David Hayman Explores Creative Process

David Hayman explores bringing the script to life

with GCU students


Acclaimed director, actor and producer David Hayman has shared his experiences of working in TV, film and the theatre with students of GCU’s MA TV Fiction Writing programme.

Mr Hayman, founder of the charity Spirit Aid and a GCU honorary graduate, explored the creative process of bringing a script to life as an actor and director.

He said: “I was very excited at the opportunity to talk with GCU students about life as a working actor, director and producer. I have always had the greatest respect for the University as an inclusive place of learning and I enjoyed an engaging, provocative and useful discussion with the TV writers of the future.”

Chris Dolan, a lecturer on the programme who collaborated with Mr Hayman on the play The Pitiless Storm in 2014, said: “Getting advice from an inspirational professional with such long and deep experience is invaluable to our new writers. David can give writers insights into how actors and directors respond to their scripts – what enthuses them, what gives them problems – better than anyone. It was a unique opportunity for our students.”

In a wide-ranging conversation, Mr Hayman shared his experiences of playing roles as diverse as Lady MacBeth and Jimmy Boyle and explored the power of TV to connect with audiences, as well as what makes a script attractive.

GCU’s MA TV Fiction Writing is the only full-time postgraduate programme of its type in the UK. GCU has built a reputation amongst employers including Warner Bros. Entertainment UK and Shed Productions for training creative and accomplished professionals who leave the TV masters degree ready to make meaningful contributions to television.