Florida Weekly: Deb Foster & Rebecca McFadzien
• 24th September 2020 • By FILMMAKER'S CORNER Filmmakers from all over the world are having their films screened at the 10th annual Fort Myers Film Festival Oct. 21-25. For more information including screening times, head to www.fortmyersfilmfestival.com.
FILM: “Bad Kiwis 2: Kiwi Driver” WHAT THE FILM ABOUT? “The Bad Kiwis are back for more mischief in this action-packed sequel! Having prepared for weeks, Summer and Olivia are convinced they’re going to “run the streets” of California, so they head to the DMV to get their driver’s licenses. … “With a large serving of Kiwi ingenuity and a dash of Australian rivalry, they’re ready to take on this challenge headfirst. “What could go wrong, right? Yeah, nah.” WHAT TYPE OF FILMMAKER ARE YOU? Deb: “A do-it-yourself and figure-it-out-as-you-go type who aims to create more female focused and female empowering films.” Rebecca: “I strive to always make films that move viewers in some way — connecting with them on an emotional level (whether that be comedic, melancholy or something in between)." WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING NOW? Deb “I’m re-watching ‘New Girl’; it’s my feel-good go-to in times like these.” Rebecca: “I know I’m late to the party but I am loving the Benedict Cumberbatch Sherlock Holmes series.” No Australians were harmed in the making of ‘Bad Kiwis 2’Bad Kiwis by Deb Foster and Rebecca McFadzien was named Best Short Short Film at the 8th Annual Fort Myers Film Festival in 2018. Foster and McFadzien are back for more mischief and mayhem in an action-packed sequel titled Bad Kiwis 2: Kiwi Driver. This time around, Summer and Olivia head to the DMV to get their California driver’s licenses. But will they be thwarted not just by unfamiliar American customs, but an ever-present Australian rival?
“Australians almost always pip us to the post,” Foster maintains. “It’s a true-to-life good-natured competition, like in sport and things like that there’s rivalry for sure, but at the end of the day we will all sit down and have a few beers together. It’s all in good fun.” “We’ve definitely got the little brother syndrome,” McFadzien agrees. “Australians aren’t really as cognizant of it as we are. In fact, they’re usually surprised when it comes up. Like, ‘Really? Do you feel threatened by us?’” Americans find the “sibling rivalry” between the two nations amusing since most mistakenly lump Australia and New Zealand together, as happens in the film when Summer’s DMV examiner asks her if he detects an Australian accent. But for Kiwis and Aussies, the rivalry is actually a thing. If you have an older brother or sister who’s always been the family favorite, then you know just how a Kiwi feels about their neighbors across the Tasman Sea. The competitiveness that Kiwis feel toward Australians has a long history. It actually dates back to a pommy English sea captain named Cook who is credited with discovering Australia in 1770 (22 August to be exact). But Kiwis well know that the Captain discovered New Zealand first, although nobody seems to recall that 250 flippin’ years later. Of course, when the subject of rivalries comes up, most Americans think sports, conjuring images of Yankees-Red Sox, Celtics-Lakers, Navratilova-Evert-Lloyd or Frazier-Ali. For Kiwis, it’s rugby and they delight every time the All Blacks beat Australia, which happens a lot. In fact, ask any New Zealander and they’ll go on ad nauseumabout how the All Blacks are the world’s best rugby team and have been for, hell, the better part of the last 120 years. But what grates Kiwis more than anything is Australians penchant for brazenly laying claim to successful New Zealanders, like Russell Crowe. As soon as the Australian-based Kiwi started getting nominated for Academy Awards, the Aussies claimed his as one of their own. Same’s true of filmmaker Jane Campion. No sooner did Campion’s film, The Piano, win the Palme D’Or at Cannes and a handful of Academy Awards did the Aussies take credit for the Kiwi born and raised Campion who, coincidentally, shot the entire film in New Zealand as well. |
WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW? Deb: “I have written and am getting ready to produce a short film exploring female sexuality.” Rebecca: “I’m writing a one-woman show based on my hilarious (and often hard-to-believe) dating experiences.” WHAT DOES BEING IN THE FMFF MEAN TO YOU? We are so honored and excited to be back for Deb’s third and Rebecca’s second time in this incredibly special festival. We are full of gratitude. HOW CAN OTHERS FOLLOW YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA? Follow Deb on Instagram: @debfoster or FB: www.facebook.com/debfosterofficial. Follow Rebecca on FB: www.facebook.com/rebeccamcfadzien. Follow the Bad Kiwis on FB: www.Facebook.com/badkiwis. WHEN DOES YOUR MOVIE SCREEN? 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers. It’s against this backdrop that a character named Tash (coyly played by Irena Reedy, last photo) has the temerity to appear in line at the DMV ahead of Summer and Olivia, all put together with her paperwork in the exact right order. As she makes her way toward an examiner for her driving test, Tash gives the girls a smug, condescending look. (Don’t be fooled. She’d have given Olivia that look even if she weren’t still wearing half of a fake mustache!)
“So we’re not just on a mission to get our Cali drivers licenses,” Deb points out. “We have to get ours before the Australian gets hers.” So how does it all turn out? Do Summer and Olivia get their driver’s licenses? Do they get them before Tash secures hers? And if the answer to these questions is no, does Tash live to tell the tale? Just know this: No Australians were harmed in the making of Kiwi Driver. But that doesn’t necessarily mean she escapes unscathed. “In all seriousness, we try to support any Kiwi or Aussie working in L.A. and all the Australians who appear in Bad Kiwis 1 and Bad Kiwis 2were legitimately Australian,” McFadzien is quick to add. “That gives the film more gravitas because they’re engaging in this ridiculous Kiwi vs. Australian battle.” “Yeah, they willingly engaged in the film. That’s the disclaimer,” Foster laughs. And now that you’re privy to the origins and dynamics of the Kiwi-Aussie rivalry, you’ll really enjoy the outcome of the film. But don’t leave while the credits are running or else you’ll miss out. But that’s all Foster and McFadzien will say about that. So make plans to see Bad Kiwis 2: Kiwi Driver during this year’s Fort Myers Film Festival. |
‘Kiwi Driver’ Foster and McFadzien’s best short film yet
Bad Kiwis by Deb Foster and Rebecca McFadzien was named Best Short Short Film at the 8th Annual Fort Myers Film Festival in 2018. Foster and McFadzien are back for more mischief and mayhem in an action-packed sequel titled Bad Kiwis 2: Kiwi Driver. And from the standpoint of production value, Kiwi Driver is even better, showing remarkable improvement in every category.
Funny Screenplay It all starts with a tight, well-crafted script that belies Foster and McFadzien’s special brand of wry situational humor. And there are few situations more rife with comedic possibilities than a trip by our favorite Kiwis to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Having prepared for weeks, Summer [McFadzien] and Olivia [Foster] are convinced they’re ready to “run the streets” of California, so they head to the DMV to get their driver’s licenses …. But are they really prepared? With a large serving of Kiwi ingenuity and a dash of Australian rivalry, they’re oh so ready to take on this challenge headfirst. What could go wrong, right? Yeah, nah. “We’re weirdly good at writing together,” Foster professes. “ We [wrote the screenplay] on Zoom or Facetime, both for the first one and Kiwi Driver. I would write a line and then Rebecca would say, ‘Oh yeah, then we’ll do this.’ It flowed like that, and we were cracking up the whole time. We both kind of think the same way. We feed off of each other the same way that Summer and Olivia feed off each other in the films.” As writers, Foster and McFadzien operate from the premise that less is more. “When I was studying at Uni [Unitec Institute of Technology in Auckland, New Zealand, where McFadzien earned a Bachelors of Performing and Screen Arts degree], we were told to write detailed stage directions for the scripts we were writing,” Rebecca supplements. “When Deb and I started writing together, we realized that actually you don’t need as many stage directions as you think you do … and you don’t need as much dialogue as you think you do. As movie directors and producers, we’ve found that a lot of the gems we discovered came from having minimal stage directions and seeing what happened when the actors got scripts that didn’t have everything spelled out for them. Those organic reactions – where an actor is reacting not as herself but as her character – are just so magical, and seeing other actors doing the same and then putting it all together in a film is so great, so heartwarming.” Foster and McFadzien also firmly believe in basing their stories on personal experience. Much of the plot line in Bad Kiwis 2: Kiwi Driver comes from their unique experiences at the DMV when it came time for them to apply for their California drivers licenses. The 8-minute short opens with Summer and Olivia in disguises tailing a DMV examiner as he administers a road test to a driver’s license applicant. “I actually did follow some DMV examiners around,” Foster admits. “Before I took my road test, we thought it would be a good idea to tail them and see [the route they take]. I totally felt like an undercover spy while we were doing it.” “It’s hard for Americans to grasp just how confusing and scary going to the DMV is for New Zealanders,” McFadzien explains. “One of the most intimidating things about the DMV in the U.S. is the number of people and the fact that you’re going to be there for three hours and there’s just no way around it. By contrast, in New Zealand if you book an appointment for 11:30 you’ll be in the car at 11:29, and that’s that. But here, when you come out of the DMV, you feel like you climbed a mountain and overcome some pretty intense challenges on the way back down.” Producing the right paperwork can be a major challenge for anyone going to the DMV. Local playwright Zalman Velvel wrote a two-act farce for Lab Theater last season that lampooned the devices and artifices to which people sometimes resort in order to circumvent the Department’s rules and regulations for proving residence, ownership and title. [Directed by Carmen Crussard, DMV starred Gerrie Benzing and Sam Bostic as DMV employees and Stacy Stauffer, Todd Lyman, Mike Dinko, David Cooley, Art Keene and Margaret Cooley in the roles of various miscreants and other parties having business at the DMV on Bernice Hodes’ last day on the job.] “I had to go home like a thousand times to get the right paperwork,” says Foster, chagrined. But that experience leads to some of the funniest episodes and sight gags in the film (like when Summer offers a Bed, Bath & Beyond 20% Off Coupon as proof of address). But both playwrights are self-deprecating and not even an Aussie would accuse them of taking themselves too seriously. This self-effacing quality serves to endear both characters to viewers, who find themselves rooting for Summer and Olivia in spite of … or perhaps because of … the antics they unleash on the DMV’s beleaguered examiners and gatekeepers. |
Sound
