Along with Actor Douglas Henshall, Writer Zinnie Harris, Kate Rowland (Creative Director, writersroom), and Laura Mackenzie-Stuart (Portfolio Manager, Creative Scotland), Christopher Aird, Head of BBC Scotland Drama will be helping to judge the Frank Deasy Award – our brand new opportunity for Scottish writers to write for BBC Scotland Drama (Deadline: February 1st 2013)
As head of Drama, BBC Scotland, Chris works closely with major writing and directing talent and has previously been Executive Producer on a wealth of BBC Independent Drama. His credits include Spooks, Hustle, Prisoners’ Wives, Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Casualty, Hotel Babylon and BBC One’s phenomenal hit, Call The Midwife.
He started his BBC career in Scotland in 1995 where he was a Researcher/Director in News and Current Affairs. Following this, Chris worked extensively within BBC Drama and for leading drama Indies, Kudos and Carnival Film & Television. As well as television, he also has experience working within BBC Radio Drama including Radio 4’s Afternoon Play and the Friday Play.
We caught up with him to talk about what he looks for in a great script, what defines ‘Scottish drama’ and his favourite desert island DVD’s.
1. When you read a script, what are you looking for?
First and foremost a sense of passion and belief from the writer; here is a story that really must be told. The characters should ring true and speak with distinctive voices, the story should be arresting from the very start. The writing should have an economy, pride in the dialogue and a screenwriters’ approach to visual, cinematic story-telling; an understanding of the power of ‘the cut’.
2. What role do you see the Frank Deasy Award playing in helping to find the next big Scottish writing talent?
This award is designed to help connect newer screenwriters to the heart of the TV Drama industry.
3. Which three dramas would you take with you to a desert island?
Edge of Darkness by Troy Kennedy Martin
The West Wing by Aaron Sorkin
The Crow Road by Iain Banks (novel) and Bryan Elsley (screenplay)
4. How do you define 'Scottish Drama'? Is there a distinctive perspective or voice that comes through from Scottish writers?
Scottish drama is written by a writer in Scotland and preferably made in Scotland. I think we should be aiming to make as wide a range of material as possible here; there should be no limit to our creativity as long as it is aimed at the BBC networks.
5. Out of Frank Deasy’s vast body of work – which drama has inspired you the most and why?
I loved the raw energy and passion of England Expects. It really stayed with me.
Find out more information about the Frank Deasy Award and how you can enter, on the Opportunities page.
Download Frank Deasy drama scripts of Looking After Jojo and Real Men from our online Script Library.
