Director Leanne Pooley
Award winning documentary filmmaker Leanne Pooley answers The Big Idea community questions about directing The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls.
The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls is the first time that the irrepressible Kiwi entertainment double act, Jools and Lynda Topp's extraordinary personal story has been told. The film offers a revealing look into the lives of the world's only comedic, country singing, dancing, and yodeling lesbian twin sisters.
From their happy childhood on a Waikato dairy farm and stint in the Territorial Army, the girls came of age performing on the streets of Auckland during the heady days of the political protest marches in the early 80s, and quickly joined the forefront of progressive social change campaigning for a Nuclear-Free NZ, Maori Land Rights, a halt to the1981 Springbok Tour, and Homosexual Law Reform.
The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls is a big story. It’s not just the story of two sisters but also of 50 years of New Zealand history. Half a century of cultural changes and the foundation of a national identity. Part concept film, part biopic, part historical record, part comedy, the Twins share their journey from ‘coming out’ to Jools' recent brush with Breast Cancer with much laughter, honesty and wisdom. It is a film about two truly unique New Zealanders which ends up saying as much about us as it does about them.
During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
After my first cup of coffee whenever that happens.
How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
I hate to think...
What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
Finding myself in a completely new World with every film.
How does your environment affect your work?
Not a great deal, I come from one of the coldest cities on earth, everywhere else seems easy.
Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
I like to look at the big picture but often get distracted by the details.
What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?
Self-belief
Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
That would be like choosing a favorite child.
Who or what has inspired you recently?
Jon Stewart…smart and funny (and pretty cute too).
If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
Academic…I love being around really smart people.
What place is always with you, wherever you go?
The place where my children are at any given time.
What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
Live…it makes me feel young.
You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
Not much I suspect, I’m not very practical.
What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
To be honest I could do with some advice.
What's great about today?
It’s always a new one.
What’s your big idea for 2009?
Still searching for it.
Comments
9 April 2009 - 18:16 PM
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When researching a potential project what is your is the first source for information and or what is your favourite.
What "completely new world with every film" did you find yourself in whilst you made "The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls?"
20 April 2009 - 15:18 PM
Here are the answers from Leanne Pooley - thanks for your questions!
When researching a potential project what is your first source for information and or what is your favourite.
It depends a lot on the nature of the project but if the film involves an individual(s) then they are the first port of call. I spend as much time as possible with the subjects of my films before filming starts so once we begin the shoot they are comfortable with me. I work to establish a relationship with them, getting to know them both personally and professionally. I read everything written about or by them. Watch anything they’ve done, said, or been involved with. I get to know them as best I can, and what it is that is the heart of “their story”.
What "completely new world with every film" did you find yourself in whilst you made "The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls?"
The world that is “The Topp Twins”. I had never seen them perform live and went on tour with them. I watched them interact with people from all walks of life and bring laughter to audiences from all over the country. Unlike other films where the “world” might be specific (that of the dancer, or the heart surgeon for example) Topp Twin land is a broad cross section of everything great and positive about New Zealand.