Dilpreet Kaur Walia on puppeteering and writing for children’s shows
By MetFilm School
24 June 2025
For MA Screenwriting graduate Dilpreet Kaur Walia, storytelling has always been a heartfelt pursuit. One that’s taken her from the classrooms of MetFilm School to the colourful worlds of Peppa Pig, Hey Duggee, and Little Baby Bum: Music Time.
A decade on from her time at Ealing Studios, Dilpreet reflects on the formative experience of her MA, the mentors who helped shape her voice, and the joy of seeing a character inspired by her grandfather come to life on screen.
With credits spanning Netflix, CBeebies, and Warner Bros., she continues to write with empathy, imagination, and a deep appreciation for collaboration. She still carries the lessons learned at MetFilm School with her today.
What made you choose MetFilm School for your MA in Screenwriting?
I remember the moment clearly. It was during my MetFilm School interview, and I felt in my heart that I was making the right decision. I appreciated the school’s energy and understanding of film, TV, and the wider industry. I felt like MetFilm School understood my dream of writing, and I had a good feeling about my next chapter here.
What’s one thing you learned on the course that still sticks with you today?
I’ll always remember our great Screenwriting mentor, Jamie Nuttgens, who taught us so much about the craft, but the standout advice for me was “remember to take the reader along with you” during the story.
How did the structure of the MA help you shape your voice as a writer?
I think the MA helped me experiment with different forms and genres of storytelling-–from writing a musical opening, to full-length feature film scripts, adverts and shorts, to pitching a story in a room and discovering whether it truly captivates an audience and/or the panel.
The MA gives you the space to shine the light on your passion for the stories you tell from the heart, while also giving you a chance to practice your craft in a supportive environment.
Were there any standout moments or lecturers who made a big impact during your time here?
I think Jamie and Becky were incredibly supportive and inspiring mentors. I will always remember how kind and knowledgeable they were. The great guest speakers they would invite, like Steve Box, were also an inspiration. It was such a highlight to listen to his journey so far and to see a real-life model of Feathers McGraw. I was ecstatic! There were also other brilliant guest speakers like David Lemon and other writers and directors who shared their stories and writing tips with us. It was an insightful experience all around.
Did you collaborate with students from other courses, and if so, how did that influence your work?
Yes, the MA allowed us to collaborate with our fellow MA students who were studying Directing, Cinematography, Producing and Post Production. It was insightful to learn what each role brings to the storytelling process. I felt like I had learnt a lot from the experience when we collaborated to create adverts for real-life clients. I even got to pitch an idea in which I puppeteered and wrote for one of the adverts. It was a great experience since it was the first time we all were filming and working with puppets that I had built from scratch. It was a brilliant time to experiment and try something new for the team!
Can you tell us what you’ve been working on since graduating?
Gosh, I can’t believe it’s actually been a decade since I graduated from MetFilm School, but it’s been incredibly exciting. Since graduating, I have gone on to write for shows that I was once a fan of. It’s been surreal and an honour to write on shows like Hey Duggee and Peppa Pig. I have also written for networks and channels like Nickelodeon, MilkshakeTV, Netflix, Cartoon Network, BBC, CBeebies, PBS, Aardman, Warner Bros, and many more amazing productions.
I have also been blessed to have been able to puppeteer for The Furchester Hotel, a CBeebies and Sesame Street co-production, and on the Jim Henson production and Netflix series, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. I feel very grateful that my childhood dream of writing for children has come to life, and my love of puppetry has bloomed in ways I’d never imagined. Never stop believing in your dreams!
How did your time at MetFilm School help prepare you for the realities of working in the screen industries?
I think the collaborative side of the MA helps you to see and understand first-hand how each person and department helps bring a story to life from the page. I learnt a lot by watching on set and listening to how each department communicated with each other to see their vision through, right from pull-focus to lighting to the actors and how they get into character.
Experiences like this demonstrate how hard work comes together and how much is involved at each stage, which gives you a deeper appreciation and understanding of what every single person brings to the final product.
What’s been your proudest moment as a screenwriter so far?
My proudest moment as a screenwriter has been pitching a guest character named after and designed after my Papaji (my grandfather) for a wonderful Moonbug Entertainment and Netflix show called Little Baby Bum: Music Time. I was so proud to watch the character called ‘Uncle Paramjit’ come to life on screen in an episode I had written. But more importantly, it felt like I was able to give back to my Papaji, who believed in me and my dreams, too.
There is an Indian nursery rhyme featured in the show called Chootay Maatey, I’d sent in a recording of my grandma and my mum singing their childhood versions of this nursery rhyme to the team in America. Then, Tish and her band did an excellent job of reimagining the song for the show! I will always be grateful to Ann Austen for giving me the opportunity to create this character. It was an unforgettable moment to give back to my family who had always believed and supported my dreams. It was a truly beautiful moment that will stay with me forever. I’m grateful that my Papaji got to see that before he passed away.
Here’s a snippet of the episode and song.
What advice would you give to someone considering the MA Screenwriting course at MetFilm?
I would say, like anything in life, go in with an open heart and an open mind. You have no idea what conversation will open up your destiny or take you one step closer to your dream.
Be open to listening to everyone’s advice and perspective on life without judgement, since each experience will help you to see and feel life a little differently. This will help keep the magic of life alive.
Try to support the people around you, make great memories together, enjoy the present, and follow your heart. Wishing everyone the best of luck with their journey!
Ready to write the next great screenplay? ✍️
At MetFilm School, our MA Screenwriting course gives aspiring writers the tools to craft compelling stories for film, television, and digital platforms.
You’ll develop your voice as a screenwriter while learning the art of structure, character, dialogue, and visual storytelling. Through workshops, script labs, and one-to-one mentoring, you’ll write original scripts and adapt existing stories — all while gaining the professional insight and feedback to elevate your work.
Apply now to study MA Screenwriting — and turn your ideas into stories that audiences remember.
