Top Boy Masterclass | With Little Simz, Micheal Ward, Kane Robinson & More | ETF 2019

Chi Chi Izundu chairs a masterclass with the team behind Top Boy, with Kane Robinson (Kano), Simbi Ajikawo (Little Simz), Micheal Ward, writer Ronan Bennett and producer Charles Steel.
Set on a housing estate in East London, Top Boy is a gritty street drama that authentically depicts the real life of drug dealers, street hustle and the communities surrounding them in London today.
The masterclass, ‘From Street to Screen’, will take delegates behind-the-scenes of writing such gripping drama and mentoring the next generation of directing talent, the importance of representing and staying true to the raw and very real nature of what is happening on our streets today and how Drake was involved in bringing the series back to our screens.
With thanks to session producer:
Ben Powell-Jones, head of programming, LADbible Group
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Find out more here: bit.ly/1SiJFQb
#TopBoy #LittleSimz #Kano #MichealWard #KaneRobinson #EdTVFest

[@galaxylucia1898]

My mom and I just binged the entire thing and we were hooked!!! This was incredible with all of the twists and turns and the actors!!! It was impossible to say who I loved-hated more. Every character was written in shades of gray, terrific dimensionality.

[@OCSmoke8]

Completely agree, that's one thing I really like about this show. Without giving too much away I just want to say that characters who you think are the good ones sometimes have elements to them that make you think, hey they aren't a good person, and vice versa for the baddies. The line between who's good and bad get blurred and for me it was more like watching a story of many parties unfold rather than rooting for a 'protagonist' because at times you forget that there even is a protagonist.

[@kerryanne646]

Just watch it!!!!!!!! I didn't think it could get any better but this season just blew my mind.

[@kezabel7201]

Agree

[@taq1238]

Binge watched the third season. Kmt d show maaad. Expect a sweep during awards season. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@fab7148]

About that...

[@Mister006]

I'm African American from America, and I'm enamored by Top Boy. African Americans and British of African Descent/Black British have great parallels in our experience, and the internet has eliminated "barriers to entry" - which gives opportunity to gain a greater understanding of each other's triumphs, tragedies and truths, and help all other ethnicities gain an understanding of just how similar our lives and values are to their own... just as it has done for the various ethnicities within the UK!

[@PR7-82]

Most of the cast have jamaican roots

[@PR7-82]

Most of the cast have jamaican roots

[@matthewnewell7369]

We are call afo/Caribbean

[@DOSGRANDE]

The writer is amazing, I hope I meet someone as great and understanding as him in my career.

[@rex86uk]

just finished watching season 3, it was mad! cant wait for the next season

[@JB-ty7ff]

Ronan Bennett seems like a real guy. Respect

[@e.a3968]

Growing up in London, the world of topboy was one I never knew fully about, until it became a big issue in the news, so watching this series has educated me a lot. It’s better to know what’s going on than being ignorant. Cant wait for series 4!

[@jackfrost8600]

Thanks to you all for not switching up on us for a wider market. Kept it genuine real no bullshit 1hunnit props u guys ✌🏼✌🏼 dope show!!

[@pulpbabe]

Was looking forward to watching this masterclass after finishing the latest season. Entire series was irresistible from start to finish. So glad that celebrity was used for a positive reason for a change. If these type of stories aren't told, no possibility of positive change can occur.

[@shahidali619]

Why doesn't this have more views?

[@AquaPrince27]

because anyone looking at edinburgh television festival is a 45 year old white man from the countryside

[@thehoneyeffect]

@Matte Circles I like long vids

[@TakeMeBackPirateRadio]

@@AquaPrince27 Not me!! Out to all those who remember Dushane, "Asher D" (Ashley Walters) on illegal pirate radio back in the day. Check the link: @

[@Lyfe3033]

The first two seasons depicted life in Hackney and London in general for inner city youth with good accuracy looking forward to season 3

[@kerryanne646]

Season 3 is just so riveting!! The filming, the acting is superb.

[@TakeMeBackPirateRadio]

True!!

[@most8181]

the writer of top boy couldn't be any further from what i expected him to look like lol

[@n200518]

read his wiki page, its pretty interesting

[@most8181]

Nischal Shrestha I have no doubt he’s a interesting guy, you gotta be pretty talented to conjure up story lines like this top boy season, hats off to this guy, unreal season

[@doitalljackson154]

The wire in British form. Love the show. We need a season 2

[@trentrama2645]

it was dope

[@samuelbrett4371]

Or season 4 but yeah.

[@ginadessources4783]

samuel brett exactly what I thought

[@robertw.1499]

I’ve just finished watching the latest season. Two words, Fully Hooked. Brink on The New Season 👍👍👍

[@googlea3947]

Great show . We really fell into the lives of the characters ,totally aggree with Kane and Micheal how the Netflix format gave time to dig into the characters .To see Jamie give away his watch and play football on the beach in Morocco . (was that a childhood he never had ? )ALSO I really fell into the character of 'Curtis '(Howard Charles) love -hate . . loved TOPBOY 10 years ago ,love it now ...well done guys ! more .more more

[@punchienella2226]

Only here for KaNo!!!

