Paul Ashton is paid to say “No”.

Okay, that’s not entirely true. He’s also paid to say: “Yes.” And, on the odd occasion, “Maybe.”

Ashton is development producer at BBC Writersroom, a place wannabe TV writers can send their scripts.

The TV VIP was in Birmingham on Monday as part of Birmingham Book Festival, where he discussed the process of busting your way into the Beeb.

It was an informative talk, if a little depressing for all those Midland scribblers who dream of becoming rich and famous off the back of their artistic endeavour.

One of the main themes was how difficult it is.

He started by showing the audience a photographic slide of the room where all the scripts sent to him are held.

And, boy, was there plenty of scripts in that room. A wall of words, in fact.

“What do you see?” asked Asthon, gesturing to the slide.

“A lot of paper,” suggested one audience member.

“Hopes and dreams!” said another.

“Very strong shelves,” suggested a more pragmatic individual.

But the answer Ashton was looking for was... people.