Advertisement
« Previous | Main | Next »

TOBY'S BLOG: THE WRITING HAS BEGUN

Post categories:

Barry Pilling Online Editor | 14:31 UK time, Wednesday, 29 April 2009

toby4.jpg

New to BH? Watch out, this post contains spoilers from series one...

 

We thought it was about time we released Being Human creator Toby Whithouse from his isolation room to tell us about what he's been up to since his last blog. Over to you, Mr Whithouse...

 

Well it's been a hectic few months since I last did this. I peep into the website now and then and the loyalty and enthusiasm of the fans never ceases to amaze me.  So I thought I'd take this opportunity to say thanks again and give you a bit of a progress update.

 

Well, after weeks and weeks of scrawling on a white-board and fretting over storylines and series arcs and so on, a month or so ago I finally started writing scripts again.

 

The storylining process is always stressful. It's the most important bit, but usually I can't wait for it to be over so I can actually WRITE. By then I'll have produced endless rambling documents about so-and-so's journey or the tone of the show or whatever, but it always feels like I'm writing about writing. All I want to do is get those words "Int. Morning. The House. Living Room." onto the computer screen and hear the character's voices again.  And sure enough, the moment I start, I feel a massive sense of relief and excitement.

 

And terror.

 

The problem with having a successful series that gets re-commissioned is, you have to do it again. If one more person says the words "second album syndrome" to me, I'll punch them in the neck.

 

It would be ok if we knew how we made the first series any good. Despite what anyone tells you, a huge amount of it is chance. If there were a reliable formula for making good drama, there'd be more of it on TV.

 

It's like falling down a flight of stairs. All we know is we got to the bottom, bruised and a bit weepy, and when we stood up everyone applauded. We'd like to say it was carefully planned, but the fact is we were minding our own business on the landing and someone pushed us. 

 

So we're just trusting our instincts again. I'm writing, hopefully, the way I always did. And producers Matt and Rob and Phil  - not to mention Russell and Lenora and Aiden - will do the thing they did.

 

Oh did you like Being Human: Unearthed? I hope it answered some questions for you. I loved it. Though I did spend the whole hour thinking "Couldn't someone have told me my glasses were on wonky?"

 

I'm avoiding the point of this, aren't I. You want to know about series 2. Well if I say it's difficult to tell you anything specific, that's not me being mysterious, it's because I keep changing my mind. Characters surprise you. I've talked before about how the line in the pilot about the men with sticks and ropes came out of nowhere. Similarly in episode 5 when Owen said "Hey, Annie, is that the best you've got?" Well, things like that happen a lot. It makes writing exciting. So I'll come up with a new character and think "Oh yeah, he'll be a major player" ...and then he just kind of withers on the page. Conversely a bit-part character suddenly expands and becomes the guest lead. That's pretty much what's happened on episode 1 actually. So if I say anything now, the chances are by the time you read it, I'll have changed my mind and it'll be a show about psychic firemen.

 

Rest assured the next series will be bolder, darker, funnier and even creepier.  Hopefully.

 

Anyway. I'll be back soon. In the meantime, keep reading, keep posting and keep being nice to each other.

Comments

or register to comment.

  • 1. At 6:33pm on 29 Apr 2009, vampfan wrote:

    Hey Toby...chill...do you know what?...you don't need you to be specific...you know we love the very bones of you and will trust whatever you come up with. But if you feel the need to punch somebody.. 'go for 'it' Tell 'em a Mitchellette says so...and you know we have the blackest heart of us all!!

    Chill Toby...we love you, whatever you come up with!

    Complain about this comment

  • 2. At 7:18pm on 29 Apr 2009, BritainsNextTopWolf wrote:

    Hey Toby!
    I'm sure the second album syndrome won't happen, all we Being Human fans wish for is George, Annie and Mitchell bakc on our screens again :)Thanks for the post, and I can't wait to hear more about series two!!

    Complain about this comment

  • 3. At 7:23pm on 29 Apr 2009, superOchre wrote:

    As far as I'm concerned we have one great British tv show to be very proud of and to obsess over. Whatever happens, our Toby FB appreication page will remain and besides we kinda have each other as a seperate entity to BH now so it's all good. Don't fret, we aren't. :)
    Thanks for the update.

