‘Adolescence’ Writer Jack Thorne: UK Government Must Help Avert “Devastating” Crisis In TV Drama

deadline.com:

EXCLUSIVE: Jack Thorne may be riding high on a British drama success story, but he has warned that shows like Adolescence could die out unless the industry solves a “devastating” funding crisis.

In an interview with Deadline, Thorne warned that Netflix hit Adolescence is built on storytelling traditions that are at risk of crumbling because of UK broadcaster budget cuts, international financing issues, and rampant inflation.

The prolific British writer, whose credits include His Dark Materials and stage show Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, argued that lower-budget, distinctively British series need to be properly funded to promote the growth of new writing talent. “If Channel 4 and the BBC are denied the opportunity to make these shows, that’s devastating,” he said. “The problem of international finance and what that’s done is incredibly current and leading to a lot of my friends and emerging writers being denied the opportunity to tell stories.” Thorne, who credits Skins with propelling him into the industry, continued: “If they are denied the opportunity to tell those stories, then the whole culture starts to crumble, and shows like Adolescence and Toxic Town are no longer possible.

Netflix making these shows is exciting, but it’s not everything.” Thorne said he fears for the next generation of writers who are being dissuaded from developing stories about their experiences and interests.