Make a TV show on the cheap

Mark and Jay Duplass have overcome the challenges of a low budget and small set for their Room 104 series and snagged a movie star along the way too

(Above) In an episode of Room 104, Jillian Bell plays a woman who has a series of increasingly bizarre experiences in her motel room, including a conversation with a giant talking hamster. (Left) Actor Dave Bautista stars in another episode, about a
In an episode of Room 104, Jillian Bell plays a woman who has a series of increasingly bizarre experiences in her motel room, including a conversation with a giant talking hamster. PHOTO: HBO
(Above) In an episode of Room 104, Jillian Bell plays a woman who has a series of increasingly bizarre experiences in her motel room, including a conversation with a giant talking hamster. (Left) Actor Dave Bautista stars in another episode, about a
Actor Dave Bautista stars in another episode, about a retired professional wrestler battling demons from his past. PHOTO: HBO
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In contrast to flashy reboots of iconic anthology series such as Netflix's Black Mirror revival in 2016 or the new The Twilight Zone last year, Room 104 has had a steadfastly low-key, indie vibe.

This is because of the pedigree of creators Mark and Jay Duplass - the actor, writer and producer siblings behind naturalistic comedy-dramas such as indie films The Puffy Chair (2005) and Baghead (2008), and the series Togetherness (2015 to 2016).

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 11, 2020, with the headline Make a TV show on the cheap. Subscribe