Making Place a Player: Scott Frank Talks Setting in 'Department Q'

All new Scott Frank projects are cause for celebration. The prolific screenwriter is one of my personal heroes, and someone whose work I seek out when I need to feel refreshed and excited.

His past work includes Out of Sight, Queen's Gambit, Minority Report, and many other projects.

In this YouTube video from HeyUGuys, Frank talked about his newest Netflix series, Department Q, a noir that is exciting and mysterious.

The interview delved into the creative process, from the initial allure of adapting international novels to the specific choices that brought the story to life on screen.

Let's dive in.

- YouTubewww.youtube.com

Scott Frank on 'Department Q'

Like I said at the top, I am a massive fan of Frank's work. I really enjoyed hearing his process about taking a book originally written in another language and then adapting it for a new audience.

It's the kind of challenge that would turn others away but gets embraced here.

Frank expressed his admiration for the depth and complexity found in Scandi Noir and British crime dramas like Happy Valley and Broadchurch. So when he was tackling bringing this to a Scottish setting, he got to imbue his own series with similar character-driven storytelling, with a touch of humor.

Setting is a character here, with Edinburgh, Scotland playing a crucial role in the show's atmosphere.

Frank, influenced by producer Rob Bullock, wanted to portray the city authentically on screen. He felt the city's inherent beauty created a world that draws viewers in, even with the darker thematic undertones.

TV and Movies

Scott Frank is one of those interesting guys who is able to seamlessly go back and forth from TV to movies.

And one fun part of the interview is how he imagines some of his earlier projects would fare if they were developed as television series in today's landscape. His experience with Godless, which was initially conceived as a movie, made the transition to the episodic format feel organic.

And it's something he brought to Department Q.

Casting is always a critical element, and Frank shared insights into bringing Matthew Goode on board. Goode was his first choice for a significant role, having collaborated with him previously on The Lookout.

Despite Goode's frequent portrayal of "posh" characters, Frank recognized his versatility, charm, and intensity, knowing he could deliver the required performance.

Beyond Goode, Frank praised the entire "incredible ensemble cast," a mix of seasoned actors and compelling new faces that can tell a story without uttering a single word.

- YouTubewww.youtube.com

Aspect Ratios

Technical choices also play a significant part in Frank's storytelling. He explained that the deliberate use of a different aspect ratio in one part of the show was a dramatic decision designed to immerse the audience in a specific character's isolated world.

Furthermore, the non-linear narrative structure employed in the first episode was a foundational design choice, intended to create a significant "aha" moment and a sense of misdirection for the viewers.

Looking ahead, Frank is optimistic about the show's future, expressing a hope for it to continue for five or six seasons and for him to adapt other books in the series.

Summing It All Up

Scott Frank is one of our great writers and directors. I'm pumped to have something new to watch from him and to hopefully have multiple seasons of it.

Let me know what you think in the comments.