Singapore – HBO Asia announced that the network’s first original comedy drama series, SENT, is currently in production. Filmed in Singapore, the eight-part half-hour per episode series will be directed and co-produced by Singaporean comedian Alaric Tay.SENT is scheduled to air exclusively on HBO Asia’s on-air, online and on-demand platforms in 2017.
Developed and produced by HBO Asia, SENT will feature an ensemble cast of actors who are based in Singapore and Thailand. They include Haresh Tilani (Ministry of Funny), Alan Wong (Tanglin), Adrian Pang (The Blue Mansion), Carla Dunareanu (The Kitchen Musical), David Asavanond (HBO Asia’s Halfworlds Season 2) and Rosalind Pho (Light Years).
SENT chronicles the life of an unremarkable and meek financial compliance officer, Jay Bunani (played by Haresh Tilani), who has a habit of writing searing, and eye-wateringly honest emails to anyone who aggravates him. After he inadvertently sends out drafts of these emails that no one was ever supposed to see, his world turns upside down. He must now deal with the backlash of his actions after his carelessness cost him his job, friends, fiancée, and everyone close to him. Jay goes on a mission to salvage his reputation and relationships, and ends up finding out more about himself than he thought he knew.
SENT marks Alaric’s first time directing a TV series and he is best known by audiences for his funnyman antics on The Noose (eight seasons, 2007 to 2015) and HBO Asia’s 2013 drama series, Serangoon Road. Alaric also received an Asian Television Award commendation for Best Actor in a Comedy Series (The Noose) in 2011 and 2012; and an Asian Television Award commendation for Best Supporting Actor in A Drama Series (Serangoon Road) in 2014.
SENT is produced in partnership with the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) with the aim of developing the drama production capabilities of Singapore’s media industry and talent. Under this partnership, HBO Asia will work with local talent and companies, and train them to develop and produce compelling content for international audiences.
