2024 12 07 – Media release
optics. Photo credit: Joel Pratley
ABC and Screen Australia have announced a new project from the brilliant creative minds of Jenna Owen and Vic Zerbst (The Feed, Nugget is Dead: A Christmas Story) and Charles Firth (The Chaser). Filming has begun on the six-part comedy series Optics in Sydney. .
Optics, written and starring this dynamic trio, is a digital production of Easy Tiger and The Chaser, directed by award-winning Max Miller (Aunty Donna’s Coffee Café, Australian Epic), and directed by Firth, Easy Tiger’s Rob Gibson and Ian Colley (Colin) are executive producers. from Accounts), produced by Owen and Zerbst and Paige Falehinga.
Optics is about two smart 20-something women (Jenna Owen and Vic Zerbst) who are unexpectedly promoted to run the crisis management PR firm Fritz & Randell after the death of the office’s founder, Frank Fritz. ). They face weekly public relations crises from celebrities, athletes and major corporations, as well as a power challenge from veteran publicist Ian Randell (Charles Firth). You slowly begin to realize that the company may have its own scandals and wonder: are they set up to fail?
This is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud workplace comedy that lifts the veil on the everyday office politics and corporate spin that influences all the news we consume.
Screen Australia COO Grainne Brunsdon said: With their unique style and Charles’ playful touch, it’s an exhilarating ride that highlights the absurdities of the digital age. I can’t wait to see it on ABC. ”
“We’re thrilled to be working with such an incredibly talented team to bring this fast-paced, bitingly funny comedy to ABC,” said Rachel Okine, head of scriptwriting at ABC. ” he said. We know that viewers will not only be amazed by their sharp comedic minds, but will also be hooked on finding out what goes on behind the scenes in the often-murky world of PR. ”
Rob Gibson and Ian Colley said: “Jenna and Vic are one of our brightest new comedic talents and a generational spar with Charles Firth, an always hilarious middle-aged man. “The Ring is comedy gold.” I can’t wait to see Australia practice the dark arts of PR in the halls of Fritz and Randell. ”
Owen, Zerbst and Firth said: As it turns out, there’s enough material for about 30 years of weekly television. ”
NSW Head of Screen Cath Hepworth said: “Jenna and Vic are two of the most exciting and refreshing voices in comedy and they join forces with Charles Firth to create a unique twist in the world of crisis PR. I can’t wait to see the twist.” Screen NSW is excited to support the entire team, including Easy Tiger and Chaser Digital, to bring this hilarious series to the ABC next year. ”
Optics will premiere on ABC TV and ABC iview in 2025.
Production credits: Optics is an Easy Tiger and Chaser Digital production for ABC. Major production investment from Screen Australia and ABC. Funded by support from Screen NSW. Optics is produced in association with and distributed by ITV Studios. Created and written by Jenna Owen, Vic Zerbst, and Charles Firth. Executive producers: Charles Firth, Easy Tiger’s Rob Gibson and Ian Collie, Jenna Owen and Vic Zerbst, ABC’s Rachel Okin and Todd Abbott. Produced by Paige Falehinga.
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