The Watch Scott Frank on the Making of ‘Dept. Q.’ Plus, the ‘Top Chef: Destination Canada’ Finale.
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Jun 16, 2025 
In this episode, Scott Frank, co-creator of the thrilling series 'Dept. Q,' shares his insights on the creative process behind the show. He dives into his dual roles as writer and director, exploring how these perspectives shape storytelling. The conversation also touches on the journey of adapting narratives for the screen and the importance of character development. Additionally, they reflect on the evolving landscape of Hollywood storytelling, highlighting the shift to streaming and opportunities for creative collaboration.
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Scott's Early Department Q Journey
- Scott Frank got the rights to Department Q books about 15 years ago from the author via a handshake deal.
- Attempts to adapt it in the U.S. failed until Netflix's British division got involved, reigniting the project.
Control Freak Approach to Production
- Scott Frank embraced control by rewriting scripts and directing most episodes during production.
- His hands-on approach involved writing while shooting and editing close to wrap, enhancing creative quality.
Loving Genre Tropes
- Scott loves working within genre tropes and doing them really well rather than reinventing the wheel.
- Department Q was an opportunity to lean into familiar procedural and noir conventions.
