Additional Material: Behind The Scenes


PICTURED L-R: Rowena Hutson during filming of her episode with Director of Photography, Yanni Dellaportas. Photo by Sally McLean


"Why then, can one desire too much of a good thing?" - William Shakespeare, As You Like It


The game's afoot!

FUN FACT: We're not quoting from Sherlock Holmes there, we're quoting Shakespeare - from Henry V, to be precise.  (Check out more of this stuff in our Fun Facts).

Welcome to the Behind The Scenes part of the site, where we give you access to the inner workings of Shakespeare Republic with clips, interviews and footage of the process in general, as we put together and prepare the Shakespeare Republic web series.

Season Two has now launched, and we've got lots to share, so grab a cuppa, sit down, relax and enjoy this peek behind the curtain ...


SEASON TWO: THE FILMING ... A PEEK BEHIND THE SCENES

Building The Republic (Behind The Scenes Doco) On Set Footage Preview

A taste of our behind the scenes footage from Season Two of Shakespeare Republic, soon to be released as a full documentary. Interviews with cast and crew will be shot in the coming months and the full film will be released late 2017. Featuring Nadine Garner, Michala Banas, Dean Haglund, Alan Fletcher, Christopher Kirby and more. Long live the bard!

“CROWNING YORK” OR “MARGARET WINS THE DAY” – BEHIND THE SCENES OF EPISODE ONE, SEASON TWO WITH STEPHEN COSTAN

Step behind the scenes of Episode One, Season Two to see how we put together the episode and get a taste of the fun and games of making an independent web series.

Here we show you how to build a feast in an Elizabethan-style hall with a despot and his two security guards – on a very limited budget!

Huge thanks to Lord Somers Camp, where this was filmed for their amazing support and for making it possible for us to film in their wonderful venue.

Read more …

“THE NATURE GODDESS” OR “EVERY EDMUND HAS THEIR DAY” – BEHIND THE SCENES OF EPISODE TWO, SEASON TWO WITH FALON RYAN

Step behind the scenes of Episode Two, Season Two to see how we put together the episode and get a taste of the fun and games of making an independent web series. Featuring Falon Ryan (Cast) with Sally McLean, Shaun Herbertson, Bashir Towdiee, Billy Smedley, Tim McCormick, Shane Savage, Marg Woodlock-McLean, Taylah McLean Filmed at St Catherine's School, Toorak by Billy Smedley, Shane Savage and Falon Ryan. Read more ...

“SHAKESPEARE IN THE BOARDROOM” OR “THOMAS MORE FOR PM” – BEHIND THE SCENES OF EPISODE THREE, SEASON TWO WITH CHRISTOPHER KIRBY

Step behind the scenes of Episode Three, Season Two to see how we put together the episode and get a taste of the fun and games of making an independent web series. Featuring Christopher Kirby, Faran Martin and Vuyo Loko (Cast) with Sally McLean, Shaun Herbertson, Cam Green, Billy Smedley, Abramo Peghini, Paulie King, Marg Woodlock-McLean, Taylah McLean and all our fabulous Additional Artists: Katrina Climie, Lyonel Draper, Robert Jackson, Pankaj Kashyap, Stephen Moore, Daniel Oakley, Jordanka Petkoff, Pauline Sherry, Vivian Smedley and Stephen Wyley. Filmed at St Catherine's School, Toorak by Billy Smedley, Sally McLean and Taylah McLean. Read more ...

“THE MAN IN THE MIRROR” OR “VIOLA AS A HIPSTER” – BEHIND THE SCENES OF EPISODE FOUR, SEASON TWO WITH NADINE GARNER

Step behind the scenes of Episode Four, Season Two to see how we put together the episode and get a taste of the fun and games of making an independent web series. Featuring Nadine Garner (Cast) with Sally McLean, Shaun Herbertson, Cam Green, Billy Smedley, Tim McCormick, Shane Savage and Perri Cummings. Filmed at The Courthouse Hotel, North Melbourne by Billy Smedley, Sally McLean and Shane Savage. Read more ...

“THE POLITICS OF POWER” OR “A GIRL’S GOT TO DO, WHAT A GIRL’S GOT TO DO” – BEHIND THE SCENES OF EPISODE FIVE, SEASON TWO WITH WAHIBE MOUSSA

Step behind the scenes of Episode Five, Season Two to see how we put together the episode. See how you can turn a group of 7-8 people into a crowd of 20, hear a little about the philosophy behind the season and the way we interpret these monologues, see some of the deleted scenes of this ep and witness the on screen debut of acclaimed Australian Director, Richard Sarell in his role as "Petruchio". Featuring Wahibe Moussa, Richard Sarell, Jessica Martin, Taylah McLean, Sarah Penn and Marissa Tunks (Cast) with Sally McLean, Shaun Herbertson, Bashir Towdiee, Billy Smedley, Tim McCormick, Paulie King, Taryn Gionis, Joel Gionis and Falon Ryan. Filmed at Toorak College, Mt Eliza by Billy Smedley, Sally McLean and Falon Ryan. Read more ...

