With 2.5 million viewers on YouTube, Ding Dong I’m Gay became a 2018 LGBTIQ hit. The comedy series, which follows the lives of some likable Sydney lads, has returned and their situations are very close to the bone – pun intended! I spoke to delightful director/producer Josh Longhurst.
What do you think is so relatable about Ding Dong I’m Gay?
Loneliness is a big theme and it’s something everyone relates to, even outside of the LGBTIQ community. The show is honest, and authentic in its observation of loneliness, but it’s done it in a tongue in cheek way that is accessible. It can be alienating to watch something that strikes a chord in that way, but what’s good about this show is its authenticity. It’s something accessible to our own community, but it also has a broader relevance.
Were there any particular challenges during production?
We originally tried to get the show made through initiatives at ABC Television, but I think it struggled to resonate. So we spent a long time considering the best platform and we faced challenges such as financing and re-writing for a new budget, but in the end testing the waters led us to YouTube. We gained more clarity and have had far less trial and error in developing the full show.
Brayden Dalmazzone (Toby and Tim Spencer (Cameron) in a scene from Ding Dong I’m Gay
We’ve seen various gay comedies such as Everything Sucks, Please Like Me, Will & Grace and to some extent Eastsiders. Where do you think Ding Dong I’m Gay sits within these shows?
I love Eastsiders. Those boys really understand their audience. Many of these series have creatives who actually understand why they are making them. I’d like to think we sit next to them in terms of quality, and we’d be grateful to have that same level of exposure. Our reason for making Ding Dong I’m Gay is similar, in that we’re passionate about the story and creating a positive representation on screen. I think that’s true of Eastsiders with their authenticity and even with Will & Grace, which was a tremendous effort to get onto network television. Pushing the boundaries of sexually liberating and queer-positive content is really exciting.
“Pushing the boundaries of sexually liberating and queer-positive content is really exciting.”
Director Josh Longhurst at work on Ding Dong I’m Gay
Ding Dong I’m Gay embraces light hearted fun. Do you think the usual melancholy formula of gay productions has turned a corner?
I think we’re seeing more variety of content being made by our community about our community. It’s also now on more mainstream screens, which is why we see that shift in variety. There has been light-hearted positive stories all along, but limited to the queer film festivals, but now there’s a push for greater diversity. The wonderful thing about YouTube is that we are not beholden to any broadcaster in terms of how or where we put out this show. We get to deliver the show we intended.
“The wonderful thing about YouTube is that we are not beholden to any broadcaster.”
Brayden Dalmazzone (Toby) breathing new life into the Boy Wonder Robin!
Growing up, what were your television influences?
I grew up in a small regional town in NSW and my dad constantly watched MASH, which is an incredible comedy. The main thing we had on TV was Friends, but if my parents weren’t home I’d watch Will & Grace. I think a lot of my sensibilities come from watching these long running series that are still relevant today. They dealt with universal themes and conflicts within relationships, but in a lighthearted comedic way. That’s what makes them still relevant. They aren’t limited to a particular generation.
Ding Dong I’m Gay stars Tim Spencer (creator), Rupert Raineri, Brayden Dalmazzone and Ben Gerrard.
For more visit: dingdongimgay.com
Brayden Dalmazzone as Toby
