About me
Andrew Clifford, Script Editor
I’ve worked for thirty years as a script editor in TV on shows like Silent Witness; Lark Rise to Candleford; Dangerfield; and Dalziel and Pascoe — as well as many other small and big shows at different stages of development, including 40 episodes of a detective series for Chinese TV! Companies who’ve employed me include Mammoth, 87 Films, Red, Talkback, Tiger, Carnival, 42, and of course the BBC.
I’ve taught script editing and screenwriting in evening classes and schools and, unusually for most British script editors, I’m also a screenwriter of both drama and comedy. This gives me a good insight not just into screenwriting, but into the pitfalls — the fears, the frustrations — of the entire process of giving and receiving notes. You can see some of my script editing credits on IMDB here, and, if you like, my writing CV here.
Testimonials
Andrew is a very imaginative script editor, lively and full of ideas — writers love working with him.
I worked for six months developing a historical drama with Andrew and it was an absolute pleasure — he understands scripts and writers as well as anyone in the business.
Andrew not only has a total understanding of scripts, but he also listens, a terrific attribute which not all script editors possess.
Andrew has a well-honed sense for how to make scripts work. He combines forensic detail with an instinctive ability to guide writers, both new and experienced, towards a clear vision for what their scripts could be. He’s also great fun to work with and has an invaluable ability to deliver script notes with sensitivity and humour.
Andrew was a huge help in making us see the problems with our first draft and came up with some great thoughts about how to improve it.
Andrew is a gifted script editor—he reads carefully and thoughtfully, and responds with insight and good humour. He always has a strong take on a piece of material and will always take time to see it from a writer’s point of view. He must be good - we come back to work with him again and again.
I’ve worked with Andrew many times but most memorably on creating a 40-episode TV drama for China, The Judge Dee Mysteries. Andrew ensured the thread of the series remained sharp and connected at all times, whilst also challenging individual episodes to be entirely distinctive and fulfilling. On my own scripts he held my toes to the fire in the most encouraging way possible. He is both stringent and compassionate, which is a rare combination in the business.
I love working with Andrew. He gives great, precise and insightful notes and feedback and is incredibly collaborative and inspiring to work with. He’s challenged and supported my writing with care, passion, patience and good humour. I’d certainly work with him again and highly recommend him as a script editor and collaborator.