Blind Bitter Happiness Series Spotlight

Today’s film spotlight focuses on the series Blind Bitter Happiness directed by Peter Feeney.

What is the title of your film and what inspired said title?

Blind Bitter Happiness.

It’s the name of my book of the same name. And (if I’m frank) I nicked that off the title of a Granta magazine edition.

Tell us a little bit about the story and origins of your film.

I got stuck in a development loop of pitching stuff to networks here in NZ and having everything knocked back. Lockdown hit in 2020 and I started writing, determined to make something of my own. We filmed Ep 1 in January 2021 and Ep 2 in August. Ep 1 is done and dusted, and Ep 2 is still in the post pipeline – with no money everything takes longer!

Any films or filmmakers that inspired this film?

I’m a streaming TV junkie and tend to be inspired by whatever I’m watching. Because it’s TV there’s less of a deal to do with your directorial signature, although that is a thing in TV too. I’m just starting out and I am learning to tread that fine line of following my own instincts, but listening to informed feedback too, and learning via reading (e.g. Save the Cat). I think now that we have made two episodes, I have a much better handle on what I’m doing. I wish I could start again now! But I’m lucky also with my DOP, Sebastian Cort. I think we’ve figured out our working style, which is better if I let him fly on his instincts, without hemming him in with a rigid shot list. But for that to work we also need someone experienced watching and making sure we have the coverage we need. We didn’t always achieve that on our limited budget but we will when we make the series. Seb loves close ups, and I’m not big on establishers. The closest thing to the look/ feel we achieved (most of the time) on the show – and I’m very proud of it – is ‘The Lost Daughter.’ You can find that on Netflix.

What is the goal of the film for you?

I’m coming to it very late, but now I just want to direct TV. It’s hard work, but it pulls together everything I’ve learnt from 30 years of acting, writing, and teaching acting. So, I want to finish Blind Bitter Happiness, get the funding to do that. And I want to use what we’ve filmed as a calling card to get other directing work too.

What has the journey been like getting the film into production?

I’ve mostly loved it. I’m over the low/ no budget thing though – it makes everything harder. It’s been a steep learning curve/ constant shit fight – one bomb going off after another and scrambling to deal with that. At a certain point I told myself – expect things to go wrong, then you won’t be disappointed! The hardest thing for me has been learning to deal with the personality differences/ work issues as they arise. I want to get better at people management.

One thing you learned from this project?

I’m 57, and there is ALWAYS something to learn. It’s the great thing about the Film and TV industry. On the upside I’ve developed a kind of tenacious optimism, which seems to get things done, and done to a high standard. Now, in post, I tell myself now everyday ‘I’m directing my own fully funded TV series.’ Let’s hope it happens!

How can folks find you and your film online?

We are going to find a network to broadcast it and finish the series. Failing that, we’ll release the two episodes on the web later this year. Watch this space.

Any last pieces of advice for fellow filmmakers?

Do it. Keep your aims modest. Get the script right before you start. Only work with people you like. Find a good producer – they are worth their weight in gold.

Repeat the above until you have a paid career.

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