Iain Softely on directing The Outcast

The Outcast has been described as a deeply romantic, uncomfortably honest coming-of-age story set in booming post-war Britain. A best-selling novel by Sadie Jones, the book has been adapted by Sadie for BBC One with Iain Softley directing the two-parter.

Iain Softley is probably better known as a director of Hollywood blockbusters such as Hackers, The Wings of the Dove, K-Pax and Inkheart. So how did he come to directing an adaptation for TV?

Iain speaks to Frankie Ward about how he felt so connected to the story he was compelled to direct it. He talks about the different methods he uses when working with actors including George Mackay, who plays the lead character Lewis.

The importance of sound design and music to telling the story is also discussed. Composer Ed Shearmur worked on the score, having worked with Iain on The Wings of the Dove.

Iain's early years as a director are explored as he talks about making documentaries and how reading English at university enabled him to become an accomplished storyteller.