‘Ronny Chieng: International Student’.
Shooting has kicked off in Melbourne on Sticky Pictures’ Ronny Chieng: International Student, which will air on the ABC in Australia and Comedy Central in the US.
Ronny Chieng: International Student was one of six comedy pilots that aired last year as part of the ABC and Screen Australia’s joint initiative, Comedy Showroom, and was the first to be greenlit to a full series.
The six-parter has been funded by the ABC, Screen Australia, Film Victoria and Comedy Central.
“ABC audiences loved the first (pilot) episode, and we look forward to sharing more of Ronny’s unique comedy style, with stories inspired by his real-life experiences as an international student,” said Sticky Pictures CEO and series producer Donna Andrews.
Writer and star Ronny Chieng is taking time off from his role on Trevor Noah’s The Daily Show to return to Australia for the shoot.
“I’m very excited about getting the chance to relive my misspent youth at university and righting all my wrongs. Like in Quantum Leap or Atonement. But with Asians,” said Chieng.
ABC’s Head of Comedy Rick Kalowski said the series was “right on point for Australia today, richly diverse both onscreen and off, and, above all, furiously funny. If you love Ronny Chieng, you’ll adore this.”
Screen Australia multi-platform investment manager Mike Cowap said: “When Ronny Chieng joined forces with go-to comedy producers Sticky Pictures to create this satirical take on the Aussie student experience, we weren’t surprised to see it become a highlight in the Comedy Showroom showcase. We are delighted to be supporting this into a full season, where it will again bring to the screen its distinct international flavour alongside a diverse cast and hilarious script.”
The series will air on ABC TV and iview in mid-2017, with Comedy Central to follow.