Screen Wexford wishes a congratulations to Wexford’s own Laura Way, lead director on Paramount+’s gripping six-part psychological thriller Girl Taken, which continues its incredible global run.
No. 1 last week in the UK, Ireland & Italy
Now Top 10 worldwide and No 3 globally on Paramount+
Directed entirely by two women, with Laura Way leading Episodes 1-4 and and Bindu de Stoppani directing Episodes 5-6, Girl Taken has been praised as “raw and emotionally charged,” earning 4* from The Guardian and standout reviews across international media.
“A cut above the rest”
– The Guardian
“It’s one of the performances of the year”
– London Evening Standard describing Alfie Allen as playing Rick
“Will rip your heart out”
– TechRadar
The series currently holds an 80% Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes.
Based on Hollie Overton’s bestselling novel Baby Doll, Girl Taken follows twin sisters Lily and Abby Riser after Lily is abducted by a trusted teacher, and explores the enduring impact on the family and community.
Laura Way is from Wexford, Ireland, and grew up in Wexford’s Theatre Workshop, founded by her parents Michael Way and Irene Wright. Over the past decade she has established herself in UK and Irish television, recognised for performance-led thriller and domestic drama that explores women’s lived experience under pressure.
See behind the scenes photos from the set below:
Screen Wexford and Bodecii Film are seeking participants for a two-day Directing Workshop with Laura Way, an award-winning and IFTA-nominated Director who has directed drama for BBC, Channel 5, Paramount+, RTÉ, Virgin Media One and BBC NI. Her work includes Red Rock, EastEnders, Blood (Season 2), The Holiday, Maxine, The Vanishing Triangle, The Serial Killer’s Wife, and Dead & Buried. She set up production company Bodecii Film in 2018 and is a founding member of Screen Wexford.
Join Laura Way to discover what it takes to bring a story to life in this intensive, hands-on workshop designed to strengthen participants’ drama directing skills. The course offers an in-depth exploration of the director’s role during production, with opportunities to direct actors in a scene under Laura’s guidance.
Details
🗓 Dates: Thursday 4th & Friday 5th December 2025
⏰️ Times: 10 am – 4 pm (both days)
📍 Location: The Festival Room, National Opera House, Wexford
🏷 Free Workshop
Workshop Overview
Day 1 – Foundations & Prep
Script analysis: identifying themes, beats, and objectives
Style, tone, and communicating vision (“verbal lookbook” exercise)
Script-to-Screen case studies from Laura’s work
Spatial visualisation: floor plans and thematic blocking exercises
Scene lab setup and overnight prep checklist
Day 2 – Directing Lab with Actors
Participant directing slots (20 minutes per scene, including feedback)
Group playback and diagnostics with Laura
Hot-seat re-direction exercises
Wrap-up session and resource pack
Participant Profile
This workshop is aimed at emerging and experienced drama directors. Applicants must have directed at least one of the following: short film, music video or commercial.
Application Procedure
To apply, please complete the registration form below, including:
Your CV
Links to previous directing work
A short paragraph (max 300 words) outlining how you will benefit from the course.
https://is2fay1ppo4.typeform.com/DirectingCourse
Deadline for applications
Friday, 21st November
More Info
Places are limited and early registration is strongly recommended.
This workshop is organised by Screen Wexford and Bodecii Film, and supported by Wexford Arts Department.
Screen Wexford wishes to congratulate Laura Way on the upcoming release of her new television series, Dead and Buried.
About the Series
Dead and Buried is a four part psychological thriller created for Virgin Media Television and the BBC. Filming took place in Ireland and Northern Ireland earlier this year.
“When out shopping with her son, young mum Cathy McDaid bumps into Michael McAllister, the man responsible for killing her brother Terry 20 years ago. Unaware he had been released from prison and is living in the same town, Cathy pays her solicitor a visit and discovers the killer had been released years ago.”
About Laura Way
Laura is an award winning director from Wexford. She is a key member of the Screen Wexford Steering Group Board.
Where To Watch
You can see the series on Monday 2nd September at 9pm on Virgin Media Play and Virgin Media One. Or on BBC Northern Ireland at 10:40pm and the BBC Player at 10:00pm.
See More
See the trailer for Dead and Buried below:
Screen Wexford is delighted to announce that Laura Way is directing Dead and Buried which is currently filming. See more info below.