Many indie films suffer from poor sound quality. Bad Kiwis 2: Kiwi Driver is not one of them. In fact, the sound in Kiwi Driver has a cinematic quality, right down to ticking clocks and tires crunching on asphalt as a vehicle comes to a stop. While delicious and distinctive, New Zealand and Australian accents can sometimes be difficult for the American ear to decipher. In fact, there’s a scene early on where Olivia says ”We’re here for our tist,” and the examiner looks at Summer and says “I don’t know what she’s saying.” “We worked really hard on that part of it,” says Foster, who expresses pride in the result. “We had a premier in L.A. and a friend who’s a sound mixer for some really big films like John Wickcame, so the whole time I was nervous about what he was going to say. But he was really impressed and that was a relief.” In fact, many of the people who came to the premier complimented the filmmakers on the improvement they saw from Bad Kiwis 1 to Bad Kiwis 2.” Cinematography Part of the reason for the film’s perceived production value is the cinematography, particularly when it comes to the scenes that Foster and McFadzien shot in the two cars in which Olivia and Summer take their road tests. Shooting a dialogue scene inside a moving vehicle is never easy, and it’s especially tough when you’re working on a tight budget. On a high-budget full-length feature film, you can block off roads, use rigging to mount cameras to the hood of the car, use a process trailer to allow the actors to focus on acting (and not driving) or shoot everything on a soundstage. Some indie filmmakers opt to go green screen and others choose to shoot handheld from the back seat of the car. But Foster and McFadzien eschewed those options. Instead, their cinematographer, Erik Smith, mounted Sony A6500s to both sides of the cars and had the actors push record on the cameras and just hope that the cameras remained in focus. They did and the result was a steady, stable environment that allows viewers to focus on the dialogue between each Kiwi and her examiner without any distractions. Casting and Acting Both Foster and McFadzien have considerable acting experience, and they give impeccable performances in the film as Kiwis gone awry. Foster gives the term “swoon” new meaning as she flirts her way through her road test. McFadzien is brilliant as a Kiwi with anger management issues. In fact, she adds a new wrinkle to the term “road rage." The supporting case that Foster and McFadzien assembled for Kiwi Driver are perfect foils for Summer and Olivia’s shenanigans. Danny Gura excels as that officious DMV bureaucrat we’ve all encountered at one time or another – and loathed. RoShawn Briscoe is bemused and befuddled as Olivia’s examiner, Bob, while Juan Sanchez-Molina couldn’t be funnier as Summer’s terrorized tester Theodore Rodriguez. “We wrote the script with [Briscoe and Sanchez-Molina] in mind,” McFadzien reports. “They were very supportive with Kiwis 1 and said put us in the next one and Deb and I said, ‘I think we will.’ Irena Reedy (right) is a stand-out as well. She plays Tash, an unsuspecting and maddeningly snooty Aussie who’s in line ahead of the Kiwis. Being an Aussie in a Kiwi film is always a dicey proposition. Her fate could go in a lot of different directions. But no Australians were harmed in the making of this film, but that leaves a lot of wiggle room for other forms of retribution. You’ll have to see the film if you want to know more. Fun Fact Foster, McFadzien and cohorts shot the majority of the film in a single day. That wasn’t necessarily by design. McFadzien was only able to come to L.A. for a couple of days, so time was of the essence. “I wouldn’t advise anyone to [shoot a film in one day], ever,” says Foster shaking her head in amazement. “We shot the outside DMV scenes in Culver City, then we scooted to a location in Hollywood for the indoor DMV scenes at a place we’d only rented for a couple of hours. Even though we were having a blast, it was still stressful. For example, while Rebecca was doing her car scenes, I was running to get food. I couldn’t even direct her inside the car. But fortunately we had great actors. And our camera guy and fiancé [Erik Smith]was great.” |
Interview in lockdown: Rebecca McFadzien In The FrameBad Kiwis by Deb Foster and Rebecca McFadzien was named Best Short Film at the 8th Annual Fort Myers Film Festival in 2018. The filmmakers are back again this year. With Bad Kiwis 2: Kiwi Driver, an eight minute comedy in which the duo visit the California DMV for purposes of getting their U.S. driver’s licenses. The acting is crisp. The wit is as quick as Rebecca’s driving. The yarn is as good as gold. And the production value (cinematography, sound, music) will impress even the most discerning filmmaker.
Rebecca plays the part of Summer, a Skux Kiwi who’s not about to be fobbed off by bureaucratic red tape or a DMV examiner who not only lacks a sense of humor but has the poor judgment to mistake Rebecca for (I’m loathe to even say it) an Australian eh! But her filmography includes a total of 17 films. In addition to Bad Kiwis and Bad Kiwis 2: Kiwi Driver, she plays Zoe in Muse (currently in post-production), Blair in Happy Birthday Duncan (also in post-production), Red Room Trainee in the TV movie Black Widow Origins (2017), Claire in the TV Series Passive Aggressive Secret Santas (2017), Hazel in the pilot for the TV Series Tinerellas (2016), Claire in the TV Series A Los Angeles Friendsgiving (2016), Brit in the low-budget 2016 horror film Quarries(which took home the award for Best Narrative Feature at the Women’s Independent Film Festival in London), Tara in the short film Archie the Time Machine (2016), Amelia King in the TV movie Project J (2016), a student in Syrenia (2015), a Tour Guide in Power Rangers Dino Charge (2015) and a waitress in the TV Series short Flat3. Although McFadzien considers herself a true Kiwi, she was actually born Off-Broadway in New York. However, her parents had the good sense to raise and educate her in New Zealand, and she developed her love of acting and dislike for wearing shoes during her formative years in the Brook Haven suburb of Auckland (which she and Deb Foster reference in Kiwi Driver and underscore in a scene in which she ditches her stylish tan heels in favor of more practical jandals (flip flops) as she runs back and forth to the DMV in order to provide proof of residency). 'Bad Kiwis 2: Kiwi Driver' Red Carpet Premiere• 24th October 2019 • Dick Clark Productions Screening Room ‘Bad Kiwis’ filmmaker, writer & actor Rebecca McFadzien in the frame• 27th March 2018 • By Tom Hall, artswfl.com The 8th Annual Fort Myers Film Festival wrapped up last night at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre with a champagne and dessert awards ceremony, and taking top honors as Best Short Short film was Bad Kiwis, directed by and starring Deb Foster and Rebecca McFadzien. Rebecca plays the part of Summer. An actor, singer, dancer, filmmaker and writer, Rebecca strives to empower others to be true to themselves while also creating positive change throughout the world through the stories she tells. Essentially, her goal is to bring a little sunshine into the world and make people smile. Although McFadzien was born in New York, she considers herself a true Kiwi because she was raised in New Zealand, where she developed her love of acting and her dislike for wearing shoes. She graduated with a Bachelors of Performing and Screen Arts Degree at Unitec in Auckland, made an appearance or two on both Shortland Street (as Veronica Greenwood) and Power Rangers, and then moved to Los Angeles. More recently, she has played the female lead roles in the pilots for three new television series: Project J, Walter Wants a Womanand Fairy Luna and Friends. |
Rebecca has a Bachelors of Performing and Screen Arts Degree from Unitec in Auckland, appeared as a guest star in the long-running Kiwi soap Shortland Street (as Veronica Greenwood) and Power Rangers, and then moved to Los Angeles. Days after her arrival, she landed the role of Brit (a bubbly, inclusive and incredibly chatty Kiwi) in the female-driven thriller Quarries (see above). Since then, she has worked on various television series, including the new Lifetime Network Comedy series Battle of the Sexes. She has also played the female lead in the pilots for two other television series, Walter Wants a Woman and Fairy Luna and Friends.
McFadzien has also performed in several roles on stage, including Anne in The Diary of Anne Frank, Sandy in Grease, Mayzie in Seussical, and Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. But she got her first lead at the age of just ten, when she landed the role of Annie in Dublin. She has also been doing some presenting work for both live and recorded events. Rebecca prefers screen acting to the stage because “the honest intimacy, the deep level of raw vulnerability and the brave acceptance of imperfection” can be conveyed to the viewer “through the mere flicker of an eye or twitch of a lip.” As both a filmmaker and writer, Rebecca aspires to create positive change in the world through the stories she tells while empowering others to be true to themselves. Essentially, her goal is to bring a little sunshine into the world or, at the very least, give people a laugh. Rebecca loves swimming in the ocean, gazing up at the moon, collecting crystals and connecting with people. To find out more about Rebecca, check out her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccamcfadz. |
Rebecca has performed in a wide range of roles on stage too, including Anne in The Diary of Anne Frank, Sandy in Grease, Mayzie in Seussical, and Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. She has also been doing some presenting work for both live and recorded events.
She loves swimming in the ocean, gazing up at the moon, collecting crystals and connecting with people. To find out more about Rebecca, check out her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccamcfadz.
‘Bad Kiwis’ wins best Short Short film at 8th Annual Fort Myers Film Festival• 27th March 2018 • By Tom Hall, artswfl.com The 8th Annual Fort Myers Film Festival wrapped up last night at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre with a champagne and dessert awards ceremony, and taking top honors as Best Short Short film was Bad Kiwis, directed by and starring Deb Foster and Rebecca McFadzien. Olivia (Foster) and Summer (McFadzien) are two Kiwi actresses trying to make it in Los Angeles. (Kiwi is the nickname by which New Zealanders refer to themselves.) Although they have the best of intentions, things have a way of going awry for the duo, especially during auditions. They have both been asked to audition for a travel commercial. All they have to do is deliver a simple line: “There’s no place like Australia, so come on, get over here.” But there’s a problem. A Big Problem. They must face their biggest rivals, the Australians! In fact, even worse, they must pretend to BE Australian. Things go from bad to worse as Olivia whips out the worst Australian accent known to mankind and Summer totally loses it when the casting directors realize she’s actually from New Zealand. In fact, 0ne of the funniest sequences in the film takes place when the casting director tells Summer that New Zealand is amazing country. “They say it looks exactly like Lord of the Rings.” Outraged, Summer launches into a facetious Gollum impersonation before proceeding to beat up the casting director and trash the audition room. |
“We all managed to somewhat hold it together during the takes and then erupted in to fits of laughter in between,” the mischievous Kiwis admit unapologetically.
“The film idea was born after we both auditioned for an Australian commercial in Los Angeles,” Foster and McFadzien note. “We talked after our audition and had found that both of us had the same hilarious experience in the waiting room as the Australian actresses there knew right away that we were from New Zealand.” Deb and Rebecca self-funded most of the project, which they completed on a “very low budget.” They were given space at the Santa Monica Art Studios to shoot a lot of the film, and attracted “four brilliant Australian actors” who were only too happy to be part of a film that pokes fun at Kiwis (“and a little bit of fun at them too”).
The 3:26 minute farcical comedy includes a tantalizing blend of regional humor and “down unda” slapstick. Not surprisingly, it has been juried into a number of international film festivals (including the Atlanta Comedy Film Festival and Portland Comedy Film Festival), and won the Best Micro Short Film Award at the Austin Comedy Short Film Festival in 2017.
But as far as we’re concerned here in Fort Myers, these bad Kiwis didn’t just kill it, they broke the camera!
“The film idea was born after we both auditioned for an Australian commercial in Los Angeles,” Foster and McFadzien note. “We talked after our audition and had found that both of us had the same hilarious experience in the waiting room as the Australian actresses there knew right away that we were from New Zealand.” Deb and Rebecca self-funded most of the project, which they completed on a “very low budget.” They were given space at the Santa Monica Art Studios to shoot a lot of the film, and attracted “four brilliant Australian actors” who were only too happy to be part of a film that pokes fun at Kiwis (“and a little bit of fun at them too”).
