麻豆约拍

Editor's note: between 1997 and 2000, Peter Salmon was Controller of 麻豆约拍1. During his time there he commissioned a drama called The Lakes - SB.

As I prepare to interview Jimmy McGovern, one of Britain's greatest writers, it takes me back to when I commissioned his drama . To be honest, it was one of the several times I thought I'd get sacked when I ran . I had just worked with Jimmy at on the searing Hillsborough drama, and The Lakes was a tough drama serial that I decided to schedule on Sunday evenings. Unsurprisingly, there was more than a little outrage and a bulging mailbag of complaints.

It might not have been the kind of genteel drama that audiences normally expected on a Sunday evening, but it was classic McGovern. It was real, honest and a bit raunchy. I loved it but it was too much for mainstream audiences and the critics who felt it was too raw for Sunday evening viewing.

But I had spotted an opportunity to ring some changes. I wanted to see if he could create a long-running series, serving up a fresh taste of the North, anchored fast in the lives of Northern audiences.

I secretly hoped it would lead to a creative push for and that together with it might have done what and do for ITV every week. But sadly it didn't get beyond a second series, the debut of John Simm, notwithstanding.

So when I interview Jimmy and his new drama partner Sita Williams at the RTS North West Tony Wilson Lecture event this week, I will definitely ask the question. What would it take to come up with a new, regular, community-based drama serial from the North? And if so, does he have the appetite and the stamina to create one for a new decade and a new audience? And just who will be the new John Simm?

Peter Salmon is Director of 麻豆约拍 North

• Peter will interview Jimmy McGovern and Sita Williams when they give the 2011 Anthony H Wilson Lecture at 6.30 pm on Thursday 30th June at in Manchester. More information .
• News and information .
• The picture shows the cast of The Lakes in 1997. John Simm is on the left.