John Yorke is widely acknowledged as the UK’s foremost expert on story.
John has spent years analysing not just how stories work but why they resonate with audiences around the globe, and his book, Into the Woods, is the UK’s bestselling book on the subject.
As former Head of Channel4 Drama, Controller of BBC Drama Production and MD of Company Pictures, John has tested his theories during an extensive production career working on some of the world’s most lucrative, widely viewed and critically acclaimed TV drama, from EastEnders to Shameless, Life on Mars and Wolf Hall.
John founded and leads both John Yorke Story and the hugely successful BBC Studios Writers’ Academy.
He has trained some of the most successful and prolific screenwriters working today, who have created on gone on to write for shows including The Crown, Killing Eve, Pure, Father Brown, Doctor Who, Watership Down, and Deadwater Fell. Alumni have nominations and wins for a range of awards, including an Emmy, Oscar, and BAFTA.
His awards include:
Golden Globe, 2016 – Wolf Hall (Exec Producer)
2 BAFTAs, 2016 – Wolf Hall (Exec Producer)
BAFTA, 2019 – Eastenders (Story Consultant)


John Is Appearing In These Sessions

Why Stories Matter: Power, Truth, and the Narratives We Live By with John Yorke
Tuke Hall
John Yorke unpacks the universal principles of storytelling and their extraordinary power to shape culture, belief, and reality.

Script Chat And Book Signing with John Yorke
Room T011
John will answer your questions following his session

