Diane is an experienced scriptwriter, showrunner, script editor and producer. She recently worked as head writer on MOOMINVALLEY, a heritage brand with Gutsy Animation for Sky. She worked as development producer and head writer/showrunner on Series 1 and 2 of the RTS and BAFTA nominated hit gothic teen drama, HOUSE OF ANUBIS, which Lime Pictures and Studio 100 produced for Nickelodeon US & UK, spun off from the top rating Belgian series. She also wrote a feature length special of the show along with episodes for Series 3. She has worked with Studio 100 on a number of other feature and TV series ideas. Her previous work includes writing and producing for Granada Kids on shows such as GIRLS IN LOVE, THE WORST WITCH and 24 SEVEN as well as writing on BAFTA nominated series TOPSY AND TIM. Di has a number of original series ideas in development and recently won development finance from Creative England to develop a book to film adaptation of GIRL, MISSING by Sophie McKenzie, which she will write and produce. She co-created CBBC’s drama series WORLD’S END, and teen mystery series HOTEL EVERMOOR for Lime Pictures/Disney. Diane has written multiple episodes across all series of the BAFTA-nominated CBBC drama JAMIE JOHNSON, and has recently worked on popular pre-school animated series PJ MASKS. She has recently completed showrunning on HUNTER STREET Series 4 for Blooming Film TV & Nickelodeon, having recently completed the third series. She recently developed a new live action series for Nickelodeon and developing an original series idea with Rollem Productions.
Diane Whitley
Credits
TELEVISION
Production
Company
Notes
Production
JAMIE JOHNSON FC S.3 (2024)
Company
Short Form Film Company
Notes
Returning to write on the series
Production
UNTITLED (2023)
Company
Short Form Film Company
Notes
1 x 30' script commissioned
Production
UNTITLED (2023)
Company
Blooming Film & TV
Notes
Development services on new series of returning show
Production
MOOMINVALLEY (2022)
Company
Gutsy Animation
Notes
Head Writer on new series of heritage property
Production
JAMIE JOHNSON FC (2022)
Company
Short Form Film Company
Notes
Spin off series of popular CBBC drama, 2 x episodes
Production
UNTITLED (2022)
Company
Nickelodeon
Notes
Writer and development services on special
Production
UNTITLED (2022)
Company
Rollem Productions
Notes
Original idea in development
Production
UNTITLED (2021)
Company
Nickelodeon
Notes
Co-writer on development on a new live action series - Series Bible & Pilot commissioned
Production
JAMIE JOHNSON Series 7 (2022)
Company
Short Form Film Company/CBBC
Notes
Commissioned to write 1 x 30' episode
Production
JAMIE JOHNSON Series 6 (2021)
Company
Short Form Film Company/CBBC
Notes
Commissioned to write 2 x 30' episode and engaged as Series Story Consultant
Production
JAMIE JOHNSON Series 5 (2020)
Company
Short Form Film Company/CBBC
Notes
Commissioned to write 1 x 30' episode
Production
HUNTER STREET Series 4 (2020)
Company
Blooming Film TV/Nickelodeon
Notes
Showrunner & writer of 4 x 30' episodes
Production
JAMIE JOHNSON Series 4 (2019)
Company
Short Form Film Company/CBBC
Notes
Commissioned to write 1 x 30' episode
Production
HUNTER STREET Series 3 (2018-19)
Company
Blooming Film TV/Nickelodeon
Notes
Showrunner & writer of 8 x 30' episodes
Production
JAMIE JOHNSON Series 3 (2018)
Company
Short Form Film Company /CBBC
Notes
Commissioned to write 3 x 30’ episodes for new series
Production
RUBY & REX (2017-18)
Company
Mickey Rogers Media/CBBC
Notes
Commissioned to write a 30’ live action script based on Diane’s original idea
Production
PJ MASKS Series 3 (2017-18)
Company
Frogbox/eOne/Disney
Notes
Commissioned to write 2 x 11' episodes.
Production
THE WORST WITCH Series 2 (2017)
Company
CBBC
Notes
Commissioned to write 1 x 30' episode.
