Doctors ... Marc Peirson

Just finished watching ‘Doctors' HEARTS AND MINDS by Marc Peirson on the BBC iPlayer

Never seen it before in my life but thought I'd have a wee gander to see his work fleshed out.

Impressed. Very nice episode, didn't know any of the characters but soon knew all I needed.

I thought you was gonna go with the ‘shag' line from one of Lee H's valentine cards.

Whoah! Didn't see that coming at the 12 ½ minute mark

........... I'd of never have known!

Enjoyed.

Marc, did it do all you expected on screen? Or better? Or not so?

Hi Random,

Glad you enjoyed it. As to did it do all I expected... pretty much so. The first viewing of anything - I always see bits that aren't there anymore and sometimes that's a good thing, to be honest, and sometimes not. And it's hard to turn off my directors eye. But overall I was very happy - and it was great to write some funny stuff for Owen Brenman as David Renwick is my comedy hero.

Quote: Marc P @ November 14 2008, 9:19 AM GMT

Hi Random,

Glad you enjoyed it. As to did it do all I expected... pretty much so. The first viewing of anything - I always see bits that aren't there anymore and sometimes that's a good thing, to be honest, and sometimes not. And it's hard to turn off my directors eye. But overall I was very happy - and it was great to write some funny stuff for Owen Brenman as David Renwick is my comedy hero.

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So you didn't know what was gonna be cut until you actually watched it on the TV?

Did it appear how you intended?

Yes, enjoyed the funny moments

Being honest, just curious, how many times have you watched it?

I have watched it twice as a mate came round the day after who wanted to see it and who hadn't recorded it.

Hi Marc, I was just wondering how much freedom you have when you write an episode. Is the basic story roughed out with a brief so it leads on from previous episodes and into future ones or do you have a free hand with the existing characters? Can you give us an insight into the process?

Quote: Marc P @ November 14 2008, 3:11 PM GMT

I have watched it twice as a mate came round the day after who wanted to see it and who hadn't recorded it.

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Quote: steve by any other name @ November 14 2008, 3:23 PM GMT

Hi Marc, I was just wondering how much freedom you have when you write an episode. Is the basic story roughed out with a brief so it leads on from previous episodes and into future ones or do you have a free hand with the existing characters? Can you give us an insight into the process?

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Hi Steve,

This is the serial document I had to work from.

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Block 46
Episode 132MelodyCampus/Mill TX Wednesday 12/11/08
George and Ronnie n/a

Vivien also returns from her friends in Harrogate, she's much refreshed but the trial is now imminent and she wants to ask Ronnie some questions. She's gutted to hear that he's away on holiday. He'll only just be back in time. She thinks everyone has forgotten about how close the trial is but Michelle seeks her out and assures her that they all know, they just didn't want to keep reminding her, she promises that everyone is there for her. Sweet moment as Vivien says it's hard taking sympathy, especially from Michelle. She'd rather they argued, at least it will feel back to normal. Michelle promises to argue with her as much as she wants – Vivien's gratitude.

Lily and Julia still not getting on too well. Lily voices her concern to Heston, who promises to have a word. Lily didn't mean that, they argue about the best way to solve the problem – Lily wants to talk to Julia herself, but Heston won't hear of it, he'll talk to her. Lily gets cross, if she can't talk to her prospective partner, then there's no hope for any of them, she'll deal. She strops off. Heston thinks she's a marvellous woman.

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You then tie your story of the day around that. The story of the day is an idea you have written up and pitched, the story has to be approved by the Exec Producer and then banked for when you are commissioned to do an episode.

Once you are commissioned you write a scene by scene outline showing how the episode will unfold and the script editor will get back to you with notes from the Producer and Series producer and then you write the episode. So you have a lot of freedom if they like what you are doing. Not so much if they don't.

I'm confused! The serial document doesn't seem anything like your episode!

That sounds intensely flipping confusing.

Marc deserves a big gold star (and possibly a prostitute provided gratis) for merely understanding the process.

Thanks for that Marc, Very informative. So they give you the continuing storylines and you fit your one offs around that. Makes sense.

I've just watched it on iplayer and enjoyed it. Especially the 'I was just showing you my bottom' line. Plus the twist was unexpected.

Quote: steve by any other name @ November 14 2008, 4:24 PM GMT

Thanks for that Marc, Very informative. So they give you the continuing storylines and you fit your one offs around that. Makes sense.

I've just watched it on iplayer and enjoyed it. Especially the 'I was just showing you my bottom' line. Plus the twist was unexpected.

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The line was nearly 'I was giving you a taste of my Bottom' ... but I edited myself.

Quote: Ben @ November 14 2008, 4:11 PM GMT

I'm confused! The serial document doesn't seem anything like your episode!

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Well there wasn't much so I had to make a lot of stuff up but the serial beats are all in the ep.

Quote: Aaron @ November 14 2008, 4:23 PM GMT

That sounds intensely flipping confusing.

Marc deserves a big gold star (and possibly a prostitute provided gratis) for merely understanding the process.

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Quote: Marc P @ November 14 2008, 4:32 PM GMT

Well there wasn't much so I had to make a lot of stuff up but the serial beats are all in the ep.

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Got yer!