Orphan Black has taken television by storm and how. A story of cloning and the effects it could have on our world — with an incredible performance by Tatiana Maslany in the lead as several versions (clones) of herself — the show is incredibly unique and complex. The creators, director John Fawcett and screenwriter Graeme Manson talk about the sci-fi show that has gained a massive fan following and has been lauded by critics.
Sci-fi television series haven’t done really well in the recent past. How and why did you choose this genre to work with?
John: We were both fond of sci-fi and knew we wanted to work in the genre. We initially wanted this to be a movie — we had so many ideas. I think it stands out with the fact that it’s a story not far from reality. It isn’t set on a spaceship! Before this, the idea of clones has always been one-dimensional; a cliché.
Graeme: Before this, clones had been cannon fodder. There would be a room filled with 200 clones for shock value. With this story, we’re talking nature versus nurture.
In a situation where every clone has a different personality, does it depend more on the writing or the acting?
Graeme: It starts with the writing. Deciding who to populate our clone club with, and how to set them diametrically opposite. The lead character Sarah is an interesting anti-hero. She’s a ratty-looking woman who is a bad mother and a drug dealer. And obviously, Tatiana was asked to weigh in. She’s really good, she enjoys going deeper into the script.
With such an action and drama packed series that keeps adding new characters at a fast pace, are you afraid your audiences will not be able to follow the show?
John: (laughs) That’s always a concern. As we delve deeper, it keeps getting more complex. With the writers, it’s harder to keep the bigger picture in mind sometimes; it’s easy to get lost.
Graeme: Yes, it has been one of our biggest challenges but our audience loves us for being fast-paced. Our purpose is clear, we like stuff to be happening constantly.
The show makes you think about the repercussions of cloning and such technology in the real world. Did you have that in mind when creating it?
John: The thought that our show rested on the abilities of one actor was scary. The process was long. Graeme and I had both met Tatiana before so we asked her to read for us. Once she did, there was no doubt in our mind that she was the woman who’d bring our characters to life.
Graeme: All good sci-fi is commentary on the real world. There are several references of other sci-fi stories like Frankenstein in the show. It’s meant to throw a mirror to our own world in a cautionary tale about the mystery beyond the lab door. Tatiana Maslany, as several different characters, has been one of the biggest highlights of the show.
Tell us a little bit about the new season, season 4?
John: We’re very excited about the new season! All the work that has gone into the show has generated enough mythology and backstory. We will be revisiting our ideas from season 1. We will also see a new foe who is, broadly, an illusion. This season is going to catch everyone off guard.
Graeme: This season will be fast paced and edgier, exactly what John and I wanted to do in the first place.
