Monday 27th of June – Channel 4, 10pm – Sirens
Tonight Channel 4 are showing the first episode (of six) of Sirens, the TV series based upon my books.
I am quite nervous.
I can’t quite put my finger on what it is that is making me nervous though. To be honest I’ve had very little to do with the actual production besides writing the books and blog that it is based on. My role has largely been to cast my eye over the draft scripts and make some suggestions, some of which have actually turned up in the finished programmes.
Certainly I like the scripts that I’ve been sent, and I like the first two episodes that I’ve seen and I think that the writers have nailed the ambulance experience.
So if it is received well then I can bask in some reflected glory, and if it is panned, then I can distance myself and say ‘Nuffink to do with me guv’. Additionally I get paid whether it does well or not – and hopefully it’ll sell more of my books (For which there is a TV tie-in omnibus edition
But I hope that it does well, because everyone who I’ve met around this production has been really nice and I think that they deserve it.
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There is one thing that is building my nervousness, and that is how it’s been marketed by Channel 4. Don’t get me wrong, I love the little teaser trailers that they have made for the programme, but I imagine that it is easy to think that the programme is similar to Campus or Green Wing, which it really isn’t. It’s a drama with some comedy in it but that is a subject for another blogpost.
I can't wait to see it. From the few times you've mentioned it, I've really liked what I've heard. (I love drama that is incidentally humorous as opposed to straight up supposed to be funny.). I hope it does well because I really enjoyed the source material. I got the books through Amazon for my Kindle – which have some serious issues with missing paragraphs – and that is what led me to your blogs; it was just to complete the gaps and I've been lurking ever since. Which makes me sound creepy but honestly it's just because I'm a lousy commenter.
I don't know if I'll get a chance to see it here in the states, but I hope it does well for you and all involved. Good luck!
Well I am looking forward to it, if they have half the black humour in your books it will be a great series… xx
Ha!
Up, horny, down, can't say i've ever noticed but i certainly recognise the rest of the sentiment in the show. It looks promising, if the rest are similar to the first episode.
Unfortunately the clips of the show can not be seen in the US. Wish I could see the show, as I loved the books. Best of Luck.
I enjoyed it but as a long term fan of the blog and both books (and if anyone readin this borrowed my copy of Book1, could I have it back please) it's very different. Much more a standard Channel 4 drame/comedy than hard hitting expose of the ambulance service. I suppose that's what happens in the transition from blog/book to screen.
The best bit (well it made me chuckle) was to see both Tom Reynolds AND Brian Kellet credited at the end. With those two (!) on board, I assume we can take all the ambo stuff as perfect ?
Just playing catch-up and watched SIrens. Had read first book when my (ex) partner was considering career change from builder to EMT, loved it then, as he did, and he is now a paramedic. Always going to be a challenge to translate it to TV, but I totally saw 'you' in there, and your clarity of thought, brilliant observations and humour totally came through.
So job well done to you for the base material, and also to C4 and producers for nailing it as well as I think it could be nailed. Really enjoyed watching it, and look forward to rest of the series. #wangwang back at ya.
Hi Brian,
My only comment is: didnt the inaccurate Medical stuff at the beginning make you cringe?
He says she has a faint pulse, then almost immediately shoves his hand in her chest and does internal cardiac massage on an already beating heart – then arrives at hospital and says "no signs of life at scene" which is clearly untrue…. as a paramedic it had me shaking my head.
Phillipa.
Didnt know you'd had a hand in it until i recognised the name in the credits!
A lot better than i expected and has been faithfully placed on series link on the Sky box 🙂
Keep up the good work!
I loved it! Genuinely good comedy drama, or drama comedy, whichever way round you prefer. And lots of eye candy, bonus!
Sirens? Sorry mate, hated it and shan't be watching any more. It may be based on your experiences, but the lead is an arrogant and unpleasant twit and the script beyond belief. Loved your books, hate the interpretation.
you're right. it was marketed as a bit like Green Wing and Campus, and I tuned in thinking this must be your show but not entirely sure. Having watched Ep 1 though I can see the Blood, Sweat and Tea showing all over it. nice one
Hi Brian.
Loved your blog, and the books.
Sorry to say I didn't like Sirens at all. It was over the top and not in a funny way. The characters are awful and the plot (if you can call it that) was pathetic.
Am loving Sirens. Just found out you are getting a US adaption too!!! Lets hope they dont ruin it!
Loved the books and love the series! Are you planning to release another book?
Am hoping to start my paramedic training soon. Partly inspired by you! Lol
Keep up the good work!
Richie
No way just realised Sirens really is from you. Used to read the blog daily, religiously for years. How come they moved the setting to Leeds? Thrilled about this as it's where I live but it threw me off the scent initially! I am loving it though boyfriend has complained it is too much like a soap opera. Met some paramedics here recently who were also thrilled and said it had some very recognisable characters and was very true to life 🙂
welll thats an intresting question and i do take conciteration in this stuff and maybe possibly it could be true its and intresting theroy and if u think its gonna happen then please tell someone because i really wanna know
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