In Hollywood, there are just as many aspiring TV writers, screenwriters and filmmakers as there are actors. Unfortunately, few make the cut and only a handful will see their writing come to life on the small or big screen. As we've heard time and time again… it's all about connections and who you know, right?
Lucky for a few talented writers/directors, there is now NBC Playground to make that connection.
Jennifer Salke, President of NBC Entertainment decided to create a new outlet which allows writers to pitch their original ideas to top TV executives. If they have what it takes, NBC will give them the chance to produce their very own pilot.
Enter, Adriano Valentini & Aaron Colom who were named winners of the first NBC national groundbreaking comedy initiative. NBC Playground has given them the chance to fully create, from start-to-finish, their very own pilot: "Sunset Ppl."
Valentini and Colom's show is set to air Saturday, September 3rd, 2016 on NBC at 1:30AM EST/PST right after "Late Night with Seth Meyers."
The series is a comedy which follows a group of millennial friends who struggle with their own made-up rules for personal and professional success. The hilarious premiere episode gives audiences a hint of "Friends" with a style similar to "The Office."
"Sunset Ppl" stars Carmine DiBenedetto, Julianna Guill, Paul Palmeri, Alesha Reneé, Brandon Kyle Goodman and Cass Buggé.
“NBC is excited to bring these innovative new works from such fresh comedic talents to the television audience,” said Salke.
Based in Los Angeles, Valentini and Colom have collaborated on numerous short films and web series, including "Beanie Bros," which was chosen as a Top 10 Finalist for HBO's Project Greenlight.
The network received more than 2,100 applications from aspiring comedy writers from across the country who vied for the opportunity to take their concepts from pitch to broadcast. Entrants submitted video samples of their pre-existing work, along with their video pitches, describing a unique show idea. Eight finalists were chosen by the NBC Selection Panel and NBC provided funding for each finalist to create a made-for-new media presentation based on their original pitch. Along with "Sunset Ppl," Kassia Miller's "Imaginary Friend" pilot will also air on NBC.
The contestants and top winners had the chance to have their work reviewed by an All-Star Comedy Advisory Board including: Aziz Ansari, Jason Bateman, Robert Carlock, Sean Hayes, Mindy Kaling, Jason Katims, Josh Lieb, Eva Longoria, Adam McKay, Seth Meyers, Todd Milliner, Will Packer, Amy Poehler, Craig Robinson, Maya Rudolph, Mike Schur, Adam Scott and Mike Shoemaker.
Tune in Saturday morning, a.k.a late night Friday!
Full "Sunset Ppl" Team Credits:
Executive Producer – Will Packer
Co-Executive Producer – Korin Huggins
Co-Executive Producer – Aaron Colom
Co-Executive Producer – Adriano Valentini
Produced by Suzy Mamann Greenberg
Written by Aaron Colom & Adriano Valentini
Directed by Adriano Valentini
Guest Starring Alisa Allapach
Co-Starring Aaron Colom, Jen Kater
