BBC Studios, a business organization of the BBC BBC and Agatha Christie Estate have collaborated to open a writing course on education-centric streaming services BBC Maestro is taught by Christie himself. Well, to be precise, it was taught by the Crime Queen and was brought to life by the author's own words by actresses Vivien Keene and Ai.
“In the World First Agatha Christie, the best-selling novelist of all time will provide aspiring writers with unparalleled opportunities to learn the secrets behind her writing in her own words,” the partner said. “Using carefully restored archival interviews, private letters and writings studied by a team of Christie’s experts, this groundbreaking course rebuilds Christie’s own voice and insights to guide you through suspense, plot twists and incredible characters.”
The partners announced news about “Writing Agatha Christie” in London on Wednesday, calling it “a first collaboration of the same kind” and “a brand new project that is different from anything we have done before”.
Nicki Sheard, CEO of BBC Studios branding and licensing, emphasized in a video that “there are a lot of debates in our industry about how to apply AI”. She added: "We are really proud to show that we have already deployed with an incredible care and craftsmanship, great ideas and the greatest respect for all contributors. Of course, the basic IP is particularly special to us in BBC Studios because it embodies a lot of important things, and that is so many things for us, in the UK story, in the realization of the UK story, it is the best tool, in fact the best start, the best meaning of the British people, and this is the British business, it is the British story, and the British story, it is the British story. Of course, work with the smartest and best partners."
"Agatha Christie is a British storytelling idol, able to deploy the technology in a moral and thoughtful way to respect her legacy and bring her genius to the new generation in fresh and different ways, which is a good thing that can be done."
The executive stressed that the team of experts, creators and actors worked together to ensure “detailed planning” and “really very extraordinary” results.
The key to the success of the joint venture is the blessing and cooperation of Agatha Christie Ltd., its chairman and CEO James Pritchard, great-grandson of Christie. "They have been deeply involved from the beginning and they make sure it's not just something Agatha understands, but we hope that as an innovator I will really like."
"I think the casting process went through hundreds of actresses looking at facial biometrics," Keane shared in a group hosted by BBC host Lucy Worsley. "So, I got the work literally (based on) the shape of my face."
"It's different from other jobs," she said of the experience, sharing that the director instructed her not to move her head too much. "Agatha Christie didn't shoot too much from the side, and there were almost no movies, almost no movies," she explained. "So, AI can't handle it," the material shot from the side.
For the audio, Christie and the actress’ voices are summed up. "You can hear my voice not like Christie's," Keane said. "So, I'm trying to get the rhythm. … Actually, her voice is very unique, her voice is very shy, she's shy and she doesn't like to be interviewed. So I'm starting to think they want me to use my voice in the final edit. But I've re-voiceed, but I think it's a word."
The initial project partnership was unveiled at a news event at the luxury hotel Clarridge in London's Mayfair area.
Claridge features in several Christie's works. For example, One, two, button my shoesRebecca Arnholt stayed in a famous place. It also has Cat among cats,,,,, Secret opponentand Why don't they ask Evans?in which Mrs. Peter Hampton invites Frankie Devent to Clarridge’s party.
"Writing is a key point for us," explained BBC Maestro CEO Mark Levine.