CMC 2014 - BAFTA Creative Masterclass: The Dumping Ground

Jacqueline Wilson’s much loved character, Tracy Beaker, has been at the heart of CBBC’s schedule since it launched in 2002.  The panel takes a journey through the original development of ‘The Story of Tracy Beaker’ and the decision to bring the series back after a five year gap.  What were the challenges of re-introducing the franchise with an older character (‘Tracy Beaker Returns’) and how do you then cope with the decision of your lead actress to move on?  Should you even continue?

BAFTA Award winning drama, ‘The Dumping Ground’, continues to resonate with its young audience. The panel explores its winning formula by talking about emotional truth, moral and editorial responsibility, on screen diversity, character and issue based drama using specific case studies including gay adoption and racism.

The discussion is chaired by Helen Blakeman, no stranger to Wilson characters.  She won a BAFTA for her adaptation of ‘Dustbin Baby’ and is lead writer on the new CBBC drama, ‘Hetty Feather’.  Panelists include lead writer Elly Brewer who helped develop all three titles in the franchise; original cast member Connor Byrne who plays head care worker Mike Milligan; and BBC executive producer, Lis Steele.