Australian musical theatre star Lucy Durack (Wicked, Legally Blonde, Sisters, The Letdown) has premiered her screenwriting debut Lift, a bite-size romantic comedy set entirely in an elevator.
The series premiered on 10Peach on Valentine’s Day and is available to stream in Australia on 10Play and worldwide on the Mad Kids Originals YouTube Channel.
When serial temp Olivia (Durack) steps into an elevator for her 46th job this century, she needs to make this one stick. Inside she meets strait-laced Simon (Duncan Ragg) preparing for a nerve-wracking rooftop marriage proposal.
Despite a disastrous first impression, confusing office politics, interfering colleagues (Mark Coles Smith and Vivienne Garrett) and Simon’s impending nuptials, these two might just fall in love, one elevator ride at a time.
Lift was created and written by Durack, Jess Murray and Leon Murray of writing collective Platinum Lining, directed by Western Australian director-on-the-rise, Zoe Pepper, produced by Lauren Elliott of Mad Kids and Executive Produced by Chloe Rickard of Jungle Entertainment.
“I am so excited that Lift, our screenwriting debut and mini rom com, screened for the first time on 10Peach, not to mention for it to happen on February 14!” said Durack. “Most excellent and unique Valentine’s Day present ever!”
“We had a screening party to celebrate our TV premiere. This is the first time a Mad Kids project has been broadcast on commercial TV, so we were thrilled!” said Producer Lauren Elliott. “We can’t wait for the rest of the world to stream the series and tell us what they think!”
Following ten years as one of Western Australia’s top theatre directors, Director Zoe Pepper has kicked off 2019 with not one but two web series. The Big Spaghetti,which she directed and co-wrote with Adriane Daff and Tim Watts, made its North American premiere at Slamdance Film Festival in Utah last month and has already resulted in buzz from Hollywood.
“It’s amazing how much heart we managed to pack into a small wooden box,” said Director Zoe Pepper. “Working with Lucy, Lauren and the whole team was such a great experience. I’m so happy I got to premiere my first rom com on the most loved up day of the year.”
Caption: Behind the scenes in the purpose-built LIFT set inside Johnny Ma Studios in Maylands, Western Australia. Photo by Jessica Wyld Photography.
Lift was funded by Screenwest’s Elevate Initiative and made its world premiere at CinéfestOZ Film Festival in Busselton in 2018. It was 1 of 6 projects selected by an expert industry panel from 14 writer/producer/director teams who were shortlisted from 57 applications. Screenwest’s Talent Development Manager, Eva Di Blasio, is excited to see the project lift the profile of WA’s emerging creatives.
“Director Zoe Pepper and Mad Kids are rising Western Australian stars who have continued to deliver compelling and engaging content through our funding programs. It’s no surprise that 10Peach picked up this amazing web series,” said Di Blasio.
Mad Kids has produced a slate of original digital and television comedy projects including the AACTA-nominated Small Town Hackers, Dafuq?, The Legend Of Gavin Tanner, The Shapes, The Write Stuff With Noel And Carl Pennyman, Henry & Aaron’s 7 Steps To Superstardom, award-winning documentary Digilante and viral sensations It’s A Snap! and Set Yourself Free.
Caption: Duncan Ragg and Lucy Durack. Photo by Jessica Wyld Photography.
Lift is available to stream now on 10Play and the Mad Kids Originals YouTube Channel.