[@spencerjarvis1200]

Kano is incredible in the series , you feel his pain, and awkwardness in his scenes, and you know when the shit hits the fan, he’s gonna deliver, and when that knock on Jamie’s door came, I new it was him, settling a old score, can’t wait for next series 👊🏼

[@willowbe4747]

I hate that Sully killed Jamie,but I knew it was coming. Jamie tried to be slick. Man! It's a shame because I would love to see how his character developed.

[@popopopopogo]

That little move at 6:35 was 👌

[@blissstarzy6345]

Anyway Looking forward to season 4

[@jayrock25552]

Love the show can I be in a Episode one day

[@Trudon]

33:01 bare awks. i'm sure they wanted ranell & lisa back. they were the main characters along with dushane.

[@Rob-en1bi]

I enjoyed 1 and 2 the most, but great to see number 3 back.

[@AfroVibez]

The interviewer is not cringe, she was trying to encourage the guess to be more forth coming, there were lots of material in the new season that was off discussion, so she was trying to blow smoke without wood.

[@i-donp-i5806]

This needs to have most of the characters from old!

[@kj5394]

truss me

[@THEXBOXHACKER2010]

Kano " ya know" 😂😂😂

[@ruthfrank8106]

Eat your heart out c4 series 3 was a masterpiece can't wait for series 4!

[@omarjawed4389]

why don't we get to see the clips but the audience can watch it.

[@alexharriott1159]

which they payed for

[@rufdymond]

Copyright....

[@kenmalanick]

As good as power... highest praise.

[@TheMisslauren1234]

thanks Drake

[@Stevo_YouTube]

"Chi Chi, get the yayo."

[@paulcampbell348]

My only worry is how can they top season three?

[@shatonda1]

That ending has me sooooo ready to find out 🙌

[@withoutfear2092]

Why was the audience so unresponsive... claps would have been nice. Feels a bit of quite interview. Wish their was another platform for a more comfortable interview. Otherwise timidly informative. #topboy

[@mrlin1687]

Great show... but we need a new narrative...something more positive than road life.

[@clk1564]

I think this narrative is more important now than it was in 2011 and 2013. Top boy exposes the reality of life 'on road ' that drillers are glamourising

[@rogr4577]

If you really watch the new season of this you can see it’s not just the road life

[@mrlin1687]

@@rogr4577 that may be the case and I look forward to watching it. Id like to think there is some nuance to the story of crime and violence, as we know to be the case in reality. BUT the perspective about black culture is low, mainly do to the mechanism used in advertising and marketing it in such a away. So anything remotely involving road life just reinforces the perception without challenge, regardless of the nuance. This is why I say there needs to be a different narrative. Just some variation. Just make a film, that happens to have mainly black folk as the cast. It can be about anything. Anything else but drugs and violence. Any other genre. Perception matters, even more so for black people towards themselves. People around the world perceive England and the people (all white) to be Rich, all Lord and Ladies of the manor living in some mansion somewhere or living in an apartment in west London, loving the Queen and the Royals, eating crumpets and scones. We know thats not true. But that is what is advertised and marketed - for a reason. So the perception globally continues to be that. Globally people think Africa is completely poor and there is no wealth with starving children and people, violence and death everywhere - via charity and films etc. Where this might be the case in some countries and shouldn't be ignored, it certainly isn't for the entire continent, intact many counties are thriving. Many many people around the world have an image of a white Jesus hanging in their house or place of living. They believe that Yashua aka Jesus... was a white male with blonde hair and blue eyes. He was born in Bethlehem located in Palestine. The middle East. Middle eastern people in films certainly are not portrayed as blond hair and blue eyes. But he has been advertised to be a particular image - and for a reason! My point is... although it's not just about road life in TB, and I'm sure it gives the reasons and circumstances behind the struggles, the premise is basically black culture is boxed within struggle, violence, poverty, and crime. I just think it's time to move the narrative to being more positive and varied. It's in our best interrest to do so in the long run.

[@jeremyjemba]

I’m pretty certain most people know the realities of being ‘on road’ it’s not that difficult to work out. Good show still

[@mrlin1687]

@@jeremyjemba thing is... the people who don't understand the realities of road life... like really understand it, are the most vulnerable in our community. The people who get it obviously aren't involved and stay away from it as best as poss. Societies would have you think every young black person is linked to criminality and poverty in some shape or form. A false narrative... but unfortunately I think this show might perpetuate it indirectly...as much as it's bring light to the nuances around these type of issues.