“ONCE MORE UNTO THE BREACH” OR “SHAKESPEARE BATTLES: 21ST CENTURY STYLE” – BEHIND THE SCENES OF EPISODE SIX, SEASON TWO WITH BILLY SMEDLEY

Step behind the scenes of Episode Six, Season Two to see how we put together the episode. See how we turn the peaceful surrounds of Lord Somers Camp into a battleground, just how much effort we go to in pursuit of the perfect audio, meet lead actor, Billy Smedley's actual laser strike team (they exist and their team name is awesome!), and see the difference between RED camera raw footage and the magic created after colour grading. Featuring Billy Smedley, Jamie Hannah, Ethan Jackson, Amjinder Mann and Jahran Schansemma (Cast) with Sally McLean, Shaun Herbertson, Bashir Towdiee, Tim McCormick, Marg Woodlock-McLean and Falon Ryan (Crew) and Ahren Morris, Jamie Hannah, Ethan Jackson and David Eliou (the actual laser strike team). Filmed at Lord Somers Camp, Somers by Sally McLean and Falon Ryan. Huge thanks to Laser Strike, Clan Wars, The Basin (http://www.laserstrike.com.au/) for their fantastic support! Read more ...

“HAMLET, A DRONE AND A DOG” OR “THANK YOU TO OUR BACKERS FOR MAKING THIS EP POSSIBLE!” – BEHIND THE SCENES OF EPISODE SEVEN, SEASON TWO WITH MICHALA BANAS

Step behind the scenes of Episode Seven, Season Two to see how we put together the episode. See how we got that drone shot, what happens when you give Michala and Sally too many lollies on set and then ask them to do shout outs to our Indiegogo backers (yes, the much awaited perk delivery for those backers is included in this ep), how well behaved Ruby the Super Pup was on set and how, despite this being one of our more serious episodes, behind-the-scenes was constant laughter and silliness. Featuring Michala Banas, Shane Savage & Ruby the Dog (Cast) with Sally McLean, Shaun Herbertson, Bashir Towdiee, Billy Smedley, Tim McCormick, Marg Woodlock-McLean and Falon Ryan (Crew). Filmed at Toorak College, Mt Eliza by Sally McLean, Billy Smedley, Tim McCormick and Falon Ryan. Read more ...

SEASON TWO: SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC OFFICIAL LAUNCH & LIVE SHOW

SEASON TWO OFFICIAL LAUNCH VIDEO

Shakespeare Republic: #LoveTheBard (Season Two) has officially launched with a difference this year, with a live show element complementing the web series aspect. For one night only, members of our Season Two cast performed Shakespeare monologues live as part of a promenade theatre style show to promote the new season of the web series. We played to a sold out house, and had a lot of fun playing the works to a live audience. While it was hard to capture the true atmosphere of the evening on video, due to the nature of the live show setting, our intrepid cameraman, Paul Anthony Nelson, did an amazing job of getting around to every actor, and getting some great footage of the night that we hope you enjoy. Read more ...
SEASON ONE: THE FILMING ... A SNEAK PEEK BEHIND THE SCENES

SHALL I COMPARE THEE TO A SUMMER’S DAY? THE MAKING OF SALLY McLEAN AS BILLIE (SONNET 18)

Join us for a peek behind the curtain as we show you some behind the scenes fun and games from Sally McLean's episode for Season One of Shakespeare Republic. Choreographed production conversations, the joys of filming outdoors in 25 kph winds and the bittersweet feeling knowing this is the last Shakespeare Republic episode for the moment – all this and more in this behind the scenes look at what goes on off camera and off script. Read more ...

WHO EVER LOV’D THAT LOV’D NOT AT FIRST SIGHT? THE MAKING OF MICHALA BANAS AS PHEBE

Join us for a peek behind the curtain as we show you some behind the scenes fun and games from Michala Banas' episode for Season One of Shakespeare Republic. The danger of letting your Director of Photography get in front of the camera, the fondness Michala seemed to have found for the “bird” and the general silliness a night shoot can bring out in an over-tired cast and crew – all this and more in this behind the scenes look at what goes on off camera and off script. Read more ...

BUT SOFT! WHAT LIGHT THROUGH YONDER WINDOW BREAKS? THE MAKING OF BEN STEEL AS “JULIET”

Join us for a peek behind the curtain as we show you some behind the scenes fun and games from Ben Steel's episode for Season One of Shakespeare Republic. The joys of working with animals (even if you're not supposed to be) and the fun of filming in another bathroom - all this and more in this fun look at what goes on off camera and off script. Read more ...

