Synopsis
Director's Notes
Standby observes the drama leading up to a pivotal performance for one of its characters. We use the action as a framework to explore scene subtext- who should have the part? Is the best auditioner, the better performer, or the better pitcher? Should the role go to the one who works harder, or the one that seems right?
Mise En Scene
Duality informs the framing. Early two shots divide and parallel characters that suffer in singles as they journey deeper into the film, leading to the symmetrical singles of the finale. Static shots slowly give away to movement, ending in a montage of rhythmic movements. Match cuts and echoed parallel frames connect moments across the film.
This lighting journey is part of a broader colour Scheme – blue for the backstage, pink for the dressing Room. Cyan for the edges of the world, red for the Auditorium, and the yellowtinged-blacks of the stage.
Production Background
Standby was conceived to feature the talents of its three actresses- esther, pallavi and phoebe. The script reworked a screenplay by cathy friend called ‘besties”.
Filmed over two days at the zenith theatre and excelsia college in sydney. Post-production was an international collaboration during the covid-19 lockdown- with an editor in sweden, a direc tor in australia, and music composers in milan.
CAST AND CHARACTERS
RIA ( Phoebe gribble )
Ria is from an acting family. Ria is conscientious and discipluned She went to drama school with tash, and this production is her first significant opportunity as even at school lead roles tended to go to others with more presence Ria has noticed a cycle and her studies where she overworks material, while others who dont work as hard experience a more intuitive connection on stage
TASH ( esther williams )
Tash was a very promising actor from a regional city Where this was less common. Her mother was a teacher and now Suffers from a degenerative condition. Tash’s move to study in the City necessitated hiring a nurse, and tash’s old school friend alice Took the job. Tash feels the need to be a success’ to her family Back home hence the lie about playing viola. She is often Overwhelmed by the surplus of acting talent in the city, and Struggles with the audition process, even though she is very Natural in the moment of performance.
ALICE ( Pallavi warden )
Alice And Tash Were At High School Together And Alice Tended To Shelter Tash Academicaly At That Time Alice Fears That Tash Is Guilty About Not Carng For Her Own Mother, And Tries To Motivate connection Between The Two She Came To The Play Expecting To See Tash Perform The Role. But Cant Help But Notice That There Is A Tension Present
CAST
RIA. PHOEBE GRIBBLE
TASH. ESTHER WILLIAMS
ALICE. PALLAVI WARDEN
Written, Directed And Produced By
Michael McLennan
Director of Photography
Rasmus Callmer
Production Design
Emily Kemp
Editor
Viktor Jonsson
Sound Recording
Simon Allen
Music
Sara Dolado, Pablo Anson
Sound Mix
John Hresc
Addtional Sound Editor
Jacob Hafner Keelan
First AC
Sean Victoriano, Paul D’indy
Second AC
Alex Plenge Chan
Gaffer
Jamie Murray
Best Boy
Justin Layug
Production Design Assist
Kaitlyn Symons
Featuring Characters From
“Besties’ By Cathy Friend
Grade
Rasmus Callmer
Assistant Editor
Michael Mclennan
Special Thanks
Naomi Belet
Catering
Ellen Doolan
Titles
Viktor Jonsson
Eletronic Press Kit
Reuben Tirkey
Executive Producer
Mark Seton
Special Thanks
Emily O’Brien
Excelsia College
In Association with Wavelength Films
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