The 3:26 minute farcical comedy includes a tantalizing blend of regional humor and “down unda” slapstick. Not surprisingly, it has been juried into a number of international film festivals (including the Atlanta Comedy Film Festival and Portland Comedy Film Festival), and won the Best Micro Short Film Award at the Austin Comedy Short Film Festival in 2017.
But as far as we’re concerned here in Fort Myers, these bad Kiwis didn’t just kill it, they broke the camera!
BAD KIWIS: official selection for Lady Filmmakers Festival
• 22nd September 2017 •
Written, directed by and starring New Zealanders Rebecca McFadzien and Deb Foster, Bad Kiwis has been wrecking havoc in Los Angeles for all the right reasons! A story based on their real life experiences of being Kiwis in LA, this short and sassy piece has been sliding it's way into various Film Festivals across the country and beyond!
Most recently, it was announced as part of the official selection for this year's Lady Filmmakers Film Festival, which will be held in Beverly Hills later this year.
Empowering Women through Film
• 26th APRIL 2017 • By Brooke Hunter, Girl.com.au
Interview with Rebecca McFadzien
Question: How would you describe Quarries?
Rebecca McFadzien: Quarries is a female-driven, action-packed horror film with a twist. It's about a group of diverse women who embark on a hiking expedition, and are preyed upon by savage hunters. As they tap into their personal strength, a physical and emotional cat-and-mouse chase ensues. With death looming, each is left with only what is truly important – the strength within oneself – as they fight to stay alive.
Question: Can you tell us about the character you play in Quarries?
Rebecca McFadzien: I play Brit - one of the seven young women who go out into the wilderness together. She's enthusiastic, inquisitive and charming, with a big heart that she wears on her sleeve. She's braver than she looks though when the going gets tough though.
Question: How are you similar to your character of Brit?
Rebecca McFadzien: I felt incredibly connected to Brit from the very beginning - long before I was even cast in the role! I had the opportunity to read the full script before I auditioned, and as I read it I found myself giggling and thinking to myself "Oh my gosh, that's totally something I would have done..."
We both have a genuine interest in people - I love hearing people's stories and learning about what makes them get up in the morning, just like Brit does. I'm sure sometimes I annoy people with my enthusiasm and perkiness, and Brit sure does in Quarries! I drew upon my own sincerity and vulnerability to make the character real and relatable to viewers too. I was also lucky enough for the Director of Quarries (Nils Taylor) to work with me on making the role my own, including adding in my Kiwi accent and heritage.
Question: What inspired you to audition for Quarries?
Rebecca McFadzien: I loved the fact that these women were all perfectly imperfect people who sign up to go out into the wilderness to escape their regular lives for a while. Although they find little solace out there in the mountains, they really fight back when disaster strikes, a
nd they fight hard. They're a diverse, messy, beautiful, brave and incredibly fierce group of women, and I wanted to be a part of that.
Question: What was it like filming a horror with a girls fight back approach?
Rebecca McFadzien: So empowering! Behind the scenes, I had an absolute blast getting to learn how to do my own stunts with the other girls! Up on the big screen, I was just super thrilled to see the portrayal of strong women and their tenacity highlighted in a feature film. They're brave, they never give up hope and they stand up for one another along the way.
Question: What was the best bit about being on the set for Quarries?
Rebecca McFadzien: The best bit for me was learning from all the amazing people who worked on the film. It was the first acting job I had ever had in the States – in fact, it was my first ever audition in Los Angeles and it happened a month after I moved here – so I was brand new and had a lot to learn. The team consisted of a diverse collection of clever creatives, and they were all incredibly generous with their time and energy. I am very grateful to them for that.
Question: You got to keep your accent for the film; how did that feel?
Rebecca McFadzien: It felt super amazing and liberating, once I had remembered how to speak in my real accent again...haha! I had been practicing my American accent for months on end in the lead up to my move to LA, so it felt weird to be on an American film set and still be speaking in my natural tongue. I loved being able to add more of myself to the role than I would have otherwise though, and it was an honour to represent women from our end of the world in the international film industry. I'm super excited that the creative team gave me that opportunity!
Question: What did you find most challenging with filming Quarries?
Rebecca McFadzien: Like I mentioned before, I was quite nervous to be the only one on set with a different accent at first! However, everyone was so nice to me about it (who doesn't love New Zealand and Australia after all?) that I soon felt right at home and more empowered than ever. It was a process of learning to love and accept myself more, and acknowledge that I am good enough just as I am.
Question: What did you find most challenging with filming Quarries?
Rebecca McFadzien: Like I mentioned before, I was quite nervous to be the only one on set with a different accent at first! However, everyone was so nice to me about it (who doesn't love New Zealand and Australia after all?) that I soon felt right at home and more empowered than ever. It was a process of learning to love and accept myself more, and acknowledge that I am good enough just as I am.
Question: What's next, for you?
Rebecca McFadzien: I have some really exciting film and television opportunities looming on the horizon in both New Zealand and Australia, with a few here in the States too!
I am also about to launch my own travel and lifestyle blog, which I am working in collaboration with the empowering women's journal 'Salty at Heart' to get up and running! I am really just looking forward to continuing to live a life full of beach explorations, surf trips and sunset sing-a-longs, while surrounding myself with people who inspire me to love myself more and give back to the world around us in as many ways as I can.
My wish is to empower women around the world through the work that I do - gently reminding them to stay true to themselves, and to shine brightly in their own unique ways!
• 26th APRIL 2017 • By Brooke Hunter, Girl.com.au
Interview with Rebecca McFadzien
Question: How would you describe Quarries?
Rebecca McFadzien: Quarries is a female-driven, action-packed horror film with a twist. It's about a group of diverse women who embark on a hiking expedition, and are preyed upon by savage hunters. As they tap into their personal strength, a physical and emotional cat-and-mouse chase ensues. With death looming, each is left with only what is truly important – the strength within oneself – as they fight to stay alive.
Question: Can you tell us about the character you play in Quarries?
Rebecca McFadzien: I play Brit - one of the seven young women who go out into the wilderness together. She's enthusiastic, inquisitive and charming, with a big heart that she wears on her sleeve. She's braver than she looks though when the going gets tough though.
Question: How are you similar to your character of Brit?
Rebecca McFadzien: I felt incredibly connected to Brit from the very beginning - long before I was even cast in the role! I had the opportunity to read the full script before I auditioned, and as I read it I found myself giggling and thinking to myself "Oh my gosh, that's totally something I would have done..."
We both have a genuine interest in people - I love hearing people's stories and learning about what makes them get up in the morning, just like Brit does. I'm sure sometimes I annoy people with my enthusiasm and perkiness, and Brit sure does in Quarries! I drew upon my own sincerity and vulnerability to make the character real and relatable to viewers too. I was also lucky enough for the Director of Quarries (Nils Taylor) to work with me on making the role my own, including adding in my Kiwi accent and heritage.
Question: What inspired you to audition for Quarries?
Rebecca McFadzien: I loved the fact that these women were all perfectly imperfect people who sign up to go out into the wilderness to escape their regular lives for a while. Although they find little solace out there in the mountains, they really fight back when disaster strikes, a
nd they fight hard. They're a diverse, messy, beautiful, brave and incredibly fierce group of women, and I wanted to be a part of that.
Question: What was it like filming a horror with a girls fight back approach?
Rebecca McFadzien: So empowering! Behind the scenes, I had an absolute blast getting to learn how to do my own stunts with the other girls! Up on the big screen, I was just super thrilled to see the portrayal of strong women and their tenacity highlighted in a feature film. They're brave, they never give up hope and they stand up for one another along the way.
Question: What was the best bit about being on the set for Quarries?
Rebecca McFadzien: The best bit for me was learning from all the amazing people who worked on the film. It was the first acting job I had ever had in the States – in fact, it was my first ever audition in Los Angeles and it happened a month after I moved here – so I was brand new and had a lot to learn. The team consisted of a diverse collection of clever creatives, and they were all incredibly generous with their time and energy. I am very grateful to them for that.
Question: You got to keep your accent for the film; how did that feel?
Rebecca McFadzien: It felt super amazing and liberating, once I had remembered how to speak in my real accent again...haha! I had been practicing my American accent for months on end in the lead up to my move to LA, so it felt weird to be on an American film set and still be speaking in my natural tongue. I loved being able to add more of myself to the role than I would have otherwise though, and it was an honour to represent women from our end of the world in the international film industry. I'm super excited that the creative team gave me that opportunity!
Question: What did you find most challenging with filming Quarries?
Rebecca McFadzien: Like I mentioned before, I was quite nervous to be the only one on set with a different accent at first! However, everyone was so nice to me about it (who doesn't love New Zealand and Australia after all?) that I soon felt right at home and more empowered than ever. It was a process of learning to love and accept myself more, and acknowledge that I am good enough just as I am.
Question: What did you find most challenging with filming Quarries?
Rebecca McFadzien: Like I mentioned before, I was quite nervous to be the only one on set with a different accent at first! However, everyone was so nice to me about it (who doesn't love New Zealand and Australia after all?) that I soon felt right at home and more empowered than ever. It was a process of learning to love and accept myself more, and acknowledge that I am good enough just as I am.
Question: What's next, for you?
Rebecca McFadzien: I have some really exciting film and television opportunities looming on the horizon in both New Zealand and Australia, with a few here in the States too!
I am also about to launch my own travel and lifestyle blog, which I am working in collaboration with the empowering women's journal 'Salty at Heart' to get up and running! I am really just looking forward to continuing to live a life full of beach explorations, surf trips and sunset sing-a-longs, while surrounding myself with people who inspire me to love myself more and give back to the world around us in as many ways as I can.
My wish is to empower women around the world through the work that I do - gently reminding them to stay true to themselves, and to shine brightly in their own unique ways!
Synopsis: Available on Australian iTunes now, Quarries recently won Best Narrative Feature at the Women's Independent Film Festival, LA Thriller Film Festival & London Independent Film Festival and is receiving rave reviews from horror and independent film critics.
So what makes it so different? The film is financed, written, produced and acted in by women – unusual in a genre where often women play the helpless victim and that's about it!
Quarries is about a vulnerable group of women who embark on a hiking expedition only to find themselves being preyed upon by a vicious group of hunters that lead them on a gruelling physical and emotional pursuit. In a heart pounding battle, the intended victims tap into the virtues that they have been searching for all along, leading to an outcome that no one expected. It aims to demonstrate that anyone can overcome any situation, and emphasises the power of will.
'One of the things I loved most about being a part of Quarries was how empowering and female-driven the whole process was," says actress Rebecca McFadzien, who also is a co-producer on the NZ/Australian release.
From the Producer of Final Destination, Quarries is Executive Produced and financed by Diamond Cutter Films and directed by Nils Taylor, who is also the film's co-writer and producer along with Nicole Marie Johnson. Johnson plays the lead alongside McFadzien, Leisha Hailey (best known for her work on The L Word and Bosch), Sara Mornell from Wicked City and Judging Amy), Carrie Finklea and Nicole DuPort.