    Complain about this comment

  • 4. At 7:35pm on 29 Apr 2009, vampfan wrote:

    Yeah...super said what I meant....dont fret!!!

    Complain about this comment

  • 5. At 7:50pm on 29 Apr 2009, eagle_eyes4 wrote:

    second album syndrome...now you have to punch me so does that mean i get to come and meet you? :-) hey cant blame me for trying...

    Anyway as its already been said dont stress we have faith in you 100% (although tell the person who was in charge of the dvd he's a pillock...unless its you in which case ill just shut up but thats another story :-S)

    Ok so loving "the very bones of you" may be a little too extreme for me lol (although vampfan - whatever floats your boat :-D) but I do think you're brilliant and can't wait for the second series and we will love it im sure... and until then we have plenty of fan fiction (im not normally a fan of it and have never written any until recently but for some reason BH fans seem to be good writers - myself not included lol) and fan videos to be going on with...

    Thanks for the update Mr W - you lot really are good to us and we do appreciate it :-)

    Complain about this comment

  • 6. At 7:50pm on 29 Apr 2009, sperkii wrote:

    Thanks, Mr W, good to get an update. I second what's already been said.

    Yes, we LOVED Unearthed too. Please can it be on Series 2 DVD?

    LOL re psychic fireman..FanFic anyone? :-)

    Complain about this comment

  • 7. At 7:51pm on 29 Apr 2009, sperkii wrote:

    eagle ALWAYS gets in just before me!!

    Second that too though

    Complain about this comment

  • 8. At 7:56pm on 29 Apr 2009, sperkii wrote:

    ooh, also, thanks BH Prod team - you kept that treat under wraps, didn't you? :-)

    Complain about this comment

  • 9. At 7:56pm on 29 Apr 2009, superOchre wrote:

    I'll take the psychic firemen fic and add it onto my all time favourite vampires fight sequence fic. ;)

    Complain about this comment

  • 10. At 8:04pm on 29 Apr 2009, eagle_eyes4 wrote:

    Lol psychic firemen...another great idea how do you do it?! :-)

    Ok you dont know what made first series so good?

    Hmm...Well for a start I think its the first comedy drama ive seen in AGES if not ever actually, that IS a comedy drama - i.e. gets the balance and not just a comedy with iffy storylines that are trying to be serious or a dark drama with a one liner every couple of episodes.

    And of course the cast are brilliant (although if even you spell Aidans name wrong lol what hope does anyone have :-))

    Brilliant music which really was such a key part of the show (trying my hardest to not mention the dvd there but..eugh ok i wont...)

    George's squeaking - Ok thats a silly one but just makes me smile everytime

    Characters that get everyone argu...erm talking - everyone can either relate to them or know someone like them despite the supernatural element

    The fact that it gets people guessing - Ok so i have come up with a ridiculous amount of theories (if none of them are right by the way I will not be impressed Mr Whithouse lol) but it does it gets everyone talking

    There are loads more but ill get told off if i write another epic:-D

    Ok so I know you werent asking for a list lol but hey any excuse to say how much I love the show and am feeling guilty now for getting so annoyed about the dvdvd :-(

    Complain about this comment

  • 11. At 8:07pm on 29 Apr 2009, vampfan wrote:

    eagle (5)'...the very bones of you'.....it's a vampire thing!

    Complain about this comment

  • 12. At 8:13pm on 29 Apr 2009, eagle_eyes4 wrote:

    Yeah Barry how dare you keep this from me?! But lovely suprise thank you :-)

    Oh and yeah sorry Mr W got carried away but LOVED unearthed :-)

    Sorry it was a bit late for us to warn you about your glasses...:-) but dont worry Russells are in most scenes so being human fans are used to it already :-)

    Complain about this comment

  • 13. At 8:14pm on 29 Apr 2009, eagle_eyes4 wrote:

    vampfan...i wont ask :-)

    lol its ok i was only messing. oh sodding youtube :-( cant get this new video to go up my internet keeps cutting out and if it does that i have to start right over...rargh.

    oops sorry wont take over Toby's page.

