BBC Drama Boss Lindsay Salt Calls for Reshaping of Industry Amidst ‘Peak Caution’
In a bold move, BBC drama boss Lindsay Salt has called for a reshaping of the industry, claiming that we have transitioned from the era of “peak TV” to “peak caution.” Salt, who recently took on the role of the nation’s biggest drama commissioning job, expressed her ambition to help reshape the drama landscape during this critical time.
Reflecting on the past decade since the phrase “peak TV” first emerged, Salt raised concerns over what she referred to as “short-termism” and the disappearance of the big bets that were once prevalent in the industry. She noted that financial pressures and commercial imperatives have led buyers to retreat into cautious commissioning spaces, resulting in an industry that has become somewhat fearful.
Salt attributed this shift to various factors such as inflation, content and platform saturation, retrenchment, and the writers’ strike. She contrasted the current state of caution with a time just five years ago when everyone was willing to make brave choices and experiment with unorthodox ideas.
The issue of risk aversion has been a topic of discussion among UK buyers and executives in recent weeks. Salt used her first public appearance to shed light on this matter while also announcing 12 new shows, including projects from renowned figures like James Graham, Aimee Lou Wood, and Rebecca Hall. She emphasized that the BBC has the potential to be a beacon in this era of caution.
Salt stated her hope that in five years’ time, the BBC will have a record of risk-taking that has helped reshape the drama landscape. As the former Netflix scripted commissioner who took over from Piers Wenger 18 months ago, Salt urged all producers and creatives to continue pushing boundaries and venturing into the creative unknown. She emphasized that real risk is a leap of faith and questioned who would take such risks if not the BBC.
In addition to her call for reshaping the industry, Salt outlined three priorities for drama. The first is currency, which she defined as work that feels alive and interrogates the present. She expressed her desire to redefine British “state of the nation” drama, which she believes has become somewhat outdated or associated with shows overloaded with messages. Salt argued that series like “I May Destroy You” or “This is Going to Hurt” can be just as much “state of the nation” as more traditional examples like “Our Friends in the North.”
The second priority is character, and Salt criticized the industry for prioritizing flashy concepts over true characterization in recent years. She aims to redress this balance and discover the next generation of iconic characters, mentioning figures like Tommy Shelby from “Peaky Blinders” and Catherine Cawood from “Happy Valley.”
Salt concluded by highlighting the support and freedom that creatives receive from the BBC, stating that these are the moments that make her team proud. As the Director of Drama, she is committed to fostering an environment where brilliant creatives can thrive.
In a time of caution and risk aversion, Lindsay Salt’s call for reshaping the industry is a breath of fresh air. With her ambitious vision and commitment to risk-taking, she aims to redefine British drama and create iconic characters that will captivate audiences for years to come. As the BBC takes on this challenge, it has the potential to lead the way and reshape the drama landscape at a critical time.
