NFTS Scotland: An Introduction to Adaptation Online

Delivered in partnership with NFTS Leeds and NFTS Cymru Wales, accessed by Zoom

ADAPTATIONS of novels are today as crucial to the schedules of the BBC, ITV and Sky as they are to Netflix, Amazon Studios and HBO. They account for more than half of the drama output on global television and are no longer dependant on the works of 19th or 20th century classic authors. A new wave of contemporary adaptations has arrived. Recent adaptations of novels such as Normal People (BBC 1), Big Little Lies (HBO), The Queen’s Gambit (Netflix), The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)and Bridgerton (Netflix) are creating new opportunities for writers, producers and directors.

AN INTRODUCTION TO ADAPTATION is a 3-day course via zoom taking participants through the process of adapting novels and turning works of fiction into breakthrough TV Drama. There will be a guest writer or producer each day talking about and answering your questions on the decisions they made on major adaptations. There will be a session on acquiring the intellectual rights to a project. On the final day there will be practical advice on how to approach independent productions companies with your idea for an adaptation.

The industry is aware of the need to locate and champion new talent in the art of adaptation.

About the tutor: 

The tutor on An Introduction to Adaptation is PETER ANSORGE, ex-Head of Drama at Channel 4 whose career includes, the award-winning A Very British Coup, Traffik, GBH, The Politician’s Wife, The Camomile Lawn, Dance to The Music of Time and the first adaptation of Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City.

Several of the scripts completed on Peter’s two-week ‘Writing the Pilot’ course at NFTS Beaconsfield and NFTS Scotland are currently in development with leading UK drama Independents.