TORONTO — Bell Media’s CTV Comedy Channel announced today it has ordered a new original scripted comedy, Acting Good, which is based on the experiences of stand-up comedian Paul Rabliauskas (above, left).
The series is produced by Kistikan Pictures Inc. and co-created and written by Rabliauskas (The Stand-Up Show with Jon Dore), who is a member of the Poplar River First Nation and is also set to star in the series.
Acting Good is set in the fictional fly-in reserve of Grouse Lake First Nation in northern Manitoba, inspired by Rabliauskas’ own isolated reserve and the family and friends who inhabit the community, according to a press release.
“The hilarious 10-part, half-hour comedy follows self-conscious and gullible Paul (Rabliauskas), who falls flat on his face in the big city and tries to slip back into life on his fly-in rez as if nothing happened. But his eccentric family is having none of it,” reads a synopsis in the press release.
Other co-creators and co-writers of the series include Anishininew comedian and screenwriter Amber-Sekowan Daniels (pictured second from left, Diggstown), writer and actor Eric Toth (second from right, Still Standing), and comedian and actor Pat Thornton (right, Filth City).
Production on the series is set to begin in early 2022 in Manitoba and additional casting details will be announced in the coming months, the release says.
“Acting Good is a hilarious take on what it’s like to start your life over after plans go awry. With a talented creative team drawing on the rich material from their own backgrounds and experiences, we know audiences will be able to see themselves in these characters and their story,” said Justin Stockman, vice-president of content development and programming at Bell Media, in the release.
“We are beyond thrilled by the support from Bell Media for this hilarious and heartwarming series featuring a character dealing with his seriously curious, even nosy family and neighbours. While living on a fly-in reserve may not be everyone’s reality, the show also demonstrates the universal and all-too-familiar joys and challenges of life in a tight-knit community,” said Tina Keeper, series producer for Kistikan Pictures.
“We continue to be encouraged by the promotion of diverse Canadian voices telling their own stories. The sheer amount of talent featured on this creative team is awe-inspiring, and we look forward to showcasing the best of Manitoba both in front of and behind the camera,” Keeper said.
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Photo montage supplied by Bell Media.
