The next chapter in the ever-expanding success story of Duplass Brothers Productions is set to unfold in February 2016, with its latest project – Animals – set to premiere on HBO. Filmmakers Mark and Jay Duplass (Safety Not Guaranteed, The Skeleton Twins) are producing the adult animated comedy for the network, which is already home to their series Togetherness.
Created by Phil Matarese and Mike Luciano – both co-directors of animated short films – the 10 episode series centres on animals living out their lives in New York City. It seems that each episode will focus on one, specific species, resulting in a show that features the existential struggles of lovesick rats, aging bedbugs, and pigeons that are questioning their gender – among other animals.
Following the packaging of the project for sale at the Sundance Film Festival, HBO not only picked up the series, but also ordered two seasons. The deal was made after the first two completed episodes were screened at the event, and were received with a high level of critical acclaim. This announcement also follows the news that Duplass Brothers Productions signed a four picture deal with the streaming platform Netflix – indicating that the filmmakers are seeking to utilize all means available to get their work to audiences.
Speaking to the press at the time of the deal, Mark Duplass explained the excitement surrounding the series.
“Jay and I have been excited about bringing the principles of indie film to the TV space, and to have our first real experiment land at a place like HBO for two seasons is beyond what we could have imagined.”
For their part, creators Phil Matarese and Mike Luciano were heard to be in awe of the journey.
“Going from having made Animals in the supply closet at our day job to making ANIMALS in a supply closet at HBO headquarters is an unfathomable dream come true. HBO has so many supplies, you have no idea! Great for drawing stuff.”
Animals, with its all-star cast, will premiere on February 5th 2016, at 11.30pm ET, on HBO.