Fame, friendship and giving a duck

As the director of Let’s Get Ducking Famous, I’m thrilled to share the goss about this six-episode comedy web series made in collaboration with writer/producer Nikki Brown. The show follows Naomi (Maria Thattil) and Olivia (Jonti Ridley) as they navigate friendship and their rising social media fame… with their pet duck, Steven.

The Heart of the Show

Let’s Get Ducking Famous isn’t just about chasing likes and followers. It’s about the bond between two twenty-somethings, and the unpredictable nature of fame in the digital age. As they navigate chaos (usually thanks to Naomi’s whacky ideas), they have the adventure of their lives, which wouldn’t be complete without Steven, the duck.

Maria Thattil on set

Maria Thattil, Australian media personality and Neighbours cast member

A New Wave of Comedy

What I love most about directing this series is how Nikki’s script takes a lighthearted, comedic look at the subject of online fame. It’s very meta , in that the show’s format itself is designed for quick consumption on platforms like TikTok. But despite its bite-sized narrative, we were able to tell a complete and engaging story that had viewers hooked. It’s a fun, fast-paced ride that also delivers the occasional moment of reflection on the dangers of social media and the importance of female friendships.

A Female-Driven Narrative

As a female director, I was attracted to the script because of its strong, multifaceted female characters. Naomi and Olivia are at the heart of this story, and their journey is one of agency, self-discovery, and overcoming adversity amidst their friendship. I’m proud of how I was able to work with Maria and Jonti to bring these loveably flawed characters to life in a way that feels fresh, fun, and full of heart.

A New Beginning: My Working Relationship with Nikki Brown

This series marked the start of my exciting collaboration with Nikki Brown, the brilliant writer behind the show. Nikki’s sharp, witty script is comedy gold, and it was an absolute pleasure working with her on set. This was the beginning of what will be a long-lasting friendship, and I can’t wait to grow together in this creative space.

If you haven’t seen Let’s Get Ducking Famous yet, be sure to check it out on TikTok.

Previous
Previous

A creative short exploring transformation

Next
Next

Confronting sensitive topics head on