Meet Katrina Channells—writer, director producer, editor and founder of Molasses Pictures. We chatted to her about her experience as a Writer’s Attachment on Darby and Joan Season 2 where she was mentored by producers Claire Tonkin, Elisa Argenzio and writer Sarah Smith while working in the writers’ room crafting character descriptions, audition scenes and contributing to story beats. Starring Bryan Brown and Great Scacchi, the CJZ Entertainment series follows an unlikely detective duo as they travel through South-East Queensland trying to uncover the mysteries of Jack’s policing days.
With a background in documentary filmmaking and post-production, Queensland’s Katrina Channells has a passion for psychological, offbeat dramas with deep social commentary. She is known for her award-winning short film Unsettled, feature documentary feature Leaving Allen Street and docoseries Stingray Sisters.
In 2023, Katrina completed a Screen Queensland-supported Writer’s Attachment on the second season of hit series Darby and Joan. Her first days on the job began in the writer’s room, where the team were still plotting the third block of the show and Katrina found it to be one of the most interesting and dynamic stages to be working on set.
“When production came around, I sat nervously not knowing what to do! But in no time, I felt very much a part of the script team. Script Producer Sarah Smith provided expert advice on how to improve. She would never take a task off me, always allowing me to redraft until it was ready to be distributed. I learnt so much.”
Katrina describes the experience of see her work in the hands of screen legends like Bryan Brown, Greta Scaachi and John Jarratt as a career highlight. Reflecting on her experience, Katrina says that the relationships she formed during her attachment, particularly with her mentoring team, have been the most important thing she will take on her career journey.
“The team at CJZ have had such an impact on me. The industry does attract great people—you just need to find them”.
For those wanting to develop their career in screenwriting, Katrina suggests seeking out opportunities to join writer’s rooms, and stick to your dreams in the face of rejection.
“Get yourself in a writers’ room! If you’re not that experienced, that’s okay, you don’t have to say much. Contribute a few ideas that are memorable. Don’t hold on to ideas. You’ll always have more. Also, don’t get down on yourself—there are always knock backs.”
“The ups and downs of life, your filmmaking experiences, what you saw in the supermarket the other day, it all informs your screenwriting and your ability to contribute to rooms. If you’re stuck, go to the movies, go to a gallery, contribute to your community. Find ways to reengage, come back and write. Every line is a step closer.”
Following season two of Darby and Joan, CJZ offered Katrina a position as Drama Coordinator, working closely with her former mentors Claire Tonkin and Elisa Argenizio in development and across the production company’s slate. Katrina said that in the 12 months since her Writer’s Attachment she has worked in many writer’s rooms all over Australia. Combining her elevated writing skills with her directing experience, Katrina will also shortly head to Melbourne to write and direct a one-hour episode and is developing her own original series and a new feature.
ATTACHMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR CREW
SHOWRUNNER ATTACHMENT CLARE SLADDEN
