Show of the Week
C21Insight subscribers.
You can access this subscription story - and hundreds more like them every month - for as little as £17/month.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SUBSCRIBE
We'll email you a magic link to log in - no password required
For phone support, please call C21 on +44 (0) 20 7729 7460
A witty, romantic comedy-drama from South Pacific Pictures packed with razor-sharp dialogue, irresistible chemistry and a stand out voice over from Emmy-nominee Rainn Wilson, best known for playing Dwight Schrute in The Office US. The six part series follows two disillusioned 30-somethings as they carry out their teenage pact – a platonic marriage – to satisfy family and society’s expectations.
All3Media International’s Maartje Horchner and creator and star Hannah Marshall lift the lid on Settling, a six-part romantic comedy-drama from South Pacific Pictures featuring a standout voiceover from Rainn Wilson.
Runtime: 6 x 1/2 hour
What do you see as the audience for the show?
Horchner: Settling is a very relatable story that is accessible for all ages. It’s witty and charming but with an edge. A romantic comedic setup with heart, it’ll make you laugh and shed a tear – all in the same scene.
What makes it unique?
Marshall: I think the subversion of the genre – we are sort of doing a romcom in reverse – makes it unique. Starting with the marriage and working back to love. It’s a show about friendship but from a comedically down under perspective, which always stands out on the global stage. And while Pax (fellow creator) and I love a good stupid gag – and we like to think the show is genuinely funny – we also are trying to ask some bigger questions about love and marriage in a modern context. So, come for the comedy, stay for the heart – or the other way round?
What are the auspices for the show, including key talent, writers, directors and producers?
Marshall: We have had such support from South Pacific Pictures to make the show we had always wanted to make. Olivia Shanks, our producer, is a local up-and-coming talent and was amazing at helping us bring this vision to life. Our directing and DP team, Ghazoleh Gol and Nina Wells, were incredible collaborators throughout the process – and the fact we had predominately female creatives at the helm is something we are very proud of. And of course, when the incredible Rainn Wilson agreed to come on board, it took the project to a whole new level.
Do you have any deals in place with channels or platforms around the world?
Horchner: We are having discussions with various buyers, across both streaming platforms and commercial channels, with some PSBs also expressing an interest. The series’ diverse cast and witty script, which nimbly comments on social issues around marriage, race and religion, make this show stand out from the crowd. The voiceover from Rainn Wilson elevates the show even more and is an element that has proved very appealing to our buyers.
How does the show fit within your catalogue?
Horchner: Settling sits well with contemporary comedy dramas like Back to Life and Fleabag. It’s a romantic comedy drama with something to say, delivering grounded social commentary on race, religion and gender bias, while being hugely entertaining. The two leads have sparkling chemistry and the script is wonderfully witty.
What shows in the market might it provide a companion or replacement for?
Marshall: Both hilarious and heartwarming, Colin From Accounts and Starstruck would make good companion shows.
What is your ambition for the show?
Horchner: We are sharing the show with as many of our buyers as possible and we also feel it has strong scripted format potential. Marriage, friendship, family and romance are universal themes, but are also shaped by the unique traditions, values and sensitivities of different cultures and territories, making Settling an exciting format to explore for local adaptation.
