MADELEINE MADDEN

HAVING BUILT A NAME FOR HERSELF IN ACCL AIMED AUSTRALIAN PRODUCTIONS SUCH AS REDFERN NOW AND TOMORROW, WHEN THE WAR BEGAN,

MADDEN IS ONE OF OUR MOST FORMIDABLE YOUNG TALENTS, WITH A SOCIAL CONSCIENCE TO BOOT

LARYSA KONDRACKI [THE SERIES’ CO-DIRECTOR] HAS BROUGHT A FRESH SET OF EYES TO PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK. A lot of directors would have been intimidated, because it’s such a big story and it has such a cult following. But she really dived into the story, made it her own and set the tone. It’s a bit like a Velvet Underground reimagining – it’s still ethereal and beautiful, but it’s also dark and moody. I FOUND A NEW APPRECIATION FOR FASHION WHILE SHOOTING, because wearing the corsets is so restricting physically and mentally.

We had to help each other get dressed – you couldn’t do it without the other girls. You realise how oppressed these women were, but also how incredible and strong, and what women can do together. Even though I think it [has been] the best year for women, we still have so far to go. I’D NEVER WORKED WITH SUCH

A LARGE FEMALE ENSEMBLE. There was this electric energy on set every day. It was great working with a big group of girls because we were all there for each other. You never get to experience that. I’VE TURNED DOWN ROLES BECAUSE THE CHARACTER WAS A FILLER GIRL IN THE STORY. It’s about finding strong female characters. I’ve always appreciated the Star Wars films and their strong cast of women. I’d love to work on something like that. IF I HAVE A PLATFORM, THEN I’M GOING TO GIVE BACK TO THE WORLD OR CONTRIBUTE IN SOME WAY. I’ve always been told to stand up for other people, stand up for myself, do what’s right, and have an open mind and heart. For me it’s like, if someone has a platform, then why don’t they use it to make a difference? It’s inspiring to see women in high, powerful positions, but I definitely think we could use more – like [another] female Prime Minister.