ABOUT THIS EPISODE
How do you teach a cast to sound like Newfoundlanders? And what does it take to bring a major Netflix production to Newfoundland and Labrador?
In this episode of The Honourable & the Hack, Andrew Parsons and Alex Bill go behind the scenes of Netflix’s Below with two special guests: dialect coach Alison Kelly and executive producer Chris Hatcher.
First, Alison joins the conversation to discuss her background, the challenge of bringing Newfoundland speech to the screen, and the research behind the show’s accent. From regional differences to the distinctive “townie T,” it’s a conversation about the sounds that help tell our stories.
Then, Chris offers a producer’s perspective on making Below in Newfoundland, connecting local talent with the wider entertainment industry, and what productions of this scale can mean for the province.
Along the way, we discuss:
• Creating a Newfoundland accent for an international audience
• Opportunities for local actors, filmmakers and crew
• Building a sustainable film and television industry
• Film tax credits and the business of production
• What major studios can bring to Newfoundland and Labrador
• The excitement of seeing our home, and familiar names, on screen
Recorded before Below’s release, this double-header captures Andrew and Alex’s anticipation for the series and their curiosity about the people helping bring it to life.
Have you watched Below? What did you think of the accents and seeing Newfoundland on screen? Let us know in the comments.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
00:39 Newfoundland Meets Netflix
02:35 Introducing Our Two Guests
02:55 Alison Kelly Joins the Conversation
05:13 Finding Opportunities in the Arts
12:04 Creating the Accent and the “Townie T”
21:19 A Local Audience Listening Closely
24:04 Reflecting on Alison’s Interview
24:38 Chris Hatcher Joins the Conversation
27:24 How Below Came Together
31:21 Building a Film Career in Newfoundland
41:13 Local Crew and Familiar Names
41:43 What Major Studios Bring to the Province
45:43 Andrew and Alex’s Closing Thoughts
46:54 Thanks to Guest Producer Hulk Caesar
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and their guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employer, organization, or institution. This content is intended for discussion and commentary and should not be considered professional, legal, or political advice. Some discussion in this episode includes speculation and forward-looking commentary based on publicly available information and personal experience.
