Michael Hirst and Rola Bauer Discuss Key Elements for Long-Running TV Series
"Vikings" creator Michael Hirst, alongside Executive Producer Rola Bauer, discussed the essential ingredients for successful, long-running television series at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival. Hirst emphasized that a series needs "meat on the bone," requiring a "whole world, rich enough to satisfy the requirements of your imagination," and subject matter rooted in "real things" to sustain viewer engagement over time.
"Vikings" creator Michael Hirst shared his insights on the crucial elements required for a television series to achieve a long and successful run, during the Monte-Carlo Television Festival. He posited that for a series to sustain itself, "there has to be meat on the bone," a sentiment reportedly echoed by Executive Producer Rola Bauer at the event.
Hirst further elaborated on this philosophy, explaining that a truly enduring series must construct "a whole world, rich enough to satisfy the requirements of your imagination." He attributed this concept to Henry James, underscoring the necessity for deep and expansive narrative environments. According to Hirst, the subject matter chosen for such a series also needs to be grounded in "real things" to provide a robust and engaging foundation for storytelling.
The discussion at the festival focused on the principles of television production that contribute to developing compelling and extended narratives. These expert perspectives underscore the importance of thematic depth and world-building for maintaining viewer interest over many seasons.
(Source: Variety)
