Brendan Berne films pilot for diplomatic satire sitcom ‘Rank’
Brendan Berne, the former Australian ambassador to France, has completed filming the pilot for a new dark comedy sitcom titled ‘Rank’. The series is inspired by Berne’s twenty-year career with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Berne, who resigned from his diplomatic post in 2020, noted that the production of pointed political satire has become increasingly difficult due to a changing corporate landscape. He specifically cited Donald Trump’s defamation lawsuit against the BBC as a factor that has caused corporations to shy away from transgressive comedy.
During his tenure as ambassador, Berne was instrumental in facilitating the first visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Australia. He has since relocated to Burgundy, France, to focus on creative endeavors, including this new television project and the development of a cello concerto.
Entities
BBC · Brendan Berne · Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade · Donald Trump · Emmanuel Macron
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Berne served as the Australian ambassador to France from 2017 to 2020. www.smh.com.au · www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] Brendan Berne has filmed the pilot for a sitcom titled ‘Rank’, inspired by his career in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. www.smh.com.au · www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] Berne claims that Donald Trump’s defamation lawsuit against the BBC has made corporations hesitant to produce pointed political satire. www.smh.com.au · www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au