Silent Comedy is a one-hour TV special featuring eight of Australia’s best new and established silent comedians. Produced by RMITV, the show was filmed before a sold-out live studio audience in Melbourne.
The practice of silent comedy borrows from the tradition of Marcel Marceau, Charlie Chaplin and more recently Mr Bean, where performers rely entirely on visual gags to get a laugh during their shows, rather than the spoken word. This form of comedy is loved the world over and has a unique ability to transcend language barriers making it perfect for a visual medium like television.
The project not only provided an opportunity for Melbourne’s little-known community of silent comedians to work on a show dedicated to their art, but also acted as a training ground for the next generation of young television makers who were mentored throughout the project by a team of experienced producers. Silent Comedy received a nomination for ‘Outstanding Creative Achievement’ in the 2019 Antenna Awards.
“CBF’s support made it possible for these young people and comedians to work alongside industry professionals on a show with the highest television production standards – so important at a time where opportunities like this are increasingly limited.”
Watch an episode of Silent Comedy >
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