    Complain about this comment

  • 14. At 8:22pm on 29 Apr 2009, sperkii wrote:

    I was gonna say, eagle, you don't half do a lot of 'dropping in' that you do vids and write and wanna work in TV etc! lol ;-)

    Complain about this comment

  • 15. At 8:30pm on 29 Apr 2009, eagle_eyes4 wrote:

    Hey? Why what did I say? Sorry I just waffle a lot :-( will shut up now

    Complain about this comment

  • 16. At 8:30pm on 29 Apr 2009, sperkii wrote:

    And I don't half go off-topic a lot! Omg, I've just read that Russell sodding Brand is going to star in a remake of Drop Dead Fred! Grrr. The thing which bugs me is when people who are too young to remember the original of films/songs rave about the new versions. Grrr. Right, sorry. That's it. No more off-topic stuff.

    Complain about this comment

  • 17. At 8:31pm on 29 Apr 2009, sperkii wrote:

    Omg, that was soooo weird. As I posted mine, I thought 'I bet eagle will have got in there just before me again' and you did!! Sorry, eagle, no need for sad face :-(

    Complain about this comment

  • 18. At 8:33pm on 29 Apr 2009, drivingsuzanne wrote:

    That was great Toby thanks so much. I can't wait for series 2 but hell I'm really gonna miss Herrick.

    Complain about this comment

  • 19. At 8:33pm on 29 Apr 2009, vampfan wrote:

    God...so wrapped up in the vampire...forgot about Drop Dead Fred... My kid's fave....HIYA SNOT FACE (unfotunately with the actions!!)

    Complain about this comment

  • 20. At 8:38pm on 29 Apr 2009, Cieria wrote:

    Hey Toby.

    Loved Unearthed. I love behind the scenes-y stuff. :)

    I spent hours talking to my friend last night about what makes the show so good. Technically we weren't talking about Being Human but I found myself bringing it up all the time when saying how to do it right. So I'll talk about what we thought.

    The thing that it really comes down to is that it's so human. Which for a show about supernaturals is quite hard. But it's down to earth. When Annie, Mitchell and George go home in the evening, barring the occasional vampire uprising or full moon, they live normal lives. They watch tv, have a laugh, drink tea. It's human. It's normal.
    Most people make the mistake that the viewers want big out of the ordinary things. Take a look at Supernatural or Doctor Who. Although I love Doctor Who I can't help but see how they're trying to make it bigger and better every season. I mean look what they did with the season four finale! Daleks taking over the earth, everyone knowing about the existence of aliens. And it's just too out there.
    Being Human is just so much better than that. And I think that's what makes it good. I'm sure there are people who disagree with me but I'm just putting my thoughts down.

    Don't worry about not being able to give us much. We're happy for anything you have to offer us. :)

    I feel the urge to write that I'm hopelessy in love with your writing though that sounds a bit insane when I come to say it. :/

    Complain about this comment

  • 21. At 8:38pm on 29 Apr 2009, eagle_eyes4 wrote:

    Oh the fan fic thing you mean?

    I just meant its sparked a lot of creativity - oh and the youtube thing was just a moan about my rubbish internet connection :-(

    Sorry Sperk

    Complain about this comment

  • 22. At 8:44pm on 29 Apr 2009, sperkii wrote:

    vampfan - heehee

    eagle, no need to be sorry, silly

    Complain about this comment

  • 23. At 9:21pm on 29 Apr 2009, Katy_1984 wrote:

    yay thanks for the up date toby im sure what ever you do is going to be great

    oh and its good because although there supernaturals you can relate to them
    and as someone else said there just so human

    Complain about this comment

  • 24. At 9:26pm on 29 Apr 2009, Cieria wrote:

    I'm someone else now am I Katy. :P lol

    Complain about this comment

  • 25. At 9:33pm on 29 Apr 2009, Katy_1984 wrote:

    sorry i couldnt remember who wrote it and didnt wana go and check im sorry cieria i wont do it again

    Complain about this comment

  • 26. At 9:34pm on 29 Apr 2009, Cieria wrote:

    It's fine. I was joking. Hence the ":P" And the "lol" ;) I'm only just noticing how long my post actually was...

