Chris O’Dowd, an actor from Ireland, gained popularity through the Channel 4 sitcom “The IT Crowd” and the successful American romantic comedy “Bridesmaids.” However, it was the process of filming his 2012 Sky comedy “Moone Boy,” which was shot in Boyle, where he spent his childhood, that sparked him to write and direct his upcoming series titled “Small Town, Big Story.
Nestled in the fictional countryside town of Drumbán, I found myself immersed in a community that had been overtaken by a massive Hollywood production. For me, who had just relocated from Los Angeles to London with my spouse, writer Dawn O’Porter, and our two boys, aged 10 and 7, it was an opportunity to reconnect with my roots.
Small Town, Big Story took you back home to Boyle. What made you want to film there again?
During the 2021 lockdown in Los Angeles, I found myself living near a ravine. Each day, I’d walk my dog for two hours, and the surroundings reminded me of the forests from my childhood. It was as if I were far away, closer to home. This show is an expression of that unique feeling.
What influence did creating Moone Boy a decade past have on crafting your current tale about a rural town engulfed by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood?
It’s no accident that the locals initially adore you, but then it becomes a familiar annoyance, such as “Oh my goodness, my driveway is blocked again!” Life’s practicalities soon set in and the initial excitement wears off. It’s intriguing how strange and unfamiliar everything feels when even those closest to you seem to wear a touch more makeup than usual!
Was there anything in particular you wanted to capture about small-town Irish life?
I find it intriguing that people in certain communities seem to hold onto the dynamics they established during their school years. This phenomenon is more common than one might think, particularly in small towns. You can observe this in local bars where middle-aged men continue to banter with each other. It’s immature and absurd, yet there’s a peculiar kind of bonding in it.
Who is Christina Hendricks’ character in this production, and why was she chosen for the role of Wendy, a Hollywood producer with ties to Drumbán?
You recently moved from Los Angeles to London. What was the thinking behind that?
Does the idea of maintaining a strong connection to one’s Irish roots resonate with you, as Cillian Murphy humorously shared he returned to Ireland due to his children adopting posh English accents?
I’m unsure if I would be comfortable with them adopting British accents; there’s a deep history of pain associated with that. However, I can accept them speaking with American accents. At present, their accents seem a bit jumbled together, but let’s wait and see how it develops!
Do you take them back to Ireland?
I’ve found myself reminiscing quite a bit lately. There’s something about Nana’s pancakes that my oldest just can’t resist. Funny how he’s taken to wearing Ireland sports attire, and with his fiery red hair, it suits him perfectly. It seems the Irish spirit has somehow found its way into our family!
Isn’t it remarkable how disparate the childhood experiences of your children, who are the offspring of renowned figures, contrast with your own upbringing?
– It’s a constant thought in my mind, something I strive to control.
– Not many realized I was an actor until just recently – around two years ago. Now they find out when occasionally people ask for a photo.
– I imagine it feels strange for them that their father is recognized by others.
– However, our lives have never been impacted by this aspect.
Is The IT Crowd still the thing people recognise you for?
In different locations, I would watch different shows: If I’m in Ireland, I might tune into Moone Boy; if I’m in America, Bridesmaids could be my choice. Once at a party in LA, a man approached me, a musician with tinnitus who found it hard to sleep after tours. He told me that The IT Crowd helped him relax. Interestingly, he was the guitarist for Green Day!
As a devoted cinephile, have there been instances since watching “The IT Crowd” when I found myself echoing the advice of their troubleshooting methods: “Maybe try turning it off and on again?
Yes! It’s true all the time! It works!
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2025-02-18 04:04