Lisa McCune and Georgie Parker talk to TV Week about the roles for women and the price of fame......
It wasn’t so long ago that the landscape for women in the Australian entertainment business was bleak. When it came to TV scripts, there were few female characters of substance.
Actresses were openly critical of the fact that the role they were offered lacked the depth of those played by their male counterparts.
And networks were guided by a perception that shows focussing on strong female characters were a ratings risk.
Times have changed and some of Australia’s best talent is reaping dividends.
Rebecca Gibney has been critically and publicly applauded for her lead role in the Nine Network’s Halifax f.p. and audiences have warmed to Wendy Hughes’ performance in Network Ten’s State Coroner.
Meanwhile, the Seven network has one of TV’s hottest properties in Blue Heelers star Lisa McCune, and is anticipating a huge public response to Georgie Parker’s return to prime time television.
Georgie, renowned for her work in A Country Practice, Acropolis Now and Fire, has a starring role in the now medical drama series All Saints.
When Lisa and Georgie met for a TV Week photo shoot, it became quickly apparent they shared much in common.
TV Week: Are there times when it’s difficult to cope with the public recognition and the media scrutiny?
Lisa: I’m pretty relaxed about it. I go to Channel Seven and work 12 hours a day, so it’s a bit like being in a cocoon. I don’t feel it (media exposure) has restricted me at all. After four years, I’m just starting to get recognised on the street and most people are really nice. There are certain things you must accept you must accept as part of the job. If somebody approaches me and asks if they can have an autograph for their daughter, I certainly have no worries about that. But I feel for the people who approach me when I’m having a bad day.
Georgie: There are times when I’ve questioned whether all the public and media attention has been worth it. I’m incredibly opinionated, but extraordinarily private. I like it when people say they enjoy the show I’m in, but I loathe it when people openly stare or point. I am quick to let them know how rude they are. I’ve got a partner who can’t believe women get heckled so much. I don’t know whether guys do it to intimidate you or just to impress their friends. There’s also a line where media scrutiny ceases to be part of the job. If people start asking me who I’m dating or about what I’m wearing, that’s invasive.
TVW: How do you deal with the job pressure when you’re having a bad day?
Lisa: I just grab a cup of coffee and make sure I eat all day to ensure my mouth is full and I can’t say anything.
Georgie: If I’m having a bad day I’m very vocal about it, but I don’t blame anyone for it. I think you’ve got to be frank, because that gives people the chance to give you a wide berth. Have I ever "lost it" on a set? No. That’s not constructive. I’m rational when it comes to emotional issues.
TVW: Has the quality of roles for women improved significantly over the past couple of years?
Lisa: gender shouldn’t play a part when it comes to well-written characters, but it has. I think things have definitely changed for the better.
Georgie: Yes, and I hope it’s more than just a phase. In the past there were stereotyped characters because TV was supposedly appealing to a mainstream audience. That theory has been blown out of the water because there are now successful shows with well-written women in them.
TVW: Lisa, where would you like the writers of Blue Heelers to take your character, Maggie, in 1998?
Lisa: Martin Sacks (P.J.) and I have expressed our concerns to the writers. We think the relationship will never be stable. Martin and I don’t want to see our characters married or living together and playing cosy, happy families. I hope there are a lot of twists and turns for Maggie.
TVW: Georgie,, All Saints is new territory in TV because it focuses on the burden carried by nurses rather than doctors. How are you adapting to the challenge of your role?
Georgie: I’m loving it. I would be shocking to play a character you don’t actually like. It’s great to play someone’s who’s thoughtful, sassy and has a sense of humour.
TVW: What will you be doing in 30 or so years?
Lisa: I hope to be acting. I’m so blessed with the Blue Heelers role, I hope it’s not all downhill from here.
Georgie: I’d probably be more into theatre in my 70s. THere are great roles for older characters there.
Also included was a run-down of what going to happen in 1998 in Blue Heelers. To see it, click here.