Hollywood meets Ireland in “Small Town Big Story”

Ireland has long been a haven for major Hollywood productions. However, a new comedy series is taking a meta approach, focusing on the chaos that ensues when a big-budget Hollywood TV show invades a small Irish town.

A fresh take on blending cultures

Small Town Big Story, produced by Sky Studios and Playground, masterfully blends Irish charm and Hollywood glamour. Written and directed by the talented Chris O’Dowd, known for his sharp wit and unique storytelling, the series features Christina Hendricks and Paddy Considine in leading roles.

A tale of clashing worlds

Set in the fictional town of Drumbán on the Irish border, Small Town Big Story unfolds in a rural village filled with quirky characters and hidden secrets. When a major Hollywood film crew arrives, the spotlight unveils a long-buried secret dating back to the eve of the millennium.

Hendricks stars as a successful local girl turned hot-shot TV producer, while Considine portrays the pillar of the community. Their performances bring depth and nuance to the storyline, capturing the essence of a town in flux.

Stellar cast and intriguing cameos

As the show prepares to debut in the UK and Ireland next year and gears up for international buyer attention at Mipcom, the anticipation continues to build. Chris O’Dowd also makes a cameo appearance, adding a layer of authenticity to the series.

Additional new cast members include Clarke Peters, known for his roles in “The Wire” and “Da 5 Bloods,” and Tim Heidecker, famed for “Us” and his previous work alongside O’Dowd in “Bridesmaids.”

Insights from Chris O’Dowd

Speaking about his latest creation, O’Dowd describes Small Town Big Story as the “cultural cousin” of his earlier work, the Irish sitcom Moone Boy, which aired from 2012 to 2015. Reuniting with much of the same team, both on and off camera, has been a source of great joy for O’Dowd.

Reflecting on the show’s inspiration, O’Dowd reveals that it emerged from a desire to explore his own relationship with Hollywood and Ireland. Written during the challenging lockdown period, the script took an almost cosmic turn, reflecting the overwhelming sense of being out of control.

A dream casting

When it came to casting Christina Hendricks, O’Dowd and his wife, both huge fans of “Mad Men,” believed she would be perfect for the role of the TV producer. A serendipitous encounter led to a dinner where O’Dowd pitched the show, securing Hendricks’ involvement.

Filming in familiar locales

Much of the filming took place in Wicklow, south of Dublin, given the convenient proximity to the crew’s homes. However, some scenes were shot in O’Dowd’s hometown of Boyle, where his earlier series Moone Boy was also filmed.

A spiritual successor?

While Moone Boy centered on an imaginative child, Small Town Big Story focuses on someone who finds success in the entertainment industry, making it feel like a spiritual successor. David Rawle, who played Moone Boy, returns to the screen, this time portraying Paddy Considine’s son. The familiar faces and the shared comedic style create a nostalgic yet fresh viewing experience.

A meta narrative

In a delightful twist of meta storytelling, O’Dowd plays Jack E. McCarthy, the writer of the fictional show “I Am Celt,” at the heart of the series. The storyline, about a person who becomes a big Hollywood name and returns to their roots, echoes O’Dowd’s real-life journey.

The series explores themes of identity and the changing sands of reality, with O’Dowd leveraging his rich personal experiences to infuse the narrative with authenticity and humor.

Final thoughts

With its unique blend of authentic Irish humor and the allure of Hollywood, Small Town Big Story is poised to captivate audiences. Keep an eye out for its premiere, and share the anticipation across social media platforms. For more updates on the latest in film and television, continue following our site!