From time to time there is a move to do a little less in the way of period dramas, but people rebel. Audiences say we want them. There is a big hunger for them. I don't think it's sentimentality or nostalgia, it's often that they are simply the best ...
I'm not one of these people who say how much better American drama is than English. I find it mostly too American, except for The Sopranos, which I think is the best thing.
One of the things I've always thought is a drag in so many period adaptations is that they are always buttoned up to the neck in so many clothes all the time. I'm always looking for excuses to get them out of their clothes.
I had a mother who was very emotionally demanding, wanting to be the centre of attention. As they say in EastEnders, she thought it was all about 'er. I spent a lot of time trying to work out what was going on.
Plan for each episode to be a satisfying experience, but still leave the audience thinking, 'Oh, my God! Now what?'
My wife likes history and documentaries, but I'm not so keen on them. I generally go and do some work if there's one of those on.
I used to have this Mercedes, a dark blue 450SLC, which was the most beautiful car. I'd like to have another unusual, beautiful car.
I would love it if anyone gave me the job of adapting 'The Great Gatsby,' but nobody ever does.
I remain, however, fairly optimistic for the future of period drama because it's just such a popular thing.
Rebecca Eaton has made an enormous contribution to the cultural life of America, and, more than that, she is one of the most fun people I know.
The most moving scene for me in 'Pride and Prejudice' is the Pemberley music room scene: Elizabeth has just saved Darcy's sister from embarrassment and confusion, and as the music plays on, Darcy's look of gratitude becomes a look of love, which we s...
I always do like to write love stories, even if they end tragically.
'Affinity' is beautiful and intense, with no laughs. It's a rather delicate and emotional love story, with a spooky element.
I prefer love scenes to be shot up close with a lot of focus on eyes and mouths. Otherwise it can feel uncomfortable and voyeuristic.
I'd love to adapt more contemporary novels. But there isn't really enough story and character to make a really satisfying serial, so they tend to be single dramas.
Most actors hate readthroughs - they're exposing themselves before they're ready to, and before they've bonded. But I love them because they give us all the first inkling of what the whole show is going to be like, how each part affects every other p...
The writer in movies is about as low as you can get and you really are a hired hand. You are paid a lot of money to be treated like dirt.
People like bonnets. I don't think you can under-estimate that.
I'm absolutely delighted if people think of me as a reliable purveyor of quality period stuff.
Novels often have leisurely openings; a TV drama needs an arresting opening.
