Filming has started on Goober (May 13), the first of five new South Australian projects being produced through the joint $500,000 SAFC/ABC TV LABS iview originals initiative.
Goober tells the story of Harry, an Uber driver, who lies somewhere on the autism spectrum and can’t hold down any other job, but wants to make friends and a bit of money.
Harry is eternally optimistic – especially about his love for Wendy, the girl from his favourite drive-through restaurant.
Harry spends his life trying to turn passengers into friends, and Wendy into his girlfriend.
The series of 6 x 5 minute episodes features a South Australian cast and crew along with acclaimed Australian actor Shane Jacobson (Kenny, The Dressmaker) providing the voice of Harry’s Dad.
Goober will be the first major acting role for South Australian Brendan Williams, who plays Harry. He stars alongside another South Australian, Ashton Malcolm.
The series is being filmed in a car over 6 days in locations including Glenelg, Seaford, Norwood and the City.
Goober is a collaborative project between producer Kirsty Stark (A Month of Sundays, Wastelander Panda), Writer Ben Crisp and Directors Simon Williams and Brendon Skinner.
South Australian Film Corporation’s (SAFC) chief executive, Annabelle Sheehan, said it was exciting to see filming start on the first of the SAFC/ABC TV LABS iview originals initiative projects.
“Goober has been developed by a highly motivated and talented team and provides great new opportunities for local emerging acting talent and crew," she said.
"The project hooks into the hot topic of Uber drivers in an innovative way.
"We’re really delighted to see the first of the SAFC/ABC iview original series underway.
“We’re also excited by the great social media presence the team has created, with behind the scenes production footage on Facebook giving us a glimpse of life filming 6 days in one car.”
SAFC/ABC TV LABS iview originals initiative was established to showcase the state’s writing, filmmaking and production talent.
It has funded five projects to each produce a series of 6 x 5 minute episodes to premiere exclusively on ABC iview.
Each of the project teams have given the chance to work closely with the national broadcaster including the heads of its factual and comedy divisions.
Producer Kirsty Stark said Goober was developed specifically for the SAFC/ABC TV LABS iview originals initiative.
“It’s great to see projects like Goober, which is being entirely created in South Australia, going into production as it really showcases the State’s creative capabilities,” she said.
“Goober has also provided opportunities for local acting talent, and for the directors it gives them their first opportunity to work with the national broadcaster.
“The project team is really looking forward to bringing Goober to iview later this year.”
Filming on the other SAFC/ABC TV LABS iview originals initiative projects will start over the next couple of months, with all final productions needing to be delivered to the ABC for screening later this year.