Quarries
www.QuarriesTheMovie.com
Kiwi actress Rebecca McFadzien stars in award-winning horror Quarries
• 3RD APRIL 2017 • By James Croot, Stuff.co.nz
A former Shortland Street actor and Rugby World Cup dancer is celebrating the international success of her first feature-film role.
Rebecca McFadzien, who played Veronica Greenwood in the long-running Kiwi soap in 2013, is the star of low-budget US horror Quarries, which recently took home the award for Best Narrative Feature at the Women's Independent Film Festival in London.
Written and directed by Nils Taylor, it's the story of a group of women on a wilderness expedition, who find themselves attacked by a vicious group of predators.
Back in New Zealand to promote the release of the movie on iTunes, the US-born, 5ft 6, triple-threat (actor/singer/dancer) McFadzien talked to Stuff about Quarries and her career.
How did the opportunity to act in Quarries come about?
I'd been in LA for about a month. I was taking an acting class that I had fallen into by good fortune and someone said they had heard there was a casting call for this really awesome film and that I might be really good for a role. I hadn't done an audition in Los Angeles before, but I thought "what a good way to start". So I put on my best Cali-Girl accent and a couple of days later I found out I had been successful.
And yet, you ended up keeping your own Kiwi accent to play Brit.
Yeah, it's a funny thing. I thought it would be a good challenge for me to use my American accent that I've been practicing my whole life. But, I think it was during a costume fitting, when I was feeling tired and getting comfortable, that I accidentally let my Kiwi accent out. The people that were there were like, 'oh, that's NOT an American accent'. I tried to reassure them that I was used to maintaining an accent, but I was still kind of nervous that they might worry I might flake out halfway through the shoot. Then they called me a few days later and said they actually wanted me to use my real accent because they were looking to distribute the film in New Zealand and Australia and what better way to do that than to have one of their own in the film.
So was horror a genre you're always been interested in?
Actually I've always really wanted to be an action star. I get easily scared by horror films and actually, during the month of shooting, I had nightmares every night. I guess I spent so much time on set running and feeling afraid, that those emotions I brought up recreated themselves in my dreams.
What was it about the story that drew you in then?
I guess it was how action-packed it was and the fact that these women are really fighting back and not just flailing their arms. They're punching and scratching and saving their own lives.
And what was the toughest challenge of the shoot for you?
Probably trusting that my character was interesting enough . I came to LA thinking that I needed to fit in and sound American and it was a big learning process to discover that actually me as a Kiwi girl was interesting enough and acceptable in Hollywood.
What about the physical toll of all those action scenes?
Because we were outside every day and working together in such close proximity in the forest there was a bout of food poisoning that went around and a poison ivy epidemic. I did some hiking and running before we started shooting, but unfortunately I didn't think to wear in my hiking boots from the costume lady. So if I ever wince in pain in the film, it's real pain from the shoes. But we did all of our own stunts and we trained beforehand in how to do basic stage combat and practiced falling from heights onto mats. That was one of my favourite parts of the shoot.
Finally Rebecca, what's up next for you?
I've working on another film in the US, but also have a few exciting prospects here. Those are things that would bring me back to New Zealand for periods of time which I'm really excited about because it will always be my home.
Quarries is now available to stream on iTunes.
- Stuff
• 3RD APRIL 2017 • By James Croot, Stuff.co.nz
A former Shortland Street actor and Rugby World Cup dancer is celebrating the international success of her first feature-film role.
Rebecca McFadzien, who played Veronica Greenwood in the long-running Kiwi soap in 2013, is the star of low-budget US horror Quarries, which recently took home the award for Best Narrative Feature at the Women's Independent Film Festival in London.
Written and directed by Nils Taylor, it's the story of a group of women on a wilderness expedition, who find themselves attacked by a vicious group of predators.
Back in New Zealand to promote the release of the movie on iTunes, the US-born, 5ft 6, triple-threat (actor/singer/dancer) McFadzien talked to Stuff about Quarries and her career.
How did the opportunity to act in Quarries come about?
I'd been in LA for about a month. I was taking an acting class that I had fallen into by good fortune and someone said they had heard there was a casting call for this really awesome film and that I might be really good for a role. I hadn't done an audition in Los Angeles before, but I thought "what a good way to start". So I put on my best Cali-Girl accent and a couple of days later I found out I had been successful.
And yet, you ended up keeping your own Kiwi accent to play Brit.
Yeah, it's a funny thing. I thought it would be a good challenge for me to use my American accent that I've been practicing my whole life. But, I think it was during a costume fitting, when I was feeling tired and getting comfortable, that I accidentally let my Kiwi accent out. The people that were there were like, 'oh, that's NOT an American accent'. I tried to reassure them that I was used to maintaining an accent, but I was still kind of nervous that they might worry I might flake out halfway through the shoot. Then they called me a few days later and said they actually wanted me to use my real accent because they were looking to distribute the film in New Zealand and Australia and what better way to do that than to have one of their own in the film.
So was horror a genre you're always been interested in?
Actually I've always really wanted to be an action star. I get easily scared by horror films and actually, during the month of shooting, I had nightmares every night. I guess I spent so much time on set running and feeling afraid, that those emotions I brought up recreated themselves in my dreams.
What was it about the story that drew you in then?
I guess it was how action-packed it was and the fact that these women are really fighting back and not just flailing their arms. They're punching and scratching and saving their own lives.
And what was the toughest challenge of the shoot for you?
Probably trusting that my character was interesting enough . I came to LA thinking that I needed to fit in and sound American and it was a big learning process to discover that actually me as a Kiwi girl was interesting enough and acceptable in Hollywood.
What about the physical toll of all those action scenes?
Because we were outside every day and working together in such close proximity in the forest there was a bout of food poisoning that went around and a poison ivy epidemic. I did some hiking and running before we started shooting, but unfortunately I didn't think to wear in my hiking boots from the costume lady. So if I ever wince in pain in the film, it's real pain from the shoes. But we did all of our own stunts and we trained beforehand in how to do basic stage combat and practiced falling from heights onto mats. That was one of my favourite parts of the shoot.
Finally Rebecca, what's up next for you?
I've working on another film in the US, but also have a few exciting prospects here. Those are things that would bring me back to New Zealand for periods of time which I'm really excited about because it will always be my home.
Quarries is now available to stream on iTunes.
- Stuff
#NZGIRLHACKS: THE ULTIMATE 5 HACKS FOR
LIVING THE LA DREAM
• 23rd MAR 2017 • NZ Girl
Kiwi actress Rebecca McFadzien has been living in LA for the past two and a half years, and now not only was she able to use her Kiwi accent starring in new US horror film, Quarries, which is smashing independent film awards since it’s release in the States, but she co-produced it.
Umm… #Girlboss much?
Aucklander Rebecca is stoked to have been part of female-led film Quarries, which was produced, financed, and written by women, plus has a female-led plot.
"I’m so excited for Quarries to finally hit New Zealand shores. It’s been getting a huge amount of buzz in the indie film industry in the US and I think New Zealand audiences, especially horror film fans, are in for something special!” shares McFadzien, who is back on her home turf this month to promote the film."
Quarries is about a group of women who embark on a hiking trip only to find themselves being preyed upon by a vicious group of hunters that lead them on a gruelling physical and emotional pursuit. In a heart pounding battle, the intended victims tap into the virtues that they have been searching for all along, leading to an outcome that no one expected.
"One of the things I loved most about being a part of Quarries was how empowering and female-driven the whole process was. That, and the fact that we had a bunch of really amazing men involved too, who taught us how to do our own stunts! Being cast in this film after a month of being in LA was a dream come true, and as a team we really did create something that far surpassed anything we could have imagined.
I got to keep my Kiwi accent as well, which was a real treat! I feel super proud to represent New Zealand women in the American market."
So we asked Rebecca to share with us her #nzgirlhacks for making it in Hollywood!
1. Don’t change anything about yourself
When I moved to LA, I thought I needed to change in order to be successful. Two and a half years later, I’ve discovered that the imperfect parts of me are the reason why I stand out from the crowd. Whether it’s meeting new people or having a casting director remember you, it’s your unique self that makes you special.
2. Don’t date a boy who insists on being your stylist
Or a boy who posts more than one shirtless selfie online per day, or who cares more about his crystal collection than he does about you, or who still lives at home with his “mommy” at age 35, or who spends more than three hours deciding what to wear each day, or who fixes his hair in the reflection of your sunglasses every time he looks at you. Or… well, you get the idea.
3. Don’t be afraid to take a job that’s not quite right
It might be super cliché, but working in a restaurant can be a great way to get used to a new city and new culture – plus find a community to belong to. And that’s true of lots of work that may not be your “dream job.” I’ve been hired for acting jobs while waitressing – so always put your best foot forward. You never know who you’ll meet!
4. Choose to work on projects that inspire you
There can be a lot of pressure to take every job you can when you’re an actor in LA, but life is much more fulfilling when you consciously choose what you spend your energy on and put your heart into. Working on a film like Quarries, which was so female-driven and empowering, made me feel like what I was doing actually made a difference and contributed positively to the portrayal of women in film.
5. Surround yourself with people you admire and respect
Going into a big city like LA can be overwhelming – especially when so many people are chasing the dream and focused on themselves and their own success. Finding people early on who respect you and treat you well is essential – you never know where you’ll meet these people either, so just stay open to new experiences and new friends. I met one of my best friends browsing the menu of a frozen yoghurt store!
***
Quarries will be available on New Zealand and Australian iTunes from late-March. Quarries recently won Best Narrative Feature at the Women’s Independent Film Festival, LA Thriller Film Festival and London Independent Film Festival.
When I moved to LA, I thought I needed to change in order to be successful. Two and a half years later, I’ve discovered that the imperfect parts of me are the reason why I stand out from the crowd. Whether it’s meeting new people or having a casting director remember you, it’s your unique self that makes you special.
2. Don’t date a boy who insists on being your stylist
Or a boy who posts more than one shirtless selfie online per day, or who cares more about his crystal collection than he does about you, or who still lives at home with his “mommy” at age 35, or who spends more than three hours deciding what to wear each day, or who fixes his hair in the reflection of your sunglasses every time he looks at you. Or… well, you get the idea.
3. Don’t be afraid to take a job that’s not quite right
It might be super cliché, but working in a restaurant can be a great way to get used to a new city and new culture – plus find a community to belong to. And that’s true of lots of work that may not be your “dream job.” I’ve been hired for acting jobs while waitressing – so always put your best foot forward. You never know who you’ll meet!
4. Choose to work on projects that inspire you
There can be a lot of pressure to take every job you can when you’re an actor in LA, but life is much more fulfilling when you consciously choose what you spend your energy on and put your heart into. Working on a film like Quarries, which was so female-driven and empowering, made me feel like what I was doing actually made a difference and contributed positively to the portrayal of women in film.
5. Surround yourself with people you admire and respect
Going into a big city like LA can be overwhelming – especially when so many people are chasing the dream and focused on themselves and their own success. Finding people early on who respect you and treat you well is essential – you never know where you’ll meet these people either, so just stay open to new experiences and new friends. I met one of my best friends browsing the menu of a frozen yoghurt store!