    Complain about this comment

  • 27. At 9:54pm on 29 Apr 2009, singingtwit wrote:

    Yay Mr W!!!!
    Don't stress... we trust you. Unearthed was good, didn't notice the glasses. And to second what vampfan said if you feel the need to punch somebody.. 'go for 'it' Tell 'em 2 Mitchellettes say so. :)

    Complain about this comment

  • 28. At 10:00pm on 29 Apr 2009, vampfan wrote:

    Toby.... That's it then...2 Mitchellettes...a democracy(?) punch their lights out!!!. Anything to help the jiuces flow.

    Complain about this comment

  • 29. At 10:06pm on 29 Apr 2009, singingtwit wrote:

    Vampfan: yup!

    oh one question... how did Barry keep quiet about this one? Seriously how?

    Complain about this comment

  • 30. At 10:11pm on 29 Apr 2009, vampfan wrote:

    singing...because we weren't expecting it...or maybe we are back to our old friend Pavlov (because we weren't expecting it)..if you know what I mean.

    Which reminds me singing....WOOF WOOF

    Complain about this comment

  • 31. At 10:17pm on 29 Apr 2009, singingtwit wrote:

    vampfan: lol WOOF WOOF to you to!

    Still very impressive that he kept quiet about it.

    Complain about this comment

  • 32. At 10:23pm on 29 Apr 2009, vampfan wrote:

    Is it just me or does Toby come across to you as being totally amazed by the whole success of BH and the fervour of us loopy fans?

    Complain about this comment

  • 33. At 10:25pm on 29 Apr 2009, singingtwit wrote:

    You're right he does seem to be amazed.

    Complain about this comment

  • 34. At 10:31pm on 29 Apr 2009, kinkyclawz wrote:

    Ahhh, sweet Toby - just relax, immerse yourself in your characters, let your imagination flow and you'll be able to give us yet another fantastic series. I'm in no doubt of that at all - stairs notwithstanding. Hehe.

    And, as always, many thanks to you, our dear BH Production team, for keeping us fans up to speed and looking after us so well. :D
    KC

    Complain about this comment

  • 35. At 10:38pm on 29 Apr 2009, vampfan wrote:

    singing:: If you and I are carrying out two different conversations on two different pages, does that mean that we are bi-lingual?? and more importantly, do you think the vampire will be impressed??

    Complain about this comment

  • 36. At 10:45pm on 29 Apr 2009, singingtwit wrote:

    Vampfan: lol bi-lingual? more split personality lol

    Complain about this comment

  • 37. At 10:55pm on 29 Apr 2009, vampfan wrote:

    Split personality
    What ever you call it, you, me and brooksie are safe in the knowledge that we are the chosen ones. But this particular chosen one is shattered, so I am going to bid you a fond farewell.

    Hope you don't have S--- dreams(NO MODS DON'T PANIC) it is nothing rude, but if I say it she will have the dreams!!

    Night night....dream of that accent

    Complain about this comment

  • 38. At 11:08pm on 29 Apr 2009, singingtwit wrote:

    Night vamp, here's to no dreams about certain other vampires. *day dreaming about the accent*

    Complain about this comment

  • 39. At 00:04am on 30 Apr 2009, bunnybiter wrote:

    Thanks Toby, series 1 was just fantastic- I have about a million theories running around my mind about what may happen in series 2. It'd be ace to be right, but I like to be surprised and I don't think you're gonna have a problem with it. I love the little teaser that the threat will be 'human' this time, I think that'll make it scarier. Like that Dr Who episode 'Midnight' where the real threat was the mob mentality of the passengers and not the noise outside at all. I think that humans can be far scarier sometimes than fictional monsters. I suppose that's hinted at slightly in the title as 'human' covers all sorts of traits, evil, mean and nasty included.
    I'm really interested in what's going to become of Owen next series, I reackon that he'll be quite important.


    Oh and Psychic Firemen... I wanna see that show!!

    Complain about this comment

  • 40. At 00:59am on 30 Apr 2009, Oh_Suzi wrote:

    TOBY - I'd be afraid! very afraid! It doesn't matter what scenarios we suggest, what fanfic gets written, or if we just close our eyes & try to think really hard about Seth surviving his staking - you are god, once you've made the next episode that's it. It's real (as far as the BH world is concerned) & once you've decided George dies or Annie & Mitchel end up hating each other - that's it, it will be the truth - so you'd better make series 2 equally amazing, no it should exceed the amazingness of series 1.

