Sam Morrison

I like to write wry, witty, sometimes absurdist comedy that all ages can enjoy, with a warm heart beneath layers of humour. Fifteen years as screenwriter, head-writer and development consultant has given me experience of vastly different teams, diverse creative approaches and unique outcomes, from overtly educational to out-and-out comedy; from small indie productions to broadcasters such as Netflix, Sesame, the BBC and Channel 5. Much of my work is undertaken solo, but I enjoy the collaboration of brainstorming, feedback, rewriting, and improving to get to the final draft. As a writer, my job is to help you get your vision to the screen. As a development consultant, however, I can help you realise what that vision actually is: taking the seed of an existing idea and grow it into a more fully-formed identity, be that the world, the characters, episode synopses, outlines, a pitch document, bible. Having a background as an animator and animation-director means as well as my love of character and dialogue I’m always conscious of the visual aesthetic – what can and will work on a screen. I also derive huge satisfaction from working on smaller projects that tackle societal concerns or shine a spotlight on issues that desperately need more attention. I’m really interested in audience engagement that goes beyond passive consumption in some way, whether via immersive technology, gamification, or compelling and emotive subject matter. Audiences from pre-school upwards have screen-literacy and emotional intelligence and I strive to avoid an earnest didactic approach, even in an educational show. I love bringing characters to life through dialogue in particular, and I like it when shows give an audience space to join the dots for themselves. I think it’s better a child ends a show chewing over some curious questions rather swallowing a nugget of easily-digestible nothing.