Swinburne Students Produce Satirical Web Series, ‘Monologue,’ Mocking Pop-Culture Publications
A group of talented Swinburne University students and graduates have teamed up with award-winning production company Truce Films to create a hilarious web series called ‘Monologue.’ This satirical show takes aim at the world of pop-culture publications and has been making waves with its clever and witty commentary.
With over twenty Swinburne students and graduates involved in the production, both on and off-set, this project has provided them with valuable real-world experience in their respective fields of film and television, media and communications, and design.
Thanks to funding from Screen Australia and VicScreen, the comedy series follows a fictional outlet known as ‘Australasia’s sixth most influential pop-culture publication.’ Led by the socially-minded yet narcissistic editor Monique Crawford, played by Emily Taheny, and her money-hungry business partner Max Jenke, played by Mike McLeish, the show delves into the humorous and sometimes absurd world of pop culture and its enthusiasts.
The web series consists of six episodes that touch on a variety of topics ranging from artificial intelligence and TikTok trends to mental health and social issues. Each episode offers a satirical take on these subjects, providing viewers with a fresh perspective and plenty of laughs along the way.
Beyond the production of the web series, Swinburne students also played a crucial role in creating the Monologue digital project. Communication designer Lauren Gualano and junior UX designer Yi Yang, from Swinburne’s Design Bureau, worked closely with Truce Films to develop a brand identity and website that complemented the series.
Yi expressed their appreciation for the learning opportunity this project provided, stating, Joining this project was a great learning opportunity for me, and I enjoyed the process of taking in feedback, revising my work, and then seeing a finished product emerge in the end.
Additionally, Swinburne student Eden Young made her mark by creating fake clickbait-style content for the website as part of her major industry project in Literary Industry Practice (LIT30004). She even returned to work as an extra on set when production began, showcasing her dedication to the project.
In an effort to blur the lines between truth and fiction, the creators of Monologue strategically published content across multiple media channels. This allowed the audience to engage with the material on a deeper level and question the boundaries of reality in the world of pop culture.
The release of Monologue has been met with positive feedback and praise for its clever satire and talented ensemble. The collaboration between Swinburne University students and Truce Films has proven to be a successful and enjoyable venture that highlights the immense talent and potential of these young creatives.
With a fresh take on pop-culture publications, Monologue offers viewers an entertaining escape while provoking thought and reflection on the world we live in. As we eagerly await future projects from this talented group, it’s clear that their innovative and humorous approach will continue to captivate audiences and challenge the status quo.
