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Interviews about Bridie's reasons to leave McLeod's

Bridie talks Mcleod’s

"At first I thought it was a period piece—corsets, the whole deal," said Carter, who plays Tess. "But as soon as I realised the leads were female, and the five main characters were strong, contemporary women, it just blew me away."

Carter graduated from NIDA in 1994 and although she has appeared in a number of television productions, this is her first key role on a television drama.

"I can't wait until the public gets to see this, because we've already been here for months, riding horses and playing make-believe in the homestead," she said, with a laugh.

Remarkably, both Carter and Chappell only jumped on horseback after they scored the lead roles. Now they happily sit astride horses between takes, sometimes riding their four-legged co-stars from the hills (where much of the series is filmed) back towards their make-up trailers.

Christine Sams - July 29, 2001 - Sun Herald

McLeod’s Daughters wound up its first year in the Top 10 programs, and the cast has worked hard to build the show from scratch. Bridie Cater who plays Tess feels she’s earned every moment of her break.

“Working such a full-on schedule, it’s important to chill-out and do nothing on my break!” she says. “I’m looking forward to the Big R’s – rejuvenate, rejoice, refresh, remember what’s important and relax! But I’m also excited about getting back in front of the cameras,” she says. Filming commences in early February. “I’m so excited about shooting McLeod’s Daughters in South Australia during the hot, early months of the year. I love the heat and those long, hot days.”

2001

Bridie Carter has formed a solid friendship with her co-star Lisa Chappell, who plays her half sister, Claire, in Channel 9’s McLeod’s Daughters. The pair have been filming up to 14-hour days together because they are in most of the scenes.

“We were kind of shoved together very intimately early on and I think that was great,” Carter says. “In a way, that’s what happens in the series. Lisa and I have a very honest relationship. Our workload is very heavy, so we identify on that front. It’s so important to get along with your co-stars, because if you don’t it’s a nightmare. You just don’t want that stress.”

Herald Sun, September 5, 2001 

Art reflects life in the best possible way for actor Bridie Carter, writes Jackie Brygel.

As Tess Silverman McLeod in Channel 9’s new drama series, McLeod’s Daughters, Bridie plays a wilful young woman with a contagious love of life. And Tess’s positive attitude has rubbed off on the actor herself.

During the break from filming at the show’s picturesque South Australian location, Carter says she has fallen in love with Tess’s sense of humour and vibrancy.

“I’m very lucky to have landed such a fabulous role,” Carter says. “Tess is a very spirited person, who who falls over but gets straight back up again. She sees the funny side of everything, which is one of her survival mechanisms. I’ve really been able to identify with her right form the start.”

Nevertheless a few skeletons are rattling around in Tess’s closest.

“Her mother and father both died a few months ago and there are some abandonment issues there,” Carter says. “She had a tumultuous upbringing. Her Mum was pretty amazing, but was rather unstable. But Tess is definitely a survivor who knows how to cope in the world. She knows how to get by.”

Like Tess, Carter, 30, has had to overcome some obstacles, particularly in relation to her career. A graduate of NIDA, Carter has worked solidly. Her TV credits include My Husband My Killer, Going Home, All Saints, Water Rats and Simone De Beauvoir’s Babies. But it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for the former Melbourne girl.

A much-touted lead role in last years’ ill-fated Network Ten series, Above the Law, came to nothing when the show was dropped after only nine months on screen.

“Yes I’m definitely a survivor too,” Carter says quietly. “Nothing is ever certain in this industry. It’s always up and down.”   “But when Above the Law got the axe, I think I was almost ready for it to happen and move on.”

While not about to give too much away, Carter says romance is on the cards for Tess. She has been busy filming some love scenes of late, and sees it as all part and parcel of the job. “It’s quite silly when you think that you go to work to kiss someone and get paid for it,” she says laughing. “Sometimes you step back and look at what you’re doing and do, ‘How weird.’ Love scenes can be embarrassing, but after awhile they become very technical.”

There is someone special in Carter’s life, and she says the one drawback to moving to South Australia for the show has been separation from her family and friends.

“It was a case of leaving my support network back home,” she says. “It can be very lonely. But when you move away form home, the people you work with become family. I realise that I’m really meant to be here.”

Carter is thrilled at the extent to which viewers have already embraced McLeod’s Daughters. “It’s amazing, fantastic,” she says, “It feels so good to be part of something that’s working and that people truly enjoy. It just proves to me that there was a real niche for a show like this.”

Herald Sun, September 5, 2001 

However her sister, Tess (played by Bridie Carter) finds the rodeo very different to the world she knows as a city girl.

“Tess finds the whole thing rather bizarre!” Bridie laughs. “She goes along for the ride and meets up with Alex (Aaron Jeffrey) but she’s also there to support Claire.”

