By Emma Brown
Cult SBS comedy Wilfred will be made into a US pilot for the FX Network with star Jason Gann set to remain in the lead role as a cynical mutt.
Renegade Films executive producer Joe Connor backed the involvement of producer David Zuckerman (Family Guy, American Dad) as executive producer.
“We’re very pleased, we couldn’t think of anyone better to translate Wilfred to the Americans,” he said.
Prospect Park and Renegade Films will also serve as executive producers. The deal is a coup for the Australian production, which started as a short Tropfest film.
“Only three or four other Australian comedy shows have ever been piloted in the States, I can think of only Mother and Son, Kath & Kim and Thank God You’re Here,” he said.
Wilfred is an off-the-wall comedy series about a woman (Cindy Waddingham), her boyfriend (Adam Zwar) and her pet dog (Jason Gann). Gann will also undertake the role of co-executive producer.
Zwar and Gann also write the AFI award-winning production, which is directed by Tony Rogers and produced by Jenny Livingston. It has recently completed a second series on SBS and was nominated for most outstanding comedy program at this year’s Logie Awards.
The format deal with the US broadcaster has been in the pipeline for around 18 months. The deal was brokered through Renegade’s relationship with their LA-based agent International Creative Management.
Connor said the number of episodes will depend on the US network’s requirements and depends on how their audience responds. “I think if they make the series, it will sell to a lot of territories and will be a tribute to Australian creators Adam Zwar, Jason Gann and Tony Rogers."
Connor also said a third Australian series of Wilfred could be unlikely if Gann is starring in the US version.