Earlier this year, After the Party was nominated for the prestigious BAFTA Television Awards, an incredible achievement.
Congratulations to the entire team on reaching this remarkable milestone. The series was produced by Helen Bowden and Liz DiFiore, whose dedication and creative vision helped bring this powerful story to life.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Liz DiFiore, who shared some valuable insights into the journey behind the series and what this recognition means for the team.
Was there a moment during production when you thought, “This might be something really special”?
In the midst of production, it’s hard to know exactly where a project will land. All you can do is show up each day with focus and care, giving every moment on set the best chance to contribute to something meaningful. But the real magic happens when the cast breathes life into the material. That’s when the potential leaps off the page—and we saw that again and again. From the very beginning, we fell in love with this cast and rode every emotional beat of their world.
We were also fortunate to be working with such rich, compelling material. With writers like Di Taylor, Sam Shore, Martha Hardy-Ward, and Emily Perkins, and under the thoughtful direction of Peter Salmon, our cast - Robyn Malcolm, Peter Mullan, and Tara Canton had a powerful foundation to build on - and they delivered. Lead producer Helen Bowden brought a clear and generous vision to the production, creating the space for everyone involved to truly excel.
What do you hope audiences take away from this series?
I hope audiences connect with these characters and their dilemmas, and recognise the emotional complexity that reflects so much of real life. So often, it’s a single incident that changes everything—and we shouldn’t underestimate the ripple effects of those turning points.
What does a BAFTA nomination mean to you personally and professionally?
The BAFTA nomination feels like a real milestone in my career. It’s a powerful affirmation of the work I’ve poured myself into over the years. Freelancing is a path full of both uncertainty and incredible rewards, and international recognition like this is deeply energising—especially for those of us telling stories from Aotearoa. It’s a reminder that our voices resonate far beyond home, and that the story is still unfolding.
Thank you for sharing Liz. Well done everyone!
Pictured, L to R: Di Taylor, Peter Mullan, Robyn Malcolm, Liz DiFiore, Helen Bowden, Peter Salmon