Pot Luck web series

"Pot Luck," New Zealand's pioneering lesbian web series, was the focal point of discussion in a recorded interview with Ness Simons, conducted by Jac Lynch. The series, set in Wellington, revolves around a small group of friends and unfolds at their potluck dinners. It represents a significant step in queer representation, especially catering to a demographic that often finds themselves underrepresented in mainstream media.

The central narrative of "Pot Luck" follows three characters, Debs, Mel, and Beth, each of whom brings a unique dynamic to the group and the story. The character development is intricate, with Simons emphasizing the desire to portray queer characters, particularly the butch identity, with depth and complexity that goes beyond stereotypes. The series begins with the characters making a pact that sets the course for the remaining episodes, adding an element of intrigue and continuity to the narrative.

Casting proved challenging, particularly for the character Debs. The process was meticulous and inclusive of a wide age range, leading to a delay in production but ensuring a perfect fit in the end. The selected cast brought diversity in skills and experience, contributing to a collaborative process of character and story development, especially once rehearsals began.

While the show is predominantly set indoors, the production team endeavored to capture Wellington's vivacity and utilized local homes as sets. The production faced financial constraints, relying heavily on community support, crowdfunding, and the sacrifice of standard industry rates by cast and crew who were passionate about the project. This support not only facilitated the filming of the pilot but also underpinned the series' continuation through additional funding efforts.

Simons also highlighted the collaborative spirit of the film industry, particularly among women, which has contributed immensely to the project's progression. This community-driven approach is mirrored in the show's financing, which comprised a combination of crowdfunding via Boosted, institutional support from the Emerging Artists Trust, and in-kind contributions.

The flexibility of web series as a medium was discussed, with Simons appreciating the lack of constraints commonly faced with traditional networks and distributors. The format allows for creative liberty in terms of episode length and narrative structure.

To engage with "Pot Luck," audiences can watch the series online, where its first episode launched on December 1st, and they can contribute feedback or financial support via the Boosted campaign to fund the remaining episodes.

The interview also charts Simons' journey within the film industry, shedding light on their approach to writing, casting, and managing production logistics with sensitivity to the energies and the lived experiences of everyone involved. The web series stands as a testament to queer storytelling, creative resilience, and the critical role of community support in independent media production.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Ness Simons

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