Pictured: Julie Kalceff and Rosie Lourde
Duo Julie Kalceff and Rosie Lourde plan to bring new drama series Torn to our screens with help from Screen Australia’s Gender Matters Initiative.
The brains behind Melbourne WebFest’s Official Selection web series Starting from Now, have announced development of their latest series Torn, thanks to funding from Screen Australia’s Gender Matters Initiative. The series will be presented in a longer style format at 30 minute episodes, with the hope that it will air on streaming platforms as well as traditional TV networks.
“Two women, former school friends, are re-united after 15 years,” Julie Kalceff explains the synopsis.
“While they each appear to have moved on with their lives, there’s still one thing holding them back – their unresolved feelings for each other.”
Screen Australia’s Gender Matters Initiative addresses and works against the gender imbalance within the Australian screen industry, which granted the pair funding for early stage development to address important themes through Torn.
“There’s no shortage of statistics on the under-representation of women both in front of and behind the camera,” says Rosie Lourde.
“This has long been an issue and is something that won’t change without support for female filmmakers. Screen Australia has been instrumental in providing this support, as have a number of the state funding bodies. We have also had a great deal of support from Screen NSW. Together with Screen Australia, they are leading the way in implementing and facilitating change within the industry.”
The duo began to work together in 2013, when Rosie became a cast member in Starting from Now. From there the two began to work as co-producers on the series’ Season 3 the following year.
“We have very different skill sets and very different ways of seeing the world, but ultimately these differences complement each other to make a great team,” Kalceff says.
“There is no doubt that the industry as a whole is in an incredible time of change across all platforms and mediums. We are proud to be part of this shift through Starting From Now but to have our contribution recognised through the Gender Matters funding for Torn, alongside all the other wonderful projects, is incredibly rewarding.”
Lourde advises aspiring female filmmakers to persevere with their goals even when it may be easier to quit.
“Sometimes it feels as though it’s an uneven playing field and the odds are stacked against you. The best thing to do is not give up. It is difficult and you will need to give more than you ever expected but the rewards, should you persist, are many.”
“Think about why you want to be a filmmaker and what success looks like to you. It’s easier to reach your goals if you’re clear about what they are. Also, find people you can work with and who complement your skill set. Once you’ve found those people, respect and nurture those relationships,” Kalceff says.
Torn is still in early stage development, however we are eager to see what the talented pair create and deliver to the public and will keep you updated.