Quote: chipolata @ November 5 2009, 11:54 AM GMTPlus they tend to originate from subscription only channels in the states like Showtime and HBO. We don't have an equivalent here.
We have the Beeb, which could justify putting a proper slice of its pie into making a channel like BBC Four the focus point for this kind of drama.
Down as I get sometimes writing comedy, I never feel as bad as after the high I get watching really good American drama, then thinking I should write drama, then realising I'd have to write for a soap to be able to get that chance. I really can't think of anything more soul-destroying. Bad as I find some sitcom, I could probably sit in a room and still have a go/best attempt at writing something I hate, and probably still enjoy it as a job, thinking 'it's still a great job!'. I could never think that, even sitting on the 'best' soap opera (or pseudo-soap opera that the BBC says isn't soap opera but is really). If there even is such a thing as 'best' soap opera...
Basically we need a British HBO to kickstart decent drama again or I can only see this going the way of the web; when British TV eventually becomes so boring and mundane and all the good writers/producers think 'f**k this -- we have to do it out of our own pockets' and start producing and broadcasting their own stuff on the web, building a solid fanbase, making it pay-per-view, and funding stuff that way, executive-less. (At least, for a while!)
Dan
I'm not sure, but I expect British film writers don't/won't write for TV, whereas they do in the States? We tend to think of TV as small and lesser than the cinema over here.
(apologies if I'm not making much sense - I've only had a few hours sleep 
)
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ November 5 2009, 11:55 AM GMTWhat do you want loads of car chases and shootings? The Street is very good; there's been some brilliant stories on it and the cast are top notch. Isn;t The Wire dreary? Or does it seem more glamorous because it's set in the US?
I don't think you can compare The Street to The Wire. I just didn't like The Street. Yes, there were good stories, but... I didn't care. It didn't connect with me or excite me. Sorry.
Quote: Tim Walker @ November 5 2009, 11:57 AM GMTWe have the Beeb, which could justify putting a proper slice of its pie into making a channel like BBC Four the focus point for this kind of drama.
Yes. And I'd support that. As would a lot of people. But I can't see it happening. 
Quote: Tim Walker @ November 5 2009, 11:57 AM GMTWe have the Beeb, which could justify putting a proper slice of its pie into making a channel like BBC Four the focus point for this kind of drama.
Yes! Give it the full fiver!
Dan
I'm not sure a British HBO is feasible.
I'm pretty certain the main reason HBO and Showtime exist is to allow swearing and nudity on TV. They can only do that because they're fully non-commerical, so don't have to worry about pissing off advertisers.
We already allow swearing and nudity on TV. I'm not sure the "we want quality drama" crowd is a big enough market to require a new subscription channel over here.
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ November 5 2009, 11:57 AM GMTI'm not sure, but I expect British film writers don't/won't write for TV, whereas they do in the States? We tend to think of TV as small and lesser than the cinema over here.
Yes, I would imagine it would be very difficult for the writers of Lesbian Vampire Killers, Three And Out and Sex Lives Of The Potato Men, to now have to demean themselves by writing for TV.
Quote: Kevin Murphy @ November 5 2009, 12:02 PM GMTI'm not sure a British HBO is feasible.
I'm pretty certain the main reason HBO and Showtime exist is to allow swearing and nudity on TV. They can only do that because they're fully non-commerical, so don't have to worry about pissing off advertisers.
We already allow swearing and nudity on TV. I'm not sure the "we want quality drama" crowd is a big enough market to require a new subscription channel over here.
Surely they good slice off some of the license fee cake to go to quality drama. Not least because in the states channels like HBO and Showtime have effectively driven up standards on commercial networks, giving rise to quality shows like Boston Legal and Lost.
Quote: Tim Walker @ November 5 2009, 12:04 PM GMTYes, I would imagine it would be very difficult for the writers of Lesbian Vampire Killers, Three And Out and Sex Lives Of The Potato Men, to now have to demean themselves by writing for TV.
Quote: Kevin Murphy @ November 5 2009, 12:02 PM GMTWe already allow swearing and nudity on TV. I'm not sure the "we want quality drama" crowd is a big enough market to require a new subscription channel over here.
I've never actually got around to The Wire, but watching shows like The Sopranos, House and Mad Men frankly makes my ashamed that our telly even pretends to be in the same league. Even lesser successful/well known US dramas tend to show just how much good writing is valued over the pond.
Quote: swerytd @ November 5 2009, 12:02 PM GMTYes! Give it the full fiver!
Quote: chipolata @ November 5 2009, 12:05 PM GMTSurely they good slice off some of the license fee cake to go to quality drama. Not least because in the states channels like HBO and Showtime have effectively driven up standards on commercial networks, giving rise to quality shows like Boston Legal and Lost.
Agreed. The BBC should be doing this. We don't need HBO.
Quote: Kevin Murphy @ November 5 2009, 12:10 PM GMTAgreed. The BBC should be doing this. We don't need HBO.
We need BHBO. Or HBBO. Or BBHO. Although probably best not to get hung up on the name.
Quote: Tim Walker @ November 5 2009, 11:39 AM GMTOver here, if you were looking to hire writers for The Wire who would you hire?
James Cotter. I'd also hire him as crew.
Budget Cutter Cotter.
Shimples.
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ November 5 2009, 11:51 AM GMTAnd maybe there's a lack seriousness about drama and a trend towards the camp and self-knowing. Stuff like Spooks and that thing about the con people (The Hustle?) look like children's programmes to me.
Agreed on Hustle. Kids TV.
Spooks used to be in the same league, but the new series started last night, and it wasn't terrible as far as I could tell.
Quote: Tim Walker @ November 5 2009, 12:04 PM GMTYes, I would imagine it would be very difficult for the writers of Lesbian Vampire Killers, Three And Out and Sex Lives Of The Potato Men, to now have to demean themselves by writing for TV.
Weren't they comedy writers?
Btw Elena from Peep Show was in Lesbian Vampire Killers.
Quote: Kevin Murphy @ November 5 2009, 12:13 PM GMTAgreed on Hustle. Kids TV.
Spooks used to be in the same league, but the new series started last night, and it wasn't terrible as far as I could tell.
Maybe we just need to not be frightened of producing proper grown-up telly.
I personally don't watch the American shows; on too late, the season is too long and I generally seeing more about lives and a culture I can relate to more.
That Elena she gets everywhere.