The AACTA Reg Grundy Award, a prestigious honour in the television industry, has been awarded to the new factual entertainment series, “Seriously Funny.”
Hosted by the renowned comedian Rachel Berger and directed by Josh Ben-Moshe, the show triumphed as this year’s top selection.
“Seriously Funny” offers a unique format, showcasing a varied group of individuals as they transform their personal narratives into stand-up comedy routines, each lasting five minutes. The series epitomises the essence of the AACTA Reg Grundy Award, established by Reg Grundy’s widow, Joy Chambers-Grundy. This award celebrates Grundy’s legacy as a television pioneer and encourages innovative content creation.
The decision to crown “Seriously Funny” as the winner came after a dynamic live pitch. Judges including Debbie Cuell from Sparkle Pictures, Steve Oemcke of WTFN, Sharon Wheeler, entertainment veteran, Marion Farrelly, a renowned speaker and creative strategist, and Ian Hogg, former CEO of Fremantle Australia, were impressed by the way the series uses comedy to delve into the lives of people from diverse backgrounds.
Berger, the host, is awarded a $50,000 prize to further develop the show. She commented,
“Seriously Funny reflects not just my perspective, but also the stories I cannot ignore. This award from AACTA is a gateway to harness my comedic experience in guiding a range of individuals, each with their unique experiences, to craft a five-minute comedy act.“
“This is where the real challenge begins. The AACTA and the award are guiding lights in the complex journey of television production.
I’m thankful for the encouragement and insightful feedback from AACTA and the judges. The mentoring I received was intense yet invaluable. This opportunity means a great deal to me,“
“Seriously Funny” was selected over other notable finalists like “Bragging Rights” by Myles Glaspole, “High School Reunion” by Mara Blazic, “I Challenge You” by Nicholas Bufalo, and “Your Local” by Bradley Hall and Renee Billinghurst.
Ivan Vukusic, the AACTA Awards and industry development manager, praised “Seriously Funny” for its ability to harness stand-up comedy in uncovering truths and fostering understanding of our differences and commonalities. He expressed high anticipation for the series, noting,
“Rachel Berger’s talent and empathy are evident, and the show promises to be both hilariously entertaining and deeply moving.“
