PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA, THE: PALEYFEST 2017: ORPHAN BLACK {LONG VERSION}
Summary
One in a series of evenings and special screenings presented as part of The Paley Center for Media's 34th William S. Paley Television Festival in Los Angeles. Held this year at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, the festival celebrates the excellence and diversity of American television and is dedicated to television's creative community. This PALEYFEST 2017 seminar honors "Orphan Black," the dramatic science fiction series about the far-reaching consequences of a secret government cloning experiment.
After a screening of the fifth season premiere episode, Michael Schneider (editor-at-large, Variety) moderates the following panelists: executive producer/creator/writer Graeme Manson; executive producer/creator/director John Fawcett; and cast members Josh Vokey (Scott Smith), Ari Millen (Ira Rollins / Mark Rollins / Rudy Rollins), Evelyne Brochu (Delphine Cormier), Maria Doyle Kennedy (Siobhan Sadler), Kathryn Alexandre (Clone acting double), Tatiana Maslany (Sarah Manning / Alison Hendrix / Cosima Niehaus / Helena / Rachel Duncan / Beth Childs and other clones), Jordan Gavaris (Felix Dawkins), Kristian Bruun (Donnie Hendrix), and Kevin Hanchard (Arthur Bell).
The panelists touch on such topics as: wrapping the final season and bidding farewell to the many characters; finding sympathy for the villainous, power-hungry Rachel; hints about the "evil patriarchal figure" of P.T. Westmoreland, the shadowy founder of Neolution who will be played by Stephen McHattie in season five; taking inspiration from H.G. Well's 1896 science fiction novel, "The Island of Dr. Moreau"; the current status of the Leda clones, with the estimation that nine remain alive; Donnie's forest adventures with Helena and Bruun's sense that he can "rise to the occasion"; the other actors' sense of disorientation at working with Maslany as many different characters; Gavaris' awe for the imperious Rachel; Maslany's gratitude to her committed scene partners, who react differently to the assorted clones; how Felix's London accent affects his confidence and gender-bending demeanor; Alexandre as the show's "unsung hero" and the logistics of her work as Maslany's double in scenes featuring more than one clone; Kennedy and Maslany's praise for Alexandre's committed performances that are never seen onscreen; Siobhan's strong "moral compass" and desire to avenge the murder of her mother Kendall (Alison Steadman); Brochu's relief at learning that the long-absent Delphine was in fact still alive; Delphine's strong personal motivations and lack of concern for others' doubt; the Delphine/Cosima romance as the show's most important relationship and the importance of LGBT representation; Millen's uncertainty in portraying "innocent" Castor clone Ira, who differs greatly from his own personality; Ira's bizarre relationship with his adoptive mother Susan Duncan (Rosemary Dunsmore); why many fans fear for the safety of sweet-natured lab assistant Scott; Vokey's enjoyment in playing the role long-term, as Scott was originally intended for one episode only; how Arthur's "profound love" for the deceased Beth informs his involvement with the clones; and their favorite clones, including ditzy manicurist Krystal Goderitch and paranoid hacker Veera "M.K." Suominen.
Questions from the audience then lead to a discussion of the following topics, among others: the panelists' next projects, including Maslany's independent film "The Other Half" (2016), co-starring boyfriend Tom Cullen, and Kennedy's plans to direct a short film; advice for directors and the importance of an "egalitarian" set; Maslany's approach to the memorable scenes in which the clones impersonate one another; and ideas for other clones, including a ballet-dancing spy.
Details
- NETWORK: N/A
- DATE: November 30, 1999 7:30 PM
- RUNNING TIME: N/A
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: 129002
- GENRE: Seminars
- SUBJECT HEADING: N/A
- SERIES RUN: N/A
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Michael Schneider … Moderator
- Josh Vokey … Panelist
- Ari Millen … Panelist
- Evelyne Brochu (see also: Évelyne Brochu) … Panelist
- Maria Doyle Kennedy … Panelist
- Kathryn Alexandre … Panelist
- Tatiana Maslany … Panelist
- Jordan Gavaris … Panelist
- Kristian Bruun … Panelist
- Kevin Hanchard … Panelist
- Graeme Manson … Panelist
- John Fawcett … Panelist
- Tom Cullen
- Rosemary Dunsmore
- Stephen McHattie
- Alison Steadman
- H.G. Wells