Rolling out at the London TV Screenings after a slot at the Berlinale Series Market, the Australian crime comedy “Sunny Nights” follows American siblings Martin (Will Forte) and Vicki (D’Arcy Carden) as they dive into the spray tan business in Sydney, only to find themselves entangled in the city’s underworld.
Created by Nick Keetch and Ty Freer and produced by Jungle Entertainment and Echo Lake Entertainment, the series is set to premiere on Australian streamer Stan later this year, with Cineflix Rights handling international distribution.
Director and showrunner Trent O’Donnell, known for his work on “No Activity” and “New Girl,” spearheaded the project and helmed all eight episodes. O’Donnell shared insights with Variety ahead of the London screening.
O’Donnell revealed that the project initially came to him in 2020 while he was in Calgary, where he immediately thought of casting Will Forte and D’Arcy Carden in the lead roles. After a long journey spanning four years, the project finally came to fruition in early 2024, with both actors agreeing to join the show and film in Australia.
When asked about what made him think of Forte and Carden for the roles, O’Donnell praised Forte’s ability to blend comedy and vulnerability, which was perfect for the character of Martin, while Carden’s sharp comedic edge suited the role of Vicki.
In terms of making the project his own, O’Donnell drew inspiration from the Coen Brothers, aiming to balance cinematic grandeur with rapid-fire comedic dialogue. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a specific tone that pushed comedy to its limits without losing believability, focusing on character-driven humor and dialogue.
The central comedic premise of the show revolves around spray tan, serving as a metaphor for the characters’ journey of reinvention and struggle to maintain facades. O’Donnell highlighted the subtle parallels between the characters and the product they are selling.
As the series progresses over eight episodes, Martin and Vicki find themselves sinking deeper into trouble, forcing them out of their comfort zones and leading to dramatic and comedic moments. O’Donnell emphasized the importance of small, fine-tuned interactions and character-driven humor throughout the series.
O’Donnell, who spent over a decade working in Hollywood before returning to Australia, sees “Sunny Nights” as a culmination of his experiences, blending American comedy influences with Australian talent and storytelling. He hopes the show can serve as a representation of a new wave of Australian shows that blend local and international talent.
Despite the potential to explore cultural differences between Australia and America, O’Donnell chose not to make the series a fish-out-of-water story, believing that the countries are not as alien to each other as they may seem. Instead, the focus remains on the characters and their interactions in the vibrant backdrop of Sydney.
With a mix of comedy, drama, and a touch of the Sydney underworld, “Sunny Nights” promises to deliver a unique and entertaining viewing experience when it premieres on Stan later this year.
