BY Laura Michell
An international series co-produced by an Epping actor, write and producer has been nominated for an award at the Seoul Webfest.
‘Strings Attached’ is in the running for the Best Dramedy Award at the festival, which was the first in Korea and north-east Asia to celebrate web series.
Jessica Hutchinson said the series was filmed remotely using smartphones and Zoom across eight countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The series concept, premise and story arc was created by Andy Wolf, an editor and one of the directors on the show. It was co-produced by Marie Förster, who also starred, wrote and directed on the series. The team produced the show remotely, co-ordinating more than 30 cast and crew members during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The series has been shown at a number of film festivals around the world since April.
Hutchinson said ‘Strings Attached’ has won eight awards and made the finals four times at 13 festivals.
She said the series was created to provide opportunities for underrepresented artists around the world to stay creative, connected and working during the pandemic.
“I’m thrilled to be representing Australia and the cast and crew of this amazing project at the Seoul Webfest. The feedback and excitement around our show has been wild, it’s absolutely proof that you can create dynamic, unique concepts that resonate with audiences no matter the filming and logistical challenges you may face,” Hutchinson said.
Hutchison was also recently announced as part of the Australian Writers Writers Guild and VicScreen First Break program.
Starting in August, she’ll be undertaking professional development and building connections with respected industry professionals.
“It’s important that this kind of program exists for underrepresented writers, and very humbling to be included in the inaugural program for Victoria. I’m beyond grateful that the Writer’s Guild and VicScreen have recognised my hard work, it’s a great reward for the years I’ve spent striving to take my career to the next level,” she said.
She also has her sights set on working in America.
“I can’t wait to work in both Australia and America on my slate of projects. As a queer, neurodiverse woman, it’s not been an easy journey, which makes all of these offers and moments of success all the sweeter,” she said.