    - No pressure.

    Complain about this comment

  • 41. At 01:29am on 30 Apr 2009, Lionesskeeper wrote:

    Hey Toby,
    So that would be from the unused pilot pshchis Fireman Sam would it(I'm only teasing you)
    We all have those kinds of fears with our writing Toby, just do what I do. Take a page out of Ten's book, take a deep breath and tell yourself 'Allons-y'(always works for me, mind you having a bit of a problem at the mo with the sequel to my BH fanfic 'Analogue of the Wolf', but am sure that will pass)
    (P.S what about that new werewolf mentor played by Paul McGann, would be nifty:))

    Complain about this comment

  • 42. At 01:30am on 30 Apr 2009, Lionesskeeper wrote:

    psychic, I meant pshchic

    (my brain is fried from exams, GAH!

    Complain about this comment

  • 43. At 01:36am on 30 Apr 2009, Lionesskeeper wrote:

    See I did it again
    Best of luck with the writing Toby
    (ginger is good for concentration, that might help)
    BTW Being Human Unearthed was v.good, v.informative


    ooh,btw, more wolf senses like in the pilot

    Complain about this comment

  • 44. At 09:18am on 30 Apr 2009, eagle_eyes4 wrote:

    The only thing im worried about for series 2 I guess is the fact that the vampires fascinate me the most - and although I loved most of the characters and they made the show greatand gave it a depth - it was the vampires that made me go oh my god I need the next episode now! And in series 2 im guessing that the vampires aren't going to have such a starring role as they aren't going to be the main threat:-(

    But saying that - I'm so into the show now and really want to find out what happens so I think I'll be constantly dying for the next episode anyway and I trust you enough to make the new guy intersting even if he isn't a vampire lol

    So yeah I think it'll be fine :-)

    Complain about this comment

  • 45. At 10:00am on 30 Apr 2009, superOchre wrote:

    I never actually saw it as a vampire show tbh.
    The supernatural element was secondary to the fun, domestic side. The characters trying to be human is the draw and the heart of the show.
    Even if Seth or Owen never return- I'll stay loyal. That's how great I am. :D

    Complain about this comment

  • 46. At 11:44am on 30 Apr 2009, brookesiejennkins wrote:

    hooray for Toby! you could write a series about paint drying and I think we'd all watch it!!
    and don't worry about your glasses - I spent most of the time watching the reflection of the lights on the edge of the frame, and thinking "that light must be a bit bright!!"

    Complain about this comment

  • 47. At 11:45am on 30 Apr 2009, brookesiejennkins wrote:

    eagle - it was only one vampire that made me think "omg I need the next episode now!" and I'm not talkin bout Mr Cockbottomley, bless him.

    Complain about this comment

  • 48. At 11:56am on 30 Apr 2009, sperkii wrote:

    39 - bunnybiter - yeah, I totally agree. That episode of Dr Who was clever, like with episode 4 of BH. Humans have potential to be farrr more scary and dark than supernaturals. I am really looking forward to seeing what Mr W does with it, as I think his observations of human characteristics, emotions and cultures seem to be very sharp.

    Complain about this comment

  • 49. At 12:53pm on 30 Apr 2009, eagle_eyes4 wrote:

    I didnt mean I saw it as a vampire show - I liked the fact that there wasn't one main character and that there was always a balance just meant that the vampires fascinate me and I hope they are in it quite a bit still in series 2 - would be interesting to see how they manage without Herrick - we've all had a stab at it in fanfiction but want to see what "really" happens lol

    Complain about this comment

  • 50. At 1:19pm on 30 Apr 2009, brookesiejennkins wrote:

    Just to see it on our screens again be enough to make us swoon. Such a long wait til the next series. Can't wait to see it, look what talking to Toby does - it just reminds us how good BH is and how much we miss it!!

    Complain about this comment

  • 51. At 1:25pm on 30 Apr 2009, vampfan wrote:

    I don't miss it at all.......but perhaps that is because I watch it constantly....how sad do you have to be to know every line!!!

