Ahead of Melbourne WebFest 2014 we are profiling all the series in the Official Selection as well as the “Second Look” series.
Wimpole Street is filmed in Muswell Hill, London. In a series of fly-on-the-wall style interviews, an unseen journalist interviews the Miller household concerning the disappearance of Mr John Miller M.P. As the mystery unravels, hints of foul play and political intrigue bubble beneath the minutiae of domestic drama.
Shannon wants people to come away from her series with a laugh, a recipe for eggless ginger cake, and a sense that time may fly, but people never change.
What inspired your series?
I grew up with Victorian comic novels like Nicholas Nickleby and The Diary of a Nobody, as well as series like Upstairs Downstairs, and later Downton Abbey and The Office.
I love a good comedy of manners. I also love social satire and the humour that lies within strict social codes. I just made a show I wanted to watch.
Why should people watch your series?
It’s a fresh take on a familiar genre – an old-fashioned sitcom with a twist.
How do you finance your series?
It was micro-budget and a labour of love for all involved. Maybe we’ll do crowd-funding for season two.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome in production?
Location. We had no idea where to shoot. We researched museums, sound stages, theatres and country homes but they were all too expensive. Finally we realised the answer was on our door step. I live in a Victorian-era house! So after some wonderful production design by Frances White, we shot in the house where I live!
How do you reach your audience?
Through a combination of social media, newspaper reviews, blogs and word of mouth. Being in festivals helps as well!
Why make a web series?
It’s a great format. I love the way it’s totally democratic. Any creator can make a series and upload it on line. It’s up to the audience to decide whether they’re going to vote with their views. I think the web format encourages creativity without the limits. I also like the way web creators all support each other. It’s a great community.
Wimpole Street on the web:
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWcQj0edzd8
Facebook: facebook.com/wimpolestreetseries
Website: www.wimpolestreet.weebly.com/ http://blip.tv/wimpolestreet
Twitter: @WimpoleStreet2, @caitlinvickery
Keep up to date with Melbourne Web Fest on twitter: @MelbWebFest
La Trobe University is a festival sponsor of Melbourne WebFest.
