03 Magazine: March 01, 2023

Feature | Magazine 31
Kiwi-born star of screens both big and small Rebecca
Gibney’s latest role is one that’s both close to her heart
and to her homebase, as a longtime resident of Dunedin.
Under the Vines, set and shot in Central Otago, became an
immediate feel-good favourite from the first episode – due in
no small part to Rebecca’s character Daisy Monroe.
We caught up with the multi-award-winning actor as the
second series went to air.
Congrats on a second season of Under the Vines! How was
it shooting season two?
It was great and so wonderful to be back in Central Otago.
We are almost locals in Clyde now!
We were also shooting during Covid so there were a lot
of protocols in place. Luckily none of the cast got sick while
we were filming so we were able to keep the schedule
the same.
We always have a lovely time as we all get along so well.
It doesn’t feel like a job and this time we were based in Clyde
so had lots of time to explore the local area, which was lovely.
Is it quite different returning for a second season of
shooting a show?
There’s a familiarity that really helps. We know what works
and what doesn’t and of course we know all the locations and
the costs so that helps a lot.
Some people think there’s the added pressure of trying
to get it as good as season one, but we’re lucky in that our
writers came back and produced such beautiful scripts so it
was easy and I think it’s equally as good, if not better.
The show has been a huge hit, was that a surprise or did
you know you were onto a winner?
I always knew there was something special about it. From the
moment the idea was pitched to me – about two strangers
from opposite ends of the earth with nothing in common
inheriting a rundown vineyard in the deep south of New
Zealand, and how they learn to integrate into the town with
an array of wonderful local characters – it had such a joyous
feel about it. Throw in romance, amazing locations and wine
and what’s not to love.
Plus, as I said, we have such a wonderful team of amazing
creatives so it was always going to be special.
Any Covid-related challenges, as that was still in the throes
at that time I think?
Not really, a few crew came down with it but we were
able to replace them for the time they had to isolate and
then they were back and we kept going. It might have been
a different story if [co-star] Charlie [Edwards] or I had
succumbed but luckily we pulled through.
What was a typical day on set like?
On shows like Under the Vines I’m both an actor and I’m also
one of the executive producers.
As an actor, your responsibility is to create a character,
learn your lines, show up on time and do the job to the best
of your ability but you’re not really in control of much more
than that.
Our days usually start very early with makeup and costume
calls and then a full day of filming but the vibe on set is always
loads of fun – our cast and crew really are like a big family so
even though the days are long, they seem to fly by!
As an EP there’s obviously more control over the full
outcome of the project. I love it but I do have to wear two
hats and sometimes I’m not good at swapping them out.
I’m lucky in that there is enormous support from our
production team and once we are shooting I try to take off
the EP hat and focus on being an actor (although I still tend to
watch rushes and discuss script notes while we are shooting –
I do enjoy multitasking!).
Also our EPs/producers have the added worry of keeping
everything on track financially and, having been involved in
that side of things on earlier shows, I now try to avoid those
discussions wherever possible!
What did you get up to in your time off?
We had an amazing trip and spent the Christmas and new
year period in Canada and the US. It was the first trip since
Covid, and my husband and son are avid skiers so we were
away for six weeks visiting two ski resorts.
We also visited our dear friends in Cape Cod, a place I had
never been, and that was very special as I met these particular
friends nearly 40 years ago in New Zealand, they were my
first flatmates, so to be able to visit them in their home in the
US for their 40th wedding anniversary was a real treat.
Are you a big wine fan in real life? Any South Island
favourites you could recommend?
If I don’t say Two Paddocks, Sam (Neill) will never forgive
me! It does produce amazing wine. I’m also partial to a rosé
now and then… and a crisp pinot gris… a light chardonnay,
depending on the meal. And of course a pinot noir.
What are some favourite spots in the area to visit?
I love all the walks around Queenstown and often head
out to Glenorchy. The Routeburn Track is one of my most
favourite walks anywhere in the world.
Clyde is where we film a lot of the scenes of Peak View
and it’s an awesome wee town with really lovely people who
have been so welcoming. The cafés and craft shops there are
lovely as well.
Arrowtown is great and the walk along the river there
after breakfast at The Chop House is pretty outstanding. And
Botswana Butchery, Rata and Sherwood have incredible meals.
I could actually write a novel about all the things to do in
the area.
My husband and I also just bought bikes to do some of the
bike trails on my weekends off. Heading to do a part of the
Otago Rail Trail this weekend, actually.
And to eat/drink/stay?
Olivers in Clyde, Botswana and Rata in Queenstown, Kobe
Japanese out at Millbrook. There are so many accommodation
options in Queenstown. Eichardt’s is pretty special and The
Spire has great rooms. The Sofitel is right in the heart of
Queenstown as well. St Moritz has lovely large rooms. And if
you want something extra special, Blanket Bay is superb.