That’s So Dodo

A Whimsical Beginning to a Creative Journey

About the Series

That’s So Dodo was a light-hearted, quirky mini series created during my early filmmaking journey. Spanning 15 episodes and 2 specials, this imaginative series starred my nan, affectionately known as Dodo, who played a mischievous and magical witch. Over time, the show evolved, blending humour, mystery, and darker themes into an unforgettable experience.

Dodo wasn’t just the star—she was the heart of the series. In addition to her role as the witch Dodo, she showcased her comedic and dramatic talent by portraying multiple characters, including her sister, mother, and the mysterious Aunt Maud. These roles culminated in a multi-episode storyline that added depth and intrigue to the whimsical premise.

The Storyline

What began as a light, whimsical series inspired by That’s So Raven took a darker turn in later episodes, drawing inspiration from Ghost Whisperer. The series followed Dodo as she navigated her life as a witch, encountering supernatural mysteries, quirky family dynamics, and unexpected challenges. The climactic finale saw Dodo tragically shot in her home amidst a series of mysterious signs, leaving fans with unanswered questions. Perhaps one day, her story will continue!

A Learning Experience

That’s So Dodo wasn’t just a passion project—it was my first real foray into filmmaking. Each episode served as a hands-on learning experience, allowing me to explore the basics of:

  • Writing scripts and storylines

  • Directing and working with actors (many of whom were family members!)

  • Editing and crafting cohesive narratives

  • Experimenting with visual effects to bring magical elements to life

  • Developing production workflows and honing technical skills

This series became a creative playground, teaching me invaluable lessons that shaped my filmmaking journey.

Why It’s Important

That’s So Dodo represents the beginning of my passion for storytelling. It was my first attempt to bring stories to life using a camera, a cast, and a big imagination. While the production may have been simple, it laid the foundation for everything I’ve achieved since.

Legacy

Despite its whimsical tone and small-scale production, That’s So Dodo holds a special place in my heart—and in my video archives. From its light-hearted beginnings to its darker, more complex later episodes, the series reflects the evolution of a storyteller in the making. It also serves as a reminder of how creativity can flourish with limited resources, as long as there’s passion and determination.

Series Credits

STARRING
Doreen Shorten

DIRECTED, WRITTEN AND EDITED BY
Shane McAndrew

VISUAL EFFECTS BY
Shane McAndrew

EPISODE 1 GUEST STARRING
Cally-Ann McAndrew
Shane McAndrew

EPISODE 2 GUEST STARRING
Shane McAndrew

EPISODE 4 GUEST STARRING
Lisa McAndrew
Debbie Webster
Carol Woolston

EPISODE 8 GUEST STARRING
Shane McAndrew

EPISODE 9 GUEST STARRING
Shane McAndrew

EPISODE 10 GUEST STARRING
Shane McAndrew

EPISODE 11 GUEST STARRING
Leah Colman
Shane McAndrew

EPISODE 12 GUEST STARRING
Leah Colman

EPISODE 13 GUEST STARRING
Leah Colman

EPISODE 15 GUEST STARRING
Shane McAndrew