A New US-Australian Comedy Series Is Shooting In LA

A female led comedy series, SLUT (Sex Loving Union Traveller) is currently shooting in Los Angeles, with Australians behind it. Incorporating musical and spoken word/rap elements, it's a show that reclaims and redefines what it means to be a slut.

A coproduction between Australia's Big Yellow Taxi (Just for Laughs, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, upcoming Channel 10 series Kinne Tonight) and US company Bubamara Ladybug, SLUT's producers plan to distribute to TV and streaming platforms in the USA, Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

Created by award winning Australian actor and writer Rain Fuller (Neighbours, Two Refugees and a Blonde, Pretty Good Friends), who also directs the first episode, SLUT is produced in the US by Melissa Chapman (Comedy Central, Netflix) and directed by Australian director Louise Alston (Netflix's Jucy, upcoming Back of the Net).

"I have never come across a script that so wholeheartedly celebrates female sexuality and empowerment, like Rain Fuller's SLUT does. Whip smart and often laugh-out-loud funny, it's a truly unique story that is guaranteed to create a real dialogue around these issues," says Louise. "I'm so excited that we've been able to work with a female led crew, and I can't wait to see where this show goes."

SLUT is fast-paced, blending a touch of the zaniness in Lady Dynamite with the playfulness of Kimmy Schmidt, and the 'in-your-face'-ness of Ilana in Broad City.

Starring alongside series writer Rain Fuller, are Betsy Sodaro (Disjointed, Another Period) and Antonio Leon (Criminal Minds, Westworld). Australia's Ben Lawson (Designated Survivor, No Strings Attached) also plays a memorable supporting role.

Developed at Charlie's, Australians in Film's shared workspace (where shows such as ABC/Netflix's The Letdown were developed), the series started shooting in mid-January, with locations ranging from the heart of Hollywood to a ranch in the foothills of the San Gabrielle Mountains, and the Elysian Park lookout over Dodger Stadium to The Wiltern on Wilshire Boulevard.

"It's great to see more of our Australian members collaborating and producing work in Los Angeles for the international market. Louise and Rain started pre-production at Charlie's and the breadth of talent that came through our door from designers to composers to cinematographers was amazing to see," says Peter Ritchie, Executive Director of the non-profit screen organization Australians in Film, which Rain and Louise are members of.

Other Australian cast includes Candy Bowers (Get Krack!n, Tonightly with Tom Ballard), Salme Geransar (Winners & Losers, Izzy Gets the F**k across Town), Jana Wilkes (The Doctor Blake Mysteries, The Legend of Ben Hall) and Mick Wannenmacher (Mach/Lap, Nazi Overlord).

Australians working behind the scenes include Composer Pru Montin (Heck, Oasis), Associate Producer Alexandra Mills (Home & Away, Ellen) and 1st Assistant Director Cat Commander (Ideate Media USA, Community Kitchen).

SLUT is being produced to suit both short form and commercial half hour formats, with a trailer set to be released over the coming month.