Happy Valley

Writer Sally Wainwright looks back on the origins of her Bafta-winning drama Happy Valley, which first appeared on the nation's TV screens in 2014, and instantly established itself as one of the great television experiences of recent years. With a cast led by Sarah Lancashire, James Norton and Siobhan Finneran, it was a case of characters, crime and countryside all combining beautifully to create unmissable television, that has continued to hook millions of viewers.

Writer Sally Wainwright looks back on the origins of her Bafta-winning drama Happy Valley, which first appeared on the nation's TV screens in 2014, and instantly established itself as one of the great television experiences of recent years. With a cast led by Sarah Lancashire, James Norton and Siobhan Finneran, it was a case of characters, crime and countryside all combining beautifully to create unmissable television, that has continued to hook millions of viewers.

The town of State College, the home of Penn State University, has long been known as Happy Valley, and its iconic figure for more than 40 years was Joe Paterno, the head coach of the school's storied football team. His program was lauded for not only its success on the field but also its students' achievements in the classroom. And Paterno took on mythic national stature as "Saint Joe." But then, in November 2011, everything came crashing down. Longtime Assistant Coach Jerry Sandusky was charged with 40 counts of child sex abuse, setting off a firestorm of accusations about who failed to protect the children of Happy Valley.

In May 2013, the Blue Coast Crew traveled to Happy Valley, Santa Cruz, California to record a special group of musicians. Hand chosen by Keith Greeninger, these artists came from various parts of Northern California to record a few songs in a magical place in the middle of a redwood forest. Surrounded by trees, birds and wildflowers, the Blue Coast Crew recorded direct to DSD using the Extended Sound Environment technique. All the musicians were incredible. We became instant fans. Occasionally, you'll hear Keith singing in the background. Sometimes, you'll hear the birds in the background. The day ended too soon.

In May 2013, the Blue Coast Crew traveled to Happy Valley, Santa Cruz, California to record a special group of musicians. Hand chosen by Keith Greeninger, these artists came from various parts of Northern California to record a few songs in a magical place in the middle of a redwood forest. Surrounded by trees, birds and wildflowers, the Blue Coast Crew recorded direct to DSD using the Extended Sound Environment technique. All the musicians were incredible. We became instant fans. Occasionally, you'll hear Keith singing in the background. Sometimes, you'll hear the birds in the background. The day ended too soon.

A global quest to comprehend the meaning of "Happy Valley" on three continents and how these mountain communities continue to survive in a world that constantly challenges the very notion of "happiness."