Veteran television executive Jane Tranter addressed peers at the 12th edition of Rome's MIA Market on Tuesday, urging European producers to reject chasing prevailing market trends and instead champion distinct, character-driven storytelling. The Bad Wolf co-founder, known for producing acclaimed series including "Industry" and "Doctor Who," shared that surviving unpredictability in the screen sector requires creative professionals to push against industry consensus.
Speaking onstage alongside MIA head of drama content Paolo Ciccarelli, Tranter framed her approach around counterprogramming conventional thinking. She emphasized that creators must follow their instincts rather than wait for the industry to grant permission, arguing that originality ultimately fills vacuums left by copycat programming.
Challenging Industry Pushback Against Female Leads
Reflecting on the beginnings of her producing career during the 1990s, Tranter recalled facing active skepticism regarding female-led projects while working as a drama script editor at Carlton Television. During that period, executives told her that no drama centered on a female protagonist would succeed in attracting an audience.
Tranter went on to help reshape British television, rising to become the BBC's head of drama before establishing Bad Wolf in 2015 alongside co-founder Julie Gardner. Looking back at her trajectory, she explained that her motivation was rooted in personal viewing preferences rather than a calculated movement, aiming to produce inclusive television featuring women at the core.
A Career Defined by Subverting Expectations
Throughout the session, Tranter discussed the production histories of several major projects across her career. She noted that developing the HBO crime series "The Night Of" spanned the length of two Obama administrations, while praising the creative environment behind the Emmy-winning series "Succession" as the strongest writers' room she had ever encountered.
Tranter also spoke about HBO's fantasy adaptation "His Dark Materials," which aired from 2019 to 2022. She described the series as capturing a growing social awakening concerning climate change, human rights, and systemic dissatisfaction, noting it reflected early cultural shifts toward demanding alternative ways of living.
While discussing past milestones, Tranter briefly touched on her decision to revive "Doctor Who" for the BBC in 2003, expressing her affection for the franchise while avoiding deeper discussion regarding its current status. Bad Wolf was originally commissioned to produce 26 episodes of the series, an order Tranter previously confirmed was never slated for extension. Following Disney+'s exit as a co-financier last year and the BBC's recent move to launch a competitive pitching tender for a reboot, Tranter's team confirmed she would not take questions regarding the series.
Championing Empathy and Outsiders in New Projects
Turning to Bad Wolf's current slate, Tranter highlighted the period drama "The Other Bennet Sister," produced in association with the BBC and BritBox. Adapted from Janice Hadlow's novel, the series focuses on Mary Bennet—the often-overlooked sister of "Pride and Prejudice" heroine Lizzie Bennet—played by "Call the Midwife" actress Ella Bruccoleri.
Tranter highlighted Mary as an example of an unconventional female protagonist whose refusal to conform to societal norms resonates deeply with viewers. She reiterated her commitment to telling stories about individuals pursuing acceptance on their own terms, calling on fellow producers to collaborate and use their voices to combat a lack of empathy in the wider world.
The discussions occurred as the MIA Market held its 12th edition in Rome, which runs from October 19 through October 23.
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Source: Variety
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