SBS today announced the release of the third Comedy Runway pilot as part of a nation-wide initiative to assist in the development of Australia’s next generation of comedy talent.
In partnership with the state screening agencies ScreenWest, Screen Tasmania, the South Australian Film Corporation, ScreenNSW, ScreenQLD and Film Victoria, 12 finalists each received $20,000 in development funding to create a five minute web pilot, with at least one pilot planned to be selected for the development and production of a five episode web series.
The third pilot Fully Furnished starring Tom Ballard and Tommy Dassalo is now available to view at SBS Comedy: www.sbs.com.au/comedy
Creator, writer and performer Tom Ballard said: “I would say that making Fully Furnished was a dream come true but most of my dreams don't involve me having to walk around naked in front of a film crew with a DIY modesty patch super glued over my genitals. Apart from that though, it was jolly good fun.
“We're eternally grateful to SBS Comedy and the Runway grant for allowing us to bring our very stupid ideas to life in a very professional way. We think we've made something funny and original and we're really excited about getting it out to a comedy-loving audience.
“Scoring our friends and heaps good comedy-ers Ronny Chieng and Susie Youssef was a real treat because their talent distracted from our bad acting (and hopefully, my bare arse).”
Fully Furnished tells the tale of Todd and Dayne, two terrible people in a three bedroom house who have just driven out the last person willing to live with them. Desperate to cover the rent, they’ve turned to ‘Sky B ‘n’ B’ who, every two weeks, send a new overseas traveller to stay and, most importantly, pay the bills. Unfortunately the people they select turn out to have some very out of the box ideas on what constitutes a good use of the spare room.
SBS Comedy is at www.sbs.com.au/comedy and includes a mix of articles, comedy show info, reviews and videos