Exclusive: Last month, Michael Sheen’s appearance on new BBC interview series The Assembly popped on social media, and now Australia’s biggest and brightest names will get the chance of a similar experience.
We can reveal public broadcaster the ABC has ordered an Australian version of The Assembly (aka The A Talks), with Mark Fennessy’s Helium Pictures attached to produce a six-part series. The production was announced at the ABC’s upfront today in Sydney.
The Assembly is being adapted from French hit Les Rencontres du Papotin, which launched two years ago on France 2. Helium began production yesterday, and will continue for six weeks with a potential network premiere date in Q3.
The Australian show will follow a group of autistic student journalists, as they prepare to interview six of the nation’s biggest names, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The other stars are under wraps, but...
We can reveal public broadcaster the ABC has ordered an Australian version of The Assembly (aka The A Talks), with Mark Fennessy’s Helium Pictures attached to produce a six-part series. The production was announced at the ABC’s upfront today in Sydney.
The Assembly is being adapted from French hit Les Rencontres du Papotin, which launched two years ago on France 2. Helium began production yesterday, and will continue for six weeks with a potential network premiere date in Q3.
The Australian show will follow a group of autistic student journalists, as they prepare to interview six of the nation’s biggest names, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The other stars are under wraps, but...
- 5/9/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Naveen Andrews has joined the cast of Paramount+’s Australian drama series Last King of the Cross.
He will play lead antagonist Ray Kinnock in the second season of the show, which tells the story of Sydney nightclub kingpin John Ibrahim (Lincoln Younes) and his brother Sam (Claude Jabbour).
Filming is underway on season 2 in Sydney, as John sights set on capturing a new kingdom — the glittering prize of Oxford Street, Sydney’s nightclub empire.
Andrews will bring to life the fictional character of Ray Kinnock, who is determined to either keep John out, or take him down. The actor is best known for his role on ABC cult drama Lost, for which he won a Screen Actors Guild award along with the rest of the cast. He also appeared in the iconic classic movie The English Patient and, most recently, The Dropout, alongside Amanda Seyfried and is a...
He will play lead antagonist Ray Kinnock in the second season of the show, which tells the story of Sydney nightclub kingpin John Ibrahim (Lincoln Younes) and his brother Sam (Claude Jabbour).
Filming is underway on season 2 in Sydney, as John sights set on capturing a new kingdom — the glittering prize of Oxford Street, Sydney’s nightclub empire.
Andrews will bring to life the fictional character of Ray Kinnock, who is determined to either keep John out, or take him down. The actor is best known for his role on ABC cult drama Lost, for which he won a Screen Actors Guild award along with the rest of the cast. He also appeared in the iconic classic movie The English Patient and, most recently, The Dropout, alongside Amanda Seyfried and is a...
- 2/2/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Set in a pre-#metoo era, Oz girl-band drama “Paper Dolls” has been realized by an all female filmmaker team shedding light on this darker era for women in the music industry.
Former MTV Australia chief Mark Fennessy executive produced the 8-part scripted drama for Paramount + through his two-year-old banner Helium. eOne is launching international sales at Mipcom this week.
As well as empowering women filmmakers in Australia, the production shows what Fennessy is currently dedicated to – creating premium Australian content and finding the resources to take it to the next level to compete internationally with its rival Anglo markets.
“The feedback from buyers I’ve spoken to pre-Mipcom has been really strong,” said the veteran Australian television executive who is readying several other projects for the streamers in Australia, as well as Season 2 of the hit “Last King of the Cross” for Paramount +.
Set in 2000, “Paper Dolls...
Former MTV Australia chief Mark Fennessy executive produced the 8-part scripted drama for Paramount + through his two-year-old banner Helium. eOne is launching international sales at Mipcom this week.
As well as empowering women filmmakers in Australia, the production shows what Fennessy is currently dedicated to – creating premium Australian content and finding the resources to take it to the next level to compete internationally with its rival Anglo markets.
“The feedback from buyers I’ve spoken to pre-Mipcom has been really strong,” said the veteran Australian television executive who is readying several other projects for the streamers in Australia, as well as Season 2 of the hit “Last King of the Cross” for Paramount +.
Set in 2000, “Paper Dolls...
- 10/16/2023
- by Liza Foreman
- Variety Film + TV
It’s been just over six months since Deadline launched our fortnightly Global Breakouts strand, in which we shine a spotlight on the TV shows and films killing it in their local territories. We therefore thought it high time that we remind you of some of the prospective hits we’ve profiled over the past half-year. From a Sopranos-esque Israeli drama to a buzzy French action movie to the next big Dutch format, scroll on for the best of the 2023 Breakouts.
Nordland (Denmark)
Our first Scandi drama of what we are sure will be many came from Denmark, where young filmmaker Kasper Møller Rask had followed the Coen Brothers’ lead by forging a crime series, with just a hint of irreverence, for local network Dr. “I wanted to make a young person’s crime show for my 15-year-old self,” Rask told Deadline, before spotlighting how his show was anything but the next Stranger Things.
Nordland (Denmark)
Our first Scandi drama of what we are sure will be many came from Denmark, where young filmmaker Kasper Møller Rask had followed the Coen Brothers’ lead by forging a crime series, with just a hint of irreverence, for local network Dr. “I wanted to make a young person’s crime show for my 15-year-old self,” Rask told Deadline, before spotlighting how his show was anything but the next Stranger Things.
- 9/19/2023
- by Max Goldbart and Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount+ Australia has greenlit a second, eight-part season of hit crime drama series “Last King of The Cross.”
