Production on First Nations comedy series Warm Props wraps in Broome, Western Australia
Developed and produced through SBS, NITV and Screen Australia's Digital Originals initiative, the series is created by award-winning First Nations director Jub Clerc and based on her personal experiences as an Extras Casting Director, writer, director and actor in theatre, film & TV.
Screenwest is pleased to announce production on Warm Props, a new SBS/NITV comedy series created by award-winning First Nations director, Jub Clerc (Sweet As) has wrapped in Broome, Western Australia.
Warm Props is an upbeat and biting series that takes audiences behind the scenes with Charlie, who returns to a chaotic film shoot in her hometown of Broome and must then face her past as her narcissistic boss threatens the stability of her career and personal life.
Based on Jub’s personal experiences as an Extras Casting Director, writer, director and actor in theatre, film & TV, the series is written by Jub, co-written by Kimberley Benjamin, directed by Clerc and Benjamin, and produced by Jodie Bell for Ramu Productions. Loani Arman is Executive Producer for SBS.
“Warm Props is inspired by the often hilarious, infuriating, emotional, cathartic yarns that resonated throughout my career with other First Nations creatives. It is our ‘tongue in cheek’ look into the role we play in how we navigate authenticity, cultural safety, community and most importantly… the tide times. Bringing Kimba Benjamin into this project was an absolute joy. She is so talented, with a clear eye for storytelling. It also outlines our passion and commitment to up-skilling emerging talent in the scripted arena.” said Jub Clerc, Creator/Writer/Director.
“When Jub came to me with her concept for Warm Props, I found it hilarious and knew I had to be involved. After nearly two years of development, we are finally here and so proud to be able to shoot this amazing First Nations story in our hometown Rubibi (Broome) on beautiful Yawuru country. And not only did we showcase our local town but we also provided opportunities in front of and behind the camera for many local creatives.” said Jodie Bell, Producer, Ramu Productions.
Warm Props was developed for television through the Digital Originals initiative, an ongoing partnership between SBS, NITV and Screen Australia.
Digital Originals aims to develop exciting, innovative and risk-taking short-form drama projects to premiere on SBS On Demand, SBS VICELAND and NITV, from emerging screen creatives who are currently under-represented in the sector.
Alumni of Digital Originals include Western Australian director Stevie Cruz-Martin (The Twelve Season 2, The Tailings, Safe Home) and Western Australian project Iggy & Ace from Hannah Ngo (Latecomers, Bird Drone) and Factor 30 Films (Population 11, Hounds of Love).
“It’s wonderful to see another Western Australian series produced through this fantastic initiative, which enables talent to hone their creative voices and deliver innovative, contemporary scripted projects. We’re proud to be supporting this unique First Nations story – congratulations to Jub, Jodie, Kimba and the incredible cast and crew who brought this series to life in WA’s beautiful Kimberley region. We look forward to seeing Warm Props hit SBS and NITV soon!” said Rikki Lea Bestall, Screenwest CEO.
“We’re proud to be commissioning and developing such bold and ambitious scripted series that continue to raise the bar for Australian storytelling. The Digital Originals initiative consistently delivers award-winning, creatively brilliant series that have launched the careers of Australia’s most talented emerging and under-represented voices.” said Nakul Legha, Commissioning Editor, SBS Scripted.
Applications for Digital Originals 2024 are now open here.
Warm Props is set to premiere on SBS On Demand, SBS VICELAND and NITV.
Production credit: Warm Props is a Ramu Productions production for SBS and NITV. Principal production funding from Screen Australia in association with SBS, with support from Screenwest and Lotterywest. Developed with assistance of Screen Australia and SBS.