Diabetes UK launches top tips for writers

Diabetes UK has today launched a new resource offering scriptwriters and producers top tips on how to portray diabetes accurately in their storylines, a move welcomed by television presenter Phillip Schofield and screenwriter, film maker and great grandson of Diabetes UK founder HG Wells, Simon Wells.

The charity has launched its free guide ‘Top Tips For Writers’ during Diabetes Week 2016 as part of its focus on busting myths and misconceptions surrounding the condition.

Often contacted by people living with diabetes who are concerned about how the condition is depicted on screen, the charity hopes the guide will help to ensure that diabetes is reflected accurately across all storylines.

Simon Wells: "I’m very glad that Diabetes UK has created this"

Screenwriter Simon Wells said: “As a film maker, I've come to really understand that a movie is nothing without a good script. Getting the story right is certainly true for how diabetes is portrayed.

“This invaluable guide will aid television and film makers every time they write diabetes into a script, helping to build an accurate understanding of the condition for their audiences. When you're writing scripts the research is essential and often massively time-consuming. A straightforward guide to the nuts and bolts of the condition really is invaluable. I’m very glad that Diabetes UK has created this.”

"Too often diabetes is portrayed incorrectly"
 

Chris Askew, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said, “Each time diabetes is featured in a storyline is a huge opportunity to raise awareness of this serious condition which affects over four million people in the UK. Yet too often diabetes is portrayed incorrectly or insensitively. This is not only extremely unhelpful and can lead to myths and misconceptions around diabetes, but can also be hurtful to those living with it day in and day out.

“However, scriptwriters and producers can play a hugely important role in increasing awareness and understanding of diabetes by depicting it accurately in their storylines – I strongly urge them to keep this guide at their fingertips to ensure this happens every time.”

Phillip Schofield has welcomed the guide

The guide has also been welcomed by television presenter and Diabetes UK supporter Phillip Schofield who said: “As someone who has both worked in TV for many years and has family members who live with Type 1 diabetes, I am frequently aware of the confusion surrounding diabetes, and especially between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. I’m so glad Diabetes UK has produced this essential guide for programme makers, actors, writers, producers and directors so that everyone can talk about diabetes with confidence and accuracy.”

This handy, free, downloadable guide offers scriptwriters and producers a wealth of advice and top tips to use when writing diabetes into a storyline.

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/About_us/News/Diabetes-UK-launches-guide-for-scriptwriters-and-producers/