“It’s Fine, I’m Fine” will hit NITV and SBS On Demand on World Mental Health Day, Oct. 10.
The four-part fictional series is described as “happy/sad” and explores therapy, centring the deaf, disability, LGBTQIA+ and Black Pacifika communities, among others. It follows a suburban Australian psychologist and the ups and downs of her patients as they explore love, loss, anxiety, obsession and the uncertain future ahead.
The series was created and directed by Stef Smith (“Joy Boy”). Smith will also produce alongside Clare Delaney (“Not There”), Florence Tourbier (“Berlin Syndrome”) and Ian Crittenden (“Holy Crap”) for Photoplay Films.
Photoplay Films’ Oliver Lawrence (“Sweet Country”) as well as Gracie Otto (“Heartbreak High”) and Annette Davey (“Maid) are executive producers.
Ana Maria Belo, an actress who happens to be deaf, stars as the central therapist, Joanne.
Creator and director, Smith, said: “We’re all a bit fucked up, and there’s often still a sense of secrecy around talking to a professional in those moments when we’re feeling a little – or a lot – off balance. With this show we wanted to showcase the different voices of talented new writers and hopefully make the idea of opening up the messy parts of ourselves a little less taboo.”
To mark Mental Health Day, NITV has also curated a Mental Health Collection, which includes the premiere of “Each and Every Day: Stories from Survivors”, an exploration of mental health through the eyes of young people who share their dark moments, recoveries, and wisdom about what it means to build a life worth living, and “Neighbours” an observational documentary about people with mental illness who leave their institution after decades spent in isolation.
Anusha Duray, acquisitions manager for TV and online content at NITV, said SBS is passionate about driving national conversations and awareness around important topics.
“We’re always thrilled to support the work of local creatives, and “It’s Fine, I’m Fine” spotlights exemplary talent in creator and director Stef Smith, and the many writers and actors who brought a range of diverse and intimate stories to the screen. We’re excited to show this title across both NITV and SBS On Demand to add to our vast collection of homegrown hits and diverse content.”
The series received principal production funding from Screen Australia in association with Screen NSW.
It was the only Australian production to be in the official selection in-competition at CanneSeries 2022 and recently screened to a sold-out Australian premiere at MIFF.
Screen Australia’s head of online, Lee Naimo, said the organisation is delighted that Australian audiences can enjoy the authentic, funny and vulnerable series on SBS and NITV.
“’It’s Fine I’m Fine’ is an unflinching feat of storytelling from Stef Smith and this talented team, already achieving the international success it deserves at CanneSeries. We’re delighted that Australian audiences can enjoy this authentic, funny and vulnerable series on SBS and NITV.”