Featured image credit: D.C. Fairhurst

We chat with D.C. Fairhurst and Lucy Green about THIS TOWN AIN'T BIG ENOUGH FOR THE BOTH OF US.

What inspired you to create this production?

Lucy: When D.C. sent me the script, I instantly knew this was something we could have a lot of fun with. A light-hearted, cheeky story told in an efficient and succinct manner. Count me in! That, mixed with the fact that the cast and crew involved some of my most favourite people in the world, made this project a dream and a freaking pleasure.

D.C.: I’d just finished 4 years of work on a feature film - Set in a single location that was very sentimental and dialogue heavy. So, I really wanted my next project to be a palate cleanser. All shot on location, lean and mean, with every scene stripped down to the bare essentials. I’ve also been writing with Lucy for years but never actually produced something together, so it was a great chance to finally collaborate on set.

What challenges did you face in creating this production?

D.C.: We filmed on the streets of Sydney’s CBD, with the constant struggle to work around pedestrians and the weather. The budget was virtually nothing – Part of the reason why the short is dialogue-free for most of the runtime is we could only afford a soundie for a single day.

Lucy: A light one - We filmed one of the pick-pocket scenes on The Goods Line in peak hour. At a pivotal moment in the film, I have to steal a wallet from someone without being noticed. On the few occasions I dropped the wallet mid-theft, there was always one passing do-gooder who picked up the wallet and internally struggled with who to give it back to. Bless their justifiably confused hearts.

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring filmmakers?

D.C.: Despite our tiny budget and lack of industry connections, our short went on to be an award-winner at Flickerfest and tour around the country. So just go out and tell your story. You never know. (That, and make sure your “short” film is actually short). 

Lucy: That thing in your head? Go make it. Don’t let any negative thoughts stop you - because, as artists, negative thoughts are almost a pre-requisite. So, accept it, ignore it, then go and make the damn thing. Also - Find your people. If you can make art with friends, it’s the greatest feeling in the world.

What are you hoping audiences will take away from watching this film?

Lucy: My hope is simply for viewers to finish the film with a smile on their face. I love the world that D.C. created within the script - it’s cleanly chaotic, endearingly sassy, and seven minutes of pure entertainment. I’m so proud to be able to bring this film to audiences, and hope it lifts spirits even the tiniest bit. Or at least keeps people hugging their bags a little tighter to them… 

D.C.: Pickpockets are often romanticised as "gentlemen thieves" in film & TV. But anyone who has ever had their wallet stolen and had their life disrupted probably feels otherwise. So, I thought it would be fun to portray two pickpockets who are selfish parasites who inevitably turn on each other.

Final Thoughts?

Lucy: This film is dedicated to my partner, Bardiya McKinnon. He was the biggest champion of the film and would be so freaking thrilled with how it’s being received. We love you so much, B.

For more on THIS TOWN AIN'T BIG ENOUGH FOR THE TWO OF US, follow Lucy Green and D.C. Fairhurst on their Instagram accounts @lucygreenage @dcfairhurst