Contextual Research - Howard Overman

HOWARD OVERMAN

Contextual Research - Writers

"I think that’s the trick in a way – making the genre stuff happen in a space where people can connect with it. I always try and write stuff that speaks to people who don’t necessarily always watch genre shows, there’s other things like life and relationships and finding yourself in there."

Howard Overman

Howard Overman is a British Film and TV writer, most widely known for his work on  New Tricks (2005), Hotel Babylon (2006), Merlin (2008-11), Misfits (2010) and Crazyheads (2016).

Overman's work is more rooted in the genre of comedy than anything else, as each of his works share a similar sense of humour, but in very different settings. Howard himself admits that in the writing process he usually dismisses genre, instead focusing on themes like relationships and realistic issues that an audience could potentially identify with. 

Another common theme in Overman's original works (such as Misfits, Atlantis and Crazyhead) is to take distinctly American conventions, such as Superheroes and Zombie/Demon Possession and give them a distinctly English twist using humour:

Misfits (2010)

Even in the trailer, Nathan distinctly references the show's American influence,

stating "Superheroes.. that kind of thing only happens in America."

Crazyhead (2016)

Similarly, Crazyhead is also a twist on American slayer-film convention,

being compared to shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Howard admits that his inspiration when transforming American genre is Edgar Wright's Shaun of the Dead (2004), which "made a zombie apocalypse feel grounded and real, and based in a reality you recognize."

Though admittedly not all of Howard Overman's story-lines are the most original, I do admire his grounded and relateable character work, identifying with audiences everywhere and still retaining a strong sense of British humour. His ability to relate with people through characters in impossible situations shows the sheer power of his dialogue and characters, making him a renowned writer in the industry and allowing him to win several awards - including a BAFTA for Best Drama Series (Misfits).

"E4’s Misfits was lowkey one of the cleverest British TV shows in recent memory. Following a group of London teenagers doing community service who gained superpowers, it was kind of like X-Men for British working class kids. It dealt with issues about race, class and gender, but never let that over shadow the characters and the humour."

http://uk.complex.com/pop-culture/2016/10/howard-overman-crazyhead-misfits-interview/