***
Quarries will be available on New Zealand and Australian iTunes from late-March. Quarries recently won Best Narrative Feature at the Women’s Independent Film Festival, LA Thriller Film Festival and London Independent Film Festival.
Kiwi actress Rebecca McFadzien reveals how women fight back in new feminist horror movie Quarries
• 20TH MAR 2017 • By Siena Yates, NZ Herald
We've seen it all before: a group of young, attractive women lost in the woods fall prey to some murderous locals and the screaming, chases and violence ensues.
That's what Quarries looks like at first glance, but thankfully, it flipped the script spectacularly.
The film follows a group of women on a wellness hike, who run into the territory of a group of hunters whose preferred prey is humans. But unlike the damsels of most horror films, these women fight back.
They kick and claw their way to survival in this bloody, action-packed, edge-of-your-seat horror/thriller and it is refreshing as hell.
"And timely too, with everything that's going on in the world," says Kiwi actress Rebecca McFadzien. "I hope there is more of it to come, hopefully it can become its own genre."
McFadzien plays the mildly air-headed but charmingly happy-go-lucky Brit in the US film, and says even before she got the part she was in love with the script.
"After reading the script I wrote an email to [writer] Nicole [Marie Johnson] and I just said something like; 'Thank you. Even if I'm not successful'.
"I don't even know if I'd auditioned at that point, but it was just like, 'Thank you for writing this script, and these strong female characters. It's really empowering for women all over the world,'" McFadzien says.
And the film was a major achievement for her in many more ways. She scored the role from her first ever audition in Los Angeles, after having been there for just one month.
That, and once the crew met her and got to know her, she got to retain her Kiwi accent, sensibilities and character.
Brit was supposed to be a stereotypical blonde from California - "wrapped up in herself and her appearance". What she ended up being was the bubbly, inclusive, ultra-nice, incredibly chatty Kiwi of the group.
"I think because they were always planning to distribute in New Zealand and Australia, they kind of thought well, why not have a Kiwi girl in there? There's always one," she laughs.
"It was a really creative process. [Director, Nils Taylor] added things here and there when he heard me say them. He would be like, 'I like that, I like how you said that' and he'd throw it in the script for the following day.
"And I think the one thing I've learned from being overseas for a bit is just how nice New Zealanders are, just genuinely nice. So I felt really honoured that they made those alterations based on what I brought to the role, and to be able to represent that on the big screen in the States."
That, and after a month of living in the concrete jungle that is LA, McFadzien was stoked about the chance to "return to nature" as the shoot saw her and her fellow castmates hiking in the wilderness for a month or so.
"We all got quite fit because we were outside hiking every day. It was really nice to go back and have a reason to be in nature, coming from New Zealand," she says.
"And I'm hoping that's why New Zealanders and Aussies will enjoy watching the film - because of that wilderness aspect. It's kind of like Outward Bound - all the women pay to go on this trip to kind of find themselves and deal with their issues or their addictions."
The experience has set McFadzien up well as she's about to embark on another film project and continue to run the auditions gambit in LA, and she says she has one goal throughout it all:
"I'm really trying hard to keep my Kiwi values and morals intact, regardless of where I go in the world."
*Quarries is available in New Zealand from today via iTunes, and will be coming soon to Google Play, Sony PSN, XBox and Amazon.
GIRL POWER IN HOLLYWOOD
• 17TH FEB 2017 •
QUARRIES is honored to have been awarded First Place, Narrative Feature 2016 in the 5th Annual Women's Independent Film Festival!
One of the film's two writers, three of the film's five producers and seven billed cast members are women. Executive Producer, Diamond Cutter Films, is run by a woman and is made up of a majority female staff.
What an amazing perspective this brings to the film.
Check out the trailer and get hooked:
QUARRIES is honored to have been awarded First Place, Narrative Feature 2016 in the 5th Annual Women's Independent Film Festival!
One of the film's two writers, three of the film's five producers and seven billed cast members are women. Executive Producer, Diamond Cutter Films, is run by a woman and is made up of a majority female staff.
What an amazing perspective this brings to the film.
Check out the trailer and get hooked:
TAKE A HIKE WITH 'QUARRIES'
• 15TH FEB 2017 • BY MANIA DANIEL
If you’re fan of a bad ass, female-driven genre cinema, then you might want to put Quarries on your radar. Directed by Nils Taylor and executive produced by Diamond Cutters Films, Quarries is about a group of women who set out on a hiking expedition when they soon become the target of savage hunters. This is Nils Taylor’s second feature length film, but Quarries pledges to be promising given its successful festival run last year.
Quarries is about a vulnerable group of women who embark on a hiking expedition and become preyed upon by savage hunters. As they tap into their personal strength, a physical and emotional cat-and-mouse chase ensues with an outcome that no one expected.
The film stars Nicole Marie Johnson, Leisha Hailey, Carrie Finklea, Sara Mornell, Rebecca Colette McFadzien, Joy McElveen and Nicole DuPort
This survival horror/thriller will be available on VOD March 10, 2017.
If you’re fan of a bad ass, female-driven genre cinema, then you might want to put Quarries on your radar. Directed by Nils Taylor and executive produced by Diamond Cutters Films, Quarries is about a group of women who set out on a hiking expedition when they soon become the target of savage hunters. This is Nils Taylor’s second feature length film, but Quarries pledges to be promising given its successful festival run last year.
Quarries is about a vulnerable group of women who embark on a hiking expedition and become preyed upon by savage hunters. As they tap into their personal strength, a physical and emotional cat-and-mouse chase ensues with an outcome that no one expected.
The film stars Nicole Marie Johnson, Leisha Hailey, Carrie Finklea, Sara Mornell, Rebecca Colette McFadzien, Joy McElveen and Nicole DuPort
This survival horror/thriller will be available on VOD March 10, 2017.
Walter Wants a Woman Web-series at LA Web Fest
• 23RD FEB 2015 •
Local Kiwi web-series creators speaking at the LA WebFest
Press Release: Walnut Media Local Kiwi web-series creators speaking at the LA WebFest
Press Release: Walter Wants a Woman – www.facebook.com/walterwantsawoman
Walter Wants a Woman’s second season heads to the LA WebFest, along with the creators and lead actress.
AUCKLAND, Monday, 23 February – After winning ‘Outstanding Comedy’ last year, the second season of Kiwi webseries 'Walter Wants a Woman' has been selected to screen at the Los Angeles Web Festival. LA WebFest was the first festival for web-series in the world and the team (Rachel Choy, Jeremy Garland & Callum Butcher) are honoured to be involved in the 4 day festival. The festival takes place from the 2nd- 5th April, 2015 and three episodes will be screened.
Rachel Choy, Jeremy Garland and the lead actress Rebecca McFadzien will be attending the festival in Los Angeles. Rachel and Rebecca have been invited to speak on a panel named ‘WOMEN WARRIORS OF THE WEB SERIES WORLD’ which will take place on the 2nd of April.
The lead actor Callum Butcher has been recognised with the nomination ‘Outstanding Actor in a Comedy’.
'Walter Wants a Woman' is a web-series consisting of vlogs and dates. The first series stars Walter (Callum Butcher), an almost-30-year-old who has decided to start something he thinks he’ll be quite good at: dating. The second season follows Walter as he embarks on a relationship with Gertie (Rebecca McFadzien) and the ups and downs of having a girlfriend. Full of awkward tension, and plenty of cringeworthy moments, it's a raw and hilarious comedy.
'Walter Wants a Woman' has had over 20,000 views on YouTube and the numbers keep growing. This project is close to zero-budget and a complete labour of love, with the aim to make people laugh. To see what all the fuss is about, Walter's YouTube is here: www.youtube.com/waltzmyheart
Local Kiwi web-series creators speaking at the LA WebFest
Press Release: Walnut Media Local Kiwi web-series creators speaking at the LA WebFest
Press Release: Walter Wants a Woman – www.facebook.com/walterwantsawoman
Walter Wants a Woman’s second season heads to the LA WebFest, along with the creators and lead actress.
AUCKLAND, Monday, 23 February – After winning ‘Outstanding Comedy’ last year, the second season of Kiwi webseries 'Walter Wants a Woman' has been selected to screen at the Los Angeles Web Festival. LA WebFest was the first festival for web-series in the world and the team (Rachel Choy, Jeremy Garland & Callum Butcher) are honoured to be involved in the 4 day festival. The festival takes place from the 2nd- 5th April, 2015 and three episodes will be screened.
Rachel Choy, Jeremy Garland and the lead actress Rebecca McFadzien will be attending the festival in Los Angeles. Rachel and Rebecca have been invited to speak on a panel named ‘WOMEN WARRIORS OF THE WEB SERIES WORLD’ which will take place on the 2nd of April.
The lead actor Callum Butcher has been recognised with the nomination ‘Outstanding Actor in a Comedy’.
'Walter Wants a Woman' is a web-series consisting of vlogs and dates. The first series stars Walter (Callum Butcher), an almost-30-year-old who has decided to start something he thinks he’ll be quite good at: dating. The second season follows Walter as he embarks on a relationship with Gertie (Rebecca McFadzien) and the ups and downs of having a girlfriend. Full of awkward tension, and plenty of cringeworthy moments, it's a raw and hilarious comedy.
'Walter Wants a Woman' has had over 20,000 views on YouTube and the numbers keep growing. This project is close to zero-budget and a complete labour of love, with the aim to make people laugh. To see what all the fuss is about, Walter's YouTube is here: www.youtube.com/waltzmyheart
Filmy Aces Interview with Rebecca McFadzien
• JAN 2015 •
Filmy Aces is excited to interview Actress Rebecca McFadzien for an exclusive interview!
Filmy Aces: How long have you been in entertainment and acting? Please tell us a little bit about your previous experience in Cinema and screenwriting? Where did the journey start and what has been your experience so far?
Rebecca: I have been perfoming for as long as I can remember. According to my mum, I was singing before I could even walk! There really hasn’t ever been a time in my life when I considered doing anything other thanacting. I feel so grateful to be able to say that! I got my first proper taste for being in the limelight when I was 10 years old. I was cast in the lead role of the musical “Annie” in Dublin, Ireland, loved every second of it and haven’t looked back since! Growing up, I took as many performing arts classes and participated in as many performance opportunities as I could – from screen acting, to musical theatre to hip hop dancing, and everything in between! Once I finished highschool, I began studying Acting full time in a three year ‘Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts’ Degree Program at Unitec, in Auckland, New Zealand.