Inspired by John Ibrahim’s autobiography, the series charts the rise of a poverty-stricken immigrant with no education, no money, and no prospects to Australia’s most infamous nightclub mogul and is set in Sydney’s decadent Kings Cross district in the late 1980s and 1990s.
Season 2 (8 x 60′) will further explore the dangerous world of Kings Cross, as Ibrahim expands his empire into the booming queer nightclub scene. Set against the backdrop of the ecstasy-fueled 2000s, the stakes are higher than ever before, and everyone wants a piece – including John’s two younger brothers.
Produced by Helium, with Cineflix Rights as exclusive worldwide distribution partner, “Last King of The Cross” has sold wide including a presale to Sky in the U.K., Italy, Ireland and Germany, together with Paramount+ in Canada and...
Inspired by John Ibrahim’s autobiography, the series charts the rise of a poverty-stricken immigrant with no education, no money, and no prospects to Australia’s most infamous nightclub mogul and is set in Sydney’s decadent Kings Cross district in the late 1980s and 1990s.
Season 2 (8 x 60′) will further explore the dangerous world of Kings Cross, as Ibrahim expands his empire into the booming queer nightclub scene. Set against the backdrop of the ecstasy-fueled 2000s, the stakes are higher than ever before, and everyone wants a piece – including John’s two younger brothers.
Produced by Helium, with Cineflix Rights as exclusive worldwide distribution partner, “Last King of The Cross” has sold wide including a presale to Sky in the U.K., Italy, Ireland and Germany, together with Paramount+ in Canada and...
- 6/22/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Welcome to Global Breakouts, Deadline’s fortnightly strand in which we shine a spotlight on the TV shows and films killing it in their local territories. The industry is as globalized as it’s ever been, but breakout hits are appearing in pockets of the world all the time and it can be hard to keep track… So we’re going to do the hard work for you.
This week we head down under to Australia, where Paramount+ original Last King of the Cross has been making a serious racket. Telling the true story of gang warfare in the notorious Sydney Kings Cross district, the 10-part crime thriller harks back to classics such as The Godfather. Its journey to screen has been a lengthy but enjoyable one, say producers.
Name: Last King of the Cross
Country: Australia
Network: Paramount+ Australia
Producer: Helium Pictures
International sales: Cineflix Rights
For fans of: Godfather,...
This week we head down under to Australia, where Paramount+ original Last King of the Cross has been making a serious racket. Telling the true story of gang warfare in the notorious Sydney Kings Cross district, the 10-part crime thriller harks back to classics such as The Godfather. Its journey to screen has been a lengthy but enjoyable one, say producers.
Name: Last King of the Cross
Country: Australia
Network: Paramount+ Australia
Producer: Helium Pictures
International sales: Cineflix Rights
For fans of: Godfather,...
- 3/21/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Sales
Chris O’Dowd (“Puffin Rock”), Amy Huberman (“Derry Girls”), Beth McCafferty and Eva Whittaker (“Wolfwalkers”) lead the voice cast of “Puffin Rock and the New Friends,” the film based on the TV series “Puffin Rock.”
Following their collaboration on Oscar nominees “Song of the Sea” and “The Breadwinner,” WestEnd Films is teaming again with Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon and Northern Ireland’s Dog Ears on the film and is launching sales at Berlin’s European Film Market (EFM), where first footage will be shown to buyers.
“Puffin Rock and the New Friends” sees Oona, Baba, May and Mossy joined by a new characters Isabelle, Phoenix and Marvin. When the last Little Egg of the season disappears under mysterious circumstances, Oona and her new friends race against time to bring the Little Egg home before a big storm hits Puffin Rock and puts the entire island in danger.
The film...
Chris O’Dowd (“Puffin Rock”), Amy Huberman (“Derry Girls”), Beth McCafferty and Eva Whittaker (“Wolfwalkers”) lead the voice cast of “Puffin Rock and the New Friends,” the film based on the TV series “Puffin Rock.”
Following their collaboration on Oscar nominees “Song of the Sea” and “The Breadwinner,” WestEnd Films is teaming again with Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon and Northern Ireland’s Dog Ears on the film and is launching sales at Berlin’s European Film Market (EFM), where first footage will be shown to buyers.
“Puffin Rock and the New Friends” sees Oona, Baba, May and Mossy joined by a new characters Isabelle, Phoenix and Marvin. When the last Little Egg of the season disappears under mysterious circumstances, Oona and her new friends race against time to bring the Little Egg home before a big storm hits Puffin Rock and puts the entire island in danger.
The film...
- 2/13/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Tim Roth-starring Australian drama Last King of the Cross has been picked up by Sky in Europe, marking the first major sale of the Paramount+ series as it heads to Mipcom Cannes.
Sky has picked up the show for its UK, Ireland, Italy and Germany service, striking the deal with distributor Cineflix Rights.
Inspired by John Ibrahim’s best-selling autobiography, Helium’s 10-parter stars Academy Award-nominee Roth as Ezra Shipman, a kingpin in Sydney’s Kings Cross nightclub district in the 1980s and 1990s. Roth replaced Ian McShane in one of the lead roles earlier this year.
Lincoln Younes and Claude Jabbour also lead as two Lebanese teenagers who arrive in Australia and quickly enter an underworld, making a name for themselves as the cocaine wave hits Kings Cross.
Paramount+ Australia greenlit the show and Cineflix Rights is exclusive international distributor. Produced by Mark Fennessy and Karl Zwicky, and...
