In this masterclass, BAFTA-nominated writer and creator Daniel Lawrence Taylor takes behind the scenes of his BBC-hit series BOARDERS about a group of inner city kids who are getting a stipend at a high-end elite school.
The session explores how authentic characters from underrepresented backgrounds drive universal stories and break moulds, why empathy is a more powerful than exposition, and how identity can shape narrative without becoming its only focus. Taylor unpacks the creative choices behind BOARDERS and reflects on writing stories that matter; not because they preach, but because they resonate.
BOARDERS is a hit British comedy-drama that follows five Black inner-city teens who are given scholarships to an elite boarding school. Created and written by Daniel Lawrence Taylor, the series blends sharp social commentary with an heartfelt coming-of-age story. Tackling themes of race, class, privilege, and identity, it was a audience darling at last year’s Seriencamp Festival. Premiering on BBC Three to widespread acclaim, BOARDERS has been praised for its fresh voice and complex characters, marking it as one of the standout UK debuts in recent years.
