As a devoted admirer of the world of entertainment and its intricate tapestry, I find myself utterly captivated by the forthcoming comedy series “Small Town Big Story.” This show, penned by the multi-talented Chris O’Dowd, promises to be a delightful exploration of Hollywood chaos transpiring in a quaint Irish village.
For some time, Ireland has served as a backdrop for numerous significant Hollywood productions. However, an upcoming comedy series takes a unique twist by focusing on the pandemonium that arises when a large-scale Hollywood television production unexpectedly sets up shop in a quaint Irish village.
“Big Tale from a Quaint Hamlet,” hailing from Sky Studios and Playground, is the brainchild of Chris O’Dowd, who also takes the helm as director. The lead roles are played by Christina Hendricks and Paddy Considine.
A six-part television series, set to debut in the U.K. and Ireland next year at Mipcom, is based around the fictional Irish village of Drumbán, a small rural town full of eccentric characters. However, when a significant Hollywood production arrives in town, it exposes a secret that has been concealed since the turn of the millennium.
Hendricks plays the successful TV producer, a hometown hero, while Considine embodies the town’s respected pillar. As the show prepares to be marketed to international investors at Cannes, we can exclusively share that O’Dowd will make a guest appearance. Additionally, other new cast members have been added such as Clarke Peters, known for “The Wire” and “Da 5 Bloods,” and Tim Heidecker, who was also in a movie with O’Dowd called “Bridesmaids.
In conversation with EbMaster, O’Dowd shares that “Small Town Big Story” is akin to “Moone Boy,” his Irish sitcom he created between 2012 and 2015, in terms of cultural similarity. He also expresses the delight of working alongside the same crew both on-screen and off-screen once again.
What was the inspiration for this show, and was it so you could poke fun at both Hollywood and Ireland in one go?
There was certainly a truth to that, but maybe it was more about examining my own relationship with both places. I wrote this in the utter fucking pits of lockdown, which is why I think it took an almost cosmic turn and became something quite out of your head. I was in lockdown in Canada, where we were shooting another movie, when the opportunity to write something came along. It’s the only time I’ve ever felt in my life where I wasn’t really in control. I was just struggling to keep awake to write down all of these thoughts flowing through me. It was great craic.
And how did you get Christina Hendricks on board? Was this the first time you’d worked with her?
On this occasion, she was someone I hadn’t collaborated with before, yet I was a die-hard admirer. My spouse and I were avid enthusiasts of the series “Mad Men”. When considering the casting for our project, she instantly came to mind as an ideal candidate, but I hesitated, thinking we wouldn’t be able to secure her services, given my unfamiliarity with her. However, during a work assignment, I happened to be on a call with my wife, and she mentioned that Christina Hendricks had been in the kitchen that morning. They shared an affinity for fashion. As a result of this coincidence, we arranged a dinner, where I presented the show to her.
And you shot it in your hometown of Boyle, right?
Indeed, a portion was filmed in Boyle, however, the majority of the production took place in Wicklow, which is situated south of Dublin, as a significant number of our team members reside in that area.
You also shot “Moone Boy” in Boyle. That was about an imaginative child and this is about someone who has made a success of themselves in the entertainment industy. Is this sort of like a spiritual successor to “Moone Boy”?
I think they certainly feel like cultural cousins. And I think that the comedic style in both is slightly similar. This show is more grown up. But we’ve even got the guy who plays Moone Boy — David Rawle — in this show, playing Paddy Considine’s son. He’s such a lovely fella. But it is interesting, I suppose, because it brings me to “Moone Boy” all of the time when I’m watching it, because he’s so much the face of that. It’s also got so many of the same people involved. It was cool to see all of these people who were very young when we were making “Moone Boy.” Back then, we all seemed to be in our 30s, and they’re all now in our 40s after 10 years of doing big American projects. And they’re fucking incredible — the most talented crew I’ve ever worked with.
I understand the big news is that you’re also starring in this, or at least have a cameo role?
It’s thrilling news for everyone! I portray Jack E. McCarthy, the creator of “I Am Celt,” the imaginary series that serves as the narrative’s core.
So, just to confirm, this is a story about someone from Ireland who became a bit of a big deal in Hollywood, and returns to their hometown. You wrote and directed it and you’re playing the writer. And you shot it in your hometown. Can you get any more meta?
Indeed, there have been instances where I felt I might push even harder, and having David along made it feel like we were navigating the ever-shifting landscape of identities. This is a significant aspect of the series, exploring the concept of identity in depth.
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2024-10-21 14:20