ABC TV is pleased to announce that three outstanding new TV comedy projects will receive development funding in 2010 as a result of the Film Victoria/ABC TV comedy initiative STITCH, designed to develop the skills of comedy performers in writing longer-form narrative.
Following an overwhelming response from more than 200 applicants, six successful teams were selected to attend a three-day workshop in 2009 to learn about comedy writing for the screen through lectures and one-on-one feedback. The following three teams get the opportunity to develop their projects and get them ready for potential production.
Next of Kin - (Josh Thomas (writer/performer and stand up comedian, currently on Talking ‘Bout Your Generation), and Todd Abbott (producer), a comedy about a boy who would like to be an adult and do adult things, like moving out and sleeping with girls. But his mum has other ideas.
Bruce - Warwick Holt, Mat Blackwell (established writers whose work you have laughed to on many shows including Good News Week ), Jason Byrne (producer), and Tony Rogers (director), a gritty black comedy about life in an ordinary Aussie share-house, that just happens to be a convict tent in 1788.
TwentySomething - Josh Schmidt (writer/performer), and Jess Harris (writer/performer), a comedy series about best mates, Jess and Josh, who never went to uni, never had a clear talent and never really had a drive to grow up.
Film Victorias CEO, Sandra Sdraulig, said that the decision to provide development funding to three of the six projects was a fantastic result and testament to Victoria‟s rich pool of comedic talent.
“Film Victoria is delighted with the results of the first STITCH workshop, which gave our local producers and writers an opportunity to hone the tricky craft of scriptwriting under the guidance of industry experts.”
ABC TV Executive Producer, Debbie Lee said “STITCH has provided a unique opportunity for comedy talent to come to the table with some original ideas and have them creatively nurtured.
ABC TV has a long history of supporting distinctive new comedy and we‟re thrilled to be moving into development with these three very talented teams.” At the 2009 workshop Los-Angeles based expert on comedy writing and production, Steve Kaplan, gave the teams plenty of sage and practical advice in his role as mentor. His students have gone on to write for shows such as Sex and the City, Ugly Betty, Big Love and The Daily Show. Successful UK- based writing, directing and producing duo Tim Allsop and Stewart Williams offered an insight into working creatively with a broadcaster.
Local mentors Andrew Knight and Mike Bullen, who have credits such as Full Frontal, Tripping Over, SeaChange and Cold Feet to their names, shared their unique perspectives on Australian comedy productions and audiences.
