Stop Laughing… This Is Serious

3x 57 Minute Documentary Series

Credits

Production Co: Screentime for ABC
Series Directors: Stephen Oliver, Craig Anderson
EP: Jennifer Collins
Producers: Stephen Oliver, Ruth Cullen, Joel Slack-Smith
Series Producer: Craig Anderson
DOP: Aaron Smith ACS

Angela Cerasi colour graded this three-part documentary series delving into the defining moments of Australian comedy and how they shaped our comedic voice.  The series was produced by Screentime for ABC by director/ producer Stephen Oliver and director/ series producer Craig Anderson with producers Ruth Cullen and Joel Slack-Smith.  Jennifer Collins was the EP.  Aaron Smith ACS was the DOP.

Stop Laughing… this is serious charts a course through the story of Australian comedy, featuring more than 60 interviews with the men and women who make us laugh. Through a blend of social history, extensive archive material and intimate interviews with some of the country’s most loved comedians, we travel via stand up, radio, television, theatre and film from indigenous comedy to new viral media jokers of today, revealing how humour, laughter and comedy are integral to our national identity.

Narrated by Eric Bana, the series explores the development of Australian comedy through social and political change, examining the way humour has reflected and responded to multicultural Australia, gender issues, and politics. Each episode moves seamlessly through time, weaving contemporary comedy with early comedic performance, featuring insight and anecdotes from what Barry Humphries calls “the cheering up business”.

To see another three-part documentary series colour graded by Angela Cerasi, also featuring Australian creatives, check out the trailer and stills for Perspective Shift, here.

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