Sky has picked up the show for its UK, Ireland, Italy and Germany service, striking the deal with distributor Cineflix Rights.
Inspired by John Ibrahim’s best-selling autobiography, Helium’s 10-parter stars Academy Award-nominee Roth as Ezra Shipman, a kingpin in Sydney’s Kings Cross nightclub district in the 1980s and 1990s. Roth replaced Ian McShane in one of the lead roles earlier this year.
Lincoln Younes and Claude Jabbour also lead as two Lebanese teenagers who arrive in Australia and quickly enter an underworld, making a name for themselves as the cocaine wave hits Kings Cross.
Paramount+ Australia greenlit the show and Cineflix Rights is exclusive international distributor. Produced by Mark Fennessy and Karl Zwicky, and...
- 10/16/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Comcast-owned pay-tv group Sky has snatched up rights across its European footprint for the upcoming Australian crime drama Last King of the Cross.
In a deal announced on the eve of international television market MIPCOM Cannes, Sky took exclusive rights across the UK, Ireland, Italy and Germany for the 10-part series starring Tim Roth and inspired by John Ibrahim’s best-selling autobiography about his rise from a poverty-stricken immigrant to Australia’s most infamous nightclub mogul. Set in the 1980s and ’90s in Australia’s mini-Atlantic City — the decadent half-mile strip along Sydney’s Kings Cross where every form of vice is on offer — the series co-stars Lincoln Younes, Claude Jabbour, Callan Mulvey, Tess Haubrich, Maria Tran and Matt Nable.
Helium Pictures produced Last King of the Cross for Paramount+ Australia with Cineflix Rights handling international sales. Mark Fennessy and Karl Zwicky produced,...
Comcast-owned pay-tv group Sky has snatched up rights across its European footprint for the upcoming Australian crime drama Last King of the Cross.
In a deal announced on the eve of international television market MIPCOM Cannes, Sky took exclusive rights across the UK, Ireland, Italy and Germany for the 10-part series starring Tim Roth and inspired by John Ibrahim’s best-selling autobiography about his rise from a poverty-stricken immigrant to Australia’s most infamous nightclub mogul. Set in the 1980s and ’90s in Australia’s mini-Atlantic City — the decadent half-mile strip along Sydney’s Kings Cross where every form of vice is on offer — the series co-stars Lincoln Younes, Claude Jabbour, Callan Mulvey, Tess Haubrich, Maria Tran and Matt Nable.
Helium Pictures produced Last King of the Cross for Paramount+ Australia with Cineflix Rights handling international sales. Mark Fennessy and Karl Zwicky produced,...
- 10/16/2022
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tim Roth has stepped in for Ian McShane in Paramount+‘s upcoming Australian drama Last King of the Cross after the Deadwood star exited the series over health concerns. As reported by Deadline, Roth will take over the role of antagonist Ezra Shipman in the Helium Pictures-produced serialized crime drama. McShane was originally cast as Shipman in late March but has since left the series to recover from an undisclosed health issue. “It’s unfortunate that Ian is unable to join us, and we wish him a speedy recovery,” said the show’s executive producer and Helium founder Mark Fennessy (via Deadline). “We are truly delighted that the super brilliant Tim Roth joins our cast as Ezra and cannot wait to see him breathe life into yet another unforgettable character.” The 10-episode series is based on the best-selling autobiography by John Ibrahim and follows Ibrahim and his brother Sam...
- 5/25/2022
- TV Insider
Exclusive: Tim Roth is replacing Ian McShane in Paramount+’s buzzy Australian drama series Last King of the Cross.
Roth takes on the role of antagonist Ezra Shipman in the Helium Pictures-produced serialized crime drama after McShane withdrew due to health concerns.
McShane was originally cast as Shipman in late March. He is also set to reprise his role opposite Keanu Reeves in John Wick: Chapter 4. Deadline has reached out to his reps.
The show’s producer/executive producer and Helium founder Mark Fennessy said: “It’s unfortunate that Ian is unable to join us and we wish him a speedy recovery. We are truly delighted that the super brilliant Tim Roth joins our cast as Ezra and cannot wait to see him breathe life into yet another unforgettable character.”
Inspired by John Ibrahim’s best-selling autobiography, the ten-part Last King of The Cross...
Roth takes on the role of antagonist Ezra Shipman in the Helium Pictures-produced serialized crime drama after McShane withdrew due to health concerns.
McShane was originally cast as Shipman in late March. He is also set to reprise his role opposite Keanu Reeves in John Wick: Chapter 4. Deadline has reached out to his reps.
The show’s producer/executive producer and Helium founder Mark Fennessy said: “It’s unfortunate that Ian is unable to join us and we wish him a speedy recovery. We are truly delighted that the super brilliant Tim Roth joins our cast as Ezra and cannot wait to see him breathe life into yet another unforgettable character.”
Inspired by John Ibrahim’s best-selling autobiography, the ten-part Last King of The Cross...
- 5/25/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Former Endemol Shine Australia co-founder Carl Fennessy and ex-Nine Entertainment CEO Hugh Marks have set up a major new Sydney-based production company and have scored backing from Endeavor Content.
The duo have launched full-service production and distribution studio Dreamchaser and will serve as joint CEOs.
It comes after Fennessy, who ran Endemol Shine Australia with his brother Mark in its various forms for 10 years, having previously formed FremantleMedia Australia, left the MasterChef producer in September 2020 following its takeover by Banijay. Mark Fennessy recently launched his own production group Helium.