Production
JAMIE JOHNSON Series 2 (2017)
Company
Short Form Film Company /CBBC
Notes
Commissioned to write 2 x 30' episodes for new series
Production
JAMIE JOHNSON (2016)
Company
Short Form Film Company /CBBC
Notes
Commissioned to write 2 x 30' episodes for new ten part kids drama series.
Production
WORLD'S END Series 2 (2016)
Company
CBBC
Notes
Development work for new series
Production
REALLY WEIRD REMOVALS (2015-16)
Company
CBBC
Notes
Treatment commmission
Production
WORLD'S END (2013-15)
Company
CBBC
Notes
Original drama series commission of 36 x 15 minute episodes broadcast in April and May 2015.
Co-devised and co-written with Danny Spring.
Co-devised and co-written with Danny Spring.
Production
TOPSY AND TIM (2013)
Company
Darrall Macqueen
Notes
Commissioned to write one script of this new pre-school live action show.
*Nominated for Children’s BAFTA and Broadcast Award 2015
*Nominated for Children’s BAFTA and Broadcast Award 2015
Production
HOTEL EVERMOOR (2012-13)
Company
Lime Pictures/Disney
Notes
Co-created teen mystery drama which ran for two series on the Disney Channel.
Production
UNTITLED (2012-13)
Company
Lime Pictures
Notes
Kids/teen comedy/drama projects under option and developed.
Production
HOUSE OF ANUBIS (2009-12)
Company
Lime Pictures/Studio 100
Notes
Development Producer and Head Writer/Showrunner on Series 1 and 2 of the hit rating new gothic teen drama series which Lime Pictures/Studio 100 have produced for Nickelodeon US & UK. Commissioned to write five scripts for series 3 as well as a feature length special episode.
Based on the Belgium and the Netherlands hit series which has run for six seasons.
*2011 BAFTA Children’s Awards Nominee – Best Drama Programme
*2011 RTS North West Nominee – Best Children’s Programme
*2012 Kids Vote BAFTA Nominee
Based on the Belgium and the Netherlands hit series which has run for six seasons.
*2011 BAFTA Children’s Awards Nominee – Best Drama Programme
*2011 RTS North West Nominee – Best Children’s Programme
*2012 Kids Vote BAFTA Nominee
Production
GALAXY PARK (2010)
Company
Studio 100
Notes
Development Work.
Production
BEAR BEHAVING BADLY Series 2 (2008)
Company
Darrall Macqueen
Notes
Pre-school series script commissioned.
Production
KATIE'S PICTURE HOUSE (2008)
Company
New Moon TV & Channel 5
Notes
Pre-school series script commissioned.
Production
JINX (2006-7)
Company
Kindle Entertainment /Nickelodeon
Notes
Producer of pilot episode for new children's series. Later Development Producer for CBBC series.
Production
GROWING PAINS (2007)
Company
Granada TV
Notes
Adult drama series developed with Kieran Roberts.
Production
GIRLS IN LOVE (2005-07)
Company
Granada Kids
Notes
Writer on Series 1 & 2. Series Producer Series 2.
*RTS award winner
*BAFTA nominated
*RTS award winner
*BAFTA nominated
Production
THE NEW WORST WITCH (2005-07)
Company
Granada Kids
Notes
Writer on series 1 and 2
Production
24SEVEN (2002-04)
Company
Granada
Notes
Series Producer series 1. Writer series 1 & 2. Shortlisted for Prix Jeunesse.
Production
BIG MEG LITTLE MEG (2000-02)
Company
Granada
Notes
Co-creator, writer and Series Producer.
Production
CHILDREN'S WARD (1998-99)
Company
Granada Kids
Notes
Series Producer. (Series 12 and 13)
*BAFTA Nominated
*BAFTA Nominated
Production
GRANGE HILL (1992-96)
Company
BBC
Notes
Writer of several episodes
FILM
Production
Company
Notes
Production
GIRL, MISSING (2013-18)
Company
Creative England
Notes
Di has optioned the film rights to this book written by Sophie McKenzie and the film is in active development with funding from Creative England. She is writing the screenplay and will produce.
Production
PROTECT ME FROM WHAT I WANT (2007)
Company
UKFC/Screen Yorkshire
Notes
Producer of short film.
Production
BOSTON KICKOUT (1995)
Company
Boston Films
Notes
Co-writer. Cinema release in 1996.
