As for Doctor Who, I'm biased. Sci-fi or not, it's my favorite show, and it has been since I was about four years old. I can't even give you an honest criticism of the new show, because I cry every time the credits start and don't stop until about half an hour after it's over. It strikes some kind of weird nerve with me (no one hugged me as a child, all I had was TV.) I love the show. I'm glad CBC is putting money into it. I wish they had some kind of say in the production.
I wish they could get me over there. I think writing on that series would be the greatest job ever. It's my dream. It'll never happen but it's nice to dream.
Embarrassing child-like reaction aside, I think the CBC should be doing a lot more co-productions with the BBC. Less American influence, more UK, I say. Team up with Auntie Beeb! Let's face it, our tastes are more in line with the UK's, aren't they?
How do you compare your CBC radio dramas to your other work? Your most well-known roles outside of CBC Radio are for your involvement in Ken Finkleman's sitcom The Newsroom and Don McKellar's film Childstar. How important is "know someone in the business" in comparison to "make sure what I'm writing doesn't suck shit?"
The Newsroom was great. Although I was a creative consultant the third year, I was really just an actor for the two years I was on the show. Those two years were probably the most fun I've had in my life. With my radio stuff I have a lot more control and a lot more pressure. I write the episodes, then go in and record them. It's totally different. I'm a lot more concerned with the final product than I was on The Newsroom.
As for knowing people in the industry? Someone can open a door for you, but once you're in there you'd better have a fucking great script. The most important thing is always the writing. Otherwise, you're just going to look unprepared and foolish, and that "friend" in the industry is likely to never help you out again.
Article comments
1 - Diane Kristine
Cool interview, thanks. I've seen him around the blogosphere and loved The Newsroom but don't catch a lot of radio drama.