Steven Knight, the mastermind behind Peaky Blinders, shares insights from his diverse career as a screenwriter and producer. He reflects on his Birmingham upbringing, emphasizing the role of music and storytelling in shaping his creativity. Knight discusses his journey from writing radio ads to creating iconic shows, including the global hit Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? He candidly explores the spontaneous nature of writing and the emotional connections tied to significant songs, all while highlighting the importance of community in the arts.
Steven Knight's childhood experiences in Birmingham and his father's stories significantly influenced the authenticity and depth of Peaky Blinders.
His establishment of the Digbeth Loc studio complex in Birmingham underscores his commitment to fostering local talent and bridging industry gaps.
Deep dives
Early Influences and Writing Journey
Stephen Knight reflects on his childhood in Birmingham, where he grew up as the youngest of seven siblings. His early experiences with local radio commercials laid the foundation for his writing career, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and imagination. He describes how even casual conversations, like overhearing lines from strangers, often inspire his dialogue. This innate ability to capture the essence of speech allows him to infuse authenticity into his characters, often revealing deeper insights about their personalities.
Peaky Blinders and Personal Roots
Knight's acclaimed series, Peaky Blinders, draws considerable inspiration from his father's stories about their family's life in the 1920s. This connection lends authenticity to the show's portrayal of urban gangsters, viewed through a mythical lens rather than a gritty reality. By showcasing the dramatic lives of working-class characters, Knight aims to provide a perspective that honors their experiences rather than reducing them to stereotypes. The series' success has not only been a creative triumph but has also spotlighted Birmingham in a fresh and dynamic way.
Transition to Film and International Recognition
After co-creating the game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Knight gained significant recognition in the film industry with the script for Dirty Pretty Things, which received an Oscar nomination. He describes the excitement of witnessing unexpected success as the game show became a cultural phenomenon, especially in the United States. This newfound fame dramatically shifted his life and career trajectory, presenting opportunities in Hollywood and beyond. Knight's versatility across various mediums showcases a unique ability to adapt and thrive in the evolving landscape of entertainment.
Diggerbeth Lock and Community Integration
Knight's recent venture, a studio complex named Diggerbeth Lock in Birmingham, aims to foster a creative community that collaborates on innovative projects. He emphasizes the importance of engaging local talent and providing educational opportunities for residents, bridging the gap between the industry and the community. By integrating local initiatives with professional projects, he hopes to create a lasting legacy for Birmingham's film and television landscape. This approach strives to ensure that the complexities of the film industry benefit local individuals, building a collaborative environment that encourages growth and creativity.
Steven Knight CBE is a screenwriter, producer, and director for film and television.
He is best known for creating the TV series Peaky Blinders but he has also turned his hand to feature films, novels, comedy and even gameshows. He co-created the global TV quiz show Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
His first film, Dirty Pretty Things, was nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards; Peaky Blinders won a BAFTA for Best Drama Series and his writing influences are eclectic. His subjects include chess, cooking, Dickens, Diana, Princess of Wales; the origins of the SAS and a Star Wars sequel.
Steven was born in 1959, the youngest of seven children to George and Ida Knight. He grew up in Birmingham where his father hoped that his five sons would follow him into the blacksmith’s business.
After studying English at University College London, Steven returned to Birmingham and began his career writing radio commercials. He was soon back down in London working at Capital Radio which then led to a career writing comedy for TV, then novels, and eventually screenplays.
He is as respected in Hollywood as he is in the UK and more recently he has been instrumental in setting up a new TV and Film studio complex in Birmingham, Digbeth Loc.
He is married with seven children and lives in Gloucestershire.
DISC ONE: I Want You - Bob Dylan
DISC TWO: Summertime - Ella Fitzgerald
DISC THREE: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise. Performed by Worcester Cathedral Choir / Worcester Festival Choral Society, directed by Donald Hunt
DISC FOUR: Redemption Song - Bob Marley & The Wailers
DISC FIVE: A Different Corner - George Michael
DISC SIX: Messetchinko Lio (You, Little Moon) - Le Mystère Des Voix Bulgares
DISC SEVEN: Red Right Hand - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
DISC EIGHT: Keep Right On Until the End of the Road - Harry Lauder
BOOK CHOICE: The Greek Myths by Robert Graves
LUXURY ITEM: A solar powered laptop
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Keep Right On Until the End of the Road - Harry Lauder
Presenter: Lauren Laverne
Producer: Sarah Taylor
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