‘Heartstopper’ Producer on Season Four, U.K. TV Drama Crisis

Patrick Walters, the executive producer of popular Netflix series “Heartstopper” and recent Sky/Stars show “Sweetpea,” made an appearance at Series Mania in France amidst a challenging time for the U.K. drama industry. With scripted commissioning on the decline and broadcasters becoming more risk-averse, Walters expressed his concerns about the current state of the industry.

Having recently established his own label, Fanboy, under See-Saw Films, where he has been working for the past decade, Walters highlighted the difficulties faced in pitching new and innovative content. He emphasized the need for projects that break away from the norm and push boundaries, even if it means taking risks. Walters believes that passion and excitement are essential when presenting ideas to broadcasters in order to stand out in a crowded market.

Speaking at Series Mania following See-Saw Films’ majority stake sale to French company Mediawan, Walters expressed optimism about the partnership. He hopes that this collaboration will lead to more investment and resources being allocated to larger-scale projects, allowing for greater creative freedom and exploration.

While Walters remained tight-lipped about the status of the fourth season of “Heartstopper,” which has yet to be greenlit by Netflix, he assured fans that any updates would be shared as soon as they become available.

The industry veteran’s insights at Series Mania shed light on the challenges and opportunities present in the ever-evolving world of television production. As the landscape continues to shift, it is clear that innovation and risk-taking will be key drivers of success in the competitive drama space. Stay tuned for more updates on Patrick Walters and the exciting projects in the pipeline at See-Saw Films.