Optus ONE80 Project winner in development on series

Exclusive: A short film which won the MTV OptusONE80 Project in 2009 could become a major drama series for Foxtel.

TV Tonight understands the creators of Wauchope, director Reuben Field and producer Dean Bates, have shot a one hour drama named Dungoona and are in discussions with Foxtel.

Dungoona is the name of a fictional rural town “431 kilometres west of Who Gives A Shit” where aimless teenagers who can’t be taught are tamed by a mysterious, brilliant black English teacher. The story is about a love-hate relationship with the place we were born, p*ssed-off kids and whether one good teacher can undo a lifetime of bad  teaching.

Amongst the central teen characters are Gemma, a teen mum and a dole bludger; Corey, a camp, loud, proud, mincing, lisping teenager who couldn’t possibly be more out of place if he tried; and Trish, a world-class bogan, racist and promiscuous.

After winning the Optus ONE80 Project the short film was made into a one-hour drama, featuring Kat Stewart. It screened in segments on MTV Australia and Optus mobiles. Both Field and Bates were also producers on Review with Myles Barlow.

Although it isn’t yet confirmed for Foxtel, filming for the series development is expected to take place near Ballarat in January.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_E1a3yR2m8[/youtube]