Molly Naylor interview
After Hours co-writer Molly Naylor talks about creating the series with writing partner John Osborne.
How did you come to work together as a writing team?
We were friends, both living in Norwich and working on our own writing projects as well as juggling the occasional weird or boring day job. We got drunk one night and talked about working on something together.
We decided to try to write a sitcom because we have always loved the genre. We'd shared a flat previously - when we were unemployed and sad - but had at no point during this time considered the idea of writing one together. It was probably for the best. We didn't have much to write about back then, all we did was eat toast and watch Seinfeld.
How was it working with Craig Cash?
Craig has an incredible eye for detail, which makes him an excellent director. During filming we were on set the whole time, communicating with him and the cast and crew. He wanted us to make sure everything was as close to how we'd written it as possible.
We were very aware of how rare this is and felt lucky to be in a position where we could be a central part of the process. Craig is a brilliant writer himself and understands comedy intrinsically. He also understands the importance of being kind and gentle to people, and making them feel valued. He is one of the most hard-working people I know. It was a pleasure and a privilege to learn from him.
Who are some of your inspirations in the scriptwriting world?
There are so many, but these spring to mind: Sharon Horgan, Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong, Lena Dunham, Jill Soloway, Julia Davis, Jessica Hynes, Miranda July, Craig Cash and Caroline Aherne, Armando Iannucci and Greg Daniels.
If you had your own radio show, what would it be like?
We have talked about doing a show where we introduce each other to music the other one has somehow overlooked. For example - I bring in a bunch of Tom Waits songs and play them to John while saying: "See? Isn't this brilliant?" over and over again. It's an idea that needs finessing, I see that now.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Another Girl, Another Planet by The Only Ones.