Scoop shows the importance of creative industries

The other week my eldest suggested we watch Scoop, the Netflix show about that Newsnight interview with Prince Andrew. 'Great idea,' I said. (I don't get enough time with her so, to be honest, I tend to say 'great idea' to most she suggests.)

I'm so glad I did. 

The film portrays the behind-the-scenes story to negotiate Emily Maitlis’s 2019 interview with the Duke of York for the BBC programme. It’s based on the book Scoop, written by Sam McAlister, a former Newsnight producer and editor who is played on-screen by Billie Piper.

This was world-class top telly. Beautifully acted and directed... and of course a true story.

Watching it also made me think:

1. How important it is to remember that different people can have an opposite response

In the film, Prince Andrew (played by Rufus Sewell) and his aide Amanda Thirsk (Keeley Hawes) thought the interview had gone 'remarkably well'. 
 
Perceptions differ in the workplace and in life. How do we use evidence to work out 'the truth'? What measures do we use to sense-check? Or how can we accept and understand that others do see things with such different lenses?

2. The impact of a ‘great story, well told’

By which I don't mean the scoop itself, but the gloriously human story of the underdog with a purpose and with the determination to make difficult things happen. And why the women in it wanted to do it – “I want to make a difference.” 

Gillian Anderson as Maitlis speaking [of her regret for not asking Bill Clinton about] Monica Lewinsky sent shivers down my spine.

3. How powerful drama is (and how much I love the BBC)

Scoop included reflections and flashes on the huge pressure that's been placed on the BBC across the last decade. This is an important other story.

ITV’s incredible Mr Bates vs The Post Office this year also clearly showed the change-making impact of great drama. 

The UK's creative industries continue to play an outsize role on the global stage and to be a critical part of our 'soft power', essential to our economy and something to take pride in. 
 
We must continue to support them and celebrate them. 

And as part of that 'brand BBC' is priceless.  I know that marketer-turned-CEO Tim Davie (and his team including chief customer officer Kerris Bright and the new head of brand Charl Bassil) are doing critical work evolving, supporting and (I hope) saving this complex and important jewel. 

Scoop: a quality tellybox watch with thought-provocation included. Recommended

Sophie Devonshire is CEO of The Marketing Society.

Scoop is available on Netflix. Watch the trailer.