Euros Lyn stands as a celebrated director, his name synonymous with quality television and nuanced storytelling. While recently lauded for his heartwarming work on the LGBTQ+ coming-of-age series Heartstopper, Lyn’s impressive career spans across iconic shows like Sherlock, Doctor Who, and the gripping anthology Black Mirror, demonstrating his versatility and mastery across genres. His journey from Welsh-language television to directing internationally acclaimed series is a testament to his dedication, adaptability, and unique vision. This article delves into the career trajectory of Euros Lyn, exploring the experiences that shaped him, his insights on the industry, and his approach to creating compelling and inclusive narratives, with a special focus on the magic behind Heartstopper.
The Formative Years: Euros Lyn’s Welsh Beginnings
Lyn’s early exposure to the world of performance was deeply rooted in his upbringing in North Wales. His father’s involvement with Theatre Gwynedd, a local regional theatre, ignited a spark in young Euros. Immersed in the captivating atmosphere of plays and films, he found himself drawn to the enchanting ability of storytelling to transport audiences to different realities. This early fascination led him to pursue drama at university, setting the stage for his future career.
His formal education was followed by hands-on experience in the Welsh television industry. Starting as a runner on a low-budget TV production in Wales, Euros Lyn diligently climbed the ladder, progressing to third and then second assistant director roles. These formative years provided invaluable insights into the practicalities of filmmaking. He learned the ropes of production, absorbing knowledge about the intricate processes involved in bringing stories to life on screen. Crucially, it was during this period that Lyn began showcasing his short films to producers, actively seeking opportunities to step into directing. His persistence paid off when a producer, impressed by his short film work, offered him the chance to direct a block of a children’s TV series for S4C, a Welsh language channel. This pivotal moment marked his directorial debut, in his native Welsh language, laying the foundation for his successful career.
Honing the Craft: Early Directing Experiences in Wales
Euros Lyn’s initial directing experiences in Welsh-language television proved to be incredibly beneficial. He acknowledges the potential pitfalls for emerging directors who might be overwhelmed or stifled in their early projects. However, Lyn considers himself fortunate to have worked under the guidance of Geraint Morris, a producer with extensive experience on Casualty. Morris’s calm and supportive mentorship was instrumental in Lyn’s development. He learned the critical skill of efficient time management, particularly crucial in low-budget productions where resources are limited and every shot counts. These early experiences instilled in him the importance of precision and planning, where there was little room for error or indulgent reshoots.
Furthermore, Lyn reflects on a significant evolution in his directorial approach during this time. Initially, he would approach filming without a pre-conceived editing plan. He came to realize the immense value of visualizing the edited scene before even shooting it. Understanding where the cuts would fall allowed him to more effectively capture the emotional and narrative beats of each scene, streamlining the production process and enhancing the final product. This shift towards pre-visualization became a cornerstone of his directing methodology.
Navigating Network Television: Doctor Who and Stylistic Innovation
The transition to network television presented Euros Lyn with new challenges and opportunities. Directing episodes for established series like Casualty and the culturally significant Doctor Who required a delicate balance. Lyn observed a common dynamic where showrunners sought directors who could both integrate seamlessly into the existing “house style” of a long-running show, while simultaneously injecting fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. This apparent contradiction became a stimulating challenge for him.
Lyn embraced this duality, learning to navigate the expectations of network television while pushing creative boundaries. On Casualty, he championed the use of handheld cameras, a technique rarely employed by the series at the time. Despite potential resistance from a crew unfamiliar with this style, he successfully advocated for its implementation, expanding the show’s visual language. This experience highlighted the negotiation and collaborative spirit required when introducing new techniques within established productions.
His involvement with Doctor Who was particularly momentous, coinciding with the show’s revival in 2005. As part of the first season of the reboot, Lyn, alongside Russell T Davies and the rest of the team, embarked on a journey of rediscovery. The absence of pre-established expectations for the reboot allowed for significant creative freedom. Each episode of Doctor Who, with its distinct settings in time and space, presented a unique adventure and the opportunity for stylistic exploration. Moreover, the production marked a significant step for Welsh television, venturing into VFX-heavy, fast-paced television production, adding to the excitement and pioneering spirit of the project.
The Power of Connection: Collaborative Relationships in Television
Euros Lyn emphasizes the profound impact of relationships in the filmmaking industry. He believes that every connection forged on set has the potential to be consequential, shaping future collaborations and opportunities. He particularly values relationships with creative individuals who resonate with his artistic vision, highlighting the inspiration he draws from working with exceptional writers. These partnerships extend beyond writers to encompass the entire crew, recognizing that positive working relationships and collaborative teamwork are essential for successful productions.
