by FilmInk Staff
The algorithm is set to receive a boost of absurdity when micro-drama CEEBS premieres on TikTok on September 15. The new eighteen-episode series is part of a vertical storytelling revolution, reflecting an industry-wide shift towards recognising short-form content as its own legitimate form of sophisticated storytelling.
@ceebsseries First look at CEEBS! Who’s excited for September 15? #ceebs #ceebsseries #comedy #webseries #microdrama #blackcommunity #africandiaspora #blackaustralian #afrianaustraliantiktok #blacktiktok ♬ original sound – CEEBS
Funded by Screen Australia and VicScreen, CEEBS follows best friends Zion and Ruby as they attempt to save their beloved youth centre from imminent closure. As they navigate political intrigue, loss of a magpie Youth President, murder conspiracies and a rogue cult leader, their lifelong friendship is eventually caught in the crossfire. At its heart, CEEBS is a platonic rom-com full of eccentric characters and rapid-fire dialogue. The bite-sized episodes manage to deftly sneak in razor-sharp commentary on the corruption of power and the pressure placed on the shoulders of young people to right the wrongs of adults who refuse to take accountability.
Created/written by, and starring Betiel Beyin and Leigh Lule, (Turn Up The Volume), CEEBS is a love letter to the community centres and youth spaces they grew up around (and now work in) in Melbourne’s western suburbs. The series captures the rambunctious, vibrant and boisterous energy of community spaces and the complicated relationships that blossom there. Beyin said.
“CEEBS was born out of voice notes, side-eyes, and inside jokes. It was us writing the show we always wanted to see – loud, local, and unhinged.”
Beyin and Lule are carving out their own audience as distinct Afro-Australian voices in the internet comedy space, following in the footsteps of creators like Issa Rae, Abbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson, Broad City creators Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson and Australia’s own Deadloch creators Kate McLennan and Kate McCartney.
With director Harry Lloyd’s (Rock Island Mysteries) comedic sensibility at the helm, along with seasoned short-form producers Nikki Tran (Girl, Interpreted) and Amie Batalibasi (Blackbird), CEEBS was produced through a blend of community practice methodology with industry standard production and talent.
Lloyd said, “CEEBS authentically reflects Australia back at itself. Chaotic, funny, political but through the lens of young people who’ve been left to clean up the mess. It champions marginalised voices and proves that comedy can be both a joy and a weapon for change.”
With principal funding from Screen Australia in association with VicScreen, CEEBS reflects the industry’s commitment to showcasing unique Australian voices.
Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, “CEEBS is a one-of-a-kind laugh out loud comedy and a love letter to friendship and community with lashings of whip-smart commentary. I cannot wait for the online community to discover it.”
VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said, “We’re thrilled to support CEEBS, a bold and brilliant example of the creativity emerging from Victoria’s screen sector. At VicScreen, we take great pride in backing fresh talent and celebrating diverse voices that reflect the richness of our community. This micro drama is a testament to the power of storytelling in new formats, and we can’t wait to see audiences connect with it on TikTok and beyond.”
Will Zion and Ruby’s friendship survive the fight to save Goldspring Youth Centre?
Tune in to find out.
CEEBS premieres on TikTok on September 15
CEEBS is a BANTA Productions production. Principal production and development funding from Screen Australia in association with VicScreen.
TikTok: @ceebsseries | Instagram: @ceebsseries | Substack: @CEEBSSERIES
