ABC in discussions over future of Fresh Blood comedy pilot

A production company linked to an upcoming ABC Fresh Blood comedy pilot has gone into administration, it has been reported.

The Age reports film & TV company West Street Sports went into liquidation on Monday, the same day as Junkyard Artist Management, which represents live comedy acts. Both companies have ceased trading and a liquidator will notify creditors within 10 business days, as required by law.

Junkyard’s owner and sole director, Craig Ivanoff, a co-producer on the ABC pilot Going Under, declined to comment on claims comedians and crew have not been paid for comedy gigs.

Going Under is one of 3 Fresh Blood comedy projects to receive $400,000 in funding earlier this year, being $200,000 from ABC and $200,000 from Screen Australia. The comedy-drama “explores the lies people tell to save face, grieving for something not yet lost, and not disappointing Mum.”

It is written by Lauren Bonner and Danielle Walker (pictured) but there is no suggestion of any default on their part.

Junkyard artists out of pocket now have to contact liquidator Andrew Spring from Jirsch Sutherland Insolvency Solutions and register as creditors in the hope that they might be able to recover some of their lost earnings.

Going Under is due to screen in 2025 on ABC. It isn’t clear what stage of production has been completed nor whether all parties have been recompensed.

An ABC spokesperson told TV Tonight, “The ABC is aware of the situation and we’re in conversations with the relevant parties.”

A Screen Australia spokesperson said, “Screen Australia is aware that West Street Sports is under external administration. We are in discussions with the affected parties to determine next steps, in accordance with our internal processes.”