In a recent interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with the talented actor and writer, Kiell Smith-Bynoe. We delved into the creative process behind his upcoming Edinburgh show, “String V Spitta,” and discussed his experiences in the industry. From the inspiration behind the show to the collaborative process with his co-writer Ed MacArthur, Kiell shared valuable insights into the world of acting and writing. In this article, we will explore the main themes that emerged from our conversation, providing a comprehensive analysis of the creative process and its implications. The podcast is linked below.
The Inspiration Behind “String V Spitta”
Kiell’s journey with “String V Spitta” began when he met his co-writer Ed at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2016. The show was born out of their shared love for music and comedy, as Kiell explains:
“Producer Phoebe Burke introduced us, knowing that we were both very musical and had a similar sense of humor. We started talking about our careers and realised that we both had experience in children’s entertainment and a passion for music. That’s when the idea for ‘String V Spitta’ was born.”
Kiell and Ed initially focused on creating the songs for the show before building a narrative around them, a process that deviated from the traditional approach. Kiell explains:
“We did songs first and then built a narrative around that, which is not the orthodox way, I don’t think, but it worked for us. We would meet up every couple of months and stay in the studio until we had a song. We always aimed to find the funniest thing, even if it didn’t make sense. Sometimes the idea of the joke is that it doesn’t really make sense what’s been said.”
The Collaborative Process
Collaboration is a crucial aspect of the creative process, and Kiell emphasises the importance of working with someone like Ed, who shares his sense of humour and passion for music:
“It’s really fun because Ed is extremely funny, and we’re always searching for the funniest thing. We started out working on the songs and then built a narrative around them. We meet up every couple of months and stay in the studio until we have a song. We always had great songs, even some that didn’t make it into the show.”
Kiell’s and Ed’s collaborative process involves constant editing and refining, even during live performances:
“Even as we’re doing the show in London, we’re still trying to edit and find the funniest thing. We make each other laugh and constantly strive to improve the show.”
Incorporating Songs into the Narrative
One of the challenges Kiell and Ed faced was incorporating the songs into a cohesive story structure. Kiell explains their approach:
“For example, we have a rap battle in the show. We wanted to show the rivalry between the characters, and a rap battle was the best way to do that musically. We had to decide where to place it in the narrative. We explored different options, such as whether the characters had met before or were writing based on their stereotypes of each other. Eventually, we found the perfect place for it, right in the middle of the show, as the peak of their rivalry before it all blows up.”
Adapting “String V Spitta” for TV
With the success of “String V Spitta,” there are plans to adapt it for television. Kiell reveals:
“We’re working on the pilot script for the BBC with Ben Bailey Smith, who is the perfect person for it. We’re lucky to have someone with his musical background and experience as a dad. We’re really excited about the potential for a TV series.”
When asked about the difference between writing for the stage and writing for TV, Kiell highlights the freedom and constraints of each medium:
“With stage shows, you have more freedom to do whatever you think is funny. You don’t have to worry about budget constraints or pleasing different companies. On the other hand, TV writing involves more notes and feedback. You have to consider the commercial aspects and the opinions of various stakeholders. But both mediums offer unique opportunities for creativity.”
The Journey of an Actor
Kiell’s journey as an actor began at a young age, and he knew from an early age that he wanted to pursue acting as a career:
“I started acting in school plays and church nativity plays when I was little. But it wasn’t just something I did for fun; I knew I wanted to be an actor. I had a defining moment when I was four years old and played the innkeeper in a nativity play. The audience laughed at my line, and I thought, ‘This is what I want to do.'”
However, Kiell’s path to success was not without its challenges. He spent six years after drama school trying to make it happen, while many of his peers chose different paths:
“It was a long journey to become a full-time actor. I had to work in a call center while pursuing my acting career. Many of my peers from drama school decided to pursue other careers, but I stuck with it. It was a challenging time, but I never gave up on my dream.”
The Transition from Acting to Writing
Kiell’s transition from acting to writing was a natural progression driven by his desire to create:
“I started writing because I wanted to act more. I thought I could make things funnier than what was coming through. I didn’t start calling myself a writer until later, but I always had a clear vision of what I wanted to create.”
Kiell’s experience as an actor has influenced his approach to writing, allowing him to understand the fluidity of scripts and the potential for improvisation:
“I’ve learned that scripts can change even during the final stages of production. On set, you can play with the lines and make adjustments based on what works best. This understanding has made me more open to collaboration and less precious about the words on the page.”
The Challenges and Rewards of Producing
In addition to acting and writing, Kiell has also taken on the role of producer. He discusses the challenges and rewards of producing:
“I’m always looking for ways to make the vision come to life. I’m not the person who says something is too expensive; I believe in investing in the production to make it the best it can be. As a producer, I bring my vision to the table and work with others to bring it to fruition.”
Kiell’s attention to detail and commitment to the creative vision have made him a valuable asset in the production process:
“I have a clear vision in my head, and I’m open to input from others. I want to make the vision as best as possible, rather than cutting corners. I believe in going the extra mile to create something truly special.”