‘Diary of an Uber Driver’. (Photo credit: Tony Mott)
Ben Phillips’ blog and e-book ‘Diary of an Uber Driver’ has been turned into six-part drama series for the ABC, with production currently underway in Sydney.
Produced by RevLover Films with the support of all3media international and Create NSW, Diary of an Uber Driver is written by Thomas Ward (Please Like Me) and follows Uber driver Ben as he tries to work out what he should be doing while helping others to get where they are going. Against the ticking clock of impending fatherhood Ben must decipher what being ‘relevant’ looks like in a relationship that seems to think he’s surplus to requirements.
Sam Cotton (Rosehaven) plays Ben, while Zahra Newman (Wentworth, Sisters) plays Beck, the mother of his unborn child. The series will also star John Bell, Caroline Brazier, Ed Oxenbould, Julian Maroun and Emily Barclay.
Matthew Moore (Offspring) is directing the series, shot by DOP Stephen F. Windon (Fast and the Furious) and produced by Martha Coleman and Lauren Edwards for RevLover.
“We started RevLover to make the kinds of shows we want to watch, and we’re thrilled that Diary of an Uber Driver is our first production,” said Coleman.
“Audiences will fall in love with the honest, funny, nuanced writing of Tom Ward, inspired by the warm, observational blog by Ben Phillips and brought to life by a sensational cast and crew helmed by Matthew Moore. Thanks to all3media international, ABC and Create NSW who have been fantastically supportive in bringing this special show to life.”
ABC head of drama, comedy and Indigenous Sally Riley said: “We’re delighted to commission such a distinctive and inclusive half hour drama series from breakout producer RevLover. Where else but on the ABC can audiences find such a loving portrait of urban Australia that is both deeply funny and full of heart?”