Chris Chibnall on pitching, producing and the next generation of storyteller

Award-winning screenwriter and producer Chris Chibnall, best known as the creator of Broadchurch and former showrunner of Doctor Who, visited Southampton Solent University to speak to students about his career in television and screenwriting.

Chris spoke about how stories are constructed, what it is like to be a producer and how to pitch an idea. Students asked a wide range of questions, and the conversation ranged across every aspect of working in the industry.

He also spent time with Final Major Project students, discussing their ideas and offering feedback and guidance as they develop their projects.

Honor Whale, a third-year student, is producing her Final Major Project, a story about two dancers that explores neurodivergence. Honor said hearing from someone with Chris’s experience was valuable, particularly his insights into producing:

“Producing wasn’t something I’d considered as a career, but after the session it made me realise the different ways you can do it. He talked about the different styles of producer, and I really love the idea of line producing, especially the budgeting side. Numbers are something I really enjoy.”

She added that the session had also given her a new perspective on screenwriting. “It gives you a perspective on how you can make your own things.”

Chris said he hoped the students would leave with a sense that a career in the industry is achievable:

“One of the great things about doing these courses and talking to students here is that you really want to communicate that even though it can feel like a tricky industry to get into, people do get into it,” he said. “The passion for storytelling, for TV and filmmaking, will drive them a long way. There are pathways in, and they are the next generation of storytellers. We need their stories.”

Chris said visits from working professionals had a lasting impact on him when he was a student himself:

“It gave you that sense that people do these jobs for a living, and that it is possible to be a storyteller,” he said. “Having been on both sides of the conversation, I find the exchanges fascinating. All drama is collaboration, and I think that starts with conversations. It was lovely to be with a bunch of smart, enthusiastic, inquisitive people firing questions at me.”

Dr Mark Aldridge, Associate Professor of Screen Histories, said sessions like this give students a real insight into the industries they hope to join: “Having professionals come and speak to our students means they get a real picture of what it’s like to work in the industry they’re excited about,” he said.

“Chris is a really good example of someone who adds to student learning. He’s not just here to talk about his career, although that’s fascinating. He’s giving advice to our students, listening to their ideas and offering suggestions about what they might do next, particularly for their final major projects.”

Final major project students work more independently and have greater freedom to pursue their own creative ideas than in other stages of their degree. Additional guidance can help them translate these ideas into practical outcomes.

The visit is part of Solent’s wider commitment to ensuring every graduate leaves with real-world experience, industry connections and the skills and confidence to succeed in their careers. With courses designed alongside industry and professionals involved in teaching and live projects, students learn by doing and build the experience employers are looking for before they graduate.

You can find out more about Solent's Film and Television course here.