Industry Challenges

Patrick Walters, an executive producer known for his work on Netflix’s acclaimed series Heartstopper and the recent Sky/Stars production Sweetpea, has arrived at Series Mania amidst what many are calling a crisis in the UK drama sector. The landscape is changing, with broadcasters increasingly hesitant to invest in scripted content due to rising production costs and a shifting market strategy.

Creative Risks and the Need for Passion

In conversations at the festival, Walters expressed his concern about the mounting difficulties in television production. “It’s really difficult and it’s something I’ve seen season on season with ‘Heartstopper’ and all the production complexities in TV at this moment are a lot,” he commented. Walters highlighted a crucial challenge for writers and producers: to create unique pitches that stand out. He stated, “The challenge is that what you need to be pitching in that moment are things that feel so specific that there isn’t a precedent, that moves the conversation… but that’s a risk.”

Walters emphasized the importance of enthusiasm for risky projects, encouraging creators to approach broadcasters with innovative and exciting ideas. “Often I find I’m wanting to work towards risky material,” he noted, asserting that passion is vital for captivating potential partners.

Changes within See-Saw Films

Following the recent acquisition of a majority stake in See-Saw Films by French media giant Mediawan, Walters is optimistic about the future. He sees this development as an opportunity for increased investment and resource allocation for larger projects. “We’re really excited,” he said about the changes. “It’s early days, it happened just weeks ago.” Walters pointed out the synergy he sees between Mediawan’s portfolio and See-Saw’s commitment to independent creativity, saying, “So we’re excited to see how it plays out.”

Future of Heartstopper

Despite considerable interest, Walters was unable to provide any updates regarding the anticipated fourth season of Heartstopper, which has not yet been greenlit by Netflix. “Afraid I don’t have anything to say,” he remarked. “But as soon as I do, the update will be updated.”