Talks
The power of soaps is enduring, both as a platform for representation and training grounds for craft and production. With the recent launch of BAFTA’s Invisible Barriers guide for the screen industries, this masterclass will focus on how soaps represent class effectively through a number of key areas: performance, casting, writing and producing. This will be discussed across the five primetime soaps (EastEnders, Coronation St, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and Casualty).
Through moderated panel discussions: starting with the writers and executive producers who feed the year-round productions and narratives, the masterclass will examine working-class representation. Panellists will demonstrate how they pool together the experience and talent needed to represent authentically, both on and off screen; whilst also nurturing writers’ rooms with lived experience and career progression tracks. From an editorial perspective, the unique opportunity the genre delivers for character development, complex storylines and resonant themes to loyal audiences who see themselves reflected will be explored.
The second panel of the evening will focus on performances on screen, speaking to actors currently working in soaps and those who cast them – a great showcase not just for working-class talent but working-class issues; authenticity being key.
The Masterclass will be followed by an industry networking with our panellists, BAFTA Members & BAFTA Connect Members in the Reuben Gallery.
Confirmed talent:
Panel 1:
• Kate Oates, BBC, Head of Continuing Drama (EastEnders & Casualty)
• Iain MacLeod, Executive Producer for Continuing Drama (Corrie/Emmerdale)
• Hannah Cheers, Executive Producer (Hollyoaks)
• Ade Lamuye, Storyliner (EastEnders)
• Jayshree Patel, Writer (Hollyoaks)
• Erin Kubicki, Writer (Casualty)
Panel 2:
• Scott Maslen, actor (EastEnders)
• Channique Sterling-Brown, actress (Coronation Street)
• Jeff Hordley, actor (Emmerdale)
• Peter Hunt, Casting Director (Hollyoaks)
• Kevin Riddle, Casting Director (BBC, EastEnders & Casualty)
• Faye Styring (Emmerdale), Casting Director
