Locally owned streaming platform Stan is continuing to cement itself as the home of bold Australian content with confirmation filming has commenced in Sydney on its next original production Totally Completely Fine.
The dark comedy Totally Completely Fine follows Vivian Cunningham (Thomasin McKenzie), a 20-something whose life is a shambles.
She accidentally burned down her brother’s vegan food truck with a bacon-flavored vape last week, and this week she inherited her grandfather’s coastal clifftop house and is tasked with assisting people who get too close to the edge.
Surprisingly, they are responding to her chaotic, nihilistic brand of psychology. Maybe, just maybe, by saving these people, she will gradually begin to save herself?
Inspired by true events, the six-part dark comedy series is led by Thomasin McKenzie (JoJo Rabbit, Last Night in Soho) and explores the complexities of grief, the power of friendship, and the ways our sadness can unite us.
The series examines family, legacy and ultimately asks: how many lives do we have to save before we’ll save ourselves?
Alongside McKenzie, Totally Completely Fine stars Devon Terrell (Rap Shit, Cursed), Brandon McClelland (ANZAC Girls, Stan Original Series The Other Guy), Rowan Witt (Book of Mormon – Original Australian Cast, Spreadsheet), Contessa Treffone (Doctor Doctor, Here Out West), James Sweeny (Total Control, Home and Away), Max Crean (Mystic) and Brigid Zengeni (The Good Liar, MotherFatherSon).
The previously announced Gretel Vella project, now titled Totally Completely Fine is a co-production between Sundance Now and Stan, and produced by Fremantle Australia.
Confirming production, Stan Chief Content Officer Cailah Scobie said:
“Stan is delighted to again partner with Sundance Now on Totally Completely Fine, a poignant Stan Original Series that brings to life a profound tale of family, belonging and grief.
This is our second Stan Original with the talented Gretel Vella, working alongside the creative team at Fremantle to secure an outstanding young cast.
We look forward to sharing this series with our audiences across Stan soon.”
Shannon Cooper, Vice President, Programming, Sundance Now said:
“Totally Completely Fine brilliantly and compassionately tackles timely issues that surround our lives and the lives of those we cherish.
We proudly support Gretel’s incredible vision and execution of the series, and it has been a true pleasure working alongside her, Stan and Fremantle since day one.”
Creator and Executive Producer Gretel Vella said:
“Totally Completely Fine is my heart project, and I am so thrilled to be collaborating with Sundance, Stan and Fremantle to bring it to life!
A response to the mental health crisis, Totally Completely Fine was written for myself and so many other people in my life. To let them know they aren’t alone, that mess is ok, and sometimes the pain and anxieties we try and hide can be our greatest superpowers.
I am so excited for the world to meet our unlikely hero Vivian, and the rest of the Cunningham family. Sometimes neurotic, frequently chaotic, but hey, always bloody entertaining.”
Executive Producer for Fremantle Australia Nat Lindwall said:
“It’s rare that bringing a series to fruition teaches you so much about life. My hope is that Gretel Vella’s unique world and irresistible characters bring as much joy as they do catharsis – Lucy Gaffy’s direction is the perfect final ingredient.
May the audience embrace and be impacted by Viv’s journey as much as we have.”
Head of Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth said:
“Screen NSW is proud to support strong female-led television series Totally Completely Fine. With the exciting talent of Gretel Vella writing the series and director Lucy Gaffy as set up director, this production is also delivering significant employment opportunities for our local creative talent. I cannot wait to see it on screens.”
The Stan Original Series Totally Completely Fine is created and executive produced by Gretel Vella (Stan exclusive series The Great, Stan Original Series A Sunburnt Christmas), who writes alongside Keir Wilkins (Surviving Summer) and Emme Hoy (STC’s The Tenant of Wildfell Hall). The series is produced by Alice Willison (The Other Guy), with Nat Lindwall as executive producer. The series is directed by Lucy Gaffy (Here Out West, Doctor, Doctor), with Adrian Chiarella (Dwarf Planet) directing episode four with support from VicScreen. \
Financed with the assistance of Screen NSW under the Made in NSW Fund. Totally Completely Fine partners are AMC Networks’ Sundance Now and Fremantle. Fremantle will distribute the series internationally.
