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2001 Interviews
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 |
2003
Interviews
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.''
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 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 |
2004 Interviews
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 |
2005 Interviews
“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 |
Bridie
reasons to leave Mcleod's
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.” 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. |