“We’re a bit like conjoined twins”

As a film enthusiast with a soft spot for Australian humor and a deep appreciation for the unique dynamics of creative partnerships, I found myself utterly captivated by the interview with Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall. Their candid discussion about their shared life as co-writers and co-stars in “Colin from Accounts” offered a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of television production.

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What’s the view from your sofa?

Harriet Dyer: After much consideration, we found this arrangement suitable. Our living room is designed as a two-seater setup, with couches facing each other around a central coffee table. It serves as our guest sitting area. However, when our guests depart and it’s just us, we can sprawl out on separate sofas, mimicking the posture of our animal counterparts, and enjoy some television time together.

Patrick Brammall: Let’s face it, that’s 90 per cent of its use.

What have you enjoyed watching recently?

Harriet: The Olympics! You know, medals per capita, per population, means that Australia won!

Patrick: We also like Below Deck.

Harriet: We ate up Baby Reindeer…

Patrick: And love Hey Duggee and Love, Diana…

So is it actually your toddler who has control of the remote?

Patrick: It’s not uncommon! She prefers the classic Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse animations, but finds them a bit eerie.

Do you two share the same taste in TV programmes?

Harriet: I’ve gotten used to the fact that Paddy might want to watch something I’m not interested in. I’ll either catch up on some sleep with my laptop or grab a book and read instead. It turns out we don’t need to…

Patrick: …do all things together, at all times.

Harriet: Indeed, as we share many responsibilities in parenting, creating our show, handling press, and attending meetings, we’re quite similar to joined-at-the-hip twins.

“We’re a bit like conjoined twins”

What’s it like co-writing and co-starring in Colin from Accounts?

Harriet: It can get quite intense! At times, I find that we spend more time together than the original plan calls for. But it’s beautiful because we are each other’s favorite and biggest supporters, and we share a similar sense of humor. So, if it has to be someone, I’m grateful it’s him!

Patrick: It really helps that we like each other or it would be a real bummer.

What do you do if you don’t like the other person’s idea or you don’t think that it’s funny?

Harriet: We have to be gentle with each other. It’s vulnerable showing your art!

Patrick: Furthermore, let me add that we’re quite considerate. Given our previous encounters, I believe we’ve become more resilient!

Harriet, could you clarify a bit more on your earlier statement that Colin’s achievements have made you feel more equal to Patrick? Specifically, in what way or aspect does this equality manifest itself?

Harriet: During the first season, some individuals would engage in conversations with Paddy while I was nearby, which made me uncomfortable. In the second season, if such situations arose, I’d simply leave. Prior to Colin, Paddy had penned numerous works, and Colin was the only piece I wrote myself. He is also 13 years my senior and a man. Growing up in a traditional small town, I encountered some resistance that I had to overcome. In the second season, I felt empowered to sit with equal confidence at the table.

Patrick: Also, whatever the conversation, it would have to go through Harriet anyway!

It seems that the dog colleague from Accounts, named Zach, has really taken off as a star. Could you share your experience working with him?

Patrick: He was always the most professional!

Harriet: On one occasion, he was so perfect that he seemed more like an artificial being, as if he had been digitally created and inserted later!

Patrick: We had to get the trainer to walk behind the camera so he would move his eyes!

2024-08-30 15:05

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