Key figures from one of the BBC’s most popular dramas have been giving University of Worcester students the benefit of their experience.
Key figures from BBC's Death in Paradise with University of Worcester students.
Below - photo 1: Don Warrington (centre) giving speaking to the students; Photo 2: Tim Key (far left) speaking to students
Executive Producer Tim Key and actor Don Warrington from Death in Paradise came to the University to speak to students across a range of courses in the Institute of Arts and Humanities about working in the television industry.
Mr Key, who is a Fellow of the University, is Executive Producer at Red Planet Pictures and in charge of the Death in Paradise programmes, while Mr Warrington plays Commissioner Selwyn Patterson in the series. Set on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie, filmed on Guadeloupe, the whodunnit crime drama has just aired its fourteenth series.
The pair spoke to students about the realities and challenges of working on Death in Paradise, such as the logistics of working abroad and in a hot climate, and gave insight into how they got to where they are now, as well as advice to those looking to get into the industry, whether in front of or behind the camera.
Shelby Bennett, who is doing the Master’s in Touring Theatre course at the University of Worcester, said: “I think it was very inspirational. I have watched the show and to see them actually in person and saying things we need help with as aspiring actors it really does help.”
Shaun Welch, a Theatre and Screenwriting student, said: “I thought it was a great opportunity to have people from the industry and also people active in the industry come in with their insights because they give you up to date insights on it. It’s definitely something I have taken on board and see myself using that advice to further my own career.”
Hollie Winbush, a Theatre, Acting and Performance student, said: “I was eating up every single thing they were saying. It’s just because I think I really empathise with everything Don said about his journey, from starting off as an actor to now. That’s why I wanted to get into acting. I feel a connection with that. I want to go into screen acting and it’s just solidified that idea that I’ve got to go for it. It's a hard industry to get into but seeing these two who are passionate about it and successful in their field is really inspiring.”
Rachel Ammonds, Head of Department of Theatre, Film and Media Production, who organised the visit, said: "It was fantastic to welcome Tim and Don who enthused and inspired the students, sharing insights, experience and words of advice. There was a real buzz around the department. Employability is a key focus of all of our courses and events like these are so beneficial to our students as they hear first-hand about the industry from those working in it.”
Mr Key said: “It was amazing and inspiring to meet all the students. They’re keen, they’re switched on, they’re interested, they’re confident, which makes me very hopeful for the future. I always found it very useful when I was a student and someone came in from the industry I was wanting to get into - it was a great opportunity to learn and get a bit of a steer. I’d like to think that we’ve given a bit of that today.”
Mr Warrington said: “I thought it was very nice to be talking to young people who have an energy about their future.”
Mr Key is Executive Producer of Death in Paradise spinoff, Beyond Paradise, as well as series two and three of ITV’s costume drama Sanditon. He has also previously produced long-running shows, including ITV’s The Bill and Emmerdale, and BBC’s Waterloo Road.
Don Warrington is best known for playing the Commissioner and his role in 1970s drama Rising Damp. His film credits include Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet (1996) and he has performed on stage with the National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company.