What's ahead for Mac?
Shane Cortese discusses season 2 for Mac.
What is Mac's family dynamic this series, seeing he's
going through a divorce with Jo?
Everything is on edge. Mac is trying desperately to
maintain the security of having his boys around him in the
aftermath of Noah's accident. He is also dealing with the fractured
nature of shared custody; Who gets the boys this weekend? Who
does the school pick up? Who makes the lunches? It's a whole new
world for Jo and Mac to come to grips with, as well as accepting
their new respective partners.
How does Mac's work come into play this season?
Mac had been trying to be more family focussed in season
one, but now by default he has had to throw himself back into his
work. Financially he feels a huge sense of responsibility to his
new business venture and to Smudge, his business partner and
friend. Now the on-going expenses of child support and servicing
his large mortgage (having bought Jo out) also weigh heavily on his
mind. The only answer is to go out and pitch relentlessly for
contracts. Some good, some not so good.
What can you reveal about Mac and Catherine's
relationship this season?
Mac and Catherine's attraction to each other became
blatantly apparent last season. Circumstance meant they couldn't
get together but the spark will never be lost between them.
It's a thwarted relationship but the time will come.
How have you enjoyed working with Laura Hill
again?
We worked together last almost nine years ago on
Shortland St
as brother and
sister! I did my first scene on television with Laura. I am blessed
with playing opposite the best television actresses in the country.
Laura is great, I love the sparkle in her eye and cheekiness, she
is an old friend and a terrific actress.
What have you enjoyed most about series 2?
I particularly enjoyed working on Beagle scenes because
that is when we all come together. This year a lot of our stories
have been separate. I have enjoyed that this season Mac has been a
bit loose; he is not within his comfort zone. Mac has had to start
pushing himself and learn to embrace new things, like
'singledom'.
How have you enjoyed working with various directors and
crew this year?
I have known most of the crew for eight years now. I am
never nervous on set, I know where I am going and where I belong
and that is largely due to having total faith and the crew and
directors. We had our first female director on the show this year
which was really neat.
