Aussie SVOD net orders eOne comedy

Australian subscription VOD service Stan sent a comedy-drama from North America’s Entertainment One Television into production.

The Other Guy comes from Aussie comic and broadcast personality Matt Okine, and is based on his experiences a successful radio show host unexpectedly back in the dating pool after a decade after finding out his girlfriend is cheating on him with his best friend.

eOne is producing and distributing internationally, with Becky Lucas (Please Like Me) and Greg Waters (Soul Mates) co-writing with Okine. Kace Anning is directing. Aquarius Films (Lion) will coproduce.

The 6x30mins series is to shoot on location in Sydney, and will be produced in association with Screen Australia and Screen NSW ahead of a late 2017 debut date.

For Stan, the commission comes after those of horror-drama Wolf Creek, which is heading into a second season, comedy No Activity and stand-up specials collection One Night Stan.

“The Other Guy demonstrates Stan’s ongoing commitment to creating fresh, engaging local content you won’t find anywhere else, showcasing the wealth of talent we have in Australia,” said Stan’s chief content officer, Nick Forward.

“Matt is one of the country’s most in-demand comedians and we’re delighted to have Kacie Anning on board – she’s undoubtedly one of the most talented young directors coming out of Australia.”

Harriet Dyer (No Activity), Varlene Kane (The Fall), Magda Szubanski (Kath & Kim) and Christiaan van Vuuren (Soul Mates) star alongside Okine.

For UK-listed eOne, The Other Guy comes just over two years after it launched an Australian television division under executive VP, TV development and acquisitions Jude Troy.