Merlyn Rice
Merlyn Rice


Region: West Midlands
County: West Midlands
Local Authority: Birmingham City Council
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Crew Listing


Description

Having worked in the industry for 28 years, in numerous roles I started directing drama 7 years ago.
With 57 episodes of Doctors
4 (2 seasons) of Sister Boniface Mysteries
2 Casualty
20+ coronation street
10 Emmerdale
4 The Good Ship Murder (S2)
I have a passion for working with performance as well as visual storytelling techniques, I like to think I’m an actor centred director with strong technical skills enabling me to bring truthful and engaging projects to life.
Always very keen to work local and champion the midlands!


Special Interests

Work with actors in a collaborative and supportive way, guiding the actor, allowing them to feel secure enough to give ideas a go and take risks, in order to obtain ‘truthful’ performance.
Have creative leadership skills and great editorial judgment, being able to identify possible cuts to scripts & schedules, making quick, yet considered decisions that offer practical solutions to logistical or unforeseen problems, whilst still ensuring the story is respected with well chosen coverage that play the story beats effectively. Be responsible for heading up a productive, efficient, creative and positive crew, communicating with each department effectively. I have spent many years working in Continuing Drama so understand the working methods that are involved, recognising:Time constraints, scheduling & budget limitations, Pre/ Post -production and Prep procedure Continuing storylines, character arcs, though lines & story of the day.The importance of committing to the existing style and remit of the programme.
Having developed strong technical skills I know the importance of prioritising what is needed from a scene, using the most economical coverage, if required but I can also recognise when an extra shot or special setup is needed; Ensuring we have told the story beats from the scene before moving on. I am really fascinated with the visual element of storytelling, Using camera positions, edit or cut points, shot types and camera placement to aid the feeling or sense of a scene, creating mood. The capacity to choose how and where the audience are placed to experience the scene. I have the ability to think on my feet, as well as being able to verbalise my intentions and vision; having planed meticulously in order to lead a committed crew I am able to listen to and incorporate input from others, enabling me to opt for better choices / suggestions offered up by the other skilled professionals on my team.


Genre

Comedy, Drama, Family


Language(s)

British English

Credits

  • PRODUCTION - Director
  • 2026: Emmerdale
  • 2025: Coronation Street
  • 2025: Emmerdale
  • 2024: The Good Ship Murder
  • 2023: Emmerdale
  • 2022: Sister Boniface Mysteries S2
  • 2021: Casualty
  • 2021: Coronation Street
  • 2021: Sister Boniface Mysteries
  • 2018: Doctors

Affiliations
  • Directors UK
  • RTS - Royal Television Society