BULLDOGS AWARDS 2008
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DRAMA ONE-OFF OR SERIAL
Cranford

Winner

Cranford

November, BBC1, (BBC Drama)

Judi Dench, Philip Glenister, Francesca Annis, Imelda Staunton, Greg Wise and Michael Gambon were just a few of the all-star cast that appeared in Elizabeth Gaskell’s five-part period drama set in the 1840s. The drama follows the absurdities and tragedies in the lives of the people of Cranford, a small Cheshire market town on the cusp of great change as the railway makes its way to the town from Manchester. The show was produced by BBC Drama and WGBH Boston in association with Chestermead Ltd. It was written by Heidi Thomas, the director was Simon Curtis, the producer was Sue Birtwistle and the executive producer was Kate Harwood for BBC Drama. The show was a big hit for the BBC with the first episode picking up 8.2 million viewers (29.7%) at its peak. The programme has been recommissioned by head of drama Jane Tranter with a two part special planned for Christmas 2009.

RUNNERS UP
Boy A

2nd

Boy A

November, Channel 4, (Cuba Pictures)

The story referenced the infamous Jamie Bulger murder case as it centred on a young man, Jack (Andrew Garfield) who has recently been released from prison where he’s been since he committed a horrific crime as a child. With a new identity, he tries to make his way in the world under the constant threat of being exposed. The director was John Crowley and the producers were Lynn Horsford, and Nick Marston and Tally Garner of Cuba Pictures.

My

3rd

My Boy Jack

November, ITV1, (Ecosse Films)

Bagging Daniel Radcliffe for his first TV role post Harry Potter was a real coup for this film set during WW1. The show tells the story of writer Rudyard Kipling’s son Jack who, after gaining a commission to the army, went missing in action almost as soon as he reached the front line. David Haig’s script is an adaptation of his own stage play. Haig also took the role of Rudyard Kipling. Brian Kirk was the director and the producer was Michael Casey. The executive producers were Douglas Rae and Matt Arlidge.