##Entertainment
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###Lost in Pronunciation
Starring and based on the stand-up of fast-rising, award-winning comedian Ivan Aristeguieta, comes the autobiographical story of a young man who escapes the dangers of Venezuela only to find himself in ‘the lucky country’s’ safest, friendliest state – South Australia. With the help of two Aussie housemates, lesbian tradie Tia and her hipster vegan brother Scott, Ivan learns that to become a permanent resident isn’t so much about ticking boxes on a form, but adapting to the strange and unique customs that we may take for granted but make us truly Australian.
Production credits: Julia DeRoeper, JDR Screen. Created and written by Ivan and Chris McDonald. Produced by Julia DeRoeper. Directed by Richard Jasek. A collaboration between ABC iview and the South Australian Film Corporation.
Runs for: Six x 5 minute episodes on ABC iview
###The Edge of the Bush
What happened on the edge of the bush? Something so powerful it will bring the Watts Family calisthenics dynasty to its knees… Created, written by and starring award-winning comedian Anne Edmonds (Have You Been Paying Attention?), get ready for a comedy series like nothing you’ve seen before. Suspenseful and Scandi-noir-inflected, with Anne – in the tradition of Catherine Tate – playing four members of the Watts family: Karen, Dusty, young Rebecca and their very old dad / grandad John. For all four characters and their families, the past was neatly tucked away behind a sequinned curtain. But a web of lies involving country music, worker’s comp, international cyber-crime, comfort eating and a guy called Glen, now threatens to pull everything wide open. Calisthenics brought the Watts family together, but one greasy evening on the edge of the bush could just tear them apart. Also starring Greg Larsen (Fancy Boy) and Damien Power (The Project).
Production credits: Guesswork Television. This is the first of the ABC iview and Screen Australia Multiplatform Fund Long Story Short projects. Directed by Kate McCartney (The Katering Show). Produced by Andrew Walker (Rosehaven, The Kettering Incident, Wanted).
Runs for: Five x 12 minute episodes on ABC iview
###Goober
Harry (Brendan Williams) is a friendly Uber driver. Too friendly. In fact, he’s convinced that every passenger will be his next best friend. Harry is also on the autism spectrum. He spends his days bemusing and confusing his passengers—despite the support from his Dad (Shane Jacobson), who is only ever a phone call away with encouragement and words of wisdom. Harry is eternally optimistic, especially when it comes to Wendy (Ashton Malcolm). She works in the booth at Harry’s favourite drive-thru restaurant. Harry is convinced that any day now he and Wendy will be happily married. With a house. And six children. And a dog. All he has to do is summon the courage to talk to her about something other than ice-cream.
Production credits: Epic films. Written by Ben Crisp. Produced by Kirsty Stark (A Month of Sundays). Directed by Brendon Skinner and Simon Williams. A collaboration between ABC iview and the South Australian Film Corporation.
Runs for: Six x 5 minute episodes on ABC iview
###Almost Midnight
Almost Midnight is a coming-of-age romantic comedy, with each of the six episodes set a year apart against the backdrop of that glorious moment when boundless promise, personal reflection, and uninhibited drunkenness combine – the final five minutes of New Year’s Eve. Dave (co-creator/writer and director Stephen Banham) wants a fairy-tale romance, but lacks the ability to meet or, more importantly, keep the woman of his dreams, Jen – especially when he’s hampered by the advice of his best friend and self-professed ladies’ man, Acka (co-creator/writer Aaron Casey). As we journey through the series we witness Dave’s growth from a bumbling wall-flower to a fully-matured man, comfortable in his own skin and ready for love. But when the clock strikes midnight, will he get his wish or turn into a pumpkin?
Production credits: We’re Not Boys. Produced by Alex Keay and Peta Bulsara. A collaboration between ABC iview and the South Australian Film Corporation.
Runs for: Six x 5 minute episodes on ABC iview