Tony Schumacher: The policeman who became a screenwriter on TV cop shows 

The Liverpool writer is coming to the Catalyst Film Festival in Limerick to share his experiences on creating characters in The Responder and other shows, writes Esther McCarthy

L-R: Tony Schumacher; Martin Freeman in The Responder

His work as a police officer gave him the insights that helped make The Responder a TV hit. But Tony Schumacher had always dreamed of being a writer - and as he attempted to rebuild his life following burnout and a breakdown, he says it was writing that saved him.

Three published novels and a hit TV show later, Schumacher will be a guest at this year’s Catalyst International Film Festival in Limerick. The Liverpudlian’s goal? To encourage others struggling for visibility to follow their dreams.