Press release:
STUDIO last night announced that Lisa Shaunessy has been chosen as the successful producer for the inaugaural STUDIO Kickstart. Lisa’s concept pitch So Yesterday has been chosen to go into production with STUDIO.
After teaming up with Screen Producers Australia, STUDIO offered participants of the Ones to Watch program an exclusive opportunity to submit their original TV concepts. Selected finalists were invited to pitch directly to STUDIO executives in a closed door pitching session, with the successful producer given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to produce their own series with a $300,000 budget.
Lisa Shaunessy’s winning concept, So Yesterday, is a six-part entertainment/documentary series that sees an engaging (but not very hip) host embark on a global odyssey to uncover the mysterious development of the global Hipster phenomenon. Part anthropological study of the ever-shifting nature of cool, part personal makeover, So Yesterday uncovers the mysterious process by which ideas, products, art, language and style transform from being niche cultural movements into global megatrends.
“Screen Producers Australia's Ones To Watch program is our new initiative designed to help give the next generation of producers unrivalled connection and mentor support with key film and television executives," said Matthew Deaner, Executive Director Screen Producers Australia. “All participants in Ones To Watch were also given an exclusive opportunity to pitch a concept to produce their own TV series, which provides a great opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity.”
Lisa is now invited to work with STUDIO’s Production Manager and Executive Producer to achieve her vision for So Yesterday.
“We are thrilled to be moving ahead with Lisa Shaunessy's So Yesterday, which delves into the heart, soul and psyche of the hipster phenomenon. The idea is fresh, fun and perfectly tailored to the discerning STUDIO viewer. We were incredibly impressed by the high-calibre of submissions for the first ever STUDIO Kickstart initiative. As a vote of confidence in all three finalists, should they be able to get their projects up – and we hope they do – SBS International is extending the offer of a first-look option to distribute the completed programs,” said STUDIO Head of Programming and Production Laura Glassman.
STUDIO will offer emerging producers another exceptional opportunity when the initiative continues with a new call for entries in 2014.
STUDIO is available on Foxtel channel 132.