Eureka! Free Agents
- Published: 07 November 2007 16:22
- Last Updated: 08 November 2007 09:00
Free Agents producer Nira Park explains why C4's new show was forged from experience
Where did the idea come from?
Bitter experience. The whole thing's written in blood basically. Writer Chris Niel wanted to create something fairly autobiographical about a grown-up romance, when falling in love is complicated by all the emotional baggage you bring to the relationship. It's about two characters going through big life crises at the same time as holding down a job. Chris used to be a talent agent so using that as a setting fed into the whole authentic feel of the piece.
What did you think made it stand out?
I got involved at script stage, by which time it was the duality of tone and character that attracted me, the way it slides between funny and sad. You like these people but they're not perfect. They're damaged by what's happened to them and that reveals itself however much they're trying to hide it. It's very real and painfully honest.
How did you pitch it?
Chris Niel and Iain Morris at Bwark pitched it to Caroline Leddy at Channel 4 as a deranged rom-com. "Richard Curtis on poppers."
What was the reaction?
Caroline was very positive from the outset. She encouraged Chris to write what he wanted. Her only proviso was that the focus should be on a successful couple and their chaotic personal lives - and those of their equally screwed-up colleagues and clients, families and friends, and not be too entrenched in the world of the talent agency.
How did the idea evolve?
Chris developed the first script very closely with Iain and Caroline, then she asked Stephen Mangan to do a reading. That was a massive help in terms of making the character work, and it meant that when Chris came to write the second script, he was seeing Stephen's face, not his. When Caroline and Andrew Newman commissioned the pilot, Sharon Horgan agreed to play the other lead.
Any major challenges to overcome?
Anthony Head filming in Canada at the same time as working with us in London was fairly challenging! Trying to create something that was funny, emotionally convincing and looked good on a short schedule and a limited budget.
Why did it work?
Everyone giving 110% - collaborating, pulling favours, coming together because they believed in the project.
What was your Eureka moment?
Contact: liz.thomas@emap.com
