Dixie Linder: 'Make sure you really believe in what you are writing'
BY Emily Powter-Robinson
22nd Feb 2024
Dixie Linder started her career at Working Title Films before moving into producing. She has worked at Curtis Brown for over 12 years, joining Cuba Pictures in 2012 as the Head of Film and Television. During this time, she has worked on a range of TV and film projects including Broken (directed by Rufus Norris), the Bafta winning BBC adaptation of the bestselling Susanna Clarke novel Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, and BBC One’s ground-breaking international thriller McMafia among others.
We’re delighted that Cuba Pictures are offering additional mentoring to one talented student of our upcoming Writing an Original TV Drama Serial course. The next course will run from 11 April to 1 August 2024. Apply by 10 Mar.
We spoke to Dixie about her path into the industry, the TV dramas she's enjoyed watching recently and her advice for budding screenwriters.
How did you get started as a producer? What was your path into the industry?
I started at Working Title. I was obsessed about working for them and got down to be the last two for the reception job and the assistant to the head of tv. I didn’t get the job and then heard that Sarah Radclyffe who was the co-founder of Working Title needed a nanny when she went to the Cannes Film Festival – and I got that job and three months later she asked me to be her assistant.
Do you remember the first project you worked on?
The first film I worked on was Robin Hood for Fox Studios as an assistant. It was a massive learning curve as it went way over budget, over schedule. The main actor got very sick and was hospitalised in the middle of the shoot. There were 45 insurance claims. The insurance company offered me a job as I had to work on so many claims!
You’ve worked on a range of TV and film projects – from award-winning films like Broken and The War Zone to hit TV shows including the BBC adaptation of Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. Is there a project you’ve worked on of which you’re most proud?
I find it quite hard to answer this question but probably McMafia as the first episode was watched by over 10 million people and is still in the top 5 shows ever on the I player and there is a law called The McMafia law named after the show to prevent money laundering.
What TV dramas have you enjoyed watching recently? Are there any series that you would recommend for budding screenwriters to watch?
A bit obvious but Succession, Happy Valley, Dope Sick, The Morning Show (Not S3).
We’re delighted that Cuba Pictures are offering additional mentoring to one talented student of our upcoming Writing an Original TV Drama Serial course. What do you think some of the hallmarks are of a great pilot TV script?
I am all about character, I always want the characters to really engage me. Depending on genre, hooks are very important as we always get that note from the broadcaster/streamers and of course a great plot!
Finally, can you share one top tip for the aspiring screenwriters reading this?
Try not to be too despondent if your script is rejected. It is much easier for people to say no than to say yes, but make sure you really believe in what you are writing and you are ready to go on a long journey.
Want to learn more about how to write an original TV drama serial?
Our London-based TV screenwriting course, featuring masterclasses from top TV professionals and Curtis Brown agents runs from 11 April to 1 August 2024.
The Breakthrough Scholarship for Screenwriters of Colour will enable a talented writer of colour with limited financial means to join this Writing an Original TV Drama Serial course. Find out more and apply by clicking the button below. Deadline Sunday 17 March.