Australian public broadcaster ABC and funding agencies Screen Australia and Vicscreen are producing a comedy series about an Asian woman who is obsessed with white men titled “White Fever.”
About “White Fever”: The series is written by Korean Australian comedian and playwright Ra Chapman, who will also star in the series as Jane, a Korean Australian woman who has a fetish for hairy white men. As Jane sets out on a journey to reprogram her libido, she also embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
“‘White Fever’ provides a roller-coaster ride that I hope will redefine how audiences perceive relationships, love, and even their own identities,” Chapman told TV Blackbox. “I hope this fun and cheeky comedy not only makes you laugh but also makes you see yourself and the people you love, and lust after, in a totally new light.”
Chapman had previously been vocal about the lack of diversity in the Australian film industry. In 2019, she told Liminal Magazine:
“Real change needs to come from the attitudes and behaviors of professionals in the industry: from writers, producers and directors, to casting agents, costume designers, hair and makeup artists. The list goes on. But changing attitudes and deep-seated bigotry in people is a massive undertaking; it does not happen overnight and may never happen for some people.”
Comedic talents: “White Fever,” which will air on ABC TV and ABC iview next year, is directed by Aidee Walker. In addition to Chapman, the series’ cast will also include other comedic talents such as Chris Pang (“Crazy Rich Asians”), Greg Stone (“Miss Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries”), Katie Robertson (“Rosehaven”), Harvey Zielinski (“Deadloch”) and Jillian Nguyen (“Barons”). The series, which is currently in production in Melbourne, is being produced by Melbourne’s Black Sheep Films, Orange Entertainment and Unruly Production.
“Everyone loves a romcom, but this one – from the phenomenal talent that is Ra Chapman – is so much more than just that,” ABC Head of Comedy Todd Abbott said in a press release. “It’s sharp, smart, funny, fresh and plunges us deep into a unique world. Hearing this sensational cast read the scripts around the table made us laugh, cry and rethink so much of what we take for granted. I can’t wait to see it burst into life on screen and share it with audiences.”
