Ep 101. Upright Q&A with Tim Minchin & Judd Apatow

As the first episode of Upright, "Upright Q&A with Tim Minchin & Judd Apatow" sets the tone for the rest of the series. In this half-hour episode, the show's creators sit down for a candid discussion about the making of the series, their creative processes, and the challenges they faced along the way.

Tim Minchin and Judd Apatow are both well-known names in the entertainment industry, and their collaboration on Upright brings together the best of their talents. Minchin, an Australian comedian and musician, wrote and stars in the series, while Apatow, the producer behind hit shows like Freaks and Geeks and Girls, served as executive producer.

The episode begins with a brief overview of Upright's premise: Minchin's character, Lucky Flynn, travels from Sydney to Perth with an upright piano in tow, on a mission to reconnect with his estranged family. Along the way, he meets Meg (played by Milly Alcock), a teenage runaway, and the two embark on a journey that's both emotional and comedic.

From there, Minchin and Apatow dive into the nitty-gritty of Upright's creation. They discuss how the idea for the show came about, and reveal that the original plan was for Minchin to make a film. However, as they began exploring the story further, they soon realized that the story would work better as a television series.

The two also talk about the challenges of filming in Australia, where the climate can be unpredictable and the terrain difficult to navigate. They describe how they discovered the small town of Coolgardie, where much of the series was filmed, and the impact the location had on the story.

Throughout the episode, Minchin and Apatow's chemistry is evident. They joke around with each other, but also demonstrate a deep respect for each other's talents. They discuss their creative processes, with Apatow describing his approach to producing as one of "chaos and deliberation." Meanwhile, Minchin talks about how writing the music for the series was an emotional and cathartic experience.

The discussion is interspersed with clips from Upright, giving viewers a taste of what's to come. The show's humor is on full display, with quips and one-liners that are sure to make audiences laugh out loud. But it's also clear that there's an emotional core to the series, with themes of family, loss, and redemption at the forefront.

Overall, "Upright Q&A with Tim Minchin & Judd Apatow" sets the stage for a series that's equal parts funny and heartfelt. Minchin's music adds another layer of depth to the story, and the chemistry between him and Alcock is palpable. As Lucky and Meg embark on their journey across Australia, viewers will undoubtedly be captivated by their story and keen to see where it leads.