Rock 'n' Roll Nerd (ATOM Study Guide)

At the 2005 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, no-ones heard of Tim Minchin, a young musician who in a last-ditch attempt to get noticed decides to give comedy a go. He needs to start to make an income if his childhood sweetheart, now his wife, is to get her way and start a family. This will be his last try before hell have to get a day job.

After a dramatic image change, his self-produced solo show catches the attention of Edinburgh producer Karen Koren, wins him the surprise Directors Choice award and an offer of a coveted spot at the Edinburgh Arts Festival. He takes it. Our camera goes with him.

Even for the big league players, Edinburgh is the most competitive comedy festival in the world.

Tim was a complete unknown. He was deliciously naive. He was a hit.

After the most successful first season of any performer in the history of Edinburgh, Tim walks away with the prestigious Perrier Newcomer Award, television appearances, offers from Hollywood and the West End, the best management in the business and a gig at Albert Hall. Now everyone wants a piece of him.

He arrives home to Melbourne a hero with all the pressures of the second album syndrome to contend with as he writes his next show. Can he live up to the hype?

Its not long before hes saying goodbye to the safety and comfort of Melbourne for London to find out if the UK industry buzz is hot air or the sure beginnings of a long career. Will his talent be enough? Will his wife get the family she so desperately wants? Can the marriage survive the maelstrom of new pressures? Can the rise continue?

For the first time in his life he has somewhere to fall.

Filmed over three tumultuous years by a close friend, Rock n Roll Nerd is an intimate tale of love and ambition and a rare record of the very first steps in a brilliant career.

This study guide is mainly aimed at middle and upper secondary school levels, with relevance to English, Media Studies, Drama, History, SOSE/HSIE, Personal and Interpersonal Development, Business Studies.