Tess has an excellent guide in handsome Alex, an action man who lives for his weekend rodeos. “There’s a lot of flirting going on,” Bridie admits. “Alex thinks it’s leading somewhere, but Tess needs to know to know him better before anything can happen.”

Did you sleep well last night?

I did, very well. I had a few bad dreams, though, about my ex-boyfriend, which was very strange.

Who were you with at midnight?

Just myself, in my bed.

Who was the first person you spoke to when you woke up this morning?

Alex, our runner (form McLeod’s Daughters), picked me up so I spoke to her first. I’m not really a morning person but I was kind of cheerful. It takes me a while to wake up.

What was the best meal you had today?

Definitely lunch. The calamari was fantastic and the pumpkin risotto was amazing. We’re very lucky with the catering on set – we’ve got the bets food. And on a day like today when it’s wet and cold, there’s plenty of hot food to warm you up. Today we had about 80 extras to feed as well, so the caterers were really busy.

What has been the most expensive thing that you’ve bought today?

Nothing, as I’ve been on set all day. But I went to the theatre last night and bought a soft drink for $2.50 and shouted a friend! What a big spender.

What has annoyed you most today?

Probably the rain stopping and starting while we were shooting. It’s hard when the weathers so unpredictable. Because McLeod’s is shot all on location, you have to just go with the flow, and the nature of the show is that we do shoot outdoors a lot. Often you can shoot in slight rain and it appears as if there is no rain. But we’ve been pretty lucky.

What has made you laugh today?

Watching the extras cheer. There’s a whole crowd of them and we had to catch them cheering for a scene we had just done, so the director got them all to stand up and clap. It’s really funny. Some of them really got into it. One old guy was really going for it – he was trying to lead the pack. It was wonderful!

What’s your favourite drink?

I love coffee. I drink a lot on weekends when I make up for my week out on location. I love soy lattes!

What song can’t you get out of your head at this particular moment?

I was just singing Waterfalls (by US girl band TLC) except I’m so bad at lyrics I was making it up and Rachael (Carpani, who plays Jodi) had to help me. I know it’s a few years old but it was in my head today – I don’t know why.

What does an ideal weekend hold for you?

If I’m here in Adelaide on weekends I tend to chill out and go to Central Markets – the culture there is fantastic. I see theatre when I can, films, I love hanging out in bookshops. I’m really into music, so I enjoy shopping for CD’s – and of course, I love coffee!

How long did you take to get ready this morning?

For work I leave myself 30-35 minutes to get ready from wake-up to pick-up, but then the wardrobe and makeup takes me about 30-40 minutes. I have breakfast when I arrive on set.

What time are you going to bed tonight?

We’re going onto night shoots tomorrow which means we’ve got a late pick-up about 10am. We’re shooting until late. Tonight I’ll probably be in bed about 10:30pm, but I’m usually in bed by 9:30pm. I might actually stay up a bit later tonight because I can – I’m actually a night owl. But I usually have to put myself to bed because we have really early starts. The shoot tomorrow night will go until about 11pm, so I’ll get home after midnight. I live in Adelaide which is about an hour out of Gawler (where the series is shot), so I have to come in every day to Gawler or wherever we’re shooting on location.

Is today a good hair day or a bad hair day?

I’m feeling quite good about my hair today and I’ve got lip gloss on so I’m excited, although I’ve noticed that my hair is sticking to my lip gloss which is always a problem. I got a fly stuck to my lip gloss the other day… it’s hazardous working in the country!

TV Week, 24 hours – dec 2001

Looking at real Aussie folk living on farms, what do you find inspiring?

Bridie: The people are a little different in the sense that their working lifestyle is very hands-on until the job is done.  Its a much bigger picture and the beauty of the Aussie bush is stunning.  The days are so beautiful and the pace is much slower.  In a way, time is different.

What is your ideal weekend?

Bridie: Sleeping in!!  And I love going to Central Markets in  Adelaide and grabbing a good bargain or even watching a film.  I often go to Sydney nor Melbourne on weekends to catch up with friends and family.

Your all-time indulgence?

Bridie: I'm a big fan of good food with great friends and lots of its!

How are you familiar in spirit to your character Tess?

Bridie: I can relate to her spirit.  She's a fighter and an observer.  But please note she's ditsier than I am and plus, I'm older.

How did you preare for this role?

Bridie: I studied the scripts and the rest seemed pretty easy.  Tess was never a difficult character to study; she seemed qutie sensible.  I remember my first day on set when I swallowed a fly.  Did I panic?  No, I just gulped it down.

Over the years we've seen some women portray high-powered doctors, laywers and detectives anfd its a nice change to see a refreshing new look of women in control.  In this case, working their butts off on an isolated country property. How do you feel this show portrays a woman?