*Winner of Valencia Film Festival.
*Winner of Valencia Film Festival.
THEATRE
Production
Company
Notes
Production
VEGETABLE (2007)
Company
24/7 Festival
Notes
Stage Play
*Winner - Best of the Fringe
*Nominated for Manchester Evening News Theatre Award
*Winner - Best of the Fringe
*Nominated for Manchester Evening News Theatre Award
Production
LEADBELLY BALLING THE BLUES (1995)
Company
One-Step Theatre Company
Notes
Stage play - Producer/Director.
Production
TEECHERS (1995)
Company
Leicester Haymarket Theatre
Notes
Director
Production
OUT IN THE CITY (1992)
Company
Contact Theatre
Notes
Helped the Youth Theatre to devise the play and co-directed.
Production
CASTLEHILL (1992)
Company
Contact Theatre
Notes
A stage play specially written for Youth Theatre.
Production
A QUESTION OF GUILT (1990)
Company
Lyric Hammersmith
Notes
Wrote this stage play for a professional rehearsed reading.
RADIO
Production
Company
Notes
Production
CRIMEWAVES (1994)
Company
BBC Radio
Notes
Children's six part thriller. Commissioned, produced and broadcast by BBC Radio 5, then repeated by Radio 4.
Production
CASTLEHILL (1994)
Company
BBC Radio
Notes
Radio 4 Play.
Production
FLIGHTS OF FANCY (1991)
Company
BBC Radio
Notes
Radio 4 Play
| TELEVISION | ||
|---|---|---|
| Production | Company | Notes |
| JAMIE JOHNSON FC S.3 (2024) | Short Form Film Company | Returning to write on the series |
| UNTITLED (2023) | Short Form Film Company | 1 x 30' script commissioned |
| UNTITLED (2023) | Blooming Film & TV | Development services on new series of returning show |
| MOOMINVALLEY (2022) | Gutsy Animation | Head Writer on new series of heritage property |
| JAMIE JOHNSON FC (2022) | Short Form Film Company | Spin off series of popular CBBC drama, 2 x episodes |
| UNTITLED (2022) | Nickelodeon | Writer and development services on special |
| UNTITLED (2022) | Rollem Productions | Original idea in development |
| UNTITLED (2021) | Nickelodeon | Co-writer on development on a new live action series - Series Bible & Pilot commissioned |
| JAMIE JOHNSON Series 7 (2022) | Short Form Film Company/CBBC | Commissioned to write 1 x 30' episode |
| JAMIE JOHNSON Series 6 (2021) | Short Form Film Company/CBBC | Commissioned to write 2 x 30' episode and engaged as Series Story Consultant |
| JAMIE JOHNSON Series 5 (2020) | Short Form Film Company/CBBC | Commissioned to write 1 x 30' episode |
| HUNTER STREET Series 4 (2020) | Blooming Film TV/Nickelodeon | Showrunner & writer of 4 x 30' episodes |
| JAMIE JOHNSON Series 4 (2019) | Short Form Film Company/CBBC | Commissioned to write 1 x 30' episode |
| HUNTER STREET Series 3 (2018-19) | Blooming Film TV/Nickelodeon | Showrunner & writer of 8 x 30' episodes |
| JAMIE JOHNSON Series 3 (2018) | Short Form Film Company /CBBC | Commissioned to write 3 x 30’ episodes for new series |
| RUBY & REX (2017-18) | Mickey Rogers Media/CBBC | Commissioned to write a 30’ live action script based on Diane’s original idea |
| PJ MASKS Series 3 (2017-18) | Frogbox/eOne/Disney | Commissioned to write 2 x 11' episodes. |
| THE WORST WITCH Series 2 (2017) | CBBC | Commissioned to write 1 x 30' episode. |
| JAMIE JOHNSON Series 2 (2017) | Short Form Film Company /CBBC | Commissioned to write 2 x 30' episodes for new series |
| JAMIE JOHNSON (2016) | Short Form Film Company /CBBC | Commissioned to write 2 x 30' episodes for new ten part kids drama series. |
| WORLD'S END Series 2 (2016) | CBBC | Development work for new series |
| REALLY WEIRD REMOVALS (2015-16) | CBBC | Treatment commmission |
