Kevin McClever - Melbourne Connect
University of Melbourne | Melbourne Connect + Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
A brand-new precinct.
A self-appointed expert.
What could possibly go wrong?
When the University of Melbourne needed to introduce staff and students to Melbourne Connect, we created someone to show them around.
Meet Kevin McClever. Witty, clumsy and magnificently sure of himself, Kevin has an opinion on everything and a working understanding of considerably less.
Inspired by Kevin McCloud’s architectural enthusiasm in Grand Designs, our fictional presenter explores the precinct with boundless confidence, asking questions, testing facilities and occasionally trying the patience of everyone around him.
Across three series produced between 2021 and 2024, Kevin became a familiar guide to the spaces, people and everyday workings of the faculty.
At a glance
3 scripted series
Produced between 2021–2024
Original character + comedy concept
Scriptwriting + physical comedy
On-location filming at Melbourne Connect
Featuring the Dean, staff + students
Orientation / Internal communications / Student information
The Client Brief
Help people feel at home in a new place.
Moving into a new precinct brings plenty to learn. Where are the shared workspaces? How do room bookings work? What can you make in the Telstra Creator Space? And how do you share an office without becoming everyone’s least favourite colleague?
The University wanted to introduce its new facilities and communicate practical information to academics, staff and students.
We built the series around a recurring character whose curiosity could take him anywhere in the building — and whose behaviour could demonstrate why some of those everyday guidelines were needed.
Creating Kevin
Confidence was never going to be the problem.
Kevin’s personality gave us a way to turn information into scenes.
His grand architectural observations could introduce a space. His questions could draw out an expert’s explanation. His misplaced confidence and physical awkwardness could carry a joke through an otherwise straightforward piece of guidance.
The comedy was developed alongside the information, with scripting and physical performance working together. Every location offered possibilities, from imposing architectural features to the apparently simple business of finding somewhere to sit.
The crew were in on it
Kevin assumed the camera was always on his side.
One of the series’ recurring devices was to cut away from Kevin’s polished presentation and reveal the crew behind the camera.
Their surprise, irritation and disbelief gave audiences another perspective on his performance. While Kevin maintained his authority, the people making his programme were often visibly less convinced.
These staged behind-the-scenes moments became part of the storytelling, creating a playful relationship between Kevin, the crew and the viewer.
Real people, playing along
The series featured the Dean, senior staff, specialists and actual students.
They brought knowledge of the precinct and faculty into Kevin’s fictional world, explaining facilities, sharing stories and responding to his considerable personality.
That mix gave the films both practical substance and room for spontaneous humour. Viewers could meet the people who worked and studied there while watching them navigate an encounter with Kevin.
The Outcome
The series was a success within the faculty, continuing across three series between 2021 and 2024.
The recurring character connected these different subjects, giving the University a familiar format for each new communication task.
Kevin gave practical information a recognisable voice and brought staff and students into the storytelling. For Clipo, the project brought together character development, scripted comedy and clear communication, with a client willing to join in the fun.