‘Wolf Hall’ Director Issues Warning on State of British Shows: “We need to ensure that (…) they don’t drive U.K.-skewed, public service drama out of existence.”

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The esteemed director, Peter Kosminsky, who gained recognition through the critically acclaimed series “Wolf Hall”, is voicing worries about the health of high-budget TV productions in the UK. In a statement presented during a parliamentary hearing, he detailed the challenges faced while getting “The Mirror and the Light”, the sequel to “Wolf Hall”, onto our screens.

Kosminsky expressed that attempting to produce “The Mirror and the Light” in today’s world is highly unlikely. Despite the acclaim and success of “Wolf Hall,” which featured Mark Rylance as Thomas Cromwell and garnered numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe, streaming platforms refused to pick up the final installment of Hilary Mantel’s trilogy.

Progress on the project was solely achieved due to the commitment of essential team players such as the lead actor, scriptwriter, and director, who consented to accept lower compensation. Kosminsky emphasized that they had invested a decade in creating the series, yet the monetary challenges involved in its production were incredibly harsh.

In 2024, when the series was broadcast on BBC One, Kosminsky expressed a concern: the cost of producing high-quality dramas has risen so much that funding from public service broadcasters (PSBs) and tax incentives can no longer cover it. He noted how streaming services have led to an expensive production landscape, which is causing UK-focused shows to face uncertainty.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’ve come across some troubling news. According to Pact, a UK screen trade association, over fifteen dramatic productions, greenlit by Public Service Broadcasters (PSBs), are at a standstill due to funding shortfalls. This issue seems to resonate with the BBC as well, who have admitted that numerous series are in limbo, and even successful projects like “Nightsleeper” haven’t prevented production companies from ceasing operations.

Kosminsky argued that there’s an excessive emphasis on crafting content with universal allure. He clarified that although such shows resonate with British viewers, streaming platforms view them as high-risk ventures lacking the necessary pull to attract American audiences.

He emphatically stated that the unique aspects of British culture must not be overlooked. In his opinion, public service dramas are crucial for fostering open dialogue and defining our national character. Without proper backing, there’s a danger they might vanish completely.

In his proposal, Kosminsky suggested that streaming services should donate 5% of their earnings from UK subscriptions to a dedicated fund for producing high-quality British dramas. He pointed out that 17 European countries have implemented similar strategies, and despite initial opposition from Netflix in Germany and France, the platform was ultimately defeated in legal disputes there.

I wholeheartedly share Kosminsky’s conviction that this method could safeguard the continuity of distinctly British narratives, preventing them from fading amidst the pursuit of universal popularity. In the upcoming parliamentary proceedings, we shall present our evidence during the final session, with a comprehensive report due in the spring.

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2025-01-24 18:43