Behind the Scenes: On curve-balls and authenticity

 As members of Poverty2Solutions, Amanda Button and Patricia Bailey helped to script and act in a new film. Here, they discuss what it was like for them to be involved in this project.

Patricia: You were playing the part of a teacher with a disability.

Amanda: It was supposed to be two roles at first: one teacher, and one person with a disability. But disabled people can have jobs too, so I said 'let's combine the two'. I was remembering the geography teacher in my secondary school. He had multiple sclerosis so walking was hard for him. His classroom was on the third floor and I don't know how the hell he did it. He'd always be struggling to manage all the stairs while kids would be romping past him. Two or three times, he nearly got knocked down. 

I was glad to play that role in the film. But back in February, I was very sceptical about the film. We were working with Kev and Scott of Inspired Youth. They're professionals so I was concerned about our ownership of the film.

Patricia: But then they agreed to let us know in advance who they might show the film to. Kev and Scott were a bit bossy, but that's fair enough—and they were very down to earth. It was brilliant to chat with them and work with them. 

Amanda: Once we got to know them, I felt reassured. They'll always get our okay before showing the film around because our faces are in it. But while we were filming, I threw them a curve-ball, just to keep them on their toes. They had me walking down a street by myself but not doing anything else. So I said 'hang on a minute' and I went inside and grabbed Patricia to ask if she wouldn't mind being part of a scene that I was doing. I put her in the scene so I could hand her a flyer and invite her to a meeting. That gave the scene a bit of authenticity.

Patricia: Originally I wasn't even supposed to be on screen. I was a bit nervous, even though I was only an extra. But it was bloody brilliant! I wouldn't mind doing it again!

You can view or film Through the eyes and values of lived experiences: Listen up to level up here