“Redistributors” creator Adrian Tanner, talks to us about his TV series in development
A London TV Pitchbox Special Mention
Writer Adrian Tanner talks to us about his TV series drama in development. We talked about the Occupy movement, the origin of the story and the state of affairs that has brought us into the present moment, where “Redistributors” comes into play.
Brief synopsis:
Ben, Daisy, Mitch and Herbie, live in a messy building in Camden. To the outside world it looks like any other hippie squat, but they have a fat broadband connection and a deep hatred of the rich. While life is still punctuated with arguments over cleaning, rescuing addicts and sheltering the mentally ill, they have already brought down corrupt companies, banks and politicians. Guided by their spiritual leader, Melissa Manning, they set out to share the vast wealth of the world’s biggest hedge-fund.
But their activities have not gone unnoticed, and a corporate spy, Jane, is dispatched to infiltrate the squat.
FMH: Tell us a little bit about yourself, why did you decide to become a filmmaker? Where did you study? How did you start your career in film?
A.T: After a philosophy degree at Bristol, I started making shorts, then working as an editor at the BBC on wildlife shows, and later docs; drama docs.
FMH: Do you have any other work in film, TV or advertisement? Can you show us/ tell us about your most noted work up until now?
A.T: I am most known for the movie version of this idea, Redistributors 2015.
FMH: I read the dossier and the pilot for “Redistributors” and I really liked the whole concept from the start. With protests and capitalist movements coming and going, and with a wave of far-right movements growing in all of Europe, where do you think we are headed in this regard?
A.T: Sadly young people aren’t taking to the streets as much now. This is why I think they will enjoy watching a drama about protest from the safety of their sofas.
FMH: What was the seed idea to develop “Redistributors”?
A.T: I spent time at the Occupy camps in 2008 — and that is where I met many of the characters in the story. Highly principled and brave, but wrestling with very needy and often homeless, criminal people in their midst.
FMH: What is your ultimate goal with the creation of “Redistributors”? In the sense of, what concept would you like audiences to stay with when they’d watch it?
A.T: I hope that the political logic of Redistribution will come through the show, and the heroic nature of many of those who fight for what they believe in.
FMH: How long have you been working on this project?
A.T: Ten years.
FMH: At what stage are you with it at this moment? What do you need and are you looking for to further develop it?
A.T: A pilot and Bible are available to read. I would love to start writing and developing the 10x60 first series.
FMH: Do you have anybody specific in mind that you would like to be a part of your project (actor, actress, d.o.p, producer…)?
A.T: Mostly a hot young cast of new faces — but Roger Allam, I have worked with before, would be great.
FMH: What do you think stands out most in “Redistributors”?
A.T: It’s the grungy realism of the struggle. Dirty squats, sweaty protests, the violence of police.
FMH: Had you shopped it around before uploading it to Filmarket Hub? How did it go?
A.T: The TV concept is quite new. It was a chance to reinvent the ideas of the original film. It has not been read by many people in TV yet!
FMH: What made you apply to London TV Pitchbox?
A.T: It fills a need for TV writing, which is not met elsewhere. Well done!
FMH: Do you think, as a director/screenwriter, is it important to be involved in all parts of the process of making a TV Show, not just writing it, but marketing it etc.?
A.T: Yes — of course — and this project has loads of political impetus behind it. A huge culture to tap in to. The dream would be to link the show to protest and activism, and be celebrated by the various movements.
QUICK QUESTIONNAIRE
Three favourite screenwriters:
- Aaron Sorkin
- Quentin Tarantino
- Oliver Stone
Three favourite screenwriting books:
Three favourite directors:
- Oliver Stone
- Steven Spielberg
- Denis Villeneuve
Three favourite movies:
- JFK (Stone, 1991)
- La Haine (Kassovitz, 1995)
- Cape Fear (Thompson, 1962)