SOMETHING IS ROTTEN IN THE STATE OF DENMARK: THE MAKING OF BILLY SMEDLEY AS “HAMLET”

Join us for a peek behind the curtain as we show you some behind the scenes fun and games from Billy Smedley’s episode for Season One of Shakespeare Republic. The multitasking crew, malfunctioning props and some rather appropriate graffiti – all this and more in this behind the scenes look at what goes on off camera and off script. Read more ...

THOUGH THIS BE MADNESS, YET THERE IS METHOD IN’T: THE MAKING OF ROWENA HUTSON AS “HAMLET”

Join us for a peek behind the curtain as we show you some behind the scenes fun and games from Rowena Hutson's episode for Season One of Shakespeare Republic. Bubble bath wrangling, crew relating to Shakespeare and the challenge of electrical equipment verses water - all this and more in this fun look at what goes on off camera and off script. Read more ...

BE BLOODY, BOLD AND RESOLUTE: THE MAKING OF ALAN FLETCHER AS “MACBETH”

Join us for a peek behind the curtain as we show you some behind the scenes fun and games from Alan Fletcher's episode for Season One of Shakespeare Republic. Crew quoting Shakespeare, our Director officially being named "Chief Govt. Whip" and Alan giving Will Shakespeare some heartfelt advice - all this and more in this tongue-in-cheek look at what goes on off camera and off script. Read more ...

HOW TO CLEAR A SET IN 15 MINS – OR, THAT’S A WRAP FOR EPISODE 3!

Today we bring you a fun short clip from our most recent shoot at The Courthouse Hotel, North Melbourne, featuring Director, Sally McLean, Director of Photography, James Dene, Sound Recordist, Tim McCormick and Ensemble member, Billy Smedley. Read more ...

BEHIND THE SCENES: SEASON ONE – WHAT IS SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC?

Meet the cast of Shakespeare Republic and find out what this is all about ... Read more ...

SEASON ONE: SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC OFFICIAL LAUNCH

SEASON ONE OFFICIAL LAUNCH VIDEO

Hosted by Shane Savage ("Chris & Josh The Webseries"), we speak to the cast at our official launch. So how do they feel now they've shot their episodes? Would they go nude for Shakespeare? All this and more is revealed in this full video from our Season One Launch Event! Read more ...

SEASON ONE OFFICIAL LAUNCH VIDEO TEASER

A sneak peek at our official Launch Event featuring all the cast, crew and our fabulous guests. Read more ...

SEASON ONE: MUSING ON THE BARD - THE BEGINNING

MUSING ON THE BARD: SEASON ONE – WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH SHAKESPEARE?

We sat down with the ensemble of Shakespeare Republic to hear their responses to the question: “What was your first encounter with Shakespeare?”. Their answers range from the insightful to the surprising with a few laughs thrown in for good measure, which we think many will relate to. Read more …

MUSING ON THE BARD: SEASON ONE – SHAKESPEARE IN THREE WORDS

We asked the ensemble of Shakespeare Republic to describe what Shakespeare means to them in three words. Their answers were honest, inspiring and surprising - and all different. Read more ...

MUSING ON THE BARD: SEASON ONE – BEN STEEL ON SHAKESPEARE

We asked Shakespeare Republic ensemble member, Ben Steel to share with us what he feels is the greatest challenge with Shakespeare and any other thoughts he'd like to share. Read more ...

MUSING ON THE BARD: SEASON ONE – ALAN FLETCHER ON SHAKESPEARE

We asked Shakespeare Republic ensemble member, Alan Fletcher to share with us what he feels is the greatest challenge with Shakespeare and any other thoughts he’d like to share. Read more ...

MUSING ON THE BARD: SEASON ONE – ROWENA HUTSON ON SHAKESPEARE

We asked Shakespeare Republic ensemble member, Rowena Hutson to share with us what she feels is the greatest challenge with Shakespeare and any other thoughts she’d like to share. Read more ...

MUSING ON THE BARD: SEASON ONE – MICHALA BANAS ON SHAKESPEARE

We asked Shakespeare Republic ensemble member, Michala Banas to share with us what she feels is the greatest challenge with Shakespeare and any other thoughts she’d like to share. Read more ...

MUSING ON THE BARD: SEASON ONE – BILLY SMEDLEY ON SHAKESPEARE

We asked Shakespeare Republic ensemble member, Billy Smedley to share with us what he feels is the greatest challenge with Shakespeare and any other thoughts he’d like to share. Read more ...

MUSING ON THE BARD: SEASON ONE – SALLY McLEAN ON SHAKESPEARE

We asked Shakespeare Republic Artistic Director and ensemble member, Sally McLean to share with us what she feels is the greatest challenge with Shakespeare and any other thoughts she’d like to share. Read more ...

All videos are also available on our Youtube Channel here.