Ahead of the inaugural Melbourne Web Series Festival on 20 July, we’re profiling all 30 series that made the Official Selection list. Next up is “Self-Centered” created by Kevin Proctor and Steven Keevil.

Filmed in London, Self Centered focuses on a woman named Lydia whom was once a hot property actress but has become mired in drink, drugs and ‘kiss and tell’ stories. Unable to get work, depressed and lonely she contemplates a suicidal overdose, only to wake up in a rehab clinic in the future.

Guided by The Custodian, Lydia discovers that she is the key to saving mankind from a dystopian future. She needs to clean up and become the actress that destiny requires. Could this be true, can Lydia’s fragile state take the pressure or is it all in

her mind as she lays unconscious in the bath?

What inspired your series?

The Twilight Zone, Night Gallery, Quantum Leap, Jacob’s Ladder, La Jetee/Twelve Monkeys, THX 1138, Land of the Blind, pop culture, Rehab clinics, and the torrid ‘celeb’ magazines that infest our periphery.

Why should people watch your series?

It is a universal project that encompasses the destructive nature of humanity through the fragile Lydia, who is struggling with her place in life and her individual identity. It is designed to engage and encourage thought. Kellie Shirley delivers an amazing performance as Lydia, visually it’s impressive and occasionally the writing and directing are good too.

What do you want people to take away from your series?

Enjoyment with the feeling that they were lost in the story and that web series can be high quality entertainment without cats playing the keyboard.

What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome in production?

Shooting on a limited time scale – we had 4 days. We had a great DoP, Catherine Derry, and two fantastic 1st AD’s, Zoe Liang and Joey Coughlin, who made sure that each scene was covered. There was no Art Department or Production Designer, not through trying, but most people just couldn’t commit.

How do you reach your audience?

Through online distribution with Koldcast, the Official Website, the YouTube Channel and the Facebook page.

Why make a web series?

The Internet is the new wild west and it’s an opportunity to create interesting, original work that might not otherwise be seen. Web Series gives us a global reach that will build a brand, audience and longevity and this project is ideal for the medium.

Self Centered on the web:

Official Site: https://www.selfcenteredseries.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Self-Centered/188082451216576

Keep up to date with Melbourne WebFest on Twitter: @MelbWebFest.