Sam Campbell's Unconventional Comedy Series 'Make That Movie' Propels Him to Stardom

Australian comedian Sam Campbell is rapidly ascending to superstardom with his unique brand of oddball comedy, culminating in his new Channel 4 series, 'Make That Movie'. The show, a meta-commentary on filmmaking, sees Campbell as a director struggling for inspiration who enlists the public to develop their wildest movie ideas into actual films, all within the guise of a reality show.

Key Takeaways

• Sam Campbell's new series, 'Make That Movie', showcases his idiosyncratic comedic style.

• The show involves developing public's bizarre movie ideas into feature films.

• Campbell's career has been marked by critical acclaim, including the Edinburgh Comedy Award and a notable appearance on 'Last One Laughing UK'.

• 'Make That Movie' features a cast of Campbell's friends and collaborators from the alternative comedy scene.

The Premise Of 'Make That Movie'

'Make That Movie' presents a fictionalised version of Sam Campbell as a director whose creative well has run dry. In a bid to find inspiration, he invites members of the public to pitch their movie concepts. These ideas, often described as 'bonkers', are then developed by Campbell and his dysfunctional crew into full-fledged films, with each episode culminating in a premiere. The series itself is framed as a shonky reality programme, drawing parallels to DIY home renovation shows but with a cinematic twist.

Campbell's Rise To Comedy Prominence

Since relocating to the UK from Australia in the early 2020s, the 34-year-old Campbell has become a distinctive voice in British comedy. His stand-up, a blend of hammy theatrics and absurdist observations, earned him the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Award in 2022. His television appearances have further cemented his status as a cult favourite, including memorable stints on 'Taskmaster', 'Would I Lie to You?', and 'Last One Laughing UK', where his deadpan delivery and unconventional antics consistently surprised audiences and producers alike.

Behind The Scenes Of The Show

The production of 'Make That Movie' was reportedly hands-off, partly due to the production company's involvement with other projects. Channel 4's head of comedy, Charlie Perkins, a long-time supporter of Campbell, expressed trust in his vision, even if the concept was initially perplexing. Co-stars, such as Lara Ricote who plays Campbell's assistant Jess, also admitted to initial confusion but ultimately trusted Campbell's comedic instincts. The show's director, Joe Pelling, known for 'Don't Hug Me I'm Scared', aimed for a "real-life cartoon feel" to complement the series' eccentric nature. The cast includes fellow comedians Aaron Chen and Helen Bauer, alongside veteran actor David Hargreaves, all dressed in distinctive purple jumpsuits.

An Acquired Taste For The Eccentric

'Make That Movie' is described as an acquired taste, deliberately eschewing conventional comedy for something more iconoclastic and eccentric. Campbell's appeal lies in his rejection of anodyne entertainment, resonating with audiences who appreciate his unique sensibility. The series draws inspiration from various sources, including 00s DIY programmes and Michael Palin's 'Ripping Yarns', as well as documentaries about chaotic film shoots. The resulting films, while mind-bendingly terrible, are presented with a solid comedic logic, ensuring that even the most outlandish ideas are grounded in humour. Campbell himself hopes viewers will find the show "interesting," acknowledging that understanding his comedy is not always necessary to appreciate it.

'Make That Movie' premieres on Channel 4 in the UK on May 28th and on HBO Max in Australia from May 29th.

Sources

• ‘People are like: you’re a crackpot’: how Sam Campbell became comedy’s oddball superstar | TV comedy, The Guardian.

• Sam Campbell and pals Make That Movie : News 2026 : Chortle : The UK Comedy Guide, Chortle.