As British public service broadcasters seek to revive their fortunes, a bold new era of risk-taking is emerging in television. Can shows like Adolescence’s global phenomenon convince the industry to take a chance on challenging projects?
The global phenomenon that is Adolescence has sent shockwaves through the television industry, encouraging Britain’s public service broadcasters to take more risks in their programming. With its 96.7 million views across 74 countries, the show’s success ‘is undeniable’.
Challenging the Status Quo: A New Era for British Television
The financial pressures faced by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 have made them risk-averse about the kinds of shows they pursue. However, with Adolescence‘s massive success, executive producers are urging these broadcasters to take a chance on difficult projects.
‘I think that it’s hard, and people are risk-averse,’ said Emily Feller, chief creative officer of Warp Films, an executive producer on Adolescence. ‘Hopefully, people will just take a moment and think this story has sold well. And obviously, it comes down to money.’
Feller believes that the next Adolescence or Baby Reindeer could be made by the PSBs if they were prepared to take a chance on difficult projects. With its 15-day shoot for an hour of television, compared to the 11-12 day shoot for an hour on BBC and ITV shows, there is an expense in how the show was produced.
A New Approach to Storytelling
Warp Films has made its name by making challenging productions set in Britain, from This is England to Four Lions. Mark Herbert, chief executive of Warp Films, said that stories set in Britain could be successful internationally without relying on expensive effects or big budgets.
‘A British story set in this country can travel and you don’t need loads of effects, you don’t need crazy budgets,’ Herbert said. ‘Just great acting, great storytellers.’
Mark Herbert is a British film director and screenwriter, best known for his work on the Channel 4 comedy series 'This Country'.
He co-created the show with Daisy May Cooper and Charlie Cooper.
Herbert's experience in television production spans over two decades, with credits including 'Peep Show' and 'The Mighty Boosh'.
His unique storytelling style has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.
However, Herbert called for the government to intervene to help the UK’s struggling TV industry. The post-Covid contraction, price inflation, and financial pressures have resulted in thousands of workers losing their jobs, and talk of a crisis in production.
A Bilingual Series and a Nuclear War Film
Warp Films‘ next production, Reunion, is set in and around Sheffield and features both British Sign Language and spoken English. The company has also acquired the option to develop Threads, the critically acclaimed 1984 film depicting Sheffield during a nuclear war.
A reunion is a joyful occasion where people come together to reconnect with loved ones, often after a significant period of time apart.
This event can be a family gathering, a high school or college class reunion, or even a business team meeting.
Reunions provide an opportunity for people to reminisce about the past, share updates on their lives, and strengthen relationships.
According to a survey, 70% of Americans attend reunions to reconnect with family members, while 40% attend to maintain friendships.
With advances in technology, virtual reunions have also become increasingly popular.
‘The way the original film was written and made, it absolutely had that voice with Sheffield,’ said Feller. ‘That’s the kind of place, again, where you find that very rounded heart to the storytelling.’
