ABC Australia Sets Tween Sci-Fi Comedy

Moody Street Kids and Princess Pictures have begun filming F.A.N.G (From a Nearby Galaxy), a new tween sci-fi comedy, for ABC Australia.

The coming-of-age story follows 12-year-old Lulin, who lives in a fictional Melbourne suburb with her human dad, extraterrestrial grandma and a bad-tempered retired galactic invader. With scorch marks instead of pimples and sparks instead of sweat, Lulin navigates tween life while experimenting with her highly irregular powers.

The series stars Lisa McCune (Blue Heelers, How to Stay Married) as Lulin’s grandma. The cast of young talent includes Nina Gallas, Uma Dumais, Max Turner, Carlee Clements and Cassie Robb.

F.A.N.G (From a Nearby Galaxy), created by Melanie Sano, has received major production investment from Screen Australia and ABC and is financed with support from VicScreen. In Australia, the series will premiere early next year on ABC ME and ABC iview. ABC Commercial is handling international sales.

“How brilliant do the cast look for F.A.N.G!” remarked Libbie Doherty, ABC’s head of children’s. “We can’t wait to see the production rushes on this extra special, extra sparky, extra funny take on growing up and learning to embrace your uniqueness. Moody Street Kids and Princess Pictures, thank you for bringing us this hilarious show with so much heart.”

Gill Carr, managing director of Moody Street Kids, said, “What an incredible series to bring to life. We are absolutely thrilled to bring Melanie Sano’s first live-action series to the screen. An exciting time for an Australian production.”

“We’re so thrilled to be working with such a talented cast and crew, and our friends at the ABC to bring this unique and hilarious project to young audiences,” added Emma Fitzsimons, managing director of Princess Pictures. “Of course, we couldn’t do that without the investment and support from Screen Australia and VicScreen.”

Screen Australia’s head of content, Grainne Brunsdon, commented, “We are excited to support the incredibly talented team behind F.A.N.G (From A Nearby Galaxy) to bring their hilarious and engaging coming-of-age story to Australian audiences. I have no doubt F.A.N.G will excite and entertain young viewers but also engage the whole family with its fresh and unique perspective. I can’t wait to see it on the ABC.”

“From Round the Twist to Turn Up the Volume, Victoria has long been home to much-loved, premium children’s television,” added VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher. “We are proud to be backing this intrinsically Victorian production from homegrown talent Melanie Sano, and we can’t wait for this rip-roaring, kaleidoscopic series to captivate audiences across the nation.”