HBO Asia’s first comedy series, SeNT, is set to premiere on Sept 17 with two back-to-back episodes airing from 9pm on HBO, it was announced at a launch event on Thursday (Aug 24). Present at the event was director Alaric Tay and stars Haresh Tilani (Ministry of Funny), Alan Wong and Carla Dunareanu.
SeNT tells the story ofJay Bunani, a meek office worker in Singapore who accidentally sends out a whole load of draft emails. The problem? Those drafts contained a load of angry, inappropriate, jealous emails Jay wrote whenever someone aggravated him. Jay becomes an internet star – while his life is turned upside down.
This is really the perfect sort of show right now, especially with how crazy Internet culture can be. Coupled with a great cast – this looks like a must-watch.
CATCH EP 1 FREE ONLINE
As a bonus, non-subscribers and subscribers can all catch the first episode online from Sept 18 to 24 on HBO Asia’s website (http://hboasia.com). Can’t wait for the first episode? You can check out the HBO Asia microsite (http://hboasia.com/sent/), where you can use the Inappropriate Email Generatorto craft appropriately inappropriate angry, lustful or jealous emails directed at your bosses, colleagues or in-laws with different levels of intensities. (We don’t suggest you actually send them).
You can also win one of three PlayStation 4 Pros – just submit your most embarrassing tech story through the microsite – before Sept 8.
DIRECTORIAL DEBUT
Filmed entirely on location in Singapore, SeNT marks the TV directorial debut of Alaric Tay.
“For four years, I’ve been dreaming of producing a show together with HBO Asia and SENT is proof that dreams do come true,” said Alaric. “I am truly honoured and privileged that HBO Asia has given me the opportunity to co-produce and direct their first comedy drama series, and grateful that I had a wonderful team in my cast and crew who delivered one hundred and ten percent every step of the way because the team is an integral part of the process.”
A HUGE CAST
Developed by HBO Asia and produced by local production house Very Tay, SeNT features an ensemble cast of actors who are based in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India and Hong Kong. Led by Haresh Tilani, the cast also features Alan Wong (Tanglin) as Max Wong, Jay’s old college friend; Carla Dunareanu (The Kitchen Musical) as Zoey Wong, Max’s wife; Rosalind Pho (Light Years) as Charley Sie – a young journalist at a local sensationalist online portal trying to be a real reporter. There’s also Adrian Pang as Zacheus Lee, a shady businessman.
Rounding off the cast is David Asavanond (HBO Asia’s Halfworlds Season 2) as a charismatic self-help guru, Dhanya Nambiar (Rojak) as Jay’s older sister, Indi Nadarajah (Setem) as Jay’s traditional father, Anuradha Chandan (Kapoor & Sons) as Jay’s overbearing mother, Laanya Asogan (On the Rocks) as Jay’s image conscious fiancé, Emil Marwa (East is East) as Jay’s cousin, Mike Leeder (The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor) as Zacheus’ right-hand man, Nikki Muller (High Class) as Charley’s boss and owner of the sensationalist online portal SKWASH, Stephanie Carrington (The Pupil) as Jay’s attractive work colleague and Crispian Chan (Apprentice) as Jay’s slightly eccentric boss.
That’s a lot of people!
SeNT premieres Sunday, Sep 17, on HBO (StarHub TV Ch 601), and will also stream on HBO on StarHub Go and HBO On Demand (StarHub Tv Ch 602).