Meanwhile, Marks spent five years as CEO of Nine Entertainment, which owns Nine Network, one of the country’s three top broadcasters, as well as streaming service Stan.
Dreamchaser is looking to partner with established and emerging creators to develop programming slates for both local and international broadcasters and streamers. It is eyeing a number of creative partnerships across the scripted,...
The duo have launched full-service production and distribution studio Dreamchaser and will serve as joint CEOs.
It comes after Fennessy, who ran Endemol Shine Australia with his brother Mark in its various forms for 10 years, having previously formed FremantleMedia Australia, left the MasterChef producer in September 2020 following its takeover by Banijay. Mark Fennessy recently launched his own production group Helium.
Meanwhile, Marks spent five years as CEO of Nine Entertainment, which owns Nine Network, one of the country’s three top broadcasters, as well as streaming service Stan.
Dreamchaser is looking to partner with established and emerging creators to develop programming slates for both local and international broadcasters and streamers. It is eyeing a number of creative partnerships across the scripted,...
- 4/19/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Australia and New Zealand has greenlighted Helium Pictures’ eight-hour scripted drama “Paper Dolls” for Network 10 and Paramount Plus Australia.
Production is set to commence in Sydney later this year and will premier on 10 in 2023.
Set in 2000, “Paper Dolls,” which is produced by Helium Pictures, follows the meteoric rise and fall of fictional girl band Indigo, a manufactured pop group born on one of the first reality talent TV shows.
The drama focuses on five women aspiring for pop stardom only to find their dream of fame compromised by what it takes to achieve it. At first competitors and then confidants, as Indigo achieves instant success and stardom, their secrets threaten to tear the band apart, particularly as one member, returning to the music industry, threatens to implode the group as she seeks revenge on a former record label that wronged her.
“Paper Dolls” is produced by Helium’s Mark Fennessy,...
Production is set to commence in Sydney later this year and will premier on 10 in 2023.
Set in 2000, “Paper Dolls,” which is produced by Helium Pictures, follows the meteoric rise and fall of fictional girl band Indigo, a manufactured pop group born on one of the first reality talent TV shows.
The drama focuses on five women aspiring for pop stardom only to find their dream of fame compromised by what it takes to achieve it. At first competitors and then confidants, as Indigo achieves instant success and stardom, their secrets threaten to tear the band apart, particularly as one member, returning to the music industry, threatens to implode the group as she seeks revenge on a former record label that wronged her.
“Paper Dolls” is produced by Helium’s Mark Fennessy,...
- 4/2/2022
- by Katherine Tulich
- Variety Film + TV
Ian McShane has been cast in Paramount+ Australia’s drama Last King Of The Cross and will take on a major role. He will appear opposite star Lincoln Younes.
Last King of The Cross, which will begin filming in Sydney in May, is a Helium Pictures production for Paramount+ Australia with Cineflix Rights as the international distributor. Produced by Mark Fennessy and Karl Zwicky, the drama is by writer/director Kieran Darcy-Smith who will direct.
Inspired by John Ibrahim’s best-selling autobiography, Last King of The Cross is an operatic story of two brothers, Sam and John Ibrahim who organize the street but lose each other in their ascent to power. The drama tracks John Ibrahim’s rise from a poverty-stricken immigrant with no education, no money, and no prospects, to Australia’s most infamous nightclub mogul in Sydney’s Kings Cross – a mini-Atlantic City, barely half a mile long...
Last King of The Cross, which will begin filming in Sydney in May, is a Helium Pictures production for Paramount+ Australia with Cineflix Rights as the international distributor. Produced by Mark Fennessy and Karl Zwicky, the drama is by writer/director Kieran Darcy-Smith who will direct.
Inspired by John Ibrahim’s best-selling autobiography, Last King of The Cross is an operatic story of two brothers, Sam and John Ibrahim who organize the street but lose each other in their ascent to power. The drama tracks John Ibrahim’s rise from a poverty-stricken immigrant with no education, no money, and no prospects, to Australia’s most infamous nightclub mogul in Sydney’s Kings Cross – a mini-Atlantic City, barely half a mile long...
- 3/25/2022
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Rising Australian star Lincoln Younes has been cast as the lead of “Last King of the Cross,” a biographical series about a notorious night club owner and gangster being produced for Paramount Plus.
Told in ten episodes, the series is an operatic story of two brothers, Sam and John Ibrahim who organize the street but lose each other in their ascent to power.
Kieran Darcy-Smith has writing credits and is set as the director. Production in Sydney, New South Wales, is due to begin at the weekend, according to local reports.
Based on John Ibrahim’s autobiography of the same name, the series tracks Ibrahim’s rise from a poverty-stricken Lebanese immigrant with no education, no money, and no prospects, to Australia’s most infamous nightclub mogul in Sydney’s Kings Cross. The district is a mini-Atlantic City, barely half a mile long with every form of criminality on display.
Told in ten episodes, the series is an operatic story of two brothers, Sam and John Ibrahim who organize the street but lose each other in their ascent to power.
Kieran Darcy-Smith has writing credits and is set as the director. Production in Sydney, New South Wales, is due to begin at the weekend, according to local reports.
Based on John Ibrahim’s autobiography of the same name, the series tracks Ibrahim’s rise from a poverty-stricken Lebanese immigrant with no education, no money, and no prospects, to Australia’s most infamous nightclub mogul in Sydney’s Kings Cross. The district is a mini-Atlantic City, barely half a mile long with every form of criminality on display.
