Image Credit: Viddsee
Series Mania has been around since 2010 and brings together the world's best series, their creators and stars to France. This year, it will be held from March 20-28 in Lille, with notable jury members Tom Perotta (The Leftovers), and Rachel Griffiths (Muriel's Wedding, Six Feet Under) and guests including Chris Brancato (the creator of Netflix series Narcos and Narcos: Mexico).
The Viddsee Original Series, 'Soul Food', was selected to be in competition for Series Mania's Short Forms Series Competition — and is the sole Asian representative in a field that includes entries from France, Denmark and Argentina. This is the second time they are nominated in the category, with last year's 'Drive' by Don Aravind being thier first.
Before the start of the official competition, we managed to secure an exclusive interview with the key creators of “Soul Food”. We have the lead actress — Silver Ang, executive producer of Viddsee Studios — Kenny Tan, and writer — Priscilla Goh, respectively.
Silver Ang | Lead Actress
Image Credit: Viddsee
1. What made you decide to take up the role of Verona?
After I read the script, I fell in love. There was no way I wasn’t going to take on the role. The concept was interesting, plus I thought the angle of using food to reconcile relationships was very meaningful. (I’m an emotional person!)
2. Were there any difficulties you faced undertaking this character, given that this character appears to have some hidden backstory that the audience doesn’t know initially?
Yes definitely. I knew about synesthesia, but I wasn’t sure how they viewed things apart from studying videos that I found on YouTube and reading up articles. Also, having to be aloof and cold was not something that’s in my personality!
3. What do you think are the biggest challenges actors are facing in Singapore?
Getting known on a more global level, as well as the remuneration for actors here. The industry isn’t as rich as some of the bigger countries, which makes the income a challenge. Also, with free content media everywhere (Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and drama apps, for example), audiences have a much shorter attention span, and they have more choices on where to rest their eyeballs on. Getting the audience to look your way is a challenge that I believe all actors face worldwide.
Kenny Tan I Executive Producer
Image Credit: Viddsee Kenny Tan is on the right(dark green tee)
1. What is it about ‘Soul Food’ that appeals to you, and you think for the audience?
I think the concept of Soul Food is refreshing and something that I've never seen before, the mixed genre of a drama with supernatural elements combined with the food genre is what caught my eye. I think audiences like it for its unique premise, and of course, because it's also about food – which was also why we created a digital recipe book of the dishes that were featured from the series. You can download it
here.
2. How do you feel about ‘Soul Food’ being one of the few Asian nominees for the Series Mania’s Short Form Series Competition?
It is an incredible honour to be nominated at the festival. Series Mania is a major international festival for series content, and for a Singaporean production to be featured amidst major American and European series from the likes of HBO and Netflix is a proud moment for us. Representing Singapore at the festival is also a great way to introduce our unique stories and voice to the rest of the world.
3. Any word of advice for aspiring filmmakers in Singapore and the region?
Singapore and South East Asia have many authentic local stories and diverse perspectives -- stemming from our different cultures, idiosyncrasies and folklores -- that the world needs to see more of.
Filmmakers are essentially the storytellers of the community; we need more storytellers to find that passion and confidence to tell these stories so that our unique voice can be heard more often on the world stage. And there’s no better time to a filmmaker; technological advancements like digital distribution can help amplify our collective voices and stories further.
Priscilla Goh | Writer
Image Credit: Viddsee
1. Was writing this series any more different than for some other projects that you have previously worked on?
This series was the first long-form fictional drama series I have ever written or even worked on, so there were many firsts during this experience. I usually work on documentaries/reality shows, and mainly as an editor.
2. Which among the stories was the most challenging?
The larger narrative about the Verona/Orion story was the most challenging because we had to weave it into the other episodes and bring it about to the climax with the revelation.
3. Are you a fervent cook yourself? What messages do you hope to bring across to viewers of ‘Soul Food’?
Yes, I run a fictional food re-creation blog, but am on a bit of a hiatus now as I'm super busy with work and the baby. I try to make sure my family eats at least 1 home-cooked meal a day, though.
Image Credit: Viddsee
Soul Food's Synopsis: Verona’s family has always had a saying – 饮食思联 – that when we eat, we remember those who ate with us. A psychologist-turned private chef, she re-creates final meals for those who want to meet their loved ones once again – but is there someone she desires to see once more as well?
After knowing more behind-the-scene stories on a personal level, it can be seen how each of them played a huge part by taking their role seriously and that is how the masterpiece is created. You can watch the entire series on
Viddsee. Finally, all the best in the upcoming Series Mania's Short Forms Series Competition!