Throughout that time I continued to get involved with additional performance opportunities both on screen and on stage in order to feed my hunger for acting, and develop my craft further.I graduated, and shortly after had some more amazing professional acting opportunities come my way. This included having guest roles on bothShortland Street and ‘Power Rangers’, as well as on some really great web series and television pilots. In October of last year I finally made the move to Los Angeles, knowing almost no-one and with nothing but determination, passion and a couple of packs of pinapple lumps by my side. I grew up in Auckland, New Zealand, but was born in New York – I like to say I was born “off broadway”. I have always adored a lot of the film and television products that come out of America – from the magical worlds of ‘Disney’ and ‘Glee’, to the beautifully intricate webs woven on ‘The Blacklist’, I love it all! My goal has always been to become a part of all that, and so going back to the States was always something I knew I would do. Despite missing my family and friends, I am loving every day I have here, and the opportunities I have attracted into my life here as an actor have far exceeded my hopes or expectations already (and it’s only the third month!).
Filmy Aces: How do you define the role of an actress?
Rebecca: In my opinion, the role of an actress is to tell a story with wholehearted honesty and truth, and to make a difference. When I say ‘make a difference’, I don’t neccesarily mean making a difference on the entire world about a global issue. It can be that, and I hope that in my career it will be at times, but for the most part it could just be to plant a seed of thought or set a small change into motion. I want to impact people’s lives in a positive way through the roles that I take on – whether that be through portraying a character that others can relate to, empathize with or learn from, or to shed light on a perspective that they have perhaps never understood or considered. It is such a gift to be listened to, and I intend to use every acting opportunity I am presented with to make a difference for the better in some way.
Filmy Aces: Please tell us about some of the movies you’ve worked on so far to date? And what have youenjoyed about them? Incl short films or TV?
Rebecca: I am actually just about to start shooting an independent feature film here in LA! It’s actually the first thing I have auditoned for here, and I am absolutely thrilled to be such a big part of it.
I can’t reveal too much about the film itself at this point, but I can tell you that you will be kept on your toes the whole time and that it won’t be for the faint of heart! I love the script and the team working behind it is phenomenal. My most recent television credits include playing a role on the new series of ‘Power Rangers’, performing the role of Veronica Greenwood on SHORTLAND STREET, as well as playing lead roles in other independent projects.One of my favourite roles was Gertie, the geeky girlfriend, on the Kiwi-made web series ‘Walter Wants a Woman’. We have been nominated for some awards in this year’s LA WebFest, which I am super excited to be able to actually attend! The talented director Rachel Choy and myself will be speaking on the panel about what it was like to make a web series in New Zealand, which we are ecstatic about.
Here’s one of my favourite episodes of ‘Walter Wants a Woman’ :HERE
Filmy Aces: What is your dream role in cinema? If you could enact one role from any movie in Cinema History, what part would you love to play?
Rebecca: My dream role in cinema is to play a character that forces me to be 100% vulnerable and honest, showing the world a real, 3-dimensional person. I would also love for that role to present thought-provoking questions and concepts to the audience. If it could involve travelling around the world to shoot in different locations, and also require me to learn how to pull off physically-demanding stunts I would be pretty stoked too! Aside from all of that, I would love to enact Emma Stone’s role in CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE. She presented a beautiful, strong character that I believe was empowering for women. Plus, she got to give Ryan Gosling a run for his money and then have his character fall in love with her. That wouldn’t be so bad either, would it?
Filmy Aces: Who are some of your favorite actresses/actors of all time and why?
Rebecca: I have such admiration and respect for every actor or actress who allows the audience to see their whole self and be open – whether that be showing their unfiltered joy or scars that haven’t quite healed. Even just being vulnerable and unafraid of what someone watching might think. Actors who choose to believe in themselves and their abilities as story tellers with conviction are so brave. I also deeply admire those who truly give their attention and energy to the actors they’re working with – I know from experience what an amazing thing that is, and what insane chemistry can be created through doing that! It’s so much fun!
Filmy Aces: What are some of your favorite films of all time?
Rebecca: I have a very ecclectic collection of favourite films – one of my latest favourites has to be ‘The Hundred-Foot Journey’. Beautiful cinematography of beautiful people, places and delicious food, and such honest performances. I also love EDGE OF TOMORROW, LUCY, THE GRINCH WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS, ‘Love Actually’, ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’, EVAN ALMIGHTY and the animated film ‘Meet the Robinsons’. I appreciate films that make me feel something, because I can feel that others have put their heart and spirit into the work.
Filmy Aces: Who are the directors you have the most respect for?
Rebecca: I have so much respect for directors as a whole – magical people who can see the big picture and yet still be able to hone in on different details for different people within the production! I love directors who work with actors the way children work with play-doh – appreciating them just as they are, but also knowing how to knead, work and transform them into something else when they need to. I have a lot of time for directors who take the time to make an actor feel safe too, so much more can be brought to a role when that happens!
Filmy Aces: What has been your acting experience so far?
Rebecca: My experience so far truly has been like a rollercoaster – a really awesome rollercoaster like the amazing “Full Throttle” ride at Magic Mountain here in California. There are continuous ups and downs, it’s extremely fast and crazy, but it is also so beautiful and exciting that you never want it to end!
Filmy Aces: What would you like to achieve in cinema over the next 10 years? What is your overall career objective?
Rebecca: Over the next 10 years I intend on being a part of a diverse range of productions that both excite and challenge me as an actor. With technology developing at the rate that it is, there is no way of telling how we will be viewing film and television in 10 years time, but as long as I am working on productions that I believe in, I will be very happy! My overall career objective is to work full time within the film and television industry here in the States, in New Zealand and across the rest of the world – I won’t say no to a film being shot on a tropical island, that’s for sure!
Filmy Aces: Do you watch movies from other parts of the world aside from Hollywood Cinema like Bollywood, Hong Kong, Korean, Australia and New Zealand Cinema? Which ones are your favorites and why?
Rebecca: Yes, I love watching films from around the world! I am, of course, always incredibly proud of anything produced in New Zealand or by New Zealanders. I appreciate how unique and wonderful New Zealand films even more now, being on the other side of the world. I also love Irish films (being half Irish myself!) and Bollywood films (I love the way they combine music and dance) among others. I look forward to watching more International films, television and new media/web series this year!
Filmy Aces: Who is the dream director you’d like to work with one day?
Rebecca: There are so many, how could I choose just one? I would love to work with directors who have made films that I have loved – the ones that have left me thinking, questioning, laughing and gasping for air! I would also love to find myself working on the set of a big budget film and then discover that the director is someone I worked with at the very start of our careers – Brendon Udy, Rachel Choy, Léah McVeagh, Adam King, to name just a few! It will be so rewarding to see some of my talented director friends get the recognitition they deserve! I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for their belief in me as an actor!I am so grateful for everything that has been happening so far this year – it’s one big dream coming true! Thank you oh so much to all of my friends and family for supporting me along the way.
I’m very excited for what the future holds – for us all as one big global cinematic community! Thanks for interviewing me today ‘Filmy Aces’, it’s an honour!
Filmy Aces: It was fantastic chatting with you and I look forward to chatting with you again in the future.
- Prashant H.Hari
Filmy Aces is excited to interview Actress Rebecca McFadzien for an exclusive interview!
Filmy Aces: How long have you been in entertainment and acting? Please tell us a little bit about your previous experience in Cinema and screenwriting? Where did the journey start and what has been your experience so far?
Rebecca: I have been perfoming for as long as I can remember. According to my mum, I was singing before I could even walk! There really hasn’t ever been a time in my life when I considered doing anything other thanacting. I feel so grateful to be able to say that! I got my first proper taste for being in the limelight when I was 10 years old. I was cast in the lead role of the musical “Annie” in Dublin, Ireland, loved every second of it and haven’t looked back since! Growing up, I took as many performing arts classes and participated in as many performance opportunities as I could – from screen acting, to musical theatre to hip hop dancing, and everything in between! Once I finished highschool, I began studying Acting full time in a three year ‘Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts’ Degree Program at Unitec, in Auckland, New Zealand.
Throughout that time I continued to get involved with additional performance opportunities both on screen and on stage in order to feed my hunger for acting, and develop my craft further.I graduated, and shortly after had some more amazing professional acting opportunities come my way. This included having guest roles on bothShortland Street and ‘Power Rangers’, as well as on some really great web series and television pilots. In October of last year I finally made the move to Los Angeles, knowing almost no-one and with nothing but determination, passion and a couple of packs of pinapple lumps by my side. I grew up in Auckland, New Zealand, but was born in New York – I like to say I was born “off broadway”. I have always adored a lot of the film and television products that come out of America – from the magical worlds of ‘Disney’ and ‘Glee’, to the beautifully intricate webs woven on ‘The Blacklist’, I love it all! My goal has always been to become a part of all that, and so going back to the States was always something I knew I would do. Despite missing my family and friends, I am loving every day I have here, and the opportunities I have attracted into my life here as an actor have far exceeded my hopes or expectations already (and it’s only the third month!).
Filmy Aces: How do you define the role of an actress?
Rebecca: In my opinion, the role of an actress is to tell a story with wholehearted honesty and truth, and to make a difference. When I say ‘make a difference’, I don’t neccesarily mean making a difference on the entire world about a global issue. It can be that, and I hope that in my career it will be at times, but for the most part it could just be to plant a seed of thought or set a small change into motion. I want to impact people’s lives in a positive way through the roles that I take on – whether that be through portraying a character that others can relate to, empathize with or learn from, or to shed light on a perspective that they have perhaps never understood or considered. It is such a gift to be listened to, and I intend to use every acting opportunity I am presented with to make a difference for the better in some way.
Filmy Aces: Please tell us about some of the movies you’ve worked on so far to date? And what have youenjoyed about them? Incl short films or TV?
Rebecca: I am actually just about to start shooting an independent feature film here in LA! It’s actually the first thing I have auditoned for here, and I am absolutely thrilled to be such a big part of it.
I can’t reveal too much about the film itself at this point, but I can tell you that you will be kept on your toes the whole time and that it won’t be for the faint of heart! I love the script and the team working behind it is phenomenal. My most recent television credits include playing a role on the new series of ‘Power Rangers’, performing the role of Veronica Greenwood on SHORTLAND STREET, as well as playing lead roles in other independent projects.One of my favourite roles was Gertie, the geeky girlfriend, on the Kiwi-made web series ‘Walter Wants a Woman’. We have been nominated for some awards in this year’s LA WebFest, which I am super excited to be able to actually attend! The talented director Rachel Choy and myself will be speaking on the panel about what it was like to make a web series in New Zealand, which we are ecstatic about.
Here’s one of my favourite episodes of ‘Walter Wants a Woman’ :HERE
Filmy Aces: What is your dream role in cinema? If you could enact one role from any movie in Cinema History, what part would you love to play?
Rebecca: My dream role in cinema is to play a character that forces me to be 100% vulnerable and honest, showing the world a real, 3-dimensional person. I would also love for that role to present thought-provoking questions and concepts to the audience. If it could involve travelling around the world to shoot in different locations, and also require me to learn how to pull off physically-demanding stunts I would be pretty stoked too! Aside from all of that, I would love to enact Emma Stone’s role in CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE. She presented a beautiful, strong character that I believe was empowering for women. Plus, she got to give Ryan Gosling a run for his money and then have his character fall in love with her. That wouldn’t be so bad either, would it?
Filmy Aces: Who are some of your favorite actresses/actors of all time and why?
