05 08 2015 - Media release
FremantleMedia Australia names global drama executive John Yorke as Blue Sky Drama Initiative script mentor
World-renowned drama executive John Yorke has been announced as the International Script Mentor for FremantleMedia’s Blue Sky Drama Initiative, which is funded through Screen Australia’s Enterprise program.
The Blue Sky Drama Initiative is a program for the development of ambitious, original and compelling drama series, by Australians for local and international audiences.
Yorke is a highly respected figure in quality and award-winning British drama, with his name attached to acclaimed productions including Wolf Hall, Shameless, The Missing, Spooks, Omagh and Hustle.
Working with FMA’s Director of Drama, Jo Porter, and FMA’s Head of Scripted Content, Anthony Ellis, Yorke will lead the writers in the development of two projects selected from a public call out. As International Script Mentor, Yorke will provide a challenging and stimulating environment and an invaluable international filter for script development.
Jo Porter, FMA’s Head of Drama, says: “We all know a compelling drama begins with the script. Having someone of the calibre of John Yorke guiding these unique projects is going to be a fantastic experience for all of us involved. John’s pivotal role in realising from the ground up a diverse and successful range of iconic television projects is second to none. We can’t wait to get started.”
John Yorke says: “I’m extremely flattered to have been asked to work on the Blue Sky project. Mentoring writers is one of the most important things an industry can do and it’s brilliant to be involved in a project that so clearly understands that.”
Applications for the Blue Sky Drama Initiative have now closed.
About John Yorke
John Yorke is Managing Director of Angel Station and a freelance drama consultant. A former MD of Company Pictures where he Exec Produced Wolf Hall, he’s the author of Into the Woods – the highly acclaimed book about how and why we tell stories. As both Head of Channel Four Drama and Controller of BBC Drama Production John has worked on big popular works such as Hustle, Spooks, Casualty and Holby City alongside award-winners such as Bodies, Omagh, Sex Traffic, Not Only But Always and The Curse of Steptoe. His career began story-lining EastEnders in its very first BAFTA winning year – beginning a 14 year association with the programme. As a commissioning Editor/Executive Producer, he championed Life On Mars, The Street, Shameless and Waterloo Road and in 2005 he created the BBC Writers Academy, a year-long in-depth training scheme which has produced a generation of successful television writers. He’s also edited The Archers. John is Visiting Professor of English Language and Literature at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and lives and works in London.
For application enquiries please contact Shay Spencer -
Email: bluesky@fremantlemedia.com.au Phone: 02 9434 0656
FremantleMedia Australia media contact: Steven Murphy -
Email: steven.murphy@fremantlemedia.com.au Phone: 0413 842 932