Channels with Peter Kafka Scott Frank on Netflix, the future of Hollywood, and Dept. Q
30 snips
Jun 11, 2025 
Scott Frank, a celebrated writer and director known for 'Out of Sight' and 'The Queen's Gambit', dives into the mechanics of modern filmmaking. He shares insights on creating 'Dept. Q', his latest Netflix hit, and reflects on the shifting landscape of Hollywood amidst the streaming boom. Frank discusses the implications of AI in the industry, expressing cautious optimism yet concern about technology's evolving power dynamics. He also contemplates which career path he would choose if starting anew in 2025, hinting at the ever-growing intersection of tech and storytelling.
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Creating a British Crime Drama
- Scott Frank admired classic British crime procedurals and created Department Q as his personal take on this genre.
- He embraced all typical tropes while focusing on distinctive characters and deeper motives beyond the typical whodunit.
From Boston to Scotland
- Scott Frank initially tried to set Department Q in Boston but it never came together.
- Later, with a producer's help, he moved it to Scotland where it finally found its cinematic setting.
Scotland as a Character
- Department Q was placed and shot in Scotland for artistic and narrative reasons, not just tax incentives.
- Edinburgh's mix of modern and medieval architecture made it feel like a character in the story.