Lyn illustrates the enduring nature of these connections with anecdotes from his own career. He recounts how a runner from the first season of Doctor Who whom he picked up in his car is now a director he has recommended for projects. Similarly, a runner from Broadchurch has since become a producer whose work he admires. These examples underscore the organic networking that occurs naturally within the collaborative environment of film and television sets. Lyn believes that fostering positive and supportive relationships, built on mutual respect and shared creative goals, is more valuable than forced networking, leading to fruitful collaborations in the long run.
Genre Fluidity: Balancing Wit and Emotional Depth
While Euros Lyn has directed across various genres, he expresses a particular affinity for projects that defy easy categorization. He is drawn to stories that seamlessly blend contrasting tones, incorporating both humor and pathos. This appreciation for genre fluidity is evident in his work on series like Happy Valley, which masterfully balances moments of warmth and wit with intense, even gruesome, drama.
Lyn believes that this juxtaposition of tones enhances the emotional impact on the audience. By creating a dynamic range of emotions – laughter one moment, tears or shock the next – the audience’s overall emotional experience becomes more profound and resonant. This ability to navigate tonal shifts and evoke a wide spectrum of emotions is a hallmark of his directorial style, contributing to the depth and complexity of his storytelling.
Transition to Feature Films: A New Arena
Euros Lyn’s career journey includes a successful transition into feature film direction. He acknowledges the challenges of breaking out of established patterns in the industry, noting that it can be difficult to move beyond a specific niche once you are recognized for it. He experienced this firsthand when seeking to move from Welsh-language television to network television, and again when aiming to direct feature films. Persuading financiers to entrust him with feature film projects required persistent effort and demonstration of his capabilities.
His first feature film, Library Suicides, was a micro-budget Welsh-language project produced by BBC Films, Film Cymru, and S4C. Despite the limited resources and a tight three-week shooting schedule, Lyn found the experience immensely rewarding. He valued the heightened sense of ownership and creative control that feature filmmaking offered, a contrast to the more collaborative nature of television directing. However, he also notes the fundamental similarities in the day-to-day practicalities of directing, regardless of the format. Managing a set, working with actors, and adhering to a shooting schedule are core directorial skills applicable to both film and television.
Heartstopper: Capturing Authentic Teen Experience and Inclusivity
Heartstopper marked a significant chapter in Euros Lyn’s career, bringing him widespread international recognition and acclaim. He was drawn to the project after reading the script and then discovering Alice Oseman’s original graphic novels. The story resonated deeply with him on an emotional level, prompting him to collaborate closely with Oseman to translate her vision to the screen. Lyn admits that he could not have anticipated the profound impact Heartstopper would have on audiences worldwide. Beyond its intended audience of young queer viewers, the series touched older generations of LGBTQ+ individuals and straight audiences alike, creating a broad and deeply engaged fanbase.
His previous experiences in both television and film directing proved invaluable in helming Heartstopper. Produced by See-Saw Films, a company with a strong film background, the series was approached with a cinematic sensibility. Lyn was brought on as lead director, entrusted with a singular vision for the eight-episode series, conceptualized as a four-hour film divided into episodes. His film directing experience, particularly the emphasis on meticulous attention to detail across departments and the pressure to achieve perfection within each take, prepared him for the demands of Heartstopper. He drew upon his accumulated knowledge of filmmaking techniques and problem-solving skills to navigate the complexities of production efficiently.
Beyond the technical aspects, Heartstopper also allowed Euros Lyn to reconnect with youthful emotions. He describes feeling like he was “18 again” on set, immersed in the world of teenage love and self-discovery. This emotional connection to the material, coupled with his directorial expertise, contributed to the authenticity and heartfelt nature of the series.
A defining characteristic of Heartstopper‘s success is its commitment to inclusivity, both in front of and behind the camera. Euros Lyn and the production team consciously strived to create a set environment that reflected the themes of the show. This involved prioritizing the hiring of queer Heads of Department (HODs) and crew members, or those with a demonstrated understanding of queer experiences. They also actively sought to provide opportunities for individuals at the early stages of their careers, fostering a diverse and representative crew. This dedication to inclusivity extended to collaborating with Stonewall, a leading LGBTQ+ rights organization, who provided inclusivity training for the entire crew. Netflix, as the platform for Heartstopper, also played a supportive role, offering in-house training on inclusivity and accessibility.
