entry six: the impossibilities

The Impossibilities

A couple of months ago, I was scrolling through Indiewire, and came across an article about a new web series, called The Impossibilities. The story follows Willa and Harry, two strangers who cross paths a couple of times throughout the series, until the final episode where their friendship blossoms. The wonderful thing about this story is that it breaks down the stigma around 'taboo' subjects, such as homosexuality and men allowing themselves to be seen as vulnerable. It is invaluable for these things to be seen as normal, especially for younger people, growing up in a world where diversity and choice is rapidly becoming more acceptable and talked about, in society (side note: thank you and congratulations America!) It also avoids all the typical cliché scenarios, which was (very) pleasantly surprising.

I binge-watched the entire series in one day (oops), and re-watched it again the following week. I really related to the gay, excitable, and slightly socially awkward character Willa (who also loves yoga), played by Kati Rediger, and emailed Kati, Ashley Springer (Harry), and Anna Kerrigan (writer/director) soon after finishing the series for the second time. I received wonderful replies from all three of them, and we've been emailing back and forth since.

So many of the cast and crew involved are female, and it's such an inspiration to see an example of gender equality in the entertainment industry, and especially pleasing to witness a first hand example of just how capable women can be! (Quote Piper from OITNB, anyone?)

(Netflix's Orange Is The New Black)

In a nutshell, I'm a huge fan of this web series, and it has really impacted my own work. I hope to stay in contact with these guys, maybe one day I'll get to meet them in person and thank them properly; not only for inspiring and incentivising me to pursue my series, but also for what it means for writers/directors/actors/technicians/cinematographers/etc in the future (especially young females.)

Thank you, The Impossibilities.

entry five: death and the maiden

Death and the Maiden

Director John Callen
(Known for playing Óin in The Hobbit)

Actor George Henare

(Known for playing Bennett in Once Were Warriors)

Actors Tatiana Hotere and George Henare

(Tati is known for her role in the T.V series Westside)

Tati Hotere

Tati Hotere and George Henare

Edwin Wright

(Known for Underworld: Rise of the Lycans)

George Henare and Edwin Wright

Edwin Wright, Tati Hotere, and George Henare

I have gone slightly off tangent. The thing is, I'm still invested in producing my web series. But I do a lot of that in my spare time, outside of Impact Project time. Every morning, on the bus, I work on my script. I often find myself doodling costumes, set, props, or character ideas in my lunch breaks at work. But most importantly, every time I catch up with my theatre/film friends external to ASHS, I am constantly asking questions. What does it take to produce your own webseries? How much does it cost? Is there funding available, and if so, where can I find it? How can I keep my story fresh, truthful, and believable, whilst avoiding the common cliché-moment traps?

I was in Newmarket with a friend of mine one day, who is the Producer for Newmarket Stage Company. I happened to have my camera with me at the time, and over lunch, he asked if I would be interested in being in charge of Photography for his latest play, Death and the Maiden. I was hesitant at first, because I thought it may be a distraction from my original Impact Project, but once Regan told me who else was involved, I immediately said yes. Not only was George Henare, one of my favourite New Zealand actors playing the lead, but Tati Hotere and Edwin Wright made up the rest of the cast, two exceptional actors whom I had admired over the years in various plays. But best of all was John Callen, the Director.

John is an idol of mine, I loved him in The Hobbit, and have heard nothing but amazing things about him at both Toi Whakaari and The Actos's Programme, two tertiary institutions I am seriously considering applying for once I graduate. I decided that, as Regan, George, and John had all had experience directing and understand how the industry works, plus they have the added bonus of age, meaning their knowledge is great, it would be a shame to pass up this valuable opportunity. We met for dinner, and John and I talked about writing, casting, producing, directing our own work, and how it works in New Zealand. Over the next month, I learned a lot about what it takes to make my own stuff, and as John had just finished The Hobbit, he told me about the latest technology, which was really fascinating. 

While I did loose time I could have been spending on my Impact Project, I would work to catch up in my spare time. From Death and the Maiden, however, I have learned so much, and I also got to spend the day taking photos, which as far as things go, could be so much worse! Regan has also asked me to be Photographer for his next show, at SkyCity Theatre, which is wonderful.

I had an amazing time working with these fantastic, talented, hilarious people, and I am so glad I said yes to this opportunity. It also has expanded my network, which is always a bonus. I'm so excited to bring all the elements of my webseries together, and add to it all the information I have learned as a result of being part of Death and the Maiden.

Love,
Spinach