    Complain about this comment

  • 52. At 2:06pm on 30 Apr 2009, eagle_eyes4 wrote:

    Lol vampfan you obviously havent heard about my 99% recall erm talent? talent may be pushing it lol but couldnt really think of another word!

    Complain about this comment

  • 53. At 2:15pm on 30 Apr 2009, vampfan wrote:

    eagle: I usually can't even remember what I had for breakfast (just after breakfast!!) And yeah, why not call it talent.

    Complain about this comment

  • 54. At 2:27pm on 30 Apr 2009, brookesiejennkins wrote:

    eagle is our resident quote checker! someone should give her a job

    Complain about this comment

  • 55. At 10:31am on 01 May 2009, bunnybiter wrote:

    Aww Vampfan, you're not alone, I'm beginning to know every line too. When I was six I knew every line to the Neverending Story... actually, I believe I still do.

    Oh dear.

    Complain about this comment

  • 56. At 12:45pm on 01 May 2009, eagle_eyes4 wrote:

    vampfan unfortunately it doesnt mean i have an especially good memory - couldnt tell you half of what i should know for this exam next week :-S but i tend to have BH on in the background when im doing other things so it kinda gets stuck.

    oh and yes someone should give me a job...please? lol getting worried now - as of July I am officially out of work :-S well i have another job lined up although dont really want to do it - but if i wasnt working i think id go insane...i mean even more so...

    Complain about this comment

  • 57. At 7:22pm on 23 May 2009, Big-Polo wrote:

    I can't wait for the next series! What will happen with Nina? Was that man part of a secret government agency? So many unanswered questions. I love this show, I love the actors and the music is fantastic. I won't say hurry up because I know it has to be just right but damn I miss my George!

    Complain about this comment

  • 58. At 10:30am on 25 May 2009, kevinp24 wrote:

    Hay Toby, The First series was exellecnt when will the second series be out and stop stressing you all are doing exellecnt work. Chill out.

    Complain about this comment

  • 59. At 5:16pm on 27 May 2009, smilingchocoholic666 wrote:

    hey don't worry just keep doing what you do best...writing! I find if you keep worrying or fretting, it will make you lose focus. Just stay positive and remember, chocolate solves everything!
    Can't wait to see what a sensational job you've done!

    Complain about this comment

  • 60. At 09:42am on 13 Jun 2009, kevinp24 wrote:

    Hi Toby just wanted to say that the first series is back on bbc three and I love every minute watching it good work to everyone.

    Complain about this comment

  • 61. At 6:05pm on 24 Jun 2009, midnightSparkelgirl wrote:

    Heyy peeps, yeah topy first series was mintass ! i think we would all like to see more of it too! and even... just....maybe .... that we could have a oneoff in the mean time ! xx ^.^ yeah and happy b'day Aidan for the 18/6 :P

    Complain about this comment

  • 62. At 4:08pm on 25 Jun 2009, Ninjawerewolfbrigade wrote:

    Series 2 will be just as good, if not better than the first. Just make sure there is still plenty of werewolf action, and we'll all remain friends. :)

    Complain about this comment

  • 63. At 06:14am on 25 Jul 2009, yaendorre wrote:

    When are we likely to see series 2 in Oz? Andvwhen will the dvd be available down under?

    Complain about this comment

  • 64. At 06:24am on 25 Jul 2009, yaendorre wrote:

    What can one say about such a terrific show? Mere words cannot describe it, I really enjoyed the first series, so much so that I've ordered the dvd so that I can watch it again and again

    Complain about this comment

View these comments in RSS

Jump to more content from this blog

About this blog

Welcome to the Being Human blog - your ultimate behind-the-scenes guide to BBC Three's new drama about three twenty-somethings who also happen to be a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost.

Subscribe to Being Human Blog

You can stay up to date with Being Human Blog via these feeds.

Being Human Blog Feed(RSS)

Being Human Blog Feed(ATOM)

If you aren't sure what RSS is you'll find our beginner's guide to RSS useful.

Blog posts (Series 1: episode 6)

Warning: May contain spoilers

Latest blog posts (Series 2)

Warning: May contain spoilers

Elsewhere on the web

Being Human on Twitter

Get daily updates on the filming of series two... follow the BH Blog team on Twitter. @bbcbeinghuman

Explore the BBC

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.