- 3/16/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Campaign
The U.K. Film and TV Charity launched a year-long campaign on Wednesday to tackle the mental health challenges facing the industry. The “Let’s Reset” campaign is designed to tackle the stigma still associated with mental health by challenging common preconceptions, improving attitudes and behaviors across the industry, and by demonstrating the benefits of healthier, more supported, and inclusive working environments, including greater creativity, diversity, and retention of talent.
New research from the second Looking Glass Survey due at the end of the month indicates almost four out of five workers in film and TV believe intensity of work is having a negative impact on their mental health.
The campaign calls on those in positions of power to act, to effect change, and commit to better ways of working. It will move from awareness-raising in the initial launch phase to showcasing and amplifying tools and initiatives to improve the support available,...
The U.K. Film and TV Charity launched a year-long campaign on Wednesday to tackle the mental health challenges facing the industry. The “Let’s Reset” campaign is designed to tackle the stigma still associated with mental health by challenging common preconceptions, improving attitudes and behaviors across the industry, and by demonstrating the benefits of healthier, more supported, and inclusive working environments, including greater creativity, diversity, and retention of talent.
New research from the second Looking Glass Survey due at the end of the month indicates almost four out of five workers in film and TV believe intensity of work is having a negative impact on their mental health.
The campaign calls on those in positions of power to act, to effect change, and commit to better ways of working. It will move from awareness-raising in the initial launch phase to showcasing and amplifying tools and initiatives to improve the support available,...
- 10/6/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
After handing over the reins at Endemol Shine Australia last year, Mark Fennessy has officially launched his next venture, Helium.
The Sydney-based company will comprise three arms – Helium Studios, Helium Pictures and Helium Records – blending the producer’s passions of film/TV and music.
As an independent production label, Helium will have a primary focus on premium scripted and premium factual. Fennessy, who will act as the company’s chief creative officer, tells If his focus is on the “premium, contemporary, noisy, disruptive”.
“Via a growing stable of artists and creative talent, coupled with a unique network of storytellers, writers, and producers, we’re committed to building sustainable and truly rewarding partnerships,” he says.
On the Helium launch slate is the previously announced Last King of the Cross, in pre-production for Paramount+; feature film 6 Festivals, also for Paramount+, and crime thriller series Sex and Thugs and Rock n Roll, in advanced development.
The Sydney-based company will comprise three arms – Helium Studios, Helium Pictures and Helium Records – blending the producer’s passions of film/TV and music.
As an independent production label, Helium will have a primary focus on premium scripted and premium factual. Fennessy, who will act as the company’s chief creative officer, tells If his focus is on the “premium, contemporary, noisy, disruptive”.
“Via a growing stable of artists and creative talent, coupled with a unique network of storytellers, writers, and producers, we’re committed to building sustainable and truly rewarding partnerships,” he says.
On the Helium launch slate is the previously announced Last King of the Cross, in pre-production for Paramount+; feature film 6 Festivals, also for Paramount+, and crime thriller series Sex and Thugs and Rock n Roll, in advanced development.
- 10/6/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Seven Network action drama Rfds will launch in a further six territories following its Australian premiere this month after securing a slew of international sales.
Distributor Banijay Rights confirmed the program has been acquired by Channel 4 for More 4 in the UK, PBS in the US, TV4 in Sweden, Sbs in Belgium, Talpa in the Netherlands, and Tvnz in New Zealand.
Banijay Rights EVP for sales and acquisitions Emea Claire Jago said the company was pleased with the widespread interest in Rfds.
“Based on extraordinary real-life stories, Rfds is a powerful drama series that not only perfectly chronicles the edge-of-your-seat emergencies our heroes attend, but also the sense of community that brings these lives together,” she said.
Filmed on location in and around Broken Hill, Rfds portrays the modern-day personnel of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, capturing the challenges for doctors, nurses, pilots, and support staff in conducting emergency...
Distributor Banijay Rights confirmed the program has been acquired by Channel 4 for More 4 in the UK, PBS in the US, TV4 in Sweden, Sbs in Belgium, Talpa in the Netherlands, and Tvnz in New Zealand.
Banijay Rights EVP for sales and acquisitions Emea Claire Jago said the company was pleased with the widespread interest in Rfds.
“Based on extraordinary real-life stories, Rfds is a powerful drama series that not only perfectly chronicles the edge-of-your-seat emergencies our heroes attend, but also the sense of community that brings these lives together,” she said.
Filmed on location in and around Broken Hill, Rfds portrays the modern-day personnel of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, capturing the challenges for doctors, nurses, pilots, and support staff in conducting emergency...
- 8/3/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Australian drama “Rfds: Royal Flying Doctor Service” has been sold to a range of global broadcasters including PBS in the U.S. and Channel 4 in the U.K.
It has also been acquired by Sweden’s TV4, Belgium’s Sbs, Talpa in the Netherlands and New Zealand’s Tvnz. In the U.K. it will be broadcast on Channel 4’s More 4.
“Rfds: Royal Flying Doctor Service,” which charts the fictional lives of the pilots, doctors, nurses and support staff working within the Royal Flying Doctor Service, premieres on Australia’s Channel 7 and 7Plus next Wednesday.
The real Rfds, who participated in the series, is tasked with rescuing people from some of Australia’s most inhospitable terrains. Endemol Shine spent over a year researching the service, interviewing pilots, doctors and patients and even filmed some of the series on a real Rfds base.
Co-created by Imogen Banks, Mark Fennessy and Ian Meadows,...
It has also been acquired by Sweden’s TV4, Belgium’s Sbs, Talpa in the Netherlands and New Zealand’s Tvnz. In the U.K. it will be broadcast on Channel 4’s More 4.
