Characters with a back story

A new local comedy drama set in a spinal unit is based on the lives of two of its writers, one of whom stars in the show.

-  RUSSELL BROWN

SPINAL DESTINATION
Screening: Sky Open, from Wednesday, March 27, 8.30pm

There is a good deal of real life in Spinal Destination. The story of its lead character, the go-getting journalist Tessa, has much in common with the story of its writer, accomplished documentarian and film director Paula Whetu Jones.

Both have media careers, both were deprived of the ability to walk by a rare autoimmune condition, both felt their legs go while taking a bath and both struggled to adjust to their new lives. Most of all, both swore they would walk again, no matter what.

"It is quite autobiographical," Whetu Jones confirms. "The main thing about the story is the emotional rollercoaster. It's about trying to keep your normal in a situation that's not normal.

"And yeah, it's been 14 years and I still think I'm going to walk."

Although she drew on her own time in the Burwood Spinal Unit for the story, the tone came from cinema - is it dark comedy, drama, what?