Stuart describes his work at Corrie, a typical day and some behind-the-scenes secrets.
Talking about the weight of responsibility he feels towards our favourite show, he says: “We’ve got to get this right. We owe it to the last 53 years to get it right.”
Whether you think Stuart is getting it right, or not, the interview is well worth a read.
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Nice words - if only they were matched by deeds. He has spent most of his time in charge ignoring what has always worked for Corrie, instead serving up dumbed-down dross:( And - sorry to be picky, but Stuart mentions "Corrie when it was just once a week" in his interview. It was never shown once a week! This ranks alongside his "Gail was brought in as a friend of Suzie Birchall" quote in exposing his ignorance of the history he professes to revere:(
ReplyDeleteI have to agree totally with Njblas, the sentiment is good but actions speak louder than words and while the show is not the worst it's ever been, it has a long way to go before I'm hooked again.
ReplyDeleteIt's gives an insight as to why the things that niggle fans can be a low priority for producers and directors. You can see how, eg, Simon acting well below his character's age won't be important until he gets a major storyline. That may be when they'll sort it out. More telling than this interview are the comments of various actors: Charlie Lawson's opinion of where his character was going before he left the last time; Chris Gascoyne's remark about the unlikely affair with Tina only being down to the actress leaving; Georgia May Foote shooting her mouth off and saying the 'writers keeping changing their minds'.
ReplyDeleteWhat Mr. Blackburn didn't say, that I was hoping to learn, is what he uses as a means of measuring his success at "getting it right". Is it just ratings, or is it his personal view on what the actors are supposed to be portraying? Does he solicit feedback, and if so, from whom? In such a closed environment, under such pressure of time and budget, it's easy to become insular, narrowly focussed, and ultimately, blinded, so that the wrong direction and the distorted bigger picture can creep in unnoticed or overlooked. It doesn't matter if the lighting's not right, or if a performance is too big or small, if the characterization is ridiculous, or the storyline is ludicrous. or if (the long-time viewers' pet peeve) either is inconsistent with the past.
ReplyDeleteYes agree with all comments and i would suggest Stuart actually sits down and watches corrie as a viewer, he may be shocked at what he sees. I Agree that perhaps someone at ITV needs to get feedback on how the show is going instead of getting so caught up in the day to day runnings. I feel sorry for the actors. Sounds like they work like slaves for months then got time off for good behaviour.
ReplyDeleteAs Alan Sugar would say - What a load of B****X. Instead of a load of old rhetoric Mr B you should try and do a bit of research and perhaps read boards like this and see who is unpopular or exhausted and stop renewing their contracts!
ReplyDeleteAs Alan Sugar would say - What a load of B****X. Instead of a load of old rhetoric Mr B you should try and do a bit of research and perhaps read boards like this and see who is unpopular or exhausted and stop renewing their contracts!
ReplyDeleteHe's always talked a good game has Mr Blackburn.
ReplyDeleteI think there are some valid points in the comments, but I think, too, that there is some hypocrisy as well. It is a good article for getting some answers, whether they are the answers we want, from SB, and, for me, fascinating info about the new studios. When I visited the Corrie tour in September, I also took in the BBC MediaCity tour; you get to see studios, wardrobe, radio studios (I held Craig Charles' tambourine!!!) and learn about the technology involved -- I highly recommend the tour if you're interested in that http://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/tours/salford. I'm sure there are similarities to the ITV studios which don't offer tours.
ReplyDeleteWell, here lies the problem,
ReplyDeleteMr. B says.. and I quote:
"It’s very, very rare that I watch it as a viewer... ------Yada--Yada.. Mostly I'm very, very critical."
(So,you're in good company dear Frosty)
This man seems to do a lot of "fab" or "brilliant" interviews. Yet ironically he says very little. Sure he speaks, sounds come out, those sounds get typed up and posted on this blog. Yet what he says is cliched and dull.
ReplyDeletePerhaps if Stuart Blackburn dropped his egotistical obsession with being interviwed he may find more time to help come up with better ideas. Also there might be less storylines leaked to the press which will add excitement to the show.
Stuart!!! watch the show. Please.
ReplyDeleteIt was so wrong of you to openly admit this fact.