Susie Youssef and Rose Matafeo in ‘Squinters’.
Production is underway on Jungle’s new six part series Squinters for the ABC.
As IF reported last week, the comedy, created by Adam Zwar and Trent O’Donnell, follows people from Sydney’s western suburbs as they drive to work. The title refers to the fact that the commuters are facing the sun as they drive east. Jungle’s Chloe Rickard is producing.
The series has attracted a stellar cast, among them performer-composer Tim Minchin, Jacki Weaver, Miranda Tapsell, Mandy McElhinney, Damon Herriman, Sam Simmons, Andrea Demetriades, Wayne Blair, Christiaan Van Vuuren, Justin Rosniak and Jenna Owen, along with new comedic talent including Susie Youssef (Rosehaven), Rose Matafeo Funny Girls), Steen Raskopoulos (Top Coppers), YouTube sensation John Luc (aka ‘MyChonny’) as well as the UK’s Nyasha Hatendi ( Casual).
O’Donnell will take head directing duty, alongside Kate McCartney (Get Krack!n, The Katering Show), Amanda Brotchie (Girl Boss (US), Picnic at Hanging Rock), Christiaan and Conner Van Vuuren (Bondi Hipsters, Soul Mates) and Cate Stewart (The Record).
Zwar is head writer, working alongside Lally Katz, Sarah Scheller (The Letdown), Adele Vuko (Skitbox), Leon Ford and newcomer Ben Crisp.
The series will shoot in both Sydney and LA this month before airing on ABC next year. It has received production investment from Screen Australia as well as Create NSW.