THE COMEDY MASTERMINDS BEHIND AUNTY DONNA LAUNCH NEW ONLINE SERIES, DESCENT, STREAMING ON GROUSE HOUSE

In an exciting development for the Australian entertainment industry, acclaimed comedy troupe Aunty Donna is gearing up to launch a five-part genre-bending online series called Descent. The series is produced by Aunty Donna’s Haven’t You Done Well Productions, created by local comedians Millie Holten, Madi Savage, and Ella Lawry, and directed by Liam Fitzgibbon. The first episode of Descent will premiere on the 2nd of September 2024 on the Grouse House YouTube channel - a comedy distribution network founded by Aunty Donna.

Descent follows three “scientists” as they embark on a groundbreaking mission to the bottom of the ocean, seeking to save humanity from climate doom by discovering a new home in the undersea metropolis of Eel City. Despite their dedication and decades of research, they soon realise they are not alone in the depths of the ocean.

With Descent, Haven’t You Done Well Productions is at the forefront of the shift from traditional media to online platforms, highlighting the growing trend of digital-first and streaming content consumption. With principal production funding from Screen Australia in association with VicScreen, the series’ innovative approach to distribution and engagement reflects the evolving landscape of entertainment, catering to the preferences of an online audience that prioritises on-demand, accessible content.

Australian comedy is experiencing a dynamic transformation, with new trends and challenges shaping the industry. Descent and the creative team behind the series represent a bold, fresh entry into this vibrant scene, offering a unique comedic style that resonates with contemporary audiences. Their work pushes boundaries and sets new standards for what Australian comedy can achieve.

“Millie, Madi and Ella represent the new wave of Australian comedy and creativity in filmmaking. We were honoured to help this team create what is a brilliant and insane series. It was a joy to play a small part in this exciting step in their careers. We're increasingly aware of a large, young, die-hard generation of comedy fans that simply aren't being catered to on Aussie screens. We're so excited to unleash Descent on the world and represent Australian comedy on the global stage,” said Broden Kelly, Aunty Donna star and Co-Founder of Haven’t You Done Well Productions.

Screen Australia Head of Online and Games Lee Naimo said: “On paper, Descent transmits clever and distinctive comedic tones which translates into hilarious and unique on-screen action. With this talented team including the emerging trio in Millie, Madi and Ella, backed by the experience of Haven’t You Done Well Productions, Descent has the ingredients to take audiences for a wild and funny ride into the depths of the ocean.”

VicScreen CEO, Caroline Pitcher said: “Descent is the first series to be created by this brilliant all female team from Victoria, and VicScreen is proud to support them to produce such a clever and entertaining Australian comedy”.

Aunty Donna, known for their innovative comedy series’ Aunty Donna’s Big Ol’ House of Fun (Netflix), and Aunty Donna’s Coffee Cafe (ABC), join forces with Holten, Savage, and Lawry to bring this project to life. The cast of Descent includes some of the brightest stars in the comedy world. 

Writer and Cast Member, Millie Holten, said: "It’s not lost on me how lucky we are to create a show like Descent. It’s weird, high-concept, and incredibly cooked. The trust, support and backing of Haven’t You Done Well Productions, and the comedy know-how of Aunty Donna, has been absolutely invaluable. After knocking on the door of the industry for years, the team took a chance on emerging voices – and made something entirely unique. I am beyond chuffed with the final result, and can’t wait for audiences to see Descent.

Hopefully, it kicks off a trend and we can see more weird content from incredible local talent who’ve yet to break through."

Descent is a comedic tour-de-force that follows an eclectic group of characters as they navigate a series of absurd and hilarious misadventures over five 10-minute episodes. With a plot that blends sharp humour, unexpected twists and relatable themes, Descent’s unique comedic style sets it apart, promising viewers a memorable and laughter-filled experience.

Production credit: Descent is a Haven’t You Done Well Productions production for Grouse House. Principal production funding from Screen Australia in association with VicScreen. Developed with assistance of Screen Australia.