By Will Tentindo
Ronny Chieng: International Student began life as a pilot on the ABC’s Comedy Showroom, one of six prospective half hour series. A full series was commissioned pretty smartly with the whole thing set to air in the US on Comedy Central later in the year and available on DVD and HD Digital in Australia now.
What was it like to make the show as a part of Comedy Showroom?
It was great. We got a chance to learn how to make an episode of television, as well as figure out the universe of the show without the pressure of creating an entire season. So we could step back after the pilot and watch what we liked about it and what we didn’t before even starting work on the rest of the season.
How has your real world experience as a student in Australia influenced the show?
Well if not for my real world experience as an International Student in Australia I wouldn’t be able to create the show at all. That’s what the show is about, and I think the authenticity of the story resonates with people.
Any plans for a second season of the show?
I’m still wondering about it.
How similar is screen Ronny to real world Ronny?
He’s very similar but he’s probably nicer than me.
How was the prospect of diversity on screen embraced when you were pitching the show?
I was approached to make a show, so on screen diversity was not just embraced, I think it was the point. And it’s also important that it’s not just diversity for diversity sake. And if we are telling a story from a certain perspective, it needs to be written authentically from that perspective by people who understand it.
In your opinion, why is on-screen diversity currently such an important issue?
The point of showing different perspectives is not diversity for diversity’s sake, but when you tell authentic stories you show people that no matter how alien someone’s background might seem to you we all have shared common human experiences.
What was it like making your first show? Dream come true?
It was a lot of work. I would come home from The Daily Show at about 8pm and start writing over the internet with my co-creator, Declan Fay, till about 1am, all while performing and touring stand up comedy. So it was a lot of work and a dream come true.
What is it like working at The Daily Show? Was that something you had always wanted to do?
It’s probably the best job in comedy. To work here you have to be funny, smart and quick every day, and on a good day I’m probably one of those things. So I feel like I’m getting better as a writer and performer here every day.
Check out Ronny Chieng: International Student on DVD and Digital HD now!
