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SBS hires comedy spys Danger 5

You wanted different? SBS greenlights a new 1960s style action-comedy fusing WWII spies, Godzilla-esque miniatures, pyrotechnics and a hint of James Bond.

A new action comedy coming to SBS next year immediately sets itself apart from the pack, in both style and production.

Danger 5 is described as a bizarre, 1960’s inspired version of World War II about a group of spies on a mission to kill Hitler. It promises “an eclectic visual blend of 1960s Italian inspired cinematography merged with Japanese, Godzilla-esque miniature and pyrotechnic effects, all stitched together with the dry, bold sensibilities of the Sean Connery era Bond films.”

The five special operatives characters comprise ‘Jackson from the USA, Tucker from Australia, Ilsa from Russia, Claire from Britain and Pierre from Europe.’

The six-part series has been created by 23 year-olds Dario Russo and David Ashby from South Australian production company Dinosaur Pty Ltd who created the 2008 low-budget cult internet parody Italian Spiderman, which began as a student film at Flinders University. Ashby also stars in the role of ‘Jackson’ while Russo is also directing the series and co-producing with Kate Croser of Cyan Films.

The SBS series is the first television action comedy series to be created in South Australia using entirely local key creatives and production crew. It will also be the first TV series for the writers, director, and producers in their roles.

“Dario and I are thrilled to have the support of our investors in putting together this original, off-beat comedy series based out of Adelaide,” said producer, Kate Croser.

“We’re working with a talented young crew and Danger 5 is providing many of them with their first opportunity to head a department in a TV series. We’re also excited about introducing audiences to a striking cast of undiscovered actors.”

Caterina DeNave, Executive Producer Drama & Comedy, SBS, said: “Danger 5 demonstrates SBS’s commitment to new, original home-grown production. I’m delighted we can offer this daring and exciting new program to Australian audiences.”

South Australian Film Corporation CEO Richard Harris said, “Danger 5 marks the SAFC’s first foray into longer form television production for some time, and we hope it marks the beginning of greater things to come. We aim to become as successful in television production as we already are in our feature drama and documentary filmmaking and digital content creation.

Danger 5 is currently filming until mid-December and will air on SBS ONE in 2011.

21 Responses

  1. Excellent! Sounds interesting and fun.
    But to all of you saying there is no originality in Australian TV, what about Wilfred? Myles Barlow? John Safran? TAYG? Pizza? Swift & Shift? It bugs me that people make broad sweeping generalizations like that all the time when it’s not actually true.

  2. It is refreshing to see something commissioned made by people I have never heard of. And good to see SBS looking in different places for talent. I hope it’s more Wilfred than Bogan Pride.

  3. GG,

    The new ‘Wilfred’ from the US might just be shown on SBS… Keep your fingers crossed.

    As for ‘Fat Pizza, you may love it, like real pizza, but imagine eating a pizza that’s been left around a long time. Even if you love eating that pizza, eventually it’s got to go stale. Unfortunately, it’s the same for many TV shows, tried and proven over the years. If it could somehow keep it’s freshness, it would be excellent, but sadly, it might not be the case. Leaving things on a great finale is a great way to end, or else a show can get sick and die. That’s a sad fact.
    However, if the same team who made ‘Fat Pizza’ were to work together and made a new show, what would you think? Good idea?
    Please write to SBS about the show / idea for a new show.

  4. It seems like so long since we’ve there’s been some Australian comedy on SBS, good to have it back.

    While the ABC tends to specialise in the smarter satirical style sitcoms, I think SBS has a real good niche with its edgy comedies.

    Although I wouldn’t mind Newstopia back (but having a Micallef Tonight style show on Ten next year would be even better).

  5. This does sound pretty cool. But SBS if you’re listening, please do more Wilfred, Bogan Pride and Fat Pizza. These are all quality, edgy shows with lots of fans!

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