Description
Book SynopsisThis book presents a compelling case for a paradigmatic shift in the analysis of television drama production that recentres questions of power, control and sustainability. Television drama production has become an increasingly lucrative global export business as drama as a form enjoys increased prestige. However, this book argues that the growing emphasis on international markets and global players such as Netflix and Amazon Prime neglects the realities of commissioning and making television drama in specific national and regional contexts. Drawing on extensive empirical research,
Producing British Television Drama demonstrates the centrality of public service broadcasters in serving audiences and sustaining the commercial independent sector in a digital age. It attends closely to three elements-the role of place in the production of content; the experiences of those working in the sector; and the interventions from cultural intermediaries in articulating and ascribing value to
Trade Review“McElroy and Noonan offer an eloquent and persuasive defence of PSB. … This is a timely, well-argued analysis of the ecology of contemporary television that, in exploring and championing the ‘local’ in drama production, has much to add to current debates.” (Stephen Lacey, Critical Studies in Television, Vol. 15 (2), 2020)
Table of Contents1. Introduction.- 2. What Makes TV Drama Special?.- 3. The Ecology of TV Drama Production.- 4. Locating Regional Production.- 5. Building a Sustainable Labour Force.- 6. Cultural Intermediaries and the Value of
Game of Thrones.- 7. Power and sustainability in TV Drama Production.
