What I do
Real life story research, storylining and compliance
I seek out and get to the bottom of real life stories, particularly those where there is not a definitive account, using multiple sources from archive to interviews. I support writers and producers to storyline character journeys and events, advise on scripts as they evolve and carry out in-depth research to strengthen both character and story. I have recently worked on the Corby poisoning case, the Infected Blood Scandal, the Diana investigation and the Jackie and Joan Collins story amongst other yet to be announced films and series.
Contributor care and relationship management
I manage the relationships involved in factual drama from the first phonecall to support for contributors around TX. I work alongside producers and commissioners to support their duty of care and as a factual liaison around compliance and legal issues. I have worked with partner organisations and vulnerable communities to help them tell the stories that matter to them. This journey goes on for many years and I am able to be a constant in the project for contributors as creatives come and go, but also enable the financial cost of that not to be a constant strain on the project.
Context research and world-building
I provide contextual research as the basis for fictional ideas as well as factual drama. From sourcing research material, identifying and interviewing people, world building, storylining and preparing research bibles and briefings, I have worked on research projects on topics including medical science, politics, law, terrorism, the oil industry, organised crime, corruption, domestic violence.
Film and drama development
I am developing my own original drama ideas based on real life in partnership with production companies.
I have commissioned and developed over 30 scripts across a diverse range of genre from comedy to science fiction and in film and television.
My Executive Producer credits include films by Peter Strickland, Phillip Warnell, Rachel Tunnard, Clio Barnard, Paddy Considine, Carol Morley and Craig Roberts.
Interdisciplinary workshops, writers rooms and events
I devise and manage ideas-generating and research-driven workshops and events for writers. In the past this has included writers labs at festivals, story workshops for radio writers and producers, and evening events and dinners to connect writers with new ideas and expertise.
Screenwriter-in residence and other talent initiatives
I have particular experience in devising and running screenwriter programmes. In particular, I was the architect of the flagship screenwriting programme, the Wellcome Screenwriting Fellowship in partnership with BFI and Film4 which has alumni Clio Barnard, Jonathan Glazer, Carol Morley, Sally Wainwright and Michaela Coel. I went on to develop similar screenwriter-in-residence and talent development partnerships including Edinburgh International Film Festival Screenwriter-in Residence, and the National Film and Television School Bridges to Industry for Drama with Sky Atlantic.
Qualitative research
Trained in research methods to postgraduate level, I've lead a range of research projects over my career from qualitative interviews to market analysis.
Do get in touch if you think I might be able to help with your ideas and projects.