In Narcoleap, when college student Kelsey Atkins unexpectedly leaps into the bodies of other people during her bouts of narcolepsy, she becomes a target in the deadly world of military espionage. (Source: IMDb)
We had an awesome opportunity to speak with Kate about the creation of the web series NarcoLeap. Check it out below.
Hi, Kate! Thank you for granting the interview. We’re excited to speak with you. You recently executively produced the web series “NarcoLeap.” Let’s talk about the production. What inspired it?
I am absolutely bananas for sci-fi and serialized work. I love being able to explore themes or ideas within the worlds we create. So, I wanted to do a sci-fi female-driven web series for my directorial debut, and to explore the idea of a young woman, coming of age while struggling with relationships, college, and the typical stresses of life. My main interest though was to create a story that would allow for this character to have a real arc and transformation at the end of the series and become the kick-ass girl she was deep down.
Kelsey Atkin’s story is of a young woman learning to control her own future. Our experiences, especially as women, are mirrored in Kelsey’s story and how she ultimately takes control. The great thing about sci-fi is that it’s a genre where we can play with these ideas and themes while taking it to the next level.
Most people are really connecting with the idea that Kelsey ‘leaps’ into other people. It’s a modern-day Quantum Leap with a millennial lens. Imagine if you had the power to leap into anyone. Who would you leap into? Would you ‘leap’ for good, or do something naughty? It’s a fun idea to think about and I think that is capturing people’s imagination.
Did you come across any budget challenges during production?
Yes. Every day and every minute of every day. NarcoLeap fell into the ‘micro-budget’ category so we had to ask for a lot of favors. I personally don’t take these favors lightly and the people and companies that gave us their support, in my opinion, will always have a job on NarcoLeap if it continues in the future or have me as their client for future projects. In Canada, we are really lucky to have some of the funding bodies that we have. Emerging directors like myself wouldn’t have the opportunities we have without them. Because of these opportunities, we can create quality programming that will have international appeal. Our major funders were The Independent Production Fund, TELUS Storyhive, and Creative BC.
How do you choose the material to use for a film/series?
NarcoLeap sits separately from everything I’ve ever done in terms of genre. My background is in factual and documentary television. I am, however, always curious about my surroundings and finding or creating good stories. I think all the stories, ideas, and characters I’ve been drawn to always reveal something about the human condition and what it means to be a citizen of this world. With my first short film Not a Stranger, I explored themes about human connection and mental health, with Melting Stars, I explored what was happening in my own backyard and what it means to protect it, and with NarcoLeap, I think I’m exploring what it means to find your place in the world through the eyes of a young woman. She just happens to be able to astral project into other people when she has a narcoleptic nap. But that’s what makes it fun.
What do you hope to accomplish with the web series?
NarcoLeap is just starting its festival run and has been nominated at the Minnesota Web Festival for Best Sci-fi and also just screened in Berlin for the Berlin Web Fest. We are also screening in Baltimore at the end of the month. I’ll also be attending the ITVFest in Vermont this October. Our Facebook page or Twitter will be the best way to track where we are headed next. Currently, I am working on the development of Season 2 as well as the creation of the show for television. The web series is a stand-alone storyline and I have always seen it as the prequel to the television series.
When choosing talent, what did you look for?
I’ve done quite a bit of casting work and although it would be obvious to say that I’m looking for actors who are grounded and seem to know the character’s wants, I think most of my casting decisions are also based on my gut. I actually find this hard to articulate as I just know it when I see it.
Austin Eckert and Madison Smith both auditioned for their parts. I knew immediately that we had found our Miles and Aidan. It was a huge gamble because Chelsey Reist was finishing up filming season 5 of The 100 and I was unable to get all three of them in the same room for screen tests. The first time they were in a room together was the table read. It was a gamble that paid off. All three were amazing together and the chemistry shows on camera.
What is your favorite scene, thus far?
That’s almost like saying which child is your favorite. They are all so great for different reasons. I love the scene with Miles and Kelsey in his laboratory because of their chemistry on camera, I love the scene between Aidan and Kelsey once they’ve reached the safe house and are finally alone. I also love the fight scenes, moments that Kelsey and her mom Helen share, and of course, every time Aleks Paunovic is on screen, I was mesmerized.
How can fans-to-be gain access to the series?
NarcoLeap is completed and available online at https://www.NarcoLeap.com/episodes/. Canadian viewers can also see it on TELUS Optik TV and CBC.ca
What has been your favorite experience in producing the series?
One of the most special moments was when we all came back together (cast & crew) for a screening at the Rio Theatre in Vancouver, B.C. There were almost 200 people there who had supported or worked on the project and it was incredible to hear them react to the show. I’d never seen or heard it with an audience before and it was magical. NarcoLeap was a truly BC born and raised project and it was fantastic to celebrate it being done with those that had put so much into it.
When looking back on the series’ production, what resonated with you the most and why?
It really was the on-set experience. It was a micro-budget project but it was the kind of set with the right mix of people and their incredible talent that remind you of why you went into the film industry in the first place. Every day people had a smile on their face. I’m also a strong believer in not working more than 12-hour days. Besides the fact we couldn’t afford overtime, I just don’t think it’s worth it. Productivity goes down, people are miserable, and it’s not safe. We always made our day and shot 1hr 17mins of content and it was done over a 12-day shoot. Yes, I would have loved to have an extra couple of days for stunt days and more coverage, but it worked and I’m thrilled with the results. More importantly, people walked away loving their experience on the show.
In your opinion, how could the series make an impact on the world?
I’m hoping that there may be young women out there that see a little of themselves in Kelsey Atkins. Perhaps they are at a crossroads in their life or just trying to find their way. Kelsey is on a journey to find her inner strength in what are some pretty unconventional circumstances. I hope it’s inspiring and thrilling for those that choose to watch.
If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose to make this series? Would you do anything differently?
Absolutely I would want to make this series. There are always lessons you learn on your first series however, I feel that I did the best job that I could do with what I had. Nothing is ever perfect and you are always your own worst critic. That being said, I sleep well at night knowing I did what I could to make it a success. The hurdles that we encountered were always overcome because of the incredible team that had been assembled. You can never do it alone, and NarcoLeap’s success is proof of that.
Do you have anything else you would like to share about the series, upcoming projects, and your career?
There is an immediate or perhaps closer connection to your audience and fans with web series. Especially if your audience is a younger demographic, but I plan to continue to work on NarcoLeap and develop it for television. I also believe there is a little more freedom creatively and more opportunities to be involved in more than just one role. So, for now, I’m just going to continue enjoying the interaction with the fans online and continue to push the project forward. As for the bigger picture stuff, I definitely see directing as the path I should be following now, and as I continue to grow my company KGP Films, I’m excited to take the leap!
[su_youtube_advanced url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8hgTmSROu4″]
View the series on YouTube.
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7386654/
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