Last night, the BBC held its first ever audio drama awards ceremony, which — as the name suggests — has been set up to honour the talents of writers, producers and directors working in audio drama, whether that be for a radio production or something produced online.
And the event, held at the BBC’s Broadcasting House in central London, had a lovely vibe to it — one that reminded me somewhat of the BAFTA Craft Awards, which are held every year to recognise the talents of those working behind the scenes on television dramas.
What I mean by this is that, unlike other awards, there didn’t seem to be any egos around. It wasn’t about stars and celebrities. It was — aside from the three acting awards — more about those people who actually make the shows. A true celebration of the genre.
It was a shame then that David Tennant, who hosted the awards and who won the prize for best actor, couldn’t bring himself to say a few words to The Stage about the importance of this event and its significance to the sector.
In my job, I hear regularly from people who feel radio drama often goes unnoticed - its writers, directors and actors all too often unsung.
So you would imagine that David, as presenter and winner, could at least have spared just a few moments at the party afterwards to share his thoughts and sing the praises of this new ceremony, which many people in radio have long called for.
You would think, perhaps, the BBC might have even asked him to do so as part of his duty as presenter. After all, it’s in the BBC’s interest to have its talent praising such initiatives in an effort to raise its profile.
To be fair to him, I didn’t hear what his excuse for not wanting to talk to The Stage was. A PR from the BBC approached him on my behalf and came back, apologetically, to say he would really rather not talk.
But I have to say I found this rather disappointing, and went against the spirit of the evening.
I said earlier there didn’t seem to be any egos around. Maybe I should take that back. Perhaps, just perhaps, there was the one.
or... perhaps Mr. Tennant thought that you should be talking to the people who are less well known rather than someone who gets lots of PR already. or perhaps he already had 5 or 10 interviews set up. or perhaps his voice was sore from speaking all evening as the host. or... or... or... why must you try to read anything into it at all. I thought The Stage was better than that.
Perhaps the ego on show is your own bruised one..
I don't thing that there is a rule book anywhere stating that The Stage are entitled to an interview with any of the hosts, presenters or winners. There are tons of reasons why Tennant may not have stopped for a few words, so why settle for the negative? I thought 'The Stage' were above this tabloid style journalism - perhaps they are and it was just Matthew Hemley who was sent to report? Idiot.
As difficult as it may be for you to believe, David Tennant, like every other person in the universe, is under no obligation to talk to you. I understand this knowledge may cause irreparable harm to your ego, but it seems that it is substantial enough that it should survive the encounter.
What a snotty little piece of non-news. It sounds like a very polite refusal. Shame on The Stage for putting this tawdry gossip out under its name when there are bigger stories to tell...
David is not an 'ego', if he was then he wouldn't have hosted such a what real egos call; 'low profile show.' I think it's irresponsible of you as a power of the media to portray him in this way.
Hmm, there seems to be a lot of ego around in this little article...
I guess every actor has to be standby for mr. Matthew Hemley at all times. Or else Mr. Hemley might take any rejection personally.
And so what if mr. Tennant just didn't want to an interview? If I read an article like this one I can't blame him!
Keep to your subject next time, I'd rather read more about the people who actually make an audio drama!
confused. This is an article that quotes 'radio work often goes unnoticed' but rather than report properly about the event that praises this kind of art, it childishly whines about not getting the opportunity to speak to Mr Tennant. Surely there were other people that were available for an interview?
or...perhaps, just perhaps The Stage doesn't have any use for actors/writers/producers they cannot make a cheap pun for a headline with?
Boo hoo hoo.... David Tennant didn't want to talk to you. Try growing up and maybe next time he will.
Geez... And you have the nerve to talk about egos... o.O
What a dreadful, spiteful and pointless little diatribe this is. If you had been serious about talking to Mr. Tennant why did you not approach him via the appropriate channels and book a time slot with him? Instead you try to corner him when he is 'off duty' and when he, quite rightly, declines to talk to you, you throw a toddler-like tantrum.
The Stage: shame on you for posting this tripe. I hope you see common sense and quietly remove it.
I am so very very glad he decided not to talk to you. A low grade journalist such as yourself doesn't deserve such an honour. Pathetic attempt at getting some 'online hits' on your article by using the name of a loved actor in such a grotty, made up story. Shame on you. Your ego deserves a battering and the only ego in sight. as you can see from all these comments, you messed with the wrong actor.
Uhm.
It's kind of unbelievable how inconsiderate and self-centered you sound. What ever happened to the benefit of the doubt?
While I wasn't at the event so I don't know the circumstances, would it be too much of a stretch to think that he declined the interview for perfectly valid reasons? Maybe he has prior obligations? Maybe he just wanted to go home? He has a young daughter to take care of after all.
It just seems like a very odd and immature conclusion to jump to--"If David can't talk to me, he must think he's too good for me and The Stage!"
I refer Mr Hemley to the following quote, made by Mr Tennant in the BBC press release which launched the Audio Drama Awards in October 2011, where he unreservedly shows his support for the ceremony and for radio drama as a whole:
"David Tennant, actor, says: "The quality of our radio drama is one of the things that makes me proud to be British. Acting on the radio is challenging, inspiring, delicate and always a privilege. Radio drama is often overlooked and undervalued next to its showier younger siblings on the television and in the cinema, and yet it is on the wireless that so many important and brilliant talents have been discovered and nurtured. I am delighted radio drama is being celebrated in this way, it's about time."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/241011radiodrama.html
Wow. What a brat you are. You admit that you don't know why he didn't have time/want to talk with you, but you'll go ahead and slag him off anyway.
To quote your headline back at you: Who do you think YOU are?
Wow good for you to rise above all that and report on the real issue...the awards. A childish person would use his whole article complaining about how he get to interview David Tennant. Thankfully, this didn't happen and instead wrote an actual article covering the awards and acknowledging the people who deserve it. Again, Good for you!!!
Oh, I think we can all agree that there was one ego around.
And a very precious one as well, judging by the evidence here.