This Week in Comedy breaks new ground with its first filmed episode, as host Morry Morgan welcomes returning co-host Stig Wemyss, new co-host Anthony Littlechild and special guest Amanda Spagnolo from Princess Bento. Together, they explore Australian comedy news and modern animation today.

Amanda, an Emmy-nominated writer and producer, shares her journey from Canada’s Sinking Ship Entertainment to Melbourne’s Princess Bento. Her credits include Ginger and the Vegesaurs, Monster Beach, Space Chickens in Space and Michael Cusack projects. She explains how Princess Bento combines the local experience of Princess Pictures with its partnership with America’s Bento Box, and discusses the opportunities and pressures facing Australian animation.

The team examines Sam Pang’s Gold Logie win, Anthony’s memorable encounter with Pang at an awards afterparty, Celia Pacquola’s comedy success and the ABC’s continuing support for Australian comedy. They also celebrate Caper Crew heading to Netflix globally, Superwog entering the National Film and Sound Archive, Nate Bargatze’s record-breaking ticket sales, Jimmy Carr’s forthcoming book about joke mechanics and touring news.

Animation returns to centre stage as Amanda gives her professional take on the upcoming Bluey movie and its shift towards a 3D visual style. She explains why Bluey connects so powerfully with children and adults through play, humour, recognisable family relationships and simple storytelling. Amanda also reveals what Princess Bento has in production, including Dad’s House for Netflix, Universal Basic Guys Season 3 and new children’s projects based on Australian intellectual property.

Stig reflects on voicing Little Elvis in the groundbreaking Australian series Little Elvis Jones and the Truckstoppers, his early stand-up days, giving Dave Hughes stage time and his television adventures with Alan Fletcher on Photo Number 6. Anthony leads This Week in History, revisiting Andy Samberg, Denis Leary, Groucho Marx, Jerry Lewis and Russell Peters.

The four also sample White Bay Brewery’s limited-release Hop Gun American IPA, a Top Gun-inspired beer with plenty of kick and a label filled with playful redactions.

Morry contributes a scientifically informed look at when tragedy becomes funny, then tests his latest Funny in the Moment encounter involving Luna, South Melbourne Market, potato cakes and the risk of accidentally starting an interstate food argument.

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Learn more about This Week in Comedy by visiting www.thisweekincomedy.com.au

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