US TV series “Quantico”, that premiered on television network ABC
this September, has created quite a buzz among the audience at large,
especially in the subcontinent – owing to Bollywood actress Priyanka
Chopra being cast in the lead. The mystery thriller about a group of FBI
recruits in training has garnered appreciation for its racial diversity
and a gripping plot. The TV show has made a decent following among
Bangladeshi audience as well, through satellite channels and streaming
sites.
Bangladeshi writer Sharbari Z Ahmed is a part of the screenwriting
team for the show, and The Daily Star caught up with her via email about
the project:
How and when did you start writing for TV and film?
Sharbari: I
never thought seriously about writing for TV. I had written a play and
few screenplays, but I never thought to solely pursue one medium. I
just love to tell stories, so whatever way this manifested itself, I
went with.
How did you get involved with the “Quantico” writing team?
Sharbari: My
friend, actor Purva Bedi recommended me to executive producer Jake
Coburn who then introduced me to the show runner Josh Safran.
Could you give us an outline of the process which goes behind writing an episode of a TV series?
Sharbari: We
sit in a writer's room. That is typically how American television is
created. We have nine writers in total and we sit together and discuss
the show, stories and character arcs. We pitch ideas to Josh in keeping
with his vision and he signs off on them. Once we decide on the various
moving parts, we then 'break' an episode: which means we assemble it,
placing various moments in their appropriate acts. We also think about
the direction of the show and arcs that continue beyond an episode. Josh
assigns specific episodes to one or two writers. The cast is shooting
away from NYC and it is mainly the producers and show runner who have
regular contact with them. It was incredibly exciting for me hear and
see them do a table read of my episode (set to air November 15) via
Skype.
What's the feedback about “Quantico” so far, and what are the plans regarding the show -- this season, and upcoming?
Sharbari: People
are loving the show. “Quantico” is moving the diversity ball down the
field in the United States by casting Priyanka Chopra in the lead, as
well as having a diverse cast. This is the first prime time drama to
cast a brown female protagonist and build a show around her. It's
groundbreaking and America, and the rest of the world are responding.
All I can tell you about upcoming episodes and the season is that it
will be thrilling, fun, full of twists and, at times, even eye-opening!
We have a dynamic writing team and this is powerfully reflected in the
show.
