HBO mining laughs in Australia

SYDNEY (Hollywood Reporter) - HBO is co-producing a 12-part series from Australian satirist Chris Lilley, teaming on the project with the state broadcasters of Australia and Britain

"Angry Boys" will explore what it means to be a 21st century boy by putting males under the microscope. It will be made in Lilley's signature mock documentary style, and he is expected to play a range of characters. Production stars in Australia on October 5.

"Chris Lilley combines a wicked sense of humor with fearless insights into human nature, which gives his comedy a universal appeal," said HBO Entertainment president Sue Naegle.

It's the first time HBO has co-produced a show with Australian partners, in this case the Australian Broadcasting Corp. The British Broadcasting Corp is also on board. HBO has already found success in the South Pacific, with "Flight of the Conchords," from the New Zealand comedy duo of the same name.

Lilley's hit 2007 mockumentary series "Summer Heights High" screened on HBO and the BBC, sold to dozens of territories, and has become the top-selling comedy DVD in Australia.

(Editing by DGoodman at Reuters)