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Glenn Patterson, John Yorke on narrative, TV formats

Glenn Patterson on his bio-pic of Ulster's punk pioneer; ex-Eastenders boss John Yorke reveals the secrets of story-telling; how actors take rejection; TV formats re-invented.

With Mark Lawson.

The art of storytelling, from earliest writings to today's TV soaps, is the subject of a new book Into the Woods: A Five Act Journey Into Story by John Yorke. Yorke has been Head of Channel 4 Drama and Controller of 大象传媒 Drama Production, overseeing programmes including Skins, Shameless, EastEnders, Spooks, Casualty and Omagh, as well as The Archers on Radio 4. He discusses what lies behind our fascination and hunger for stories, and what makes a story work.

As the latest theatre award shortlists make the news, actor Michael Simkins reveals what it's like for performers who are not nominated for awards when their co-stars are.

Novelist Glenn Patterson discusses Good Vibrations, his bio-pic of Ulster's punk pioneer Terri Hooley, the record shop owner who discovered The Undertones.

Two new TV programmes - The Great British Sewing Bee and The Intern - take familiar formats and apply a twist. Viv Groskop gives her verdict.

Producer Stephen Hughes.

Available now

30 minutes

Chapters

  • John Yorke

    Interview with John Yorke about the art of storytelling.

    Duration: 08:18

  • Good Vibrations

    Interview with novelist Glenn Patterson on his film Good Vibrations.

    Duration: 08:31

  • Familiar Television Formats

    What it's like for performers who are not nominated for awards when their co-stars are.

    Duration: 05:40

  • Acting nominations

    What it's like for performers who are not nominated for awards when their co-stars are.

    Duration: 03:54

Broadcast

  • Wed 27 Mar 2013 19:15

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