Bridie: I believe if the script is good and it's character driven, then people will want to journey with the character and the show.

ls love around the corner for Tess?  If so, how would love survive in the outback?

Bridie:  Yeah!  I think love will prevail at some stage.  She's a big flirt but finding true love - well that wil be a journey in itself.

Who influences Tess the most?

Bridie: Tess and Claire influence and learn a lot from eachother.  I think Meg is a wise figure.

TV Jackpot magazine

WATCH THE BRIDIE

Escapism is the secret of its success, says Bridie Carter, who plays the optimistic Tess McLeod in the top-rating Aussie drama. “There's a lot of fear and uncertainty in the world today and I think McLeod's Daughters offers a another world away from that madness.'' Carter says that, unlike other series, the show is character-driven. It is not based around “a police station, a hospital or s courtroom''. “McLeod's Daughters is about people, and it is a series that dares to be romantic, to be hopeful, to enter the realm of the heart.''

In next week's episode, Tess McLeod finds a lump in her breast while showering.
”Tess's experience is different because her mother died of breast cancer,'' Carter says. ”She has a whole lot of grief and also a huge amount of fear to deal with.'' Carter says no one in her intimate circle has been affected by breast cancer, which made understanding Tess's emotions more difficult. “I read a great book, Something More Wonderful by Sonia Orchard. “It is the true story of a woman nursing her best friend through cancer. It was such a detailed and honest account,'' Carter says. ”It gave me an immediate emotional and physical history for my character.''

Carter is sure that audiences, though saddened by Chappell's departure, will adjust to McLeod's Daughters without Claire McLeod. “The show will always be an ensemble cast. It is about a group of people, not just the McLeod sisters, and we have new characters coming in to keep it rich and full of drama.  “I hope fans will think it just gets better and better.''

Carter says she has no immediate plans to leave McLeod's Daughters.
”When I stop loving it, it will be time to move on because I won't be doing myself or anyone else a service by staying. But at the moment, I have a real love for the show,'' she says.

Carter also has an obvious affection for her character, Tess, which she says helps sustain her enthusiasm.

“Tess arrived from inner-city Melbourne to a property in outback South Australia,'' Carter says. “She arrived a girl and she is growing into a really lovely young woman.

By Holly Ife - Herald Sun - 03 SEP 2003

"We dare to go there emotionally. People say that we are sentimental and romantic but I'm so proud of that," she says.

Bridie Carter, who plays Tess Silverman McLeod, believes its emotional content gives the show its strength. "We are a show that is about families and it is about human relationships. It is about when  you take all those things-courtrooms, copshows-and what is left is human reltionships.

Scenes filmed over these two days at the quarry are among the most emotional she's ever done, Carter says.

"I guess this is the first time I have done something with such hysteria and intensity.

"This is over two-and-a-half years, so there is a lot in it for the character You are pulling on your own emotions. It's desperately sad for Tess to lose her sister. She's had a relationship break up, she's had a cancer scare and now she loses her sister."

As the older remaining McLeod daughter (neatly, Claire McLeod gave birth to a daughter shortly before she died), the producers must be relieved that Carter has no plans to leave.

"I'm still extremely encouraged by the show, I'm not bored," she says. "Juicy fantastic stuff for me is an extra and while that continues to happen…"

By Kylie Miller - October 16, 2003 -The Age

Bridie Carter, who plays Tess—the last of the daughters of McLeod left on the show—also feels the series may eventually take her overseas.

“I’d love to work in the UK and if I got offered a job in the US and it was right I doubt I’d say no,” she says.

“So if McLeod’s opened the doors for me elsewhere, for other opportunities and other wonderful roles, then that would be fantastic.”

By Eleanor Sprawson - July 14, 2004

Ms. Carter is fine with that aspect of the series. “At times it is absolutely sentimental in its romance,” she said in a telephone interview from the set near Adelaide, where she was shooting the show’s fifth season. “You embrace that sentimentality with absolute truth, so it’s been a great teacher for me as an actor.” 

But surely it’s about women’s empowerment too.

“I hadn’t seen it that way; I’m fortunate enough to be of a generation—I see people as people,” said Ms. Carter, who was born in 1970. “My mother was a feminist.”

But, she added, “I’m so proud that the two lead characters are women.”

By Anita Gates - October 10, 2004 - New York Times

“The spirit of the place is really significant. The house and the colourful landscape that surrounds it, all has such a distinct feel,” says Graeme-Evans.

Cater agrees, adding, “You’ve taken these characters and set them down in this rural landscape. All you have are the characters and their relationship with each other. You don’t have the distractions of city life. It does purify the storyline and the relationships.”

“McLeod’s offers these lovely themes of hope and faith and promise and all those good things are part of human nature,” says Carter. “That’s why it’s not just a success here is Australia. I speak to people in India and Israel and he Philippines and it always surprises me how many people of such different backgrounds and cultures can still connect with this show.”      