Rebecca: I have such admiration and respect for every actor or actress who allows the audience to see their whole self and be open – whether that be showing their unfiltered joy or scars that haven’t quite healed. Even just being vulnerable and unafraid of what someone watching might think. Actors who choose to believe in themselves and their abilities as story tellers with conviction are so brave. I also deeply admire those who truly give their attention and energy to the actors they’re working with – I know from experience what an amazing thing that is, and what insane chemistry can be created through doing that! It’s so much fun!
Filmy Aces: What are some of your favorite films of all time?
Rebecca: I have a very ecclectic collection of favourite films – one of my latest favourites has to be ‘The Hundred-Foot Journey’. Beautiful cinematography of beautiful people, places and delicious food, and such honest performances. I also love EDGE OF TOMORROW, LUCY, THE GRINCH WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS, ‘Love Actually’, ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’, EVAN ALMIGHTY and the animated film ‘Meet the Robinsons’. I appreciate films that make me feel something, because I can feel that others have put their heart and spirit into the work.
Filmy Aces: Who are the directors you have the most respect for?
Rebecca: I have so much respect for directors as a whole – magical people who can see the big picture and yet still be able to hone in on different details for different people within the production! I love directors who work with actors the way children work with play-doh – appreciating them just as they are, but also knowing how to knead, work and transform them into something else when they need to. I have a lot of time for directors who take the time to make an actor feel safe too, so much more can be brought to a role when that happens!
Filmy Aces: What has been your acting experience so far?
Rebecca: My experience so far truly has been like a rollercoaster – a really awesome rollercoaster like the amazing “Full Throttle” ride at Magic Mountain here in California. There are continuous ups and downs, it’s extremely fast and crazy, but it is also so beautiful and exciting that you never want it to end!
Filmy Aces: What would you like to achieve in cinema over the next 10 years? What is your overall career objective?
Rebecca: Over the next 10 years I intend on being a part of a diverse range of productions that both excite and challenge me as an actor. With technology developing at the rate that it is, there is no way of telling how we will be viewing film and television in 10 years time, but as long as I am working on productions that I believe in, I will be very happy! My overall career objective is to work full time within the film and television industry here in the States, in New Zealand and across the rest of the world – I won’t say no to a film being shot on a tropical island, that’s for sure!
Filmy Aces: Do you watch movies from other parts of the world aside from Hollywood Cinema like Bollywood, Hong Kong, Korean, Australia and New Zealand Cinema? Which ones are your favorites and why?
Rebecca: Yes, I love watching films from around the world! I am, of course, always incredibly proud of anything produced in New Zealand or by New Zealanders. I appreciate how unique and wonderful New Zealand films even more now, being on the other side of the world. I also love Irish films (being half Irish myself!) and Bollywood films (I love the way they combine music and dance) among others. I look forward to watching more International films, television and new media/web series this year!
Filmy Aces: Who is the dream director you’d like to work with one day?
Rebecca: There are so many, how could I choose just one? I would love to work with directors who have made films that I have loved – the ones that have left me thinking, questioning, laughing and gasping for air! I would also love to find myself working on the set of a big budget film and then discover that the director is someone I worked with at the very start of our careers – Brendon Udy, Rachel Choy, Léah McVeagh, Adam King, to name just a few! It will be so rewarding to see some of my talented director friends get the recognitition they deserve! I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for their belief in me as an actor!I am so grateful for everything that has been happening so far this year – it’s one big dream coming true! Thank you oh so much to all of my friends and family for supporting me along the way.
I’m very excited for what the future holds – for us all as one big global cinematic community! Thanks for interviewing me today ‘Filmy Aces’, it’s an honour!
Filmy Aces: It was fantastic chatting with you and I look forward to chatting with you again in the future.
- Prashant H.Hari
STAR OF THE WEEK!
Interview WHAT THE HALLELUJAH?! November 21, 2014
This week’s spotlight shines down on an extraordinary lady who is well at home under it. A woman who truly does have it all: beauty, brains, drive and talent by the bucket-loads. You may also know her as the adorable KFC Krushers girl! What we may have missed about Rebecca McFadzien is that she works and continues to work extremely hard to reach her goals in order to make her dreams a reality. Rebecca has currently moved from Auckland to LA to pursue this reality.
Hi Rebecca and Welcome to WhatTheHallelujah.com!
Thank you so much, I’m super excited to be here!
You’ve been on every television screen in New Zealand and are further pursuing your dreams of performing in Los Angeles! What is it that made you want to pursue this avenue as a career?
It actually all happened in a single moment, one day when I was 10 years old. I had always been aware that I loved performing more than anything else, and that when I sang a song or made up a little dance that made my parents smile, it gave me the most amazing butterflies in my stomach! However it was when I was walking down a corridor towards a painting-based school holiday programme class in Dublin at the age of 10, that I really realised.
I heard sounds of singing from a room close by, and felt compelled to go in, not knowing if I was allowed to do so. I discovered a group of kids my age who were all taking turns to sing a line from the musical “Annie”, and so when they got to me, I just went for it too! Next thing I knew, they had cast me as the lead – Annie – in their upcoming production (despite not actually being enrolled in that class)! In that moment, I knew I was going to be an actor. I had no idea that this acting thing could lead to money or fame, I just knew that telling a story and making people smile was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life!
Most people in their early 20s often struggle with pinpointing what they want to be when they “grow up”. Was this a difficult choice (did you consider different careers) for you or was it love at first sight?
Since moving to LA, I have been asked that question a lot actually! Doing something other than acting for a career has never been an option for me – I’ve tried to consider it a few times in my life, but it’s always made me feel like “This is crazy, life is too short for that!” It was too weird to comprehend. Growing up, my family supported me in my quest to become an actor with every ounce of their being. They never questioned my love for performing, they celebrated my successes and helped me re-route when I encountered roadblocks. Never once was the possibility that I could “fail” even suggested, which in turn meant that it was never an option in my mind either. I am eternally grateful to my family for that.
As I prepared to finish high school I was faced with the decision so many of us face – should I study at University? What should I study, and where? I was confused as to what to do next, because I had always dreamt of getting a degree but I was also ready to jump into the life of a fulltime professional actor. I tried to “keep acting as my side project” so that “I wouldn’t lose my passion for it”, and completed my first year of a BA/BCom. I had a great time studying, and got involved in a wide range of different acting projects and classes, but that year really did confirm my belief that I needed to do acting all day, every day, from then on. I auditioned for the fulltime acting degree programme at Unitec, got selected and haven’t looked back since! I have now graduated, and am living my dream!
Once you decided performing was your passion/(one of your passions) was it easy to get into the industry? What were some of the hurdles you had to jump to get your foot in the door?
Everyone I have ever spoken to regarding this says something very different, so what I’ve realised is that all I need to really need to do is listen to my heart and follow my intuition. I have found that when I am doing things that I love, I project the finest rendition of “Rebecca McFadzien” out into the universe, and this, in turn, attracts people into my life who really enrich the quality of it (both as a person and as an actor). Also, it may sound super cliché, but it really is so important to treat everyone with respect. Some of the best directors I have worked with have been younger or less experienced than me, but that doesn’t matter!
Anyone can “make it” at any time, with any recipe they choose to follow. I like to think that I’m creating a brand new recipe for myself, that I write and add to as I go along! I have always chosen to surround myself with people that I admire, who accept and appreciate me for who I am, and who enjoy producing similar sorts of content. There are so many ways of making this actor thing work – web series, Youtube videos, blogs (like WTH!) and social media, television, films, theatre – make your recipe work for you!
My tips for ‘getting your foot in the door’ anywhere in the world would be to remain true to yourself, and embrace your individuality and quirks. They are what make you stand out and be chosen. Introduce yourself to people you want to know – make it happen! Do something every day to meet new people and build your network – a call here, an email there. Really listen to others when they speak – take on those suggestions and criticisms, but don’t ever allow them to hurt or change you. Let them act as a ‘finishing polish’ to make your beautiful self even more shiny and sparkly than before! I choose to always wear my heart on my sleeve, but I make sure to always protect that sleeve and keep it in good condition! J
We have to know, you were nothing short of amazing on New Zealand’s longest running and most-loved soap opera ‘Shortland Street’ (a must-do as a Kiwi performer), how was the experience for you?
Being on Shortland Street was a dream come true for me! It is such a wonderful thing for us to have in New Zealand, and I am very proud to have been a part of it. South Pacific Pictures truly is a magnificently ‘well oiled machine’, and everyone involved works so hard every single day! I have so much respect for the long-term actors on the show too, who learn new scripts and shoot on set every day! I loved performing the role of Veronica Greenwood on the show – bringing a new tidal wave of drama into the hospital with me was a lot of fun!
Celebrities such as Tina Fey and Jennifer Lawrence as of late have commented on the pressure put on young women in the Hollywood industry regarding their physical appearance – to be a certain size in particular. Have you had any experience with this yet? What are your feelings towards this issue?
I have definitely been confronted with the expectations and ideals of looking a certain way as an actor, as a woman, and as a human being but thankfully I believe we are currently in a time of transition. We are changing the way we treat both each other and ourselves, and with new research and knowledge comes the ability to make better choices for how we look after our bodies and minds. Thanks to people such as Jennifer Lawrence, Tina Fey and Emma Watson for speaking out about these subjects, I believe that we are becoming more conscious – we are on the brink of a new beginning. Everything is changing for the better, and people are becoming more comfortable with being themselves!
I know other than working incredibly hard that you’ve somehow managed to find time to do some very cool activities/ learn new skills and make time for friends and an adoring boyfriend – What are some of your favourite hobbies and how do you manage to juggle it all?!
You’re so sweet, thank you! Well my two top hobbies would have to be singing and dancing. I love hip hop dancing, musical theatre and creating musical ‘mash-ups’ of my favourite songs (both new and old). I am also a total adrenaline junkie, and therefore adore bungy jumping, dragon boating, snowboarding, sailing and most recently, roller coasters (California has some pretty outstanding theme parks to explore!). My guilty pleasure would have to be visiting different cafes and trying out their coffee, salads and gluten free treats!
You’ve recently moved to LA – How is it all going and what’s in the cards for you?
Yes – I finally did what I have wanted to do since I was old enough to talk! Coming to LA on my own was definitely one of the scariest things I have ever done, but it has also already been one of the most rewarding and exciting! I’ve only been here for a month and already I have found a wonderful place to live, bought a cute blue car and secured a fun part time job! I am so grateful!
I have met so many wonderful people along the way too – every person that I meet, even if it’s just to ask for directions, adds a little something to my life here in some way. I have been shown a lot of kindness and have made a lot of friends. I am currently in the process of zipping in and out of meetings with different agents, producers and casting directors, so it is a very exciting time for me! So many possibilities, so many opportunities…and all of them so vibrant!
