Utopia: Nation Building - One White Elephant At A Time

Utopia: Nation Building - One White Elephant At A Time

Premieres on Wednesday 13 August at 8.30pm on ABC

Set inside the offices of the 'Nation Building Authority", a newly created government organisation responsible for overseeing major infrastructure projects, Utopia explores that moment when bureaucracy and grand dreams collide.  It's a tribute to those political leaders who have somehow managed to take a long-term vision and use it for short-term gain.

 The eight-part series follows the working lives of a tight-knit team in charge of guiding big building schemes from announcement to unveiling.  Constant shifts in priorities are the order of the day as the staff are asked to come up with plans for everything from new roads and rail lines to airports and high rise urban developments.  In short, Utopia examines the forces that go into creating a very well-designed white elephant.

Featuring a stellar comic cast led by Rob Sitch, along with Celia Pacquola, Dave Lawson, Luke McGregor, Kitty Flanagan, Anthony -Lehmo' Lehmann, Emma-Louise Wilson, Michelle Lim Davidson and Toby Truslove, Utopia is a series for anyone who has ever been frustrated by bureaucracy – and survived to laugh at the experience.

Utopia is written and produced by the award-winning team of Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner and Rob Sitch.  Michael Hirsh is Executive Producer.  Casting by Jane Kennedy. The series is directed by Rob Sitch.  A Working Dog Production, in association with ABC TV.  ABC Commissioning Editors: Rick Kalowski and Brett Sleigh.