“Rfds: Royal Flying Doctor Service,” which charts the fictional lives of the pilots, doctors, nurses and support staff working within the Royal Flying Doctor Service, premieres on Australia’s Channel 7 and 7Plus next Wednesday.
The real Rfds, who participated in the series, is tasked with rescuing people from some of Australia’s most inhospitable terrains. Endemol Shine spent over a year researching the service, interviewing pilots, doctors and patients and even filmed some of the series on a real Rfds base.
Co-created by Imogen Banks, Mark Fennessy and Ian Meadows,...
- 8/3/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Based on real-life stories, Rfds portrays the modern-day heroes of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
The new action-drama from Endemol Shine Banks is coming soon to Channel 7 and 7plus, starring Stephen Peacocke, Rob Collins, Emma Hamilton, Justine Clarke and Ash Ricardo.
Filmed on location in and around Broken Hill, Rfds captures the beauty and brutality of Australia’s vast centre where the doctors and the nurses, pilots and support staff of the Rfds negotiate the unique challenges of emergency rescues across some of the most inhospitable places in the country
Imogen Banks co-created the series with Mark Fennessy and Ian Meadows, and produces with Sara Richardson. Jennifer Leacey is the set-up director, with Jeremy Sims and Adrian Russell Wills.
Writers include Meadows, Claire Phillips, Wills and Jon Bell.
Rfds has received major production investment from Seven in association with Screen Australia. It was financed with support from Screen Nsw...
The new action-drama from Endemol Shine Banks is coming soon to Channel 7 and 7plus, starring Stephen Peacocke, Rob Collins, Emma Hamilton, Justine Clarke and Ash Ricardo.
Filmed on location in and around Broken Hill, Rfds captures the beauty and brutality of Australia’s vast centre where the doctors and the nurses, pilots and support staff of the Rfds negotiate the unique challenges of emergency rescues across some of the most inhospitable places in the country
Imogen Banks co-created the series with Mark Fennessy and Ian Meadows, and produces with Sara Richardson. Jennifer Leacey is the set-up director, with Jeremy Sims and Adrian Russell Wills.
Writers include Meadows, Claire Phillips, Wills and Jon Bell.
Rfds has received major production investment from Seven in association with Screen Australia. It was financed with support from Screen Nsw...
- 7/5/2021
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
The second season of Hoodlum Entertainment’s Five Bedrooms will premiere exclusively on Paramount+ when it launches in Australia August 11, with the ViacomCBS streamer also announcing three new local productions today.
They include comedy Spreadsheet, drama Last King of the Cross and feature film 6 Festivals, each of which is expected to commence production soon.
Paramount+, a rebrand of 10 All Access, will have a have starting subscription price of $8.99 per month, cheaper than competitors Netflix, Stan, Disney+ and Binge.
The content line-up includes series and films such as The First Lady, Dexter, The Luminaries, The Harper House, The Man Who Fell To Earth, The Gilded Age, Yellow Jackets, Coyote, Mayor of Kingston, Everyone is Doing Great, Spy City, Anne Boleyn, Leonardo, The Godfather, Mission: Impossible and Paw Patrol.
Other exclusive titles include Lioness, Halo, The Offer, Y:1883, Flatbush Misdemeanors, Stephen, Crossing Swords, Help, No Return, Line In The Sand and Ripley and documentaries,...
They include comedy Spreadsheet, drama Last King of the Cross and feature film 6 Festivals, each of which is expected to commence production soon.
Paramount+, a rebrand of 10 All Access, will have a have starting subscription price of $8.99 per month, cheaper than competitors Netflix, Stan, Disney+ and Binge.
The content line-up includes series and films such as The First Lady, Dexter, The Luminaries, The Harper House, The Man Who Fell To Earth, The Gilded Age, Yellow Jackets, Coyote, Mayor of Kingston, Everyone is Doing Great, Spy City, Anne Boleyn, Leonardo, The Godfather, Mission: Impossible and Paw Patrol.
Other exclusive titles include Lioness, Halo, The Offer, Y:1883, Flatbush Misdemeanors, Stephen, Crossing Swords, Help, No Return, Line In The Sand and Ripley and documentaries,...
- 5/6/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
A television adaptation of 2018’s Ladies in Black, a feature film from Bryan Brown, and a television drama from one of the creators of Offspring are among the 21 projects to share in more than $730,000 in development funding from Screen Australia.
Of the projects to receive funding, 10 have been supported through the Generate fund and 11 through the Premium fund.
Screen Australia’s head of content Sally Caplan said the agency was impressed by the “rigorous creativity” of Australian creators as the industry continued to rebound from Covid-19.
“It’s great to see a number of engaging stories set around iconic milestones in Australian history, from the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, to the social change that took place in the 60s or the recession in the 80s, and I look forward to seeing these projects develop further,” she said.
Features:
Premium:
1989
Sewing Pictures Pty Ltd
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family
Writer...
Of the projects to receive funding, 10 have been supported through the Generate fund and 11 through the Premium fund.
Screen Australia’s head of content Sally Caplan said the agency was impressed by the “rigorous creativity” of Australian creators as the industry continued to rebound from Covid-19.
“It’s great to see a number of engaging stories set around iconic milestones in Australian history, from the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, to the social change that took place in the 60s or the recession in the 80s, and I look forward to seeing these projects develop further,” she said.
Features:
Premium:
1989
Sewing Pictures Pty Ltd
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family
Writer...
- 3/1/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
‘Holey Moley.’