I am so proud of and inspired by the Kiwi actors already paving the way here in LA, and can’t wait to properly join them (and help others do the same!) I was born in the States, so I feel at home here, but I love New Zealand too, so I intend to work as an actor in both countries for the rest of my life! What’s a bit of jet lag when you’re living out your dreams, right? J
Well Rebecca we’re all in awe of your achievements and insatiable cheerfulness. You’re truly doing it in style and we hope to see you on the silver screen very soon. We’ll stay updated through http://www.rebeccamcfadzien.com!
Thanks WTH, I really appreciate that. Thank you for always making me smile with your witty writing. All the best for your future endeavours, and make sure to write me a role in your first screenplay please! xx
All the very best
WTH
Hi Rebecca and Welcome to WhatTheHallelujah.com!
Thank you so much, I’m super excited to be here!
You’ve been on every television screen in New Zealand and are further pursuing your dreams of performing in Los Angeles! What is it that made you want to pursue this avenue as a career?
It actually all happened in a single moment, one day when I was 10 years old. I had always been aware that I loved performing more than anything else, and that when I sang a song or made up a little dance that made my parents smile, it gave me the most amazing butterflies in my stomach! However it was when I was walking down a corridor towards a painting-based school holiday programme class in Dublin at the age of 10, that I really realised.
I heard sounds of singing from a room close by, and felt compelled to go in, not knowing if I was allowed to do so. I discovered a group of kids my age who were all taking turns to sing a line from the musical “Annie”, and so when they got to me, I just went for it too! Next thing I knew, they had cast me as the lead – Annie – in their upcoming production (despite not actually being enrolled in that class)! In that moment, I knew I was going to be an actor. I had no idea that this acting thing could lead to money or fame, I just knew that telling a story and making people smile was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life!
Most people in their early 20s often struggle with pinpointing what they want to be when they “grow up”. Was this a difficult choice (did you consider different careers) for you or was it love at first sight?
Since moving to LA, I have been asked that question a lot actually! Doing something other than acting for a career has never been an option for me – I’ve tried to consider it a few times in my life, but it’s always made me feel like “This is crazy, life is too short for that!” It was too weird to comprehend. Growing up, my family supported me in my quest to become an actor with every ounce of their being. They never questioned my love for performing, they celebrated my successes and helped me re-route when I encountered roadblocks. Never once was the possibility that I could “fail” even suggested, which in turn meant that it was never an option in my mind either. I am eternally grateful to my family for that.
As I prepared to finish high school I was faced with the decision so many of us face – should I study at University? What should I study, and where? I was confused as to what to do next, because I had always dreamt of getting a degree but I was also ready to jump into the life of a fulltime professional actor. I tried to “keep acting as my side project” so that “I wouldn’t lose my passion for it”, and completed my first year of a BA/BCom. I had a great time studying, and got involved in a wide range of different acting projects and classes, but that year really did confirm my belief that I needed to do acting all day, every day, from then on. I auditioned for the fulltime acting degree programme at Unitec, got selected and haven’t looked back since! I have now graduated, and am living my dream!
Once you decided performing was your passion/(one of your passions) was it easy to get into the industry? What were some of the hurdles you had to jump to get your foot in the door?
Everyone I have ever spoken to regarding this says something very different, so what I’ve realised is that all I need to really need to do is listen to my heart and follow my intuition. I have found that when I am doing things that I love, I project the finest rendition of “Rebecca McFadzien” out into the universe, and this, in turn, attracts people into my life who really enrich the quality of it (both as a person and as an actor). Also, it may sound super cliché, but it really is so important to treat everyone with respect. Some of the best directors I have worked with have been younger or less experienced than me, but that doesn’t matter!
Anyone can “make it” at any time, with any recipe they choose to follow. I like to think that I’m creating a brand new recipe for myself, that I write and add to as I go along! I have always chosen to surround myself with people that I admire, who accept and appreciate me for who I am, and who enjoy producing similar sorts of content. There are so many ways of making this actor thing work – web series, Youtube videos, blogs (like WTH!) and social media, television, films, theatre – make your recipe work for you!
My tips for ‘getting your foot in the door’ anywhere in the world would be to remain true to yourself, and embrace your individuality and quirks. They are what make you stand out and be chosen. Introduce yourself to people you want to know – make it happen! Do something every day to meet new people and build your network – a call here, an email there. Really listen to others when they speak – take on those suggestions and criticisms, but don’t ever allow them to hurt or change you. Let them act as a ‘finishing polish’ to make your beautiful self even more shiny and sparkly than before! I choose to always wear my heart on my sleeve, but I make sure to always protect that sleeve and keep it in good condition! J
We have to know, you were nothing short of amazing on New Zealand’s longest running and most-loved soap opera ‘Shortland Street’ (a must-do as a Kiwi performer), how was the experience for you?
Being on Shortland Street was a dream come true for me! It is such a wonderful thing for us to have in New Zealand, and I am very proud to have been a part of it. South Pacific Pictures truly is a magnificently ‘well oiled machine’, and everyone involved works so hard every single day! I have so much respect for the long-term actors on the show too, who learn new scripts and shoot on set every day! I loved performing the role of Veronica Greenwood on the show – bringing a new tidal wave of drama into the hospital with me was a lot of fun!
Celebrities such as Tina Fey and Jennifer Lawrence as of late have commented on the pressure put on young women in the Hollywood industry regarding their physical appearance – to be a certain size in particular. Have you had any experience with this yet? What are your feelings towards this issue?
I have definitely been confronted with the expectations and ideals of looking a certain way as an actor, as a woman, and as a human being but thankfully I believe we are currently in a time of transition. We are changing the way we treat both each other and ourselves, and with new research and knowledge comes the ability to make better choices for how we look after our bodies and minds. Thanks to people such as Jennifer Lawrence, Tina Fey and Emma Watson for speaking out about these subjects, I believe that we are becoming more conscious – we are on the brink of a new beginning. Everything is changing for the better, and people are becoming more comfortable with being themselves!
I know other than working incredibly hard that you’ve somehow managed to find time to do some very cool activities/ learn new skills and make time for friends and an adoring boyfriend – What are some of your favourite hobbies and how do you manage to juggle it all?!
You’re so sweet, thank you! Well my two top hobbies would have to be singing and dancing. I love hip hop dancing, musical theatre and creating musical ‘mash-ups’ of my favourite songs (both new and old). I am also a total adrenaline junkie, and therefore adore bungy jumping, dragon boating, snowboarding, sailing and most recently, roller coasters (California has some pretty outstanding theme parks to explore!). My guilty pleasure would have to be visiting different cafes and trying out their coffee, salads and gluten free treats!
You’ve recently moved to LA – How is it all going and what’s in the cards for you?
Yes – I finally did what I have wanted to do since I was old enough to talk! Coming to LA on my own was definitely one of the scariest things I have ever done, but it has also already been one of the most rewarding and exciting! I’ve only been here for a month and already I have found a wonderful place to live, bought a cute blue car and secured a fun part time job! I am so grateful!
I have met so many wonderful people along the way too – every person that I meet, even if it’s just to ask for directions, adds a little something to my life here in some way. I have been shown a lot of kindness and have made a lot of friends. I am currently in the process of zipping in and out of meetings with different agents, producers and casting directors, so it is a very exciting time for me! So many possibilities, so many opportunities…and all of them so vibrant!
I am so proud of and inspired by the Kiwi actors already paving the way here in LA, and can’t wait to properly join them (and help others do the same!) I was born in the States, so I feel at home here, but I love New Zealand too, so I intend to work as an actor in both countries for the rest of my life! What’s a bit of jet lag when you’re living out your dreams, right? J
Well Rebecca we’re all in awe of your achievements and insatiable cheerfulness. You’re truly doing it in style and we hope to see you on the silver screen very soon. We’ll stay updated through http://www.rebeccamcfadzien.com!
Thanks WTH, I really appreciate that. Thank you for always making me smile with your witty writing. All the best for your future endeavours, and make sure to write me a role in your first screenplay please! xx
All the very best
WTH
REVIEW: SHORT+SWEET 2013 THEATRE FESTIVAL – Wildcard
Artistic Director: Jonathan Hodge
Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, The Edge, Auckland
Reviewed by Joselyn Khor, Theatre Review, 23 Jun 2013
In Somewhere Between The Sky And The Sea, director Jessica Suo follows the zero use of props trend, relying purely on the skills of the actors. Alex Broun's story about a womanising composer is allowed breathing space with the performers developing the story at a comfortable pace.
Greg Bailey plays hipster composer Liam Baker as a soft-spoken, boyishly charming Lothario who doesn't even know he's charming the ladies.
Here he is pitted against two opposing female characters. One a redheaded femme fatale, played by T-Ann Manora; the other a sweet young blonde: Madeleine “with three ‘e's,” played by Rebecca McFadzien. Bailey's Baker may be a liar, but somehow his inherent innocence leaves the audience quite sympathetic to his plight at being torn between the two beauties.
McFadzien carries a grace with her onstage making it easy to watch her flow effortlessly through the scene. She deliver's Broun's lines with endearing eagerness and seems comfortable onstage. This is different from Manora's somewhat staunch portrayal of Stephanie.
Bailey's seemingly innocent Baker is a great balance to McFadzien's heady mix of whimsy, life and delightful energy. Staging is well choreographed with the interaction between Baker and his two ladyloves transitioning smoothly.
REVIEW: JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS
Based on Jacques Brel's Lyrics, Commentary and Music
Directed by Benjamin Henson
Musical Direction by Grant Winterburn
Unitec Theatre, Carrington Rd, Mt Albert, Auckland
Reviewed by Lexie Matheson, Theatre Review, 11 Nov 2012
There are times when Rebecca McFadzien owns the stage and performing Brel's 1959 epic Ne Me Quitte Pas (Don't Leave Me) constitutes one of those moments. It's simply breathtaking. Representing the slumming classes in a dazzling red cocktail dress she embarks on Ne Me Quitte Pas as a hauntingly dark ballad and makes it even darker. Her repetition of the phase ‘if you go away' is compellingly beautiful. Brel denied that Ne Me Quitte Pas was a love song despite writing it after he was unceremoniously dumped by his pregnant mistress Zizou (Suzanne Gabriello). He said, rather, that the song celebrated ‘the cowardice of men' and this explanation seeps lusciously into McFadzien's fine interpretation.
Directed by Benjamin Henson
Musical Direction by Grant Winterburn
Unitec Theatre, Carrington Rd, Mt Albert, Auckland
Reviewed by Lexie Matheson, Theatre Review, 11 Nov 2012
There are times when Rebecca McFadzien owns the stage and performing Brel's 1959 epic Ne Me Quitte Pas (Don't Leave Me) constitutes one of those moments. It's simply breathtaking. Representing the slumming classes in a dazzling red cocktail dress she embarks on Ne Me Quitte Pas as a hauntingly dark ballad and makes it even darker. Her repetition of the phase ‘if you go away' is compellingly beautiful. Brel denied that Ne Me Quitte Pas was a love song despite writing it after he was unceremoniously dumped by his pregnant mistress Zizou (Suzanne Gabriello). He said, rather, that the song celebrated ‘the cowardice of men' and this explanation seeps lusciously into McFadzien's fine interpretation.