Abi Morgan, a celebrated screenwriter and playwright known for her works like 'The Iron Lady' and 'Suffragette', shares her insights and experiences in the creative industry. She discusses her emotional TV series 'Eric', which portrays a father's search for his son amidst family challenges. Abi dives into the intricacies of adapting literature for the screen, emphasizing the delicate balance of honoring the source material while injecting creativity. She also reflects on the unique dynamics of American versus British television writing, highlighting the evolution of her own career.
Abi Morgan discusses the thematic depth of her series 'Eric', focusing on family dysfunction and the societal neglect of children.
The commissioning of 'Eric' highlights the necessity of building industry relationships and creating a compelling project outline to attract stakeholders.
Morgan emphasizes the significance of a well-prepared 'Bible' in TV writing, as it aligns collaborative efforts and enhances creative discussions.
Deep dives
Understanding 'Eric': A Father’s Quest
The TV series 'Eric' is centered around a father's search for his missing son, which unfolds amidst a backdrop of family dysfunction and urban challenges. The narrative blends elements of fable-like storytelling and explores themes of loss and parental duty, paralleling the dynamics of the city with personal struggles. The concept of the 'Trojan horse' reflects a deeper commentary on how children often get lost within societal cracks, suggesting that the implications of neglect extend beyond personal loss to systemic failures. By delving into the father's journey, the series aims to tackle both the absurdities and realities of contemporary family life.
The Commissioning Process for 'Eric'
The commissioning process for 'Eric' involved building upon existing relationships within the industry, notably at Netflix and with the production company Sister. The initial idea was condensed into a compelling one-liner, combining unique elements such as a puppeteer and his son's quest, which piqued the interest of industry stakeholders. Following this, a detailed outline and a 'Bible' for the show were crafted, which highlighted the series' themes, character arcs, and pacing. This collaborative effort ultimately led to securing a commission for the first episode, illustrating the importance of networking and trust in the creative landscape.
The Role and Importance of the 'Bible'
A 'Bible' serves as a crucial document for TV projects, encapsulating the show's vision, key characters, and overarching themes. It has evolved to become more comprehensive, often including mood boards and visual representations alongside traditional outlines. This tool helps to communicate the project's tone and style to collaborators effectively, paving the way for creative discussions that enhance the work. By having a well-prepared Bible, actors, directors, and producers can align their understanding of the project, influencing the show's development positively.
A Look at Character Development and Writing Methodology
The writing process for 'Eric' blends structured planning with organic evolution, utilizing visual aids for character development and storyline cohesion. The creator uses techniques such as thematic arcs and character interactions to create depth while remaining flexible in the narrative's direction. This methodology allows for cultivating intricate character dynamics and addressing the show's overarching themes, like exploration of male toxicity and the nuances of city life. The deliberative nature of the writing process showcases the interplay between meticulous planning and spontaneous creativity in screenwriting.
Experiences and Challenges in the Writer’s Life
The journey into writing and screen creation was fueled by personal experiences, from early exposure to storytelling in a creative family to overcoming struggles in the industry. A pivotal moment occurred during university when a monologue written by the speaker received unexpected praise, igniting a passion for writing. Subsequent challenges included navigating financial uncertainties as television scripts and independent films proved inconsistent in income generation. Despite these trials, there is a prevailing belief in the importance of resilience and the nurturing of personal voice through writing.
Rachel and Simon speak to Abi Morgan, a screenwriter and playwright. Abi earned her first professional stage credit in 1998 with "Skinned"; since then she has written plays including "Tender", "Fugee", "27" and "The Mistress Contract", which have been performed at the Hampstead Theatre, the National Theatre, the National Theatre of Scotland and the Royal Court. Her work for television includes "Birdsong", "The Split" and "Eric" (which stars Benedict Cumberbatch and is streaming on Netflix). Abi has also written and worked on several films, such as "Brick Lane", "Iron Lady", "Shame" and "Suffragette". Her first book, "This Is Not A Pity Memoir", was published in 2022. We spoke to Abi about breaking into the industry, working on biopics and book adaptations, and her latest TV show, "Eric".
You can find us online at alwaystakenotes.com, on Twitter @takenotesalways and on Instagram @alwaystakenotes. Our crowdfunding page is patreon.com/alwaystakenotes. Always Take Notes is presented by Simon Akam and Rachel Lloyd, and produced by Artemis Irvine. Our music is by Jessica Dannheisser and our logo was designed by James Edgar.
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