[@2130dar]

Why the fuuuuck can’t I full screen what tha fuuuuck

[@blissstarzy6345]

This show is watched a lot, shows how much mad people are in London, gangs and drug dealers trying to make a living that way.. Kind of sad in a way, hopefully these shows shine a light upon all the bad things that can happen to you and why living a clean life is the best way, God's way. Pray, repent go to church ⛪ 🙏 There's always a choice, you choose your life, free will. Sometimes it's hard for some people but there always a better way.. Just my opinion, opinions vary.

[@rafaeltemple9087]

I have a question, did sully really shoot Dris? They didn't show him getting shot.

[@jessiedelores4992]

I feel like sully let him go.... i mean that's what id love to believe

[@KN210]

I don’t think there allowed to show people getting shot tho

[@PR7-82]

@@KN210 they've showed people getting hand and fingers chopped, people stabbed, burning/ acid attacks so clearly they're not afraid of displaying violence. It's more like an open-ended scene which is open to interpretation to get you invested for the 4th series. I personally think that Sully's kidnapped Dris

[@aitch5621]

drinking game: take a sip everytime Kano says you know

[@PR7-82]

You know

[@THEXBOXHACKER2010]

Kano was nervous asf ngl if sully was there he would've light up the place

[@delatroy]

"Diverse background" question was weird..

[@rafaeltemple9087]

Shelley is a beautiful chocolate woman.

[@kezabel7201]

Can’t believe they killed off Jason 😱

[@fiddleruuuuuuuuuuuuu]

28 mins too funny

[@memberberries3615]

Lol Lil Simz character has zero interest in being Top Boy now Jaq she is a future Top Boy. I actually think she will be in charge by the end, Dushane gonna have a heart attack and Sully gonna retire.

[@rafaeltemple9087]

Is their going to be an American version? The only difference is the slang, almost everyone in America lives that life.

[@tobykneale8379]

why does there have to be an american version of everything just be original 😂 and everyone in america 🤣🤣

[@bigwaffle876]

Rafael Temple just watch The Wire

[@alexwells6876]

Good interview but why is it these days that politics has to be brought into it? These people are just creating a good drama, leave the PC questions out.

[@winsomeduncancreditcrunchq5037]

Why are they all so guarded when speaking?

[@SolarflowerZ]

I Notice that too...

[@zacksmith9864]

Probably because no one but simmz and kano has had experience being infront of a crowd on a stage, can imagine there quite nervous, and this was before the show was released so they were most likely scared to leak something by accident

[@thehoneyeffect]

A lot of people in Britain aren't used to talking about anything that is remotely related to racism or black British people on TV. We are hardly on TV as it is.

[@tryderrick]

Room full of white people.

[@misskosar]

This was before top boy dropped, so the weren’t allowed to say certain things which is why they were guarded.

[@mariaj7897]

30:40 the guy on the right is sketchy. why’s his finger up like that for. looks like he’s telling Michael off for laughing or smth.

[@LameBushido]

You're like a detective picking that one up

[@DMGG22]

This interviewer is a weird chick bruv

[@sekanisimon9594]

Season 3 is just as good as the others if not better...just would have been nice if it was someone else who brought it back and not drake.

[@Chex67]

I feel what you are saying but in reality NO ONE stepped up. Perhaps Steve Mcqueen shoud have but his creativity into the series.

[@louisraymond9312]

The interviewer is mad cringe

[@SmurkoOfficial28]

MAD CRINGE

[@kezabel7201]

Dead audience

[@wakayamba]

how you born in this country but cant put a senstance together whereas theres ppl born outside but much speak better enlish

[@montumeroe9593]

Not my interest not sure why it was recommended to me, I'll just press the don't recommend next time I don't watch English MSM..

[@amanred9337]

This interviewer is terrible. The cast were good though.

[@pumpkinspice7905]

I'm not to fund of the simz addition. She's a beautiful young lady, but her voice is annoying to me.

[@pzigotnofilterp7882]

i didn't think i would be either but i actually thought she did well playing the part she played. I think it's kind of shaped her real life character too. Thinks she's going to run with her top boy characters vibe from now. The more tomboy simz is out the window.

[@sackmajik]

Well, she played her part very well and she's an excellent musician. Impossible for everybody to like you, we're all human!

[@abrn6341]

Why they making a big fuss over top boy? I'm mean I liked the show when it came out (loved season 1, didn't like season 2) but y'all overhypin. Jus setting it up for disappointment.

[@abrn6341]

@@stannykush1399 You noticed me. 😂😄🤣 Yhh it defo got rewatch value 👍🏿

[@Chex67]

@Tyrone Williams Is it right to sell drugs NO! But it is reality but Top Boy characters depicts all the nuances of that reality. Who is the bigger player in the drug world? Who brings it into the county? Why do "some" cops turn the blind eye to it. Statically speaking white people of all classes sell and use drugs at the same rate as black people but look at the prison population for drug offensies?