Australian company Stan, announced that production has commenced on the brand new Stan Original Series "Sunny Nights" with Will Forte ("The Last Man on Earth", "Bodkin") and D’Arcy Carden ("The Good Place", "Barry", "A League of Their Own") leading the cast of the darkly-comedic drama series.
The Stan Original Series "Sunny Nights" is created by the writing team Nick Keetch and Ty Freer, produced by Jungle Entertainment and Echo Lake Entertainment, with major production investment from Stan and Screen Australia, and financed with support from Screen NSW through the Made in NSW Fund, and exclusive worldwide distribution partner Cineflix Rights. Stan executive producers are Cailah Scobie and Amanda Duthie. Cineflix Rights executive producers are James Durie and Tom Misselbrook.
Executive produced and directed by Trent O’Donnell ("Stan Original Series Population 11", "No Activity, "Hacks"), "Sunny Nights" is a story of how a little bit of sun, a change of scenery, and a touch of violent crime can help a person find their true self. The series follows siblings Martin (Forte) and Vicki (Carden) Marvin who venture to Sydney determined to start their spray tan business, but when they get caught up in the city's criminal underworld, they must figure out how to stay alive, out of prison, and in the black.
Filmed in N.S.W, the ensemble cast includes Rachel House ("Hunt for the Wilderpeople", "Heartbreak" High"), Jessica De Gouw (Stan Original Series "C*A*U*G*H*T", "The Drover’s Wife"), Megan Wilding ("Gold Diggers", "Mystery Road: Origin"), Ra Chapman ("White Fever", "Wentworth"), Miritana Hughes ("Wakefield", "Preacher"), George Mason (Stan Original Series "Exposure" and "Black Snow Season 2", "The Power of the Dog"), Matuse ("Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga", "The Fall Guy") and former professional rugby league footballer Willie Mason in his debut role.
"Sunny Nights" is created by the writing team Nick Keetch and Ty Freer ("High Fire, "Almost Paradise"). Episodes are written by Nick Keetch, Ty Freer, Marieke Hardy ("Heartbreak High"), Lally Katz ("Wentworth"), Clare Sladden (Stan Original Series "Eden") and Niki Aken ("The Newsreader"), and produced by Bridget Callow-Wright ("Population 11").
Stan Chief Content Officer Cailah Scobie praised the team: “We’re incredibly proud to once again be working with Trent O’Donnell and Jungle Entertainment on another fantastic Stan Original Series, this time with the added creative force of Echo Lake Entertainment and global content leader Cineflix Rights. 'Sunny Nights' has been superbly cast with Will Forte and D’Arcy Carden in the lead, and their comedic expertise alongside a cast of Aussie talent promises to deliver a dangerously hilarious series that will resonate both locally and abroad;" commented.
Meanwhile, Screen Australia COO Grainne Brunsdon mentioned some of its main characteristics: “'Sunny Nights' is a unique and clever concept with worldwide appeal thanks to this highly skilled creative team and strong local and international cast. With a combination of high stakes drama and many very funny scenes, I’m confident this tale of sibling misadventure will make for compelling viewing;" described.
Finally, James Durie, Head of Scripted, Cineflix Rights referred to the combination of elements that favorably position the series: “Trent O’Donnell and the creative team behind 'Sunny Nights' have been responsible for some of the funniest, most successful international hit TV series of the past few years. Their incredible talent, combined with fantastic cast led by Will Forte and D’Arcy Carden, give 'Sunny Nights' huge global appeal – we are thrilled to be financing and distributing the series," added.