The Seven Network is counting on new and returning franchises and three new Australian dramas to maintain ratings momentum next year.
Unveiling its 2021 schedule today, Seven trumpeted The Voice, Holey Moley, Ultimate Tag, Big Brother, Farmer Wants a Wife, Australia’s Got Talent and the renewal of Sas Australia.
The network also revealed it will revive Fremantle’s Australian Idol, which last screened on Network 10 in 2009. Production on the reboot is due to start mid-year and it will premiere in February 2022.
The dramas are Endemol Shine Banks’ Rfds ; Roadshow Rough Diamond’s Australian Gangster, which finally makes the schedule after a three-year delay due to legal issues; and the second season of Every Cloud Productions’ Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries, a co-commission with North American streamer Acorn TV.
Among the new factual entertainment shows, Blink TV’s Australia: Now and Then, will ask celebrities, comedians, musicians,...
The Seven Network is counting on new and returning franchises and three new Australian dramas to maintain ratings momentum next year.
Unveiling its 2021 schedule today, Seven trumpeted The Voice, Holey Moley, Ultimate Tag, Big Brother, Farmer Wants a Wife, Australia’s Got Talent and the renewal of Sas Australia.
The network also revealed it will revive Fremantle’s Australian Idol, which last screened on Network 10 in 2009. Production on the reboot is due to start mid-year and it will premiere in February 2022.
The dramas are Endemol Shine Banks’ Rfds ; Roadshow Rough Diamond’s Australian Gangster, which finally makes the schedule after a three-year delay due to legal issues; and the second season of Every Cloud Productions’ Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries, a co-commission with North American streamer Acorn TV.
Among the new factual entertainment shows, Blink TV’s Australia: Now and Then, will ask celebrities, comedians, musicians,...
- 10/21/2020
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Mark and Carl Fennessy.
Endemol Shine Australia co-CEOs Mark and Carl Fennessy are departing after leading the company for 10 years, with chief content officer Peter Newman taking over as CEO.
This follows the $US2.2 billion global takeover of Endemol Shine Group by the European production and distribution giant Banijay Group.
Meanwhile, Rory Callaghan continues as CEO of Banijay-owned Screentime, which is yet to be integrated with Endemol Shine. Its slate includes Sas: Who Dares Wins, Rbt and Anh’s Brush with Fame.
Business partners for 26 years after founding indie producer Crackerjack, the Fennessys say they are looking forward to taking a long break. No date has yet been revealed for the handover to Newman, who joined Shine in 2012 as creative director and was upped to chief content officer in 2018.
Newman has overseen one of the world’s biggest unscripted production slates including MasterChef Australia, Big Brother, Gogglebox Australia, Australian Survivor,...
Endemol Shine Australia co-CEOs Mark and Carl Fennessy are departing after leading the company for 10 years, with chief content officer Peter Newman taking over as CEO.
This follows the $US2.2 billion global takeover of Endemol Shine Group by the European production and distribution giant Banijay Group.
Meanwhile, Rory Callaghan continues as CEO of Banijay-owned Screentime, which is yet to be integrated with Endemol Shine. Its slate includes Sas: Who Dares Wins, Rbt and Anh’s Brush with Fame.
Business partners for 26 years after founding indie producer Crackerjack, the Fennessys say they are looking forward to taking a long break. No date has yet been revealed for the handover to Newman, who joined Shine in 2012 as creative director and was upped to chief content officer in 2018.
Newman has overseen one of the world’s biggest unscripted production slates including MasterChef Australia, Big Brother, Gogglebox Australia, Australian Survivor,...
- 9/22/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Imogen Banks (Photo credit: Daniel Asher Smith).
When Endemol Shine Australia’s Mark Fennessy and Imogen Banks started developing a drama inspired by the Royal Flying Doctors Service two years ago, neither could have imagined how much more topical and relevant the subject would become.
Based on the true-life heroics of the service’s doctors, nurses, pilots and support staff, the eight-part Seven Network drama Rfds (working title) started shooting in Broken Hill today with Jennifer Leacey as the set-up director. Leacey is directing four episodes and Jeremy Sims and Adrian Russell Wills are each helming two.
“The series feels very timely with what is going on in the world at the moment,” Banks, who is producing with Sara Richardson, tells If.
Banks, who co-created the series with Fennessy, based on his original idea, and Ian Meadows, continues: “We’re very lucky to be telling a story about people who...
When Endemol Shine Australia’s Mark Fennessy and Imogen Banks started developing a drama inspired by the Royal Flying Doctors Service two years ago, neither could have imagined how much more topical and relevant the subject would become.
Based on the true-life heroics of the service’s doctors, nurses, pilots and support staff, the eight-part Seven Network drama Rfds (working title) started shooting in Broken Hill today with Jennifer Leacey as the set-up director. Leacey is directing four episodes and Jeremy Sims and Adrian Russell Wills are each helming two.
“The series feels very timely with what is going on in the world at the moment,” Banks, who is producing with Sara Richardson, tells If.
Banks, who co-created the series with Fennessy, based on his original idea, and Ian Meadows, continues: “We’re very lucky to be telling a story about people who...
- 8/2/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Fox’s ‘Ultimate Tag’ (Photo credit: Fox).
The Seven Network has commissioned a local version of the hit US show Ultimate Tag, which sees competitors vault, dodge, tumble and dive their way through several courses while being chased by resident taggers.
Endemol Shine Australia will produce the series based on the format created by Znak & Co. In the US, Ultimate Tag’s launch on Fox last May marked the highest-rated unscripted summer debut in three years.
