? Yes. T.P. April 19th, 2006
> Age: 26
> Location: Essex, UK
> Do you study or have studied anything to do with television or
> television writing?
Nope
> Do you watch British television drama?
Yup
> If so which ones?
Usually one-off dramas (although I'm looking forward to The Line of Beauty when it comes on later this month; did I mention Dan Stevens)? Or dramas that can be watched as a complete episode (such as Foyles War or inpsector Morse) Off the top of my head I can't think of any recent series that I've watched consistently.
> What in your opinion makes a good British television drama?
Decent plotlines (rely on the drama rather than the special effects), intelligent writing (I have a brain, please respect that) and good looking/talented actors. (Talent being more important than looks)
> Have you ever watched a drama on BBC 3, 4 or ITV1 or 2
BBC3 - probably, but I can't think of any at the moment
BBC4 - Fantabulosa, Elmina's Kitchen
ITV1/ITV2 - mostly repeats of classics like Inspector Morse or Poirot.
> What would make you watch a British television drama instead of a
> film?
interested in either: actors, writers or the storyline.
> Instead of a play?
Nothing on at the theatre that I wanted to see
> Instead of listening to the radio?
Nothing on the radio that I wanted to listen to. Plus I find it easier to sit down and watch the TV than I do sit down and listening to the radio.
> Have there been any British television dramas that you really
> connect with?
Cambridge Spies - simply for the casting of the four spies, Queer as Folk as it was set in the city I went to university in. BBC adaptation of the Chronicles of Narnia (all those years ago) because it sparked off my whole interest in drama and theatre.
> Do you watch any American tv drama’s? how do they differ in your
> opinion.
I'm pretty sure I do - but I can't think of any off the top of my head.
> Do you think they are better or worse than British drama?
American sit-coms are by far better than UK sitcoms (with possibly a couple of exceptions). Other than that I can't really comment, cos I can't remember the last US drama I actually watched.
> Are you familiar with the names of any British television drama
> writers?
The only one that came to mind when I first read these questions was Andrew Davies (who does all the adaptations of classics). Reading other people's answers also know of Russell T. Davies and Steven Poliakov. Oh - and Jimmy McGovern and Linda La Plante and Phil somebody or other (I think) who did Grange Hill and Brookside.
> If so what are their names and how do you know of them?
* Andrew Davies for Middlemarch
* Russell T. Davies for Queer as Folk and Century Falls (and later, I discovered he did Breakfast Serials as well)
* Steven Poliakov - BBC3 have just done a season of his work
* Jimmy McGovern - for his programmes based around a social issue (like Hillsborough)
* Linda La Plante - for Prime Suspect
* Phil Redhill (OK, so I googled the surname) for Grange Hill and Brookside
* Oh, and I've remembered Lucy Gannon for Soldier Soldier and Peak Practice.
> Why do you think people write for television?
Because writers want to write. TV drama (I think) has a slightly better budget than theatre drama, meaning that money isn't necessarily the same issue. (Although that's by no means a hard and fast rule). I would guess that some writers find it an easier media to work in, and some stories work better on the small screen than they do on the stage or the big screen.
And yes, you may use any of the above in your dissertation.
E.M. 19-04-06