Breaking: Period Drama Accents May Get a Modern-Day Makeover
London, UK – Classic British period drama productions, known for their impeccable “King’s English,” may be on the verge of a significant transformation. A leading TV producer is advocating for a departure from traditional “posh” accents,perhaps reshaping how future adaptations of Jane Austen and other literary classics sound.
Jane Tranter, co-founder of bad Wolf production company and a former BBC executive, voiced her vision at a recent literary festival.She urged actors to move beyond automatically adopting upper-class accents when portraying characters in past settings.
pushing for Authentic Voices in Period Dramas
Tranter, 62, emphasized that not everyone in past eras spoke with an aristocratic accent. She plans to employ a movement coach to help actors focus on authentic character portrayals, independent of costume.
“With period costumes, actors often default to ‘posh’ accents,” Tranter noted, arguing for a more nuanced approach in period drama.
Addressing Stilted Movement and Costuming Conventions
Beyond accents, Tranter also critiqued the frequently enough-stilted movements of extras in period pieces. She expressed regret for not intervening in past productions to address this issue.
Did You Know? A study by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in 2023 found that authenticity in casting and performance substantially boosts audience engagement with historical dramas.
The Other Bennet Sister: A Test Case for Modernization
Tranter discussed her upcoming BBC period drama, “The Other Bennet Sister,” which centers on Mary Bennet from “Pride and Prejudice.” This production will serve as a testing ground for her vision, with filming set to begin in wales next week.
Tranter aims to “loosen the rules” regarding hair and costume to create a more welcoming experiance for modern audiences.
“If the hairstyles and hats are too historically rigid, viewers will be distracted,” she explained, advocating for a balance between accuracy and accessibility.
Balancing Historical Accuracy with Modern Appeal
tranter believes a rigid, fetishized approach to historical accuracy can create a barrier between the audience and the story. She advocates for informed choices about where to deviate from strict historical replication to enhance audience engagement.
Pro Tip: Consider how modern music choices in shows like “Bridgerton” broadened their appeal. Strategic departures from strict historical accuracy can attract a wider audience.
Expanding the Austen Universe
“The Other Bennet Sister” is based on Janice hadlow’s 2020 novel. Tranter notes that Hadlow’s adaptation expands the world of Austen, leaning towards a Dickensian London and incorporating Romantic poets and the Lake District.
“Hadlow is making Austen more grounded,” Tranter said. “It’s not just super-regency; it’s more real.”
Contrasting Approaches to Period Drama production
The following table contrasts traditional and modern approaches to period drama production, highlighting key areas of divergence:
| Aspect | Traditional Approach | Modern Approach (Tranter’s Vision) |
|---|---|---|
| Accents | Primarily upper-class (“posh”) | More diverse, reflecting various social classes |
| Movement | Often stilted and formal | Natural and realistic |
| Costumes & Hair | Strictly historically accurate | Historically informed, but with modern adjustments for accessibility |
| Setting | Typically idealized Regency England | More grounded, incorporating elements of Dickensian London |
What do you think? Will modern accents enhance or detract from the viewing experience of period dramas?
Should period dramas strive for absolute historical accuracy, or is some modernization acceptable for the sake of audience engagement?
Context & Evergreen Insights
the debate over historical accuracy versus modern accessibility has long been a central tension in period drama production. While some purists argue for unwavering adherence to historical detail, others contend that selective modernization can broaden appeal and resonate more deeply with contemporary audiences.
Recent successful productions, such as “Bridgerton,” have demonstrated the potential of blending historical settings with modern sensibilities. The show’s diverse casting, contemporary music, and emphasis on character relationships have attracted a massive global audience, proving that period dramas can thrive even when they deviate from strict historical accuracy.A 2024 study by streaming analytics firm StreamMetrics found that “Bridgerton” Season 2 was viewed by over 650 million hours globally in it’s first month.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why are period drama accents traditionally ‘posh’?
Historically, upper classes dominated recorded media. Costumes frequently enough trigger actors to adopt stereotypical accents.
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Who is advocating for more modern accents in period dramas?
Jane Tranter, a seasoned TV producer, is championing this shift to broaden audience appeal and realism.
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What is ‘The Other Bennet Sister’ about?
It’s an upcoming BBC period drama focusing on Mary Bennet from ‘Pride and Prejudice’, based on Janice Hadlow’s novel.
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How will ‘The Other Bennet Sister’ differ from typical Austen adaptations?
It aims for a more grounded feel, drawing inspiration from Dickensian London and incorporating Romantic poets.
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Why loosen the hairstyles rules in period dramas?
According to producers, overly stylized hair and costumes can distract modern audiences from the story.
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What are the benefits of modernizing period drama portrayals?
Modernizing these aspects can create a stronger connection with contemporary viewers and reduce barriers to entry for new fans to period dramas adaptations.
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What is one way to incorporate modern accent in period dramas?
bringing in a movement coach can help actors think beyond period costumes and reflect a wider range of speech.
What are your thoughts on this potential shift in period drama conventions? Share your comments below and spread the word!
