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I remembered it, and it fitted, and I developed the character, getting the words down. I do have a knack of plucking inspiration from what I am doing, what’s around me at the time. “The story came first [before the ani-mation] after having kids. Being a mum, I started to wonder who I was. I remembered that I had always loved to write when I was a child. I started reading to my boys, and realised that I wanted to write for children. I started the story in 2010, and it was finished this January.”Written in rhyming couplets, the humorous exploits of Freddie Farkle resonate with readers and listen-ers of all ages. “The age group is young primary school children, but most ages see something [in the character],” says Natalie.Natalie’s delight in the input of Sir Barry Humphries was told with a twinkle, and some awe. “The pro-ducer Bridget Curran got in touch with Barry Humphries’ agent, sent him the script, and he loved it. He was more than happy to record it. I met him for the first time at Zig Zag Studios in Sydney. We were there and awaited his arrival with antici-pation and nervousness! He felt like family – he didn’t shake my hand, he just gave me a hug. He had a remarkable way of calming the at-mosphere. He was so professional. He went over the script and even added a line. Working with him was incredible. I hadn’t done anything like that, and didn’t know what to expect. We didn’t want to waste his time to get him back. He did three

or four takes, and recorded some of the lines in different ways, to get enough to work with. I learned so much from the experience.”

The Freddie Farkle saga continues The Freddie Farkle animation was produced on a low budget grant of $30,000 through the Film and Television Institute and Screen West Links Program. The next part of the saga is getting Natalie to the awards ceremony. Fares, accommodation and some expenses have been covered. With help from the Huonville Writers Group, the message about this wonderful project has been sent to people who can help. “I want to thank Rick Perrin, for writing to the politicians, and Richard Coburn for his unstinting support and the Pre-mier Lara Giddings,” says Natalie. “The costs have been covered, and I’m grateful for her generosity, support and enthusiasm. I’ve also had help from Nick McKim, Julie Collins, Jackie Petrusma and David O’Byrne. Everyone has been so generous and enthusiastic. And of course, I must thank my husband and children and my family. My family has been very supportive and lived my success.” When Natalie returns from her adventure, she and animator Jesse Emmerson are planning to release What a Debacle, Freddie Farkle! as an eBook. Natalie has a follow-up in story form almost completed, and has also started a third story. More news after the awards, and best wishes from all in the valley, Natalie!

Merlene Abbott

Adding sparkle to FarkleFrom front page

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