The
Special Award
As a writer, creator and producer of a raft of internationally successful television series and films for more than 30 years, this evening’s recipient of the British Academy Special Award has been a true pioneer in the wonderful world of children’s programming. By Rich Matthews
I
was a terrible puppeteer!” laughs Jocelyn Stevenson. “Even when I was called in to be the extra arm of a puppeteer, I found it incredibly nerve-wracking.” Not much of a problem for most of us, but when your big break was at The Jim Henson Company, surrounded by Muppets, this could have been more of an issue. Fortunately, it has not hindered Stevenson’s stunning career in children’s programming, which has spanned three decades plus change. “I find it much easier to stay out of the spotlight, to express myself in writing or as a producer,” she adds. Now that spotlight is firmly fixed on the children’s writer and producer as the recipient of this year’s BAFTA Special Award. Luckily,
Stevenson – who has been nominated for a BAFTA three times – quite likes the idea this time. “You already know you’ve won, how great is that?” she says. “I was shocked when I heard, but I’m chuffed. I’m really looking forward to the ceremony.” Stevenson originally wanted to be a doctor, but while studying at Stanford University in California, she had what she describes as an epiphany: “‘If you want to change the world, you start with pre-schoolers.’ Like, duh! So I studied child psychology and taught in a day care centre where Sesame Street was on. I realised they were doing for
Jim Henson was inspirational, but Jerry Juhl was my writing mentor. I was lucky to have that so early in my career. Everything came out of it. B RI T ISH ACADE M Y