CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES: Research (BBC Academy Podcast: Sarah Phelps and Stewart Harcourt)

(http://www.bbc.co.uk/academy/production/ideas-and-research/storytelling/article/art20130702112135556)  "Joining Hazel Marshall in the CoP Show studio to discuss what makes a great adaptation are Sarah Phelps and Stewart Harcourt. Stewart has adapted many Poirots for ITV including Clocks from Christmas 2011 and Treasure Island with Eddie Izzard as Long John Silver for Sky1 at New Year. Sarah Phelps has adapted the much discussed Great Expectations with Gillian Anderson as Miss Havisham for the BBC in December 2011 and Oliver Twist for the BBC in 2007."

SH: “You do it because it’s you” You need to make it your own.
SP: Very character focused approach.

SH: If it’s got previous adaptations, consider what’s worked well before.
SP: Read book, re-read and then no other context. No adaptations or history of author etc. Nothing else but the novel. Life and text are separate, immerses self in the life of the novel.

SH: When working on Murder on the Orient express, made it a character study on Poirot because previous versions never had. Story base had been established so could explore different angles.
SP: The atmosphere of the book must be retained. Don’t be worried about a fresh approach, just your approach.

SH: With treasure island: four hours commissioned for two hour book and no women in original text. Took small line of Long John Silver having wife and created story around it. “It’s not gospel” Some characters may be unsatisfying or to modern audiences, hence changing of ending.

SH: 4 other treasure islands out coming out when working so had to be fast with production. A lot changes due to budget or casting etc. Casting Eddie izard as Long John Silver will change the roll. Actors may occasionally try to ad parts to the script.
SP: Doesn’t allow actors to influence script. Very strict with script. Script should stand on its own.

SH: Mixed audience reaction is expected. Audiences are very attached.
SP: Audiences can be afraid of change. Havisham is never described as old in Great Expectations. Liberties must be taken!

SH: Make an adaptation yours! Explore your relationship with it and make it exciting!
SP: Be passionate and stick to guns. Make it yours!