Sky’s the limit for writer
A LINE of Duty legend made a Glasgow writer’s dreams come true.
Comedian Kate Hammer will take part in a new mentorship programme launched by Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio.
Kate, who is originally from Canada and now lives in the Kinning Park area of the city, will be mentored as part of the scheme for six budding script writers from across the UK.
She will work with Vinay Patel, writer of Murdered By My Father ( BBC Three), which won the Royal Television Society award for Best Single Drama and was nominated for three BAFTAs.
Kate said: “I’m so thrilled to be working with Vinay Patel during this mentorship programme, I would say it’s a dream come true, but I’m not even sure I dared to dream this big.
“I sold everything I owned to move from Canada to Scotland two years ago to pursue my dream of a career in British television.
“The level of storytelling in the UK is worth moving across the world for, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.
“I’m so grateful for this opportunity
and I know it will make me a better writer in a myriad of ways.
“I think it’s amazing what this mentorship is doing for underrepresented voices in the industry, and I cannot wait to get started.
“As a queer, female, neurodivergent writer, this investment in my work is incredibly validating.”
The aim of the programme is to
give greater opportunity to those who live outside of London and who are underrepresented within the UK’s TV industry.
The initiative has been launched together with Amazon MGM Studios UK.
Jed, who is the writer and creator of Line of Duty and Bodyguard, has personally recruited the mentors for the programme, who bring a wealth of writing knowledge with them. Vinay said: “In every inch of this country is a story worth telling, in which the rest of humanity might see itself and while there has been some good progress in addressing geographic and economic disparities, that progress is still incredibly unevenly distributed.
“It’s a joy, then, to be a part of a programme like this.
“As I read through Kate’s script – an anarchic comedy reflecting the relatable absurdities of modern work – I quickly realised there was something on every page that made me grin. “She’s a consummate storyteller whose wit, verve and compassion sings through her writing. “It’s inspiring ( and humbling!) to mentor someone who already has such clarity of vision. I can’t wait for the world to discover her.”