The Comedy Network, in association with Breakthrough Entertainment Inc. and Northeast Films Inc., announced today that production is underway on original scripted Canadian comedy series, PICNICFACE. Executive produced by Garry Campbell (KIDS IN THE HALL, TODD & THE BOOK OF PURE EVIL, MADTV) PICNICFACE is the brainchild of the Halifax-based sketch troupe of the same name. The series will premiere later this year, exclusively on The Comedy Network.
PICNICFACE is a fast-paced mash-up comedy, mixing contemporary, Pythonesque animation and absurd sketch comedy. Shooting on location in Halifax, principal photography of 13, 30-minute episodes has begun and is expected to wrap mid July.
“Picnicface is finally going to put their funny where their mouth is,” said Executive Producer, Garry Campbell. “As we capture their comedy on camera, soon all of Canada will know what I’ve known for some time now: Given a little luck, these guys have a 50/50 chance of being the next big thing.”
Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the eight-person sketch troupe comprising Picnicface is Andrew Bush, Kyle Dooley, Cheryl Hann, Mark Little, Brian Eldon Macquarrie, Evany Rosen, Scott Vrooman and Bill Wood. Having amassed a following in their hometown and after posting “Powerthirst”, their short-video-turned-phenomenon on YouTube, Picnicface became an online sensation, capturing more than twenty million views.
PICNICFACE, the television series, is an Ontario-Nova Scotia co-production between Breakthrough Entertainment and Northeast Films in association with The Comedy Network. Executive Producers are Garry Campbell and Ira Levy and Peter Williamson (KENNY VS. SPENNY, LESS THAN KIND) and producers are Mark Montefiore (Eating Buccaneers) and Bill Niven and Jay Dahl (There Are Monsters, Roller Town). Production Executives for The Comedy Network are Sarah Fowlie and Jake Labow. Production partners are The Comedy Network, CMF & Film Nova Scotia.
