As part of my article on the Neighbours fostering story, I also interviewed Australia’s own Deborra-lee Furness. She talks about directing scenes, the importance of story and characters, and the organisation she helped create – Adopt Change.
How did you find the experience of directing on a show as iconic as Neighbours?
I found the experience of directing the iconic show Neighbours exhilarating. I find any new creative exhilarating and directing soap opera is like being thrown in the deep end of a pool and having to swim very fast to stay afloat.
TV shows like this move at breakneck speed and I would recommend the experience for anyone wanting to be a director. You need to think very fast on your feet and make sure you have done all your preparation, so that you are ready for any curve balls that come your way, and they will … from a downpour of rain for an exterior location to a pandemic that threatens to stop production.
“Directing soap opera is like being thrown in the deep end of a pool and having to swim very fast to stay afloat.”
I also loved that I got to do double duty, whilst stretching my creative chops I had the opportunity to shine a light and bring awareness around foster children and the challenges they face. Because these characters are so known and loved, I think people have a chance to see up close and personal what the reality is. The more awareness we bring to this issue, the faster we can move to improve policy and methodology to ensure children belong in loving permanent families.
Deborra-lee Furness directing scenes on the set of Neighbours
What did you think of the overall storyline and acting involved?
I thought the storyline showed the truth of this journey of foster care, it was not just sugar coated. I might add that our team at ADOPT CHANGE was very instrumental in advising and nuancing the characters and story. Through Matt and Takaya’s characters we got to see the challenges they faced in the process of opening their hearts and home to a young boy. Ezra did a wonderful job of bringing great vulnerability to his character and we get to see how extremely difficult it is to feel alone and abandoned showing up in a strangers’ home.
“I thought the storyline showed the truth of this journey of foster care, it was not just sugar coated.”
Deborra-lee Furness with Neighbours stars Takaya Honda, Ezra Justin and Matt Wilson
What kind of message do you hope viewers received form the fostering story?
I hope that the viewers were able to have an insight into how extremely prevalent and difficult this issue is. I hope that their understanding of this community would be expanded and afforded a deeper insight. When you are confronted with the nuances of each individual story, it is hard not to be empathetic. I heard recently that a study showed empathy is an emotion that can be developed and the more we open our hearts the more profound connection we create with ourselves and therefore to everyone around us.
“I would encourage the LGBTIQ+ community to embrace the opportunity to foster or adopt a child if this was something they wanted to do.”
Matt Wilson, Takaya Honda and Ezra Justin in a scene from Neighbours
What message would you give in particular to LGBTIQ people in regard to wanting to foster or adopt a child?
Every child needs a nurturing, supporting, loving family environment so I would encourage the LGBTIQ+ community to embrace the opportunity to foster or adopt a child if this was something they wanted to do. Adopt Change would be happy to offer support and guidance with the process.
For more visit: www.adoptchange.org.au
