After more than a decade as one of Australia’s musical theatre stars, WAAPA alumni Lucy Durack (Wicked, Legally Blonde, Sisters) is set to make her writing debut with Lift, a 7-part rom-com web series set entirely in an elevator. The series, which starts filming at Johnny Ma Studios in Perth today, will be an intimate look at the literal and metaphorical ups and downs of jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none, Olivia and strait-laced Simon as they travel the floors of their corporate office building, Urban Water Utilities.

What if soul mates met in a scenario where they could only connect for four minutes at a time? Olivia is on her way to a job interview and Simon, a total stranger, is about to propose to his girlfriend. But as soon as they meet, they sense a connection. They work in different offices, and come from different worlds – yet the more rides Olivia and Simon share, the more undeniable their camaraderie becomes.

Lift is created & written by Lucy Durack, Jess Murray and Leon Murray of writing collective Platinum Lining, directed by Western Australian director-on-the-rise, Zoe Pepper, produced by Lauren Elliott of Mad Kids and Executive Produced by Chloe Rickard of Jungle Entertainment.

After securing Elevate Short Form Development and Production funding from Screenwest in September 2017, Mad Kids has assembled an impressive ensemble cast consisting of Duncan Ragg (acclaimed theatre performer and NIDA-graduate) as Simon, Mark Coles Smith (Last Cab to Darwin, Pawno) as love rival Guy and Vivienne Garrett (The Norman Gunston Show) as Head of HR Lynne – the eyes and ears of Urban Water Utilities. Lucy will also star in the series as Olivia.

“I am so excited to be making my writing debut in my hometown of Perth, alongside Lauren, Zoe and Chloe,” said Lucy. “I am thrilled to be working with such a brilliant team of female filmmakers!”

“Programs like Screenwest’s Elevate Initiative are crucial in developing emerging Western Australian talent and growing our film & TV industry.” said producer, Lauren Elliott. “We have an incredible team of up-and-coming Western Australian crew and volunteers who are working tirelessly to bring Lift to life.”

Director Zoe Pepper is a recent recipient of Screenwest’s Feature Navigator program – a comprehensive, year-long filmmaker and project development initiative for Western Australian directors working toward a debut feature film. Following ten years as one of Western Australia’s top theatre directors, Lift will be one of Zoe’s first projects as a director for screen.

Lift will be available online globally in mid-2018.

By Cinema Australia