Rutherford - April 2005 -Vu Magazine (Canada)

And we hear Bridie Carter has taken to motherhood like a “duck to water”.

Seems little Otis Carter Wilson is an angel - sleeping well and, of course, oh so cute. Lovely touch, too, with his mum’s surname as his middle name. Still no word though when Bridie will be heading back to Drover’s.

April 14, 2005 - Adelaide Confidential

Speaking exclusively to TV WEEK about her decision, Bridie candidly reveals her reasons for quitting the show that has made her a household name around the country. “I’m shooting series six at the moment and, as an actor, it’s time to move on”, she reflects. “I’m looking forward to doing other jobs and other roles. I feel really excited about my future and I can’t wait for the new adventure to begin. It felt like the right decision for me, within myself.”

Would Bridie consider taking on another long-running role in a television series? “I just want to work,” she replies. “I’m not a fussy actor. I really want to do some theatre, because I trained in theatre. But, yes, if a role came up in a series that was great, I’d jump at it. For me, it’s about working and doing roles that you believe in.”

Having made the decision to leave McLeod’s , however, there was one person Bridie felt she had to share it with immediately- her original co-star on the series, Lisa Chappell, who played Tess’s now deceased sister Claire. “I thought, there’s one person I have to say goodbye to, and that was Lisa, because I started this show with Lisa,” she says.
“I can remember the first time we arrived in Adelaide on a Sunday night, then at 6am we were driving to this unknown property in the middle of South Australia. We arrived there in this orange dust and looked at each other and went, ‘Oh my goodness! What have we done?’”, she recalls laughing. “We just didn’t know what we were in for. Lisa and I absolutely shared the journey of McLeod’s Daughters.”

Bridie is the first to admit that landing the role of Tess was a career defining moment for her. “It was huge”, she says. “You never know when you begin a show what it’s going to be like, whether it will be a success and whether all the pieces will work together. But McLeod’s has been an absolute success an the beginning of an excitable adventure for me. It’s been incredible. I wish McLeod’s Daughters well I so hope it continues.”

That’s not to say, though that working on the set of McLeod’s hasn’t involved a few sacrifices for Bridie, who’s based near Byron Bay in NSW with her husband Michael and their son, Otis, born on March 29 this year. “This job has been a harder job because I’ve had to spend a lot of time relocating, and away from my home,” she reflects. “It’s also been a big job in the sense that it’s been a lead role, which has been wonderful. I’ve had the most fantastic storylines over these years and I love Tess to bits. I just think she’s the best character. Tess arrived on this farm in the middle of nowhere, absolutely naïve and in this foreign world. I think she was a girl when she arrived on this farm and she’s grown into this young women who’s the most capable survivor, who has gone through trauma after trauma yet keeps going in a really positive way.  I’ve had an awesome time playing Tess and I’ll be so sad saying goodbye to her. She’s become a part of me.”

TV WEEK – August 2005 

TV SWEETHEART

Bridie Carter has decided the time has come to say goodbye to the folk at Drovers Run to pursue fresh acting challenges. Carter, who is married to clothing designer Michael Wilson and lives in Byron Bay, gave birth to son Otis on March 29.

“I only wanted to go back to work if I could breastfeed because that’s extremely important for me,” Carter says. “He (Otis) can’t be more than five minutes away.” However, she insists that motherhood had nothing to do with her decision to quit. “No, I’m simply ready to do other stuff,” she says. “A couple of people have said, ‘Have you quit to be a mum?’ but to be honest it’s just the opposite. “I think having a child makes you even more creative and stirs up the creative juices ­ especially as an actor. “It’s another experience to draw from. It sort of deepens your well and pool of emotion.”

While she loves playing Tess, Carter believes it is time to make the break. “I’ve been on the show for a long time now (five years),” she says. “It felt absolutely right in my heart. I’m very excited about the future. I’m looking at several projects at the moment.“The nature of this business is you do a job and you move on. You have to be a gypsy at heart.”

By Robert Fidgeon - September 08, 2005 - The Courier Mail

Bridie Bows out with tears

Bride Carter had to have her make-up done about three times when her Mcleod’s Daughters colleagues bade her adieu.

“We had a big celebration (on Thursday), present and cards” she said. “People kept giving me cards and crying and than they’d  make me cry”. “I think the most touching thing has been what people write in cards … saying what you really think. I got beautiful cards and presents”. Carter who has played Tess for five years, filmed her final scene yesterday afternoon and flies home- to near Byron Bay, NSW – this morning.  Carter marries to Michael Wilson and a mum to Otis, says it was time to move on. She’s walking into a role as a cover star and ambassador for Ezibuy, a catalogue shopping company.