PRODUCTION – SCRIPTED
broadcastnow.co.uk August 2019 | Broadcast Hot Shots | 11
Nominated by: Kristian Smith,
chief creative officer,
Leopard Pictures
Script editor Callum Akass is
playfully described by Leopard
Pictures’ Kristian Smith as “one of
those young, infuriating individu-
als who is bounding up the ladder
at lightning speed”.
Starting his career as a Creative
Access intern and Channel 4 script
reader, Callum’s career trajectory is
testament to his “storytelling
ability, charm and humility”.
Cool and confident, it wasn’t
long into his career before
Callum led a commissioner
meeting, securing a commission
soon after – a taster of what is
likely to come, as he maintains
CALLUM AKASS 25
SCRIPT EDITOR, LEOPARD PICTURES
an “unassuming confidence”
around talent, says Smith.
Callum has now established
himself as an accomplished script
editor, and is currently working on
several comedies and dramas, while
managing a slate of developments.
These include the forthcoming
Worzel Gummidge adaptation
helmed by Mackenzie Crook for
BBC1, kids’ book adaptation Mimi
And The Mountain Dragon for the
BBC and a drama series to be
announced later this year. It’s no
wonder Smith lauds him as “a valu-
able and key member of our team”.
Callum’s progress in the past year
is described as enviable and,
according to Smith, he will turn
his hand to producing very quickly.Nominated by: Davina Earl,
head of development, Red
Production Company
Russell T Davies’ BBC1 drama
Years And Years grappled with
complex technological, scientific
and political concepts and it was
Laurie Kirkham who provided
invaluable research that helped
develop the near-future world
inhabited by its characters.
It speaks volumes that she is,
once again, working with the
acclaimed writer on a drama
series about the AIDS crisis
that will TX on Channel 4.
While working on ITV’s
Butterfly, Laurie also conducted
detailed and careful research into
the transgender community –LAURIE KIRKHAM 27
SCRIPT EDITOR, RED PRODUCTION COMPANY
going on to guide the production
and writer Tony Marchant through
the sensitive subject matter.
Initially brought on to the
project in a research capacity,
she impressed so much that
she was promptly promoted
to script editor.
Described as “cheerful,
fearless and fiercely passionate
about TV”, Laurie is highly
regarded at Nicola Shindler’s
Red Production Company.
Shindler herself notes that
the 27 year-old has an “immediate
rapport with writers who see
her excitement”.
“Laurie will make a strong
and exciting drama producer,”
Shindler adds.