An Australian comedy Great gives time to spill the beans.From Uni Revues and theatre to television, Producer, Director, Writer, Performer and Comedian Ian McFadyen has a rich background of Australian arts and entertainment.
Oztalgia sat down to have a coffee with McFadyen at his home to talk:
- His influences from 1960s TV comedies;
- The adventures of uni revues, and how one person is basically considered the godfather of Australian comedy because of one venue;
- What McFadyen’s career was before writing;
- The relationships between himself and comedians Peter Moon, Maryanne Fahey and Steve Vizard;
- TV networks talent scouting and how it defers from today;
- The pressure of constantly writing new sketches;
- Jono & Dano stole some thunder;
- Newsworld & Coast To Coast inspired The Eleventh Hour;
- How The Comedy Company was recruited and the surprising rating success;
- The difference between The Comedy Company and the newly created Fast Forward;
- How much Channel 10’s receivership affected everyone;
- The development of Let The Blood Run Free, viewer interactivity and overseas success;
- How Newlyweds came to fruitition;
- How Reality TV has decreased the chances of more sketch comedies and sitcoms on commercial networks;
- Future releases of The Comedy Company episodes
Important links:
- Ian McFadyen’s YouTube site with David Rabbitborough sketches
- Ian McFadyen’s personal website, containing essays, paintings, stories, and other interesting tidbits.
Podcast:
