Western Australian producer Lauren Elliott will soon learn from the best when she undertakes a three-month producer placement in Los Angeles with Red Hour Films and Abso Lutely Productions.
The producer placement is being supported by ScreenWest’s Professional Development Fund and Screen Australia’s Talent Escalator program, which covers travel and living-related expenses associated with the industry placement.
Red Hour Films, founded by Ben Stiller and Stuart Cornfeld, develop and produce features for 20th Century Fox, and develop television and digital content for Comedy Central, HBO, Fox and more. Abso Lutely Productions specialises in producing cutting-edge comedy for television, film and online and are currently producing three TV comedy series, including the second season of The Birthday Boys, co-produced by Red Hour.
ScreenWest’s Acting Chief Executive – Development, Rikki Lea Bestall, said, “This will be an extremely valuable experience for Lauren, one of WA’s up-and-coming producers.
“Lauren’s track record in comedy with Henry & Aaron as well as her new company Mad Kids makes her a perfect match to learn from these prolific, high-level Hollywood comedy production companies.
“I commend Lauren on arranging the placement. In 2012, ScreenWest brought Debbie Liebling to Perth where Lauren met her at a Q&A session. Lauren was proactive in keeping in contact with Debbie and organising the placement. We are delighted to be supporting her.”
Screen Australia’s Head of Production, Sally Caplan, said, “We are excited for Lauren and the incredible learning opportunity she is about to embark on with these two leading production houses. It will be a terrific chance for her to develop her skill set and a fantastic opportunity to bring back her newfound knowledge and contacts to share with other Australian filmmakers.”
Lauren will report to Debbie Liebling, President of Red Hour Films, who was responsible for the development and realisation of South Park during her time as Head of Programming at Comedy Central; and Dave Kneebone, founder, producer and CEO at Abso Lutely Productions.
“I’m so grateful to ScreenWest and Screen Australia for assisting me with this incredible opportunity. I'm so excited to work with people who have created some of my favourite comedy shows and learn from some of Hollywood’s best. I can’t wait!” Lauren said.