Six months ago, one of my staff came to me with a pitch to create a satirical, animated series that was partly educational, and a whole lot of fun. We named it 'Please Explain'.
Welcome back to season 3 “Please Explain” series! In our first episode, we will focus in on the moment when Albo proposed to his partner, Jodie. This week’s behind-the-scenes glimpse is just a taste of what of how our amazing writers, animations & producers create the episodes each week.
Here’s a little glimpse into a full sequence of this week’s episode’s storyboard. We are swept into the Department of Distractions, Albo’s well funded department designed to divert attention away from the real issues he’s causing. Dave from the DoD takes us on a tour of his greatest hits – and takes us on a little trip down memory lane to some of Albo’s most famous distractions. Watching side-by-side with the episode, you’ll see how much the boys will edit dialogue. You’ll also hear Mark doing all the temp voices, so when the actress, Jordan, comes into record her lines – she has a reference for how they’d like the line delivered. This was where the episode on Wednesday night – just 24 hours before delivery. That’s how fast it comes together! Wish real government worked that quickly!
Here’s a sneak peek into a segment of our current episode’s storyboard. We are once again dragged into the bowels of the government funded Department of Delusion and taken on a journey of labor’s malfunctioning employment and inclusivity protocols. Albo and lapdog companion Bandt stay very alert while ensuring the country is heavily monitored and subsequently penalised for any perceived racism. We witness the dysfunction and chaos caused by these two insomniacs who perpetually remain woke at all costs. ** Watching side-by-side with the episode, you’ll see the edits from the boys and you’ll hear Mark work his magic when he gets into character with the various temp voices. This is where the episode is up to on a Wednesday night – just 24 hours before delivery. That’s how efficient and speedy the guys operate – too bad the Government and its red tape can’t be scripted and actioned this quickly…
Dive deeper into the creative process with our latest behind-the-scenes look at this week’s episode. As the episode unfolds, we find our castaways grappling with the complexities of leadership and the unexpected consequences of their actions. This sneak peek offers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by Albo and his crew as they attempt to navigate the uncharted waters of governance on their deserted island paradise. From the explosive introduction of sustainable energy to the humorous yet poignant interactions with the island’s natives, every scene is crafted with a keen eye for laughter and a sharp wit. Join us as we pull back the curtain on the making of this episode, revealing the thought, care and creativity that goes into bringing our episodes to life. S tay tuned for an episode that promises to entertain, provoke thought and perhaps teach us a lesson or two about the pitfalls of good intentions.
Step into the animation studio with our latest behind-the-scenes glimpse about Digital ID. As we navigate through the final stages of production, this behind-the-scenes look offers a tantalising taste of the episode’s depth and the creative prowess behind it.
Step into the animation studio with our latest behind-the-scenes glimpse about corporate greed masked as environmental solutions. As we navigate through the final stages of production, this behind-the-scenes look offers a tantalising taste of the episode’s depth and the creative prowess behind it.
This week, our “Please Explain” episode takes an uproarious turn from a simple press conference to the creation of a ‘Net Zero Bot.’ As we delve into the chaotic world of renewable energy investments, we witness the unexpected happenings at a Renewables press conference featuring Anthony Albanese and his team. Currently, we’re fine-tuning the animation and tweaking the script to sharpen the satire. Join us behind the scenes as we sculpt our ‘Net Zero Bot’. Stay tuned for an episode that promises wit, humour and a light-hearted jab at political endeavors in renewable energy!
Step into the animation studio with our latest behind-the-scenes glimpse about Labors election-ready budget As we navigate through the final stages of production, this behind-the-scenes look offers a tantalising taste of the episode’s depth and the creative prowess behind it.
Step into the animation studio with our latest behind-the-scenes glimpse with Pauline Hanson’s birthday special. As we navigate through the final stages of production, this behind-the-scenes look offers a tantalising taste of the episode’s depth and the creative prowess behind it.
Step into the animation studio with our latest behind-the-scenes glimpse of “The Man from Snowy Hydro,” we take a plunge into the whirlpool of government spending on grand infrastructure projects. Join us as we peel back the layers of our creative process to reveal how this episode came to life. As we navigate through the final stages of production, this behind-the-scenes look offers a tantalising taste of the episode’s depth and the creative prowess behind it.
In this week’s storyboard spotlight, we delve into the creation of “The State of Queensland,” an exploration that takes Robert Irwin and the animated Bluey on a revealing tour of Queensland’s most iconic sights. Our animatic stages reveal how we transformed cheerful tourism advertisements into a narrative that humorously exposes the stark realities beneath Queensland’s glossy surface. From the idyllic beaches to the unexpectedly contentious interactions with locals, this episode challenges perceptions and pokes fun at the discrepancies between marketing and reality.
In this week’s storyboard spotlight, we focus on the making of “Inside Albo,” where we dive deep into the mental machinations of Australia’s newest Prime Minister on election night. Our animatic process this week showcases the innovative approach of visualising internal debates as lively discussions between personified emotions, inspired by the style of Pixar’s “Inside Out.” We creatively depict Albo’s emotional spectrum wrestling with policy decisions and public expectations, from the zealous Woke Albo taking over the speech to the pragmatic Competent Albo locked away since primary school.
