Set in the world of crisis management PR

Filming has started in Sydney on Optics, a new six-part comedy series for Australian broadcaster ABC. 

Jenna Owen and Vic Zerbst  play two whip-smart 20-somethings who are unexpectedly promoted to run crisis management PR firm Fritz & Randell, after the death of office patriarch Frank Fritz and have to deal with weekly crises from celebrities, sports stars and corporate titans, and power challenges from veteran publicist Ian Randell (Charles Firth).

The series, which as been written by its three leads, is described as a ‘fast-paced, laugh-out-loud workplace comedy that lifts the veil on everyday office politics and on the corporate spin that inflects all the news we consume.’

In a statement the three creators said: ‘When we started, we were worried that there weren’t enough PR crises in Australia to sustain 30 minutes of television each week. As it turns out, there’s enough material for about 30 years of television each week.’

ABC’s head of scripted programming, Rachel Okine, said: ‘We’re thrilled to be working with such an incredibly talented team to bring this fast-paced and bitingly funny comedy to ABC. As well as being dazzled by their sharp comic minds, we know audiences will also be gobsmacked to learn what goes on behind the scenes in the often murky world of PR.’

The Easy Tiger and Chaser Digital production is directed by Max Miller and will premiere on the ABC in 2025.

Published: 12 Jul 2024