Ahead of the third edition of Melbourne WebFest, we are profiling all the official selections that will be screening 10-12 July at Deakin Edge.
Created by Faddia Abboud, this tongue in cheek comedy uses a mixture of Australian humour and wit to entertain and enlighten. This web series is set to hook you in as love, secrecy and temptation drives the cheeky and addictive series.
As a content creator, where to you go to find information about other film makers and web series?
I hear about things through social media, through articles online, people send me stuff that they think I might be interested in.
How do you finance your series?
The first series of I LUV U BUT was self funded; the second series was funded by Screen Australia through their multi-platform drama fund.
Why did you make a web series instead of an independent film on LGBT issues?
I’ve made a short queer film and that went well in the festivals but it’s still really limiting. If you put something online you can reach a much bigger audience, and especially with I LUV U BUT, it’s a story about Arab culture anywhere in the world.
Do you think your series will generate exposure and perhaps a better understanding of LGBT honesties in Australia? Was this one of your inspirations for making I Luv U But?
My desire to make films and screen work is about wanting to see alternative narratives on screen, the web has made that much more possible. For me queer stories and migrant stories that come from within are still rare, so it definitely a reason to make my work but also because that is who I am. To see public reflections of yourself is validating, especially when you live your life mostly in secret.
How do you reach your audience?
Social media, Facebook has been the big one for me.
What do you want audiences to take away from your series?
It’s okay not to come out of the closet.
Are there any web series, other than your own that inspire you?
Shankaboot, a Lebanese webseries. It crosses boundaries and shows another side of Lebanon.
Describe the ultimate fan of your series?
Someone living the usual life of not being out to their family but out to most of their friends and getting how one can (and has to) balance their life between the two.
Have you achieved the goals you set for this series?
It hasn’t had millions of views but it’s won the hearts of the audience it was intended for and that makes me happy.
I Luv U But on the web:
Watch I Luv U But
I Luv U But on Facebook
I Luv U But on Twitter
Keep up to date with Melbourne Web Fest on twitter: @MelbWebFest
La Trobe University is Melbourne WebFest’s exclusive learning partner.
