by Emma Jane Caldwell
The multi-day shoot in Warrnambool was ambitious, requiring tight coordination and long hours. Yet, instead of enforcing rigid norms, the production team leaned into flexibility and inclusivity creating a set that leaned into life’s realities.
Two actors, Lisa Dallinger and Sophie Lampel, brought their families into the heart of the creative process. Lisa was pregnant during filming with her second child. Sophie, balancing her role and motherhood, brought her daughter along for the ride. For many productions, these circumstances might have been seen as logistical hurdles. For Slightly Cracked, they became opportunities to foster a more human-centred environment.
Lisa Dallinger: Pregnancy and performance
Lisa’s presence on set was a testament to resilience and trust. Playing her role while pregnant required thoughtful adjustments, from scheduling breaks to ensuring comfort during long takes. The crew didn’t just accommodate—they collaborated.
“It was tiring. I was lucky I had passed the first trimester and so no longer had much nausea, but the tiredness is always a struggle… Jenn (director Jennifer Monk) is always so accommodating and understanding of my needs that I felt super supported and I knew that if I needed a break or anything it was OK.”
It really does take a village sometimes and Lisa was fortunate that her husband was able to take the time to come to Warrnambool for the shoot to be the primary carer for her toddler son.
“The tricky thing wasn’t even so much my pregnancy but moreso making sure my toddler was sorted and ok as filming is always usually long days. My hubby was able to come away with us so I could still see my son a little around filming… I was able to focus because he was having a great time with his dad!”
Sophie Lampel: Motherhood Meets Creativity
For Sophie, the challenge wasn’t juggling call times, it was making sure her 10-year-old daughter, Grace, felt comfortable and engaged during the multi-day shoot. The production team responded with flexibility and openness, creating an environment where her daughter could observe and even learn from the process.
“My kids have grown up around theatre and rehearsals so they totally understand how to behave. I loved having her with me. It was a special time to share.”
Rather than being a distraction, Sophie’s daughter became part of the atmosphere, adding a sense of family and mentorship to the set. Crew members welcomed her curiosity, and the experience turned into an informal behind-the-scenes education in filmmaking.
“The biggest challenge was probably wearing two hats – actor and mum. The set was so inclusive and happy for Grace to be there, so it really was a joy!”
The Director’s Perspective: Leading with Empathy
Jennifer Monk, the director and co-creator of Slightly Cracked: The Trilogy, played a pivotal role in shaping this inclusive environment. Her leadership ensured that family needs were not seen as obstacles but as part of the creative fabric.
Jenn has a background in creating nurturing and inclusive spaces for women to create. As the founder of collective Girls Act Good and now branching out on her solo projects as JMonk Vision, Jenn has always been supportive of actors bringing their external lives into the creative world which ensures there are opportunities for those who otherwise would have to pause their stage or screen pursuits.
“For me, a calm and supportive set is essential – it’s where actors do their best work. If that means having family or children nearby, I’m committed to making that happen. Women should be able to be both mothers and working actors if they choose and I’m dedicated to supporting their careers at every life stage.”
Why This Matters for the Industry
Film sets have long been associated with high-pressure environments that demand personal sacrifices. Slightly Cracked: The Trilogy challenges that narrative. By embracing inclusivity, the production demonstrated that creativity thrives when people feel supported not just as professionals, but as whole individuals with external lives that don’t stop when the cameras start rolling.
Perhaps this experience could inspire a shift in industry norms, encouraging more productions to adopt family-friendly policies. The benefits are clear: happier sets, more opportunities for women and parents, and a culture that reflects the diversity of real life.
Slightly Cracked: The Trilogy is an award-winning web series, now available to watch on the Girls Act Good YouTube channel here.
