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EastEnders supporting the next generation of directors, writers and actors
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Three BBC Studios training initiatives have resulted in roles across the BBC soap
EastEnders sits pride of place at the heart of the scripted industry and we’re incredibly proud that the show – alongside its regional soap counterparts across the UK – continues to play such a pivotal role in developing, nurturing and elevating new voices, both on and off screen.”— Kris Green, Training Executive for BBC Studio Drama Productions
BBC Studios Drama Productions has announced three exciting new training initiatives that have taken place in 2024. The three hugely successful initiatives have resulted in roles across the BBC’s flagship soap EastEnders.
They are:
- The EastEnders Multi-Camera Course
- The Writers’ Studio: EastEnders
- The ‘Ascend’ Acting Workshops
Kris Green, Training Executive for BBC Studio Drama Productions said: “EastEnders sits pride of place at the heart of the scripted industry and we’re incredibly proud that the show – alongside its regional soap counterparts across the UK – continues to play such a pivotal role in developing, nurturing and elevating new voices, both on and off screen.”
Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer of EastEnders, said: “EastEnders has a rich history of championing new creative voices and the show often provides writers, directors and actors with their first credit. We’re really excited to be working with such exciting talent as the show prepares to celebrate its milestone 40th anniversary.”
EastEnders Multi-Camera Course
BBC Studios has invested in the next generation of multi-cam directors to work on the BBC soap. The month-long course taught and upskilled seven successful applicants in the fine art of shooting with multiple cameras; from planning and blocking complex scenes to bringing them to life on the sets of EastEnders.
As part of the course, the directors shot a special online mini-series centred around one of the show’s longest-serving characters, Tracey (the barmaid), with guest appearances from Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale), Kellie Bright (Linda Carter) and Harriet Thorpe (Elaine Peacock). The shorts see Tracey celebrate her milestone 60th birthday and can be viewed here: https://www.bbcstudios.com/talentworks/drama-and-soaps
Jane Slaughter said: “It was a fantastic experience to work on this project and to work with such talented directors, actors and crew – the collaborative experience was second to none and I was delighted to be a part of it..”
The seven directors selected were: Danny Albury, David Bispham, Benedict Cohen, Nicole Charles, Kerri McLean, Emma Reynolds and Maninderpal Sahota. All will go on to direct future episodes of EastEnders.
The course also generated upskilling opportunities for 17 members of EastEnders production (including Costume, Design and Lighting).
Writers’ Studio: EastEnders
The Writers’ Studio: EastEnders was an open-call search for the next generation of writers to join the EastEnders writing team.
The final eight writers chosen for the initiative are: Karen Featherstone, Niall Grant-Rowlands, Anna Mason, Nk’iru Njoku, Charlotte Pattullo, Katrina Smith-Jackson, Ali Taylor and Chloe Timms.
The group took part in a three day EastEnders bootcamp in August. Sessions included a story and pitching masterclass day led by BBC Studios’ Head of Drama Kate Oates and panel sessions with the show’s Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw and Series Producer Sharon Batten, among others.
Each writer will embark on a paid trial script, before producers select those that will proceed to commission. Those offered commissions will be offered a one-month paid opportunity in the EastEnders story office, helping to craft the story document they’ll ultimately write an episode from.
‘Ascend’ Acting Workshops
The Ascend Acting workshops are part of a drive to discover new acting talent across the UK.
With the support of Spotlight, BBC Studios and BBC Drama Commissioning have joined forces to deliver soap masterclasses in London, Cardiff, Glasgow and Birmingham in order to shine a light on diverse and under-represented local talent.
The London workshops, which took place in September at Spotlight’s casting studios saw over 2500 applications to take part, taught 28 successful actors a variety of essential skills around the auditioning process and working to the fast-paced filming schedule required by soap. Two attendees, Prabhleen Oberoi and Eva Tritschler, have since been cast in guest roles for upcoming episodes of EastEnders.
The Ascend workshops are working closely with Media Cymru, Triple C and Access All Areas to facilitate workshops for the DDN community.
More information on future workshops dates and locations will be released by the BBC on Spotlight soon.
BBC Studio Drama Productions has partnered with BBC Drama Commissioning, BBC Studioworks The JGA Group, Hertfordshire Futures, Spotlight and Media Cymru to bring these initiatives to life.
