Davina Earl feels the culture shock as she navigates the surreal edge of LA in Trump’s America. Thankfully, the TV is still brilliant.
I’m lucky to have been asked to write this diary at the same time as a rare trip to America for ITV Studios’ LA Screenings. Quay Street Productions (QSP) is currently finishing post on The Guest, a new four-part drama for BBC One, penned by the wonderful Matthew Barry, who is also executive producer, and being screened by the ITV Global Partnerships team. Normally, my diary would be drier: drag self and family out of bed, consider making protein shake but reach for Frosties, head to Manchester office: read scripts, watch things, consider new ideas. And repeat.
Flying to LA to play the first episode of The Guest to international buyers was a pinch-me moment and a chance to gauge the mood. A packed three-day schedule started at 7.00am with important business. QSP Chief Exec Nicola Shindler and I scuttled down Sunset Boulevard to gawp at Selling Sunset’s Oppenheim Group office – hoping to glimpse Chrishell, Mary or an Oppenheim twin at the very least. We peered in the window (ignoring the sign asking us not to peer in the window) and took a few photos, but sadly there were no realtors in residence.
This was followed by more important business; a massive stack of pancakes (approximately the height of one of the aforementioned Oppenheim twins) at Mel’s Drive-In. Feeling culturally and nutritionally replete, we embarked on some actual work, meeting US colleagues and buyers, getting a temperature check of the industry and discussing The Guest.
As with the UK, we all know that the US is reeling from a succession of blows to its film and TV industry: consecutive writers’ and actors’ strikes, studio closures and consolidations, mass job cuts – not to mention the devastating wildfires earlier in the year and the ever-present political turmoil.
Regarding the latter, there certainly wasn’t any lack of material when we were lucky enough to attend a live recording of Jon Lovett’s Lovett or Leave It at Flappers Comedy Club. Lovett, a comedian and former Obama speechwriter, was spoiled for choice as he raked over the day’s news – that Qatari jet included – with Sarah Silverman, Lamorne Morris and Esther Povitsky.
Indeed, the news cycle is horrifying and LA itself possesses rather a heightened demeanour – self-driving taxis, the exorbitant cost of living, dogs in couture – which makes everything feel even more intense and mildly sci-fi.
But there was also so much to feel positive about, including brilliant TV execs who – despite the demolition of diversity, equity and inclusion policies – continue to seek out stories with messy, marginalised, noisy, provocative characters, and creatives who have respect for each other’s stories and the willingness to share and celebrate them.
Being able to exchange these stories, this humanity, internationally has never felt so important. It was striking to see the huge billboards for Adolescence proudly emblazon the skyline. We can only hope the talk of film levies may be quietly put to bed.
LA’s blue skies and sunshine had given way to a Mancunian mizzle, and we were delighted to screen episode one of The Guest to an audience for the first time. Hopefully, this will be the start of us being able to share our story internationally.
As the day drew to a close, Matt [Matthew Barry] and I caught up with some work by the hotel’s rooftop pool. We smiled beatifically at the group of students splashing around with cocktails, enjoying their graduation party.
Lest I get too big for my boots before my return to Manchester, Matt turned to me and asked: “Would you like me to winch you into the pool so you can join them?”
Davina Earl is Head of Development and Executive Producer at Quay Street Productions.