Rick Kalowski to depart as ABC Head of Comedy
Head of Comedy is departing ABC after some six years to pursue new career opportunities.
- Published by David Knox
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ABC Head of Comedy Rick Kalowski is departing after some six years with the public broadcaster, to pursue new career opportunities in Australia and overseas.
Since joining ABC in 2013 he has overseen some 80 titles across scripted comedy series, pilots, digital shorts and podcasts including Utopia, Rosehaven, The Letdown, Get Krack!n, Frayed, Please Like Me, Upper Middle Bogan, Ronny Chieng: International Student, The Moodys and The Katering Show -many of which have received industry awards & accolades.
Notably, he also instigated and advanced scripted comedy collaborations with Netflix, Amazon, Sky (UK), Google, Comedy Central (US), Participant Media (US), NBCU, AMC/Sundance and the BBC.
“Being ABC Head of Comedy has been the great honour of my professional life. To work with some of the most brilliant comedy minds in the world, to help nurture the careers of new comedy talent of every background, has changed me not just as a creative but as a person.
“Departures are never easy. But after the banner year ABC scripted comedy has enjoyed with audiences and awards, the time felt right for new challenges (and some sleep). I will dearly miss my ABC colleagues and wish them every success.”
Michael Carrington, ABC Director of Entertainment and Specialist, said: “Rick has a lot to be proud of. His dedication, drive and sheer force of will have delivered outstanding Australian comedy content to our audiences, winning plaudits here and overseas for the strength and diversity of our programs. He has helped Australians laugh more, which is no mean thing. He leaves ABC Comedy in great shape for the future and we wish him well.”
Sally Riley, ABC Head of Drama, Comedy and Indigenous, said: “Rick’s commitment to remarkable Australian content is boundless. He has helped lift ABC Comedy to great heights, cementing our reputation as the home of ‘krack!n’ comedies and creativity. His passion for supporting emerging and diverse talent has seen a whole new generation of Australian comedians and creatives shine on the local and international stage. His hard work and unbridled enthusiasm for making people laugh will be sorely missed.”
Kalowski will depart in February 2020.
ABC will appoint a new Head of Comedy in 2020.