Euros Lyn emphasizes the importance of leading by example in creating a respectful and inclusive environment. He contrasts the positive atmosphere on Heartstopper with a negative experience from earlier in his career, where a director made an inappropriate and homophobic comment about his earring. He highlights the significant progress the industry has made in fostering inclusivity and respect. Heartstopper implemented concrete measures to ensure a safe and respectful set, including a confidential reporting system for bullying or discrimination. The fact that this system was utilized and led to a prompt resolution of an issue demonstrates the effectiveness and necessity of such mechanisms.
Working with the Young Cast: Fostering Authenticity and Playfulness
Recognizing that many of the young actors in Heartstopper were new to screen acting, Euros Lyn adopted a rehearsal approach focused on fostering authenticity and natural performances. Instead of immediately diving into scene work, he prioritized character development and exploration. He engaged the cast in discussions about their characters’ backstories, delving into themes of relationships, coming out, and the social dynamics of school life. The aim was to encourage the actors to draw upon their own experiences and connect personally with their characters, bringing genuine emotion and understanding to their portrayals.
To create a relaxed and playful atmosphere, rehearsals were held at a cricket club, incorporating games and activities on the cricket pitch. Lyn believes that playfulness is an essential element of filmmaking, reminding everyone involved of the imaginative and collaborative nature of the process. By fostering a joyful and supportive environment, he aimed to empower the young cast to feel comfortable and confident in their performances, contributing to the overall charm and sincerity of Heartstopper.
Season 2 and Beyond: Navigating Continued Success
Returning for a second season of Heartstopper presented Euros Lyn with both immense gratification and a significant challenge. The overwhelming positive reception to the first season created a sense of responsibility to maintain the show’s quality and emotional resonance. He was determined to avoid the pitfalls of a “difficult second album,” aiming to create a season that would be equally successful and creatively fulfilling.
The approach for Season 2 was to evolve the narrative and delve deeper into the characters’ journeys. Working closely with Alice Oseman, the vision was to explore the next stages of the characters’ maturity, tackling more complex issues and expanding the emotional scope of the series. Season 1 focused on the initial joy of falling in love, but Season 2 aimed to depict the realities and challenges that inevitably follow the honeymoon period.
Lyn specifically mentions the challenge of portraying Isaac’s journey of self-discovery regarding his asexuality. He acknowledges the inherent difficulty in translating internal emotional journeys into compelling dramatic action. However, he expresses satisfaction with how this storyline was handled in Season 2, emphasizing the nuanced and sensitive performances of the actors. Heartstopper consciously avoids trivializing teenage angst, recognizing it as a valid and significant emotional experience that resonates beyond adolescence. Lyn commends the actors for their bravery in portraying these vulnerable and complex emotions with depth and authenticity.
Advice for Aspiring Directors: Practice and Passion
Drawing upon his own career path, Euros Lyn offers valuable advice for aspiring directors, particularly those based outside of major industry hubs like London. He emphasizes that working in Wales at the beginning of his career was a significant advantage, providing him with opportunities and a supportive environment for growth. While acknowledging potential limitations in terms of networking, he points out the growth of Cardiff and other regional cities like Manchester, Glasgow, and Belfast as thriving centers for television production, offering increasing opportunities for trainees and emerging talent.
Regardless of location, Lyn stresses the paramount importance of continuous practice and honing one’s craft. He encourages aspiring directors to actively create their own projects, whether short films or longer formats, to develop their storytelling skills and build a portfolio of work. This proactive approach allows them to showcase their talent and drive when opportunities arise, demonstrating their readiness to take on directing roles. Ultimately, passion for storytelling and persistent dedication to the craft are, in his view, the most crucial ingredients for success in directing.
The Next Chapter: Euros Lyn’s Upcoming Project
Looking ahead, Euros Lyn is currently working on a feature film adaptation of Matt Haig’s novel The Radleys. This project promises to be another intriguing addition to his diverse filmography. The Radleys tells the story of a seemingly ordinary middle-class family in middle-England who harbor a dark secret: they are abstinent vampires. This upcoming film suggests Lyn’s continued exploration of genre-bending narratives and his ability to find compelling human stories within fantastical premises.
Euros Lyn’s career is a testament to his talent, versatility, and commitment to impactful storytelling. From his early experiences in Welsh television to his global success with Heartstopper, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to create engaging, emotionally resonant, and visually compelling narratives. His insights into the industry, his dedication to inclusivity, and his passion for fostering authentic performances solidify his position as a leading director in contemporary television and film.
Euros Lyn photographed on set
Euros Lyn on the set of Casualty
Euros Lyn on the set of Cucumber
Euros Lyn on the set of Heartstopper photographed by Sam Arbor
Euros Lyn on the set of Heartstopper
