How did you become involved in Blue Lights?

When I started to read the first episode I couldn’t stop. By the end of the first script I was already convinced by the brilliant writing and so I jumped into episode two and it was even better. At that point I committed to directing them all.

What was the research process that went into the series and why was it essential to the authenticity of the story?

Writers, Adam Patterson and Declan Lawn and myself come from a documentary background. Being the outsider, and not knowing anything about the place it took me a while to get all the nuances big or small of this unique part of the world and history. It took me some time to get to grips with the place and I wanted to really know what I’m talking about. I spent weeks with the production designer and location manager visiting police stations around Northern Ireland trying to understand the unique situation in NI but there was no other way to make the show without this kind of level of detail.

What was your vision for the series and how did you develop your vision and style?

It was quite challenging to find my personal vision for this show because it is so character driven. There is no ‘whodunnit’ or intricate plot and so it’s all about emotions and character interaction and as such, it was not easy to find a really defining visual concept for the show. I soon realised I had to put my director’s ego to one side and learn to address what we needed to make the show work as a character-driven story. The challenge was to dig into the depth of the characters while still including some high-concept, sweeping, beautiful imagery of the city. I wanted to show Belfast in a different way to that which is generally shown and step away from the black and white representation of Belfast = Troubles and find a new way to incorporate the city without betraying it. It was a fantastic challenge.

Describe the characters in Blue Lights?

Blue Lights is an ensemble piece primarily about three rookie cops and their various mentors. Declan and Adam have written these three recruits without any cynicism and with an element of innocence and naivety. In this unique place, Northern Ireland, which has suffered so much violence for many years a little bit of innocence and purity was so wonderful to try to introduce within these characters and story. The casting process for the ten main roles was an absolute joy.

How does telling the story through the POV of three rookie officers add to the drama?

Having our three lead characters as probationary constables was an inspired decision because they still don’t know if they are going to pass their exams and stay in the PSNI. It was a brilliant opportunity to present these anti-heroes who are full of flaws, don’t know what they are doing and are still learning the ropes. Matching them with mentors who are experienced, seasoned cops provides a great starting point to explore the relationships and journeys in a character drama.

What themes are at the heart of Blue Lights?

The themes that run through the show are how you pass the baton to the next generation and how the generation that is reaching the end should share the experience. In NI it is so important that people should share their experience and yet let the younger generations make decisions for themselves. It’s also about finding the glorious and terrible messiness of human nature in these characters. It’s about the clash of generations beautifully written by Declan and Adam.