Steven Knight, writer

10 snips

Sep 7, 2024

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.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

The Art of Spontaneity in Writing

01:39 • 4min

Birmingham Roots: A Journey Through Music and Memory

05:29 • 18min

From Comedy Legends to Game Show Innovator

23:39 • 6min

Melodies and Memories: A Creative Journey

29:55 • 15min

Songs, Stories, and Solitude

44:41 • 3min

Choosing the Most Meaningful Track and Podcast Recommendations

48:05 • 2min

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