| WORLD'S END (2013-15) | CBBC | Original drama series commission of 36 x 15 minute episodes broadcast in April and May 2015. Co-devised and co-written with Danny Spring. |
| TOPSY AND TIM (2013) | Darrall Macqueen | Commissioned to write one script of this new pre-school live action show. *Nominated for Children’s BAFTA and Broadcast Award 2015 |
| HOTEL EVERMOOR (2012-13) | Lime Pictures/Disney | Co-created teen mystery drama which ran for two series on the Disney Channel. |
| UNTITLED (2012-13) | Lime Pictures | Kids/teen comedy/drama projects under option and developed. |
| HOUSE OF ANUBIS (2009-12) | Lime Pictures/Studio 100 | Development Producer and Head Writer/Showrunner on Series 1 and 2 of the hit rating new gothic teen drama series which Lime Pictures/Studio 100 have produced for Nickelodeon US & UK. Commissioned to write five scripts for series 3 as well as a feature length special episode. Based on the Belgium and the Netherlands hit series which has run for six seasons. *2011 BAFTA Children’s Awards Nominee – Best Drama Programme *2011 RTS North West Nominee – Best Children’s Programme *2012 Kids Vote BAFTA Nominee |
| GALAXY PARK (2010) | Studio 100 | Development Work. |
| BEAR BEHAVING BADLY Series 2 (2008) | Darrall Macqueen | Pre-school series script commissioned. |
| KATIE'S PICTURE HOUSE (2008) | New Moon TV & Channel 5 | Pre-school series script commissioned. |
| JINX (2006-7) | Kindle Entertainment /Nickelodeon | Producer of pilot episode for new children's series. Later Development Producer for CBBC series. |
| GROWING PAINS (2007) | Granada TV | Adult drama series developed with Kieran Roberts. |
| GIRLS IN LOVE (2005-07) | Granada Kids | Writer on Series 1 & 2. Series Producer Series 2. *RTS award winner *BAFTA nominated |
| THE NEW WORST WITCH (2005-07) | Granada Kids | Writer on series 1 and 2 |
| 24SEVEN (2002-04) | Granada | Series Producer series 1. Writer series 1 & 2. Shortlisted for Prix Jeunesse. |
| BIG MEG LITTLE MEG (2000-02) | Granada | Co-creator, writer and Series Producer. |
| CHILDREN'S WARD (1998-99) | Granada Kids | Series Producer. (Series 12 and 13) *BAFTA Nominated |
| GRANGE HILL (1992-96) | BBC | Writer of several episodes |
| FILM | ||
| Production | Company | Notes |
| GIRL, MISSING (2013-18) | Creative England | Di has optioned the film rights to this book written by Sophie McKenzie and the film is in active development with funding from Creative England. She is writing the screenplay and will produce. |
| PROTECT ME FROM WHAT I WANT (2007) | UKFC/Screen Yorkshire | Producer of short film. |
| BOSTON KICKOUT (1995) | Boston Films | Co-writer. Cinema release in 1996. *Winner of Valencia Film Festival. |
| THEATRE | ||
| Production | Company | Notes |
| VEGETABLE (2007) | 24/7 Festival | Stage Play *Winner - Best of the Fringe *Nominated for Manchester Evening News Theatre Award |
| LEADBELLY BALLING THE BLUES (1995) | One-Step Theatre Company | Stage play - Producer/Director. |
| TEECHERS (1995) | Leicester Haymarket Theatre | Director |
| OUT IN THE CITY (1992) | Contact Theatre | Helped the Youth Theatre to devise the play and co-directed. |
| CASTLEHILL (1992) | Contact Theatre | A stage play specially written for Youth Theatre. |
| A QUESTION OF GUILT (1990) | Lyric Hammersmith | Wrote this stage play for a professional rehearsed reading. |
| RADIO | ||
| Production | Company | Notes |
| CRIMEWAVES (1994) | BBC Radio | Children's six part thriller. Commissioned, produced and broadcast by BBC Radio 5, then repeated by Radio 4. |
| CASTLEHILL (1994) | BBC Radio | Radio 4 Play. |
| FLIGHTS OF FANCY (1991) | BBC Radio | Radio 4 Play |