The extraordinary series, filmed remotely using smartphones and Zoom across 8 countries and 6 languages during the pandemic, has been riding wave after wave of success on the film festival circuit since April 2022.
To date, Strings Attached has won 8 awards, 4 finalist spots, and an additional nomination for Best Web and New Media from 13 global festivals.
Alongside Andy Wolf (showrunner, executive producer), Marie Förster (executive producer) and Lucinda Bruce (executive producer), Jessica and this multi-talented team of creatives produced, acted, wrote, directed and coordinated the unique series over the past two years across multiple time zones. Andy, Marie and Jessica were inspired to create opportunities for underrepresented artists all around the world to stay creative and connected and working, even in the face of multiple lockdowns and pandemic restrictions. The series features over 30 actors, writers and directors, and due to the unique nature in how it was created – the producers will be meeting each other in-person for the first time at the upcoming Seoul Web Fest.
“I’m thrilled to be representing Australia and the cast and crew of this amazing project at the Seoul Web Fest. The feedback and excitement around our show has been wild, it’s absolutely proof that you can create dynamic, unique concepts that resonate with audiences no matter the filming and logistical challenges you may face,” she says.
Jessica was also recently announced as part of the ground breaking Australian Writers’ Guild and VicScreen First Break program, supported by Final Draft. Starting in August, she’ll be undertaking professional development and building connections with highly respected industry professionals.
“It’s important that this kind of program exists for underrepresented writers, and very humbling to be included in the inaugural program for Victoria. I’m beyond grateful that the Writers’ Guild and VicScreen have recognised my hard work, it’s a great reward for the years I’ve spent striving to take my career to the next level.”
Jessica has just released The Cut Away Podcast, a show featuring interviews with titans in the film and television industry across Australia, Canada and the US. With her co-host and co-producer Lucinda Bruce, they have interviewed the like of Tim Ferguson (DAAS), Michael Kostroff (The Wire), Tony Bonner (The Man from Snowy River), and David Lawrence (Heroes).
Jessica says, “The Cut Away is my way of giving back to the industry, exploring the career journeys of amazing, talented people that I know and love. Each episode has been a fascinating window into different ways of navigating and surviving the industry.”
Jessica has her sights set on here and North America, where she is currently fielding multiple offers of representation. “I can’t wait to work in both Australia and America on my slate of projects. As a queer, neurodiverse woman, it’s not been an easy journey, which makes all of these offers and moments of success all the sweeter.”
About Jessica Hutchinson
Jessica Hutchinson is an award-winning actor, writer, director and producer based in Melbourne, Australia.
She has trained at Howard Fine Australia (with Shane Connor and Kevin Harrington), Michael Kostroff (Audition Psych 101) Impro Melbourne (Patti Stiles, Jason Geary), the Melbourne Actors Studio (Bruce Alexander), acting with Jo Kelly, screen acting with Jack Plotnick, and Meisner technique at Meisner Melbourne.
Jess is currently promoting international series Strings Attached, and is busy developing a number of feature films and series that aim to elevate underrepresented voices. She is passionate about challenging ageism, homophobia, racism and ableism in the screen industry.
Beyond film and television, Jess is also experienced in motion capture performance, and was voiceover talent for video games Dead Static Drive, StormRend and Puzzle Quest 3.
In 2019 Jess received a scholarship to train under Sue Maslin (Executive Producer, The Dressmaker, Japanese Story) at the Compton School’s Creative Leadership program. In 2021 Jess participated in AiF’s UNTAPPED program (part 1) and founded a filmmaking group centred on nurturing and advocating for diverse filmmakers.
Jess is dedicated to improving screen diversity and raising the voices and talents of underserved communities. She is an active member of Women in Film and Television (Victoria and Australia) and the Screen Vixens Victorian chapter.
