(All photos Des Willie © 2011)
The first event showcased the work of Carol Russell. The pilot script of her series, MEET THE WILSONS, tells the story of three generations of a British family of African-Caribbean descent in flux.
Cast
Carmen Monroe
Roger Griffith
Ellen Thomas
Seroca Davis
Julie Clare
Ginny Holder
Chizzy Akudolu
Gerardo Silano
Director Kat Reynolds
The panel consisted of Ben Stephenson, Controller, Drama Commissioning, BBC - the man who decides which British drama series appear on every BBC channel. Andrea Calderwood – independent producer of the Oscar-winning film Last King of Scotland and the tv film I am Slave for Channel 4 - provided the independent production perspective. And Tony Grounds, writer on Eastenders and The Bill, was able to share invaluable insights from the writer’s point of view. The audience of industry executives, decision-makers and other interested parties numbered over 150.
Comments from the panel and audience included:
“I think you’ve absolutely built a universal world, with universal stories and yet the detail was absolutely specific and brilliantly judged.” Ben Stephenson, Controller Drama Commissioning, BBC
“I thought much about your piece this weekend, Carol. It stayed with me.” Amanda Rice, Head of Diversity, BBC
“Fresh Voices is a much needed initiative, and I hope you’ll invite me to your next event.” Audience member
The event was also praised at the Women in Film and Television Award ceremony on 2nd December 2011 and at the Creative Diversity Network (CDN) Television Awards ceremony on 6th December 2011. Since the event, the writer has had meetings with Sky TV, and production companies including Shed Productions (Waterloo Road, BBC1) and Hillbilly Productions, (Random, Channel 4) to talk about her other drama series ideas. She also met with Ben Stephenson, who is supporting her progress. Carol currently has a project optioned by ITV Studios North.
Fresh Voices at BAFTA
18th November 2011
PRODUCTION TEAM
Carol Russell – Producer
Emma Thomas – Producer
Kat Reynolds - Script Editor
Julie Clare – Event Co-ordinator
Amanda Parker – Marketing and Publicity
Des Willie – Production Photographer
FRESH VOICES THANKS
Joyce Adeluwoye-Adams, Comfort Alemoru, Sue Caro, Linnett Farquarson, Kate Kinninmont, Ian Macdonald, Maureen Pickard, John Pickard, Psalm Chambers-Russell.