PRESS RELEASE
Production has just wrapped on the brand new comedy series ‘Til You Make It, which stars husband and wife duo Emma Choy (Darklands) and Philip Hayden (Romper Stomper – 2018 series) as the lead characters Mei & Tim. Joining them, Damian Walsh-Howling (Underbelly, Last King of the Cross), Nadine Gardner (The Doctor Blake Mysteries, City Homicide), Menik Gooneratne (Lion, Neighbours), Kym Valentine (Neighbours), Tilly Legge (The Clearing), Scott Major (Heartbreak High), Amanda LaBonte (Retrograde), Stephen Phillips (Winners & Losers), Jessica Martin (Shakespeare Republic), Candice Leaske (Quanta, Neighbours), Lansy Feng (Metro Sexual) & Francesca Waters (The Leftovers, Bloom, The Dressmaker).
Sometimes you have to fake it until you make it, and that is at the core of ‘Til You Make It. The series follows the journey of Mei and Tim, a married couple striving to achieve their childhood dreams while learning to navigate the challenges of adulthood. As they face the increasing pressures of “adulting,” they must grapple with the realities of the modern world, including a cast of colourful characters who offer their opinions, and the ever ongoing battle with the daunting housing market. No longer in their 20’s (or even their 30’s) things aren’t quite going to plan. Despite these obstacles, Mei and Tim strive to maintain their positivity and sanity, making ‘Til You Make It a heartwarming, humorous and relatable story of marriage, friendship and the relentless pursuit of your dreams.
Emma Choy and Philip Hayden said: “Inspired by a whole host of female-led comedies I’d seen in the last 5 years, I was excited to take the ramblings of my wife out of the bedroom and into the world (or at least Melbourne). (Editor: he says “ramblings”, I say “witty repartee”). We’re excited to be creating something with heart, edge and humour and can’t wait to share it with you! Plus, writing this series was cheaper than therapy.”
Emma Choy also serves as the Co Creator and Producer. Emma is known for her roles in Darklands (2022), the drama series Riptide (2022) and will soon be seen in Nine Network’s new drama series Human Error (2023). Philip Hayden also serves as the Series Writer, as well as the Co Creator and Executive Producer. Philip has worked on the TV Series Romper Stomper (Stan), Neighbours (Network 10), The Doctor Blake Mysteries (ABC), City Homicide (Seven Network) as well as working in the feature film space on projects such as The Cup (2011), Quanta (2019), Darklands (2022) and the upcoming Robbie Williams Biopic Better Man. Philip also runs the Howard Fine Acting Studio.
Scott Major serves as Co Creator, Series Director and Producer. Major is known for directing the feature film Darklands (2022), the new series Riptide (Channel 5/Network 10), over 200 episodes of Neighbours (Network 10), as well as starring as an actor in both the original Heartbreak High and returning as Rivers in the 2022 reboot of Heartbreak High (Netflix).
Scott Major said: “Working with some great friends on something that will make you laugh, cry and cringe all at the same time. The scripts written by the wonderful Phil Hayden really blew me away, I was laughing out loud reading them. That doesn’t happen often so I was instantly IN!!”
Riley Sugars, who’s newest short film Hatchback (2022) was recently nominated for the AACTA Award for Best Short Film, joins ‘Til You Make It as the Series Producer.
Riley Sugars said: “Scott Major, who I had met many times and stayed in touch with, approached me with this project and I knew it was a challenge only he could have completed. When I met with the amazing Emma Choy and Philip Hayden, I knew that this series could be something special. This series jumped off the page with the incredible writing of Mei and Tim and both Emma and Philip have incredible comedic timing and great chemistry. I am beyond grateful for all the vast Australian talent that came on board and gave up their time to be a part of this show.”
‘Til You Make It also sees Gemma Louise Murphy serve as the Directors Attachment to Scott Major, while also taking up the roles of Associate Producer and Production Manager. Gemma Louise Murphy is an Australian actress, writer and producer who has worked across a range of TV shows, feature and short films, commercials, music videos and web series in various roles. Gemma primarily freelances and some of her work includes producing commercials for Zeller, Carlton Draught and Peroni, and co-producing Ross Noble’s web series The Unnatural History Show with Ross Noble at Princess Pictures. Gemma has also worked in Production for the TV show Neighbours, as well as 1st assistant directing two of Visit Victoria Tourism Campaigns, and a number of advertising campaigns for various businesses.
Anthony Littlechild serves as Series Director of Photography. Anthony has worked in both commercial, music videos and in the narrative space. Narratively, he served as series cinematographer on the Channel 10 travel doco series Photo Number 6 (for which he received a Silver Award at the 2020 ACS Awards), as well as recently serving as Cinematographer and Producer for the short film Hatchback (2022), which has been circling the festival circuit and in which he was nominated for the 2022 AACTA for Best Short Film. He has worked with brands such as Champion, Lululemon, Crocs Australia, McLaren Automotive, Jim Beam, TAC as well as Tourism Australia’s newest campaign series. His music videos have seen him collaborate with artists such as Boy & Bear, Isaiah Firebrace, Liam Ferrari and many more.
Nina Pejcic serves as Production Designer. Nina is a freelance Production designer, working on over 15 short films, documentaries, and promotional shoots.
Nicholas Wakerley serves as Costume Designer. Nick is known for his tireless work on over 1500 episodes of Neighbours, as well as working on series’ such as Riptide (2022), With Intent (2021), Lie with Me (2020) and the upcoming series Heat.
Cameron Ford serves as Editor. Cameron is known for his direction and editing on the smash hit online comedy The Katering Show (2015), as well as feature film Fat Legs (2015). His newest project as editor is the upcoming feature film The Rooster starring Hugo Weaving.
‘Til You Make It was filmed exclusively in Victoria, Australia and production funding was entirely independently financed. The series will consist of four episodes, between 15-20 minutes in length – with post production now beginning.
‘Til You Make It ‘is expected to hit screens in late 2023.
To keep up to date on the production, follow the series social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook at @tilyoumakeitseries
