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Ben Stephenson

´óÏó´«Ã½ Writersroom interviewed the BBC's Controller of Drama Commissioning, Ben Stephenson, in July 2013.

He talks about the drama commissioning priorities and what his role involves. He has some tips for writers pitching ideas and what he looks for in a script.

He also reveals his own favourite drama moment and the drama he is most proud to have commissioned.

Writersroom interviews... Ben Stephenson

Ben gave us an update in March 2014

What are you looking for in a new writer?

I always say that the name on the cover doesn’t matter to me and it’s true. If it’s a compelling script that makes you turn the pages, I’m in.  is a great example of this – he had a strong idea which he executed with real confidence and conviction, and now he’s ! (more about )

What are the priorities for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Drama?

It’s about finding the next great scripts across the range of what television drama has to offer – we want all audiences to find drama that they love. The British public are a discerning lot with broad taste so we need to work with the widest possible range of talent to give audiences the widest possible range of dramas.

What TV dramas have inspired you most?

Grange Hill – the first drama I watched.

Casualty and Eastenders – the first grown up drama I watched.

House of Cards – the first 9pm drama I watched.

The West Wing series 1 and 2 – the best US drama ever made!

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