New ABC2 comedy The Strange Calls has become the latest local TV series to be picked up for a US pilot.
US Network ABC has commissioned a ‘put pilot’ – a strong commitment requiring it to broadcast the initial pilot episode, which often leads to a full series.
The US adaptation will be led by writer Donick Cary (New Girl), director Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland) and producer Aaron Kaplan (The Neighbors). All three will executive produce alongside the Australian series producers, Tracey Robertson and Nathan Mayfield of Hoodlum.
The Australian 6×30-minute multiplatform series, which begins broadcast on October 16, stars Barry Crocker and Toby Truslove as an unlikely paranormal investigative team. The series was written and directed by Daley Pearson ($quid). The first episode has already launched on ABC iView and the series will invite audiences to communicate with the characters and share ‘strange’ sightings via Twitter and the show’s website.
ABC head of comedy, Debbie Lee said: “Seeing a US network pickup an Australian series to pilot before it has even broadcast is remarkable and such a testament to the creative vision of the team and the show. The Strange Calls is already creating a buzz online ahead of the ABC2 premier next Tuesday – so we hope Australian audiences will get in now and see it here first.”
Tracey Robertson, executive producer for Hoodlum said: “Hoodlum has been working in the US market for a long time and the American remake of The Strange Calls is the result of not only this commitment but also the hard work by the dedicated team that believed in this project. Even though The Strange Calls is a relatively small project, it’s got a very big heart and this is a brilliant outcome for everyone who was part of this collaboration including the cast and crew, ABC TV, Screen Queensland and Screen Australia.”