On Thursday 12th March, we had TV director David Evans come and speak to us in the black box studio. Mr Evans has previously directed episodes of series such as ‘ Shameless’, and films such as ‘ Fever Pitch’. He guided us through the various roles of a director, from start to finish. To illustrate this, he used a practical example: his latest TV Drama, ‘ Unforgiven’. We were shown the script of the first few minutes, after which he told us about casting the actors and finding the perfect locations. We then saw the end product, and could see how script edits, choice of location and casting had come together to create a tense, realistic beginning to the drama. As well as talking about the job of a director, David also gave us an insight into the TV industry and his own personal route into this career. He became involved in directing after he realised acting was not for him, and at Cambridge he had the opportunity to direct student plays. After a few years he went to film school and worked his way up, starting as a researcher. It was a very interesting talk, especially for those interested in the TV and film industry. Mr Evans really gave us an insight into what his job entails. Eleanor, Year 12

David Evans is responsible for some of Britain’s best loved TV shows and films, from ‘Fever Pitch’ to ‘Shameless’ and more recently ‘Wild at Heart’. David is a top director and we were privileged to hear first-hand about the exciting process of making a film or TV series, as well as being able to enjoy a short screening of one of his programmes and a reading of the script.

David Evans began directing plays at university after abandoning his desire to become an actor.   He later attended film school before making his mark on the entertainment industry with his highly successful film ‘Fever Pitch’.  

A career in direction is very exciting and can take you all over the world. This travel can have its downsides, explained Mr Evans, with filming for ‘Wild at Heart’ keeping him away from home for 3 months.   However, the fulfilment and accomplishment he feels on seeing his work come to life far outweighs the bad points.   We got a sense of this when, watching the beginning of David’s latest TV series, ‘Unforgiven’, his name appeared large and clear in the centre of the screen.

Not only did we watch some of Mr Evans’ work, but we were also given the script for it and the opportunity to read it out.   Mr Evans explained how directing allows you to be involved in every aspect of production:  auditioning actors, location scouting, and the contrast between the long, hectic days of filming and the quiet, concentrated period of post-production.

Mr Evans gave us a wonderful insight into the world of direction and has, I am sure, encouraged many of us to pursue a career in direction ourselves.   A surge of female directors would be very welcome, as David explains that the long periods away from home has meant that women are under-represented in the world of direction.   With such a busy career, we are particularly grateful that David took the time to come and speak to us.

Lily, Year 11