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In Conversation with Eugene Kelly

Industry Updates  7 Sep 2016

During his time in Victoria shooting The Leftovers Series 3, US producer Eugene Kelly sat down with experienced producers and writers to share some of his insights into the business, collected over a lifetime working on features and television series with Columbia, Warner Bros., Disney, Sony and HBO.

Working with writers (as a producer)

I’m very close to the script process, although I’m not a writer. I’m involved to help shape the script to ensure we can afford to make it. In my experience, you cannot manage a writer, you can only help them realise their vision.

On getting a script read

The good news for Melbourne writers is that it’s a level playing field whether you’re here or in the US. There’s no magic to it – you get an agent. It’s always been essential for any project that’s going to be fully financed by a studio or company like HBO.

And you need to network to get an agent to read your script. And those scripts are much more likely to find a home if they’ve been a labour of love.

What networks, like HBO, are currently looking for

The Epic drama series will always have a place.

Contemporary drama targeting younger audiences is alive and in demand, along with limited mini-series.

Shows with diverse cast are getting good market share, and it’s the audience that’s driving that.

Most importantly, to get them interested, bring passion not formula.

On essential industry skills

You learn more as a producer in post-production than anywhere else. I try to encourage new people in the industry to spend time in post-production. Experience in picture and sound editing, music and visual effects makes for a more effective producer on set.

Produced for HBO by White Rabbit in association with Warner Bros. Television, The Leftovers commenced shooting in Australia in June 2016 and will feature a range of unique Victorian locations, which are at the heart of the final season.