In this week’s storyboard spotlight, we unravel the creation of “The Big Rort,” where we explore the dark and convoluted world of political finance and the controversial stance on energy policies. This episode creatively illustrates the complexities of political funding, using a satirical narrative that blends real-world dilemmas with animated antics. Our animatics this week delve into visualising complex ideas like superannuation investments and government subsidies in renewable energy, through dynamic scenes and characters such as Paul Keating in a bubble bath, reminiscent of a famous scene from “The Big Short.” The animation process involved crafting sequences that bring humour and clarity to the intricate web of financial interests that influence policy decisions, ensuring each frame was both informative and entertaining.
In this week’s storyboard spotlight for ‘NDIS: THE MOVIE,’ we delve into the dramatic and darkly comedic portrayal of the National Disability Insurance Scheme as a cinematic horror tale. Our animatic stages this week reveal the creative process behind turning a complex policy issue into a horror movie spoof, complete with suspenseful music, eerie settings and over-the-top characters that parody real political figures.
This week in our storyboard spotlight, we delve into the creation of “The Division Division,” an episode that peels back the curtain on political tactics of division. Our animatics focus on transforming Parliament House into a labyrinthine underground facility where division is meticulously orchestrated as a strategic tool. In our visual storyboard, we depict Albo and Adam Bandt descending into this clandestine world, unveiling a control room where division is not a byproduct but the main product. This scene uses dynamic camera movements to emphasize the descent into the metaphorical underbelly of politics. Highlighting the stark contrast between public political personas and their private manipulations, our storyboard artists played with shadows and lighting to enhance the secretive, almost sinister nature of the Division Division. The use of abrupt transitions between the sunny above and the dark below serves to visually represent the dual nature of political life. Join us as we e
In this week’s storyboard spotlight for “Please Explain,” we delve into the episode “Cashless,” where we satirise the push towards a cashless society. The episode begins with a seemingly innocuous trip to Bunnings, turning a simple purchase into a comedic exploration of surcharges and the influence of big banks. Our animatic sequence showcases Albo’s attempt to buy a sausage sizzle, only to be thwarted by card-only policies and unexpected fees. This scene sets the stage for a broader commentary on the complexities of digital transactions and the power dynamics they entail. Through these sequences, we explore not just the frustrations of a cashless society but the underlying control and surveillance it enables, making a poignant statement about privacy and consumer rights in today’s digital age.
In this week’s storyboard breakdown, we explore the creative process behind “A Migrant A Minute,” where we tackle the complexities of immigration through the lens of humour and satire. Our animatic stages bring to life a scenario where personal and political collide, showcasing Anthony Albanese’s unexpected challenge of hosting an ever-growing family of migrants. This episode employs a mix of slapstick comedy and poignant moments to reflect on Australia’s immigration policy. From the chaotic arrival of Albanese’s extended family to the overcrowded scenes inside his home, each frame is designed to amplify the absurdity and reality of sudden population influx. Our storyboard highlights include detailed sketches of the comedic interactions between Albo and his fictional relatives, each representing different aspects of immigration’s impact on society. We also focused on visual gags, like the overcrowded house and the ever-expanding group of relatives, to underline the episode’s themes.
In this week’s storyboard spotlight for “Please Explain,” we take you behind the scenes of our latest episode, “Oppression Olympics.” This episode transforms a contentious social debate into a mock sporting event, complete with commentators, events, and a very literal interpretation of societal hurdles. Our storyboard process involved sketching out the dynamic visuals for the “Hurdles of Adversity” event, where characters like Lidia Thorpe and Jordan Steele John navigate obstacles representing socio-economic challenges. We used exaggerated athletic imagery to highlight the absurdity and performative aspects of claiming oppression. Another key visual element was the “Eternal Flames of Oppression,” fueled by a gaslit cauldron, symbolizing the ongoing and often inflamed nature of these debates. Join us as we explore the creativity that goes into turning serious social discussions into satirical commentary, providing both laughter and a pause for thought.
The episode opens in the high-stakes environment of a military war room, where Albo is confronted by characters such as Major Problem and General Practice. However, it’s the introduction of the ludicrous ‘National Insecurity’—a character embodying the extreme end of political correctness—that truly turns the situation on its head. Our animatic stages reveal the painstaking detail in crafting scenes that blend sharp political commentary with slapstick humour. For instance, the sequence where Albo dodges the demands of different security personnel, only to face the absurd accusations of National Insecurity, showcases our commitment to highlighting the often surreal nature of political narratives.
Here’s a little glimpse into a brief sequence of this week’s episode’s storyboard. We are swept into the Albo’s bedroom when Mike Burgess alerts him that there is a spy among the ranks of a former Australian politician. This was where the episode is on Wednesday night – just 24 hours before delivery. That’s how fast it comes together! Wish real government worked that quickly!
"Forgetting Adam Bandt" delves deep into the rocky relationship between Albo and Bandt, bringing their political and personal grievances to the fore. Set in a couples therapy session, the episode offers a humorous yet insightful look at the complexities of coalition politics and the strains it places on its leaders.
