Fremantle announced that Sean Penn, Matthew Fox, and Kick Gurry will appear at Mipcom Cannes to discuss their new hit satirical comedy series “C*A*U*G*H*T” in an exclusive Media Mastermind Keynote on Wednesday, October 18. A Stan original series created, written, and directed by Kick Gurry, “C*A*U*G*H*T” follows four Australian soldiers on a covert mission in a war-torn country. Mistaken for Americans, they are captured and produce a hostage video that achieves unexpected viral success, turning them into unlikely celebrities.
The series recently debuted on Stan to strong acclaim, with Australian critics citing it as “one of the wildest shows to be released in Australia” and “most outrageous comedy this year.” In October 12, it will premiere exclusively on ITVX in the UK.
Two-time Academy Award Winning actor Sean Penn, who serves as an executive producer (and himself in the series), will feature in the exclusive Fremantle panel in Cannes’ iconic Grand Auditorium, alongside fellow lead actor and Golden Globe and Emmy Nominated Matthew Fox, and Kick Curry. The session will feature footage and a special “in conversation with” Penn, Fox and Gurry, bringing further insights to the personal approach adopted into the series which explores themes of identity, fame, and the absurdity of the viral age, which comedically deconstructs the intellectual ideas that humanity is facing today.
The 6x30-minute series is commissioned by Stan, with global rights handled by Fremantle. Instrumental in bringing the show to screen was producer John Schwarz with his and Michael Schwarz’s company, Deeper Water Films, alongside Brendan Donohue and Gurry’s label, Little Bird Films. Cailah Scobie and Amanda Duthie executive produced for Stan.
“When you grow up down under in Australia, dreaming of someday telling stories on screen, Cannes holds a magical, almost mythical place in your creative heart, like Valhalla or heaven. To be invited to Mipcom to speak about this project is truly an unimaginable honour and a thrill beyond words,” Kick Gurry said.
Jens Richter, CEO Commercial and International at Fremantle, added: “Fremantle is delighted to showcase ‘C*A*U*G*H*T’ at Mipcom and welcome these incredible international talents onto the iconic global stage where, in a world first, will together discuss this remarkably bold, ambitious, and highly entertaining series. Matthew, Sean and Kick in Cannes presenting ‘C*A*U*G*H*T’ is a must-see event.”