As competitors progress they are challenged to take on even more extreme courses to earn a place in the end game where both a male and female champion will be crowned winners. The “huge” cash prize has not been revealed.
Seven’s Network programming director Angus Ross said: “We’re excited to be partnering with Endemol Shine Australia to bring Ultimate Tag, a dynamic new format, to Australia next year.
“Endemol Shine are...
The Seven Network has commissioned a local version of the hit US show Ultimate Tag, which sees competitors vault, dodge, tumble and dive their way through several courses while being chased by resident taggers.
Endemol Shine Australia will produce the series based on the format created by Znak & Co. In the US, Ultimate Tag’s launch on Fox last May marked the highest-rated unscripted summer debut in three years.
As competitors progress they are challenged to take on even more extreme courses to earn a place in the end game where both a male and female champion will be crowned winners. The “huge” cash prize has not been revealed.
Seven’s Network programming director Angus Ross said: “We’re excited to be partnering with Endemol Shine Australia to bring Ultimate Tag, a dynamic new format, to Australia next year.
“Endemol Shine are...
- 7/24/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
(L-r) Richard Lowenstein, his frequent Italian collaborator Domenico Procacci, Laura Paolucci and Sue Murray.
Richard Lowenstein’s Ghost Pictures is collaborating with independent producer Mark Fennessy on a feature documentary on Afl star Dustin Martin and a miniseries based on Billy Thorpe’s first book.
Fennessy acquired the rights to both projects and approached Lowenstein after they worked together on Mystify: Michael Hutchence. Fennessy served as a producer on that film and helped acquire the rights to Inxs’s music.
Both are being developed as co-productions between Fennessy’s production company and Ghost Pictures, in which Lowenstein is partnered with Andrew de Groot and Lynn-Maree Milburn.
Milburn is working on the treatment on the feature doc on the colourful Richmond footballer whose New Zealand-based father Shane Martin, a former high-ranking member of the Rebels motorcycle gang, was refused entry to Australia in February.
“It will be a fascinating story; the treatment reads beautifully,...
Richard Lowenstein’s Ghost Pictures is collaborating with independent producer Mark Fennessy on a feature documentary on Afl star Dustin Martin and a miniseries based on Billy Thorpe’s first book.
Fennessy acquired the rights to both projects and approached Lowenstein after they worked together on Mystify: Michael Hutchence. Fennessy served as a producer on that film and helped acquire the rights to Inxs’s music.
Both are being developed as co-productions between Fennessy’s production company and Ghost Pictures, in which Lowenstein is partnered with Andrew de Groot and Lynn-Maree Milburn.
Milburn is working on the treatment on the feature doc on the colourful Richmond footballer whose New Zealand-based father Shane Martin, a former high-ranking member of the Rebels motorcycle gang, was refused entry to Australia in February.
“It will be a fascinating story; the treatment reads beautifully,...
- 6/24/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Macario De Souza, the writer/director behind ‘6 Festivals’.
Screen Australia has announced production funding for three feature films and one online project, to a total of $1.4 million.
The slate includes supernatural drama You Won’t Be Alone from writer/director Goran Stolevski and producers Kristina Ceyton and Samantha Jennings of Causeway Films; and 6 Festivals, a drama centred on a group of friends who commit to a bucket list of music festivals over one summer from writer/director Macario De Souza.
Also receiving funding are writer/director Tyson Johnston’s Streamline, about a prospective teen Olympic swimmer to played by Levi Miller; and Moments of Clarity, an online animated comedy about the existential truths of ordinary life from writer/director Tim Logan.
In addition to the above slate, completion funding was supplied to See Picture’s comedy feature June Again. Written and directed by JJ Winlove and produced by Jamie Hilton,...
Screen Australia has announced production funding for three feature films and one online project, to a total of $1.4 million.
The slate includes supernatural drama You Won’t Be Alone from writer/director Goran Stolevski and producers Kristina Ceyton and Samantha Jennings of Causeway Films; and 6 Festivals, a drama centred on a group of friends who commit to a bucket list of music festivals over one summer from writer/director Macario De Souza.
Also receiving funding are writer/director Tyson Johnston’s Streamline, about a prospective teen Olympic swimmer to played by Levi Miller; and Moments of Clarity, an online animated comedy about the existential truths of ordinary life from writer/director Tim Logan.
In addition to the above slate, completion funding was supplied to See Picture’s comedy feature June Again. Written and directed by JJ Winlove and produced by Jamie Hilton,...
- 10/15/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Rebel Wilson.
Endemol Shine Australia is producing the first Australian Amazon Original, Lol: Last One Laughing, which will feature ten local comedians trying to make each other laugh first.
To be hosted and executive produced by Rebel Wilson, the final comedian left standing at the end of the six-part series will win a grand prize of $100,000. The line-up of comedians will be announced in the coming weeks.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Prime Video family of creators and talent,” said Wilson.
“I’ve already had the chance to work with Alexa – she’s great – and on Audible, so working with Prime Video seemed like an obvious choice. I can’t wait to see what these talented Australian comedians come up with and how far they’ll go to take home the prize.”
The show is based on an Amazon Original format from Japan, Documental, produced by and starring comedian Hitoshi Matsumoto,...
Endemol Shine Australia is producing the first Australian Amazon Original, Lol: Last One Laughing, which will feature ten local comedians trying to make each other laugh first.
To be hosted and executive produced by Rebel Wilson, the final comedian left standing at the end of the six-part series will win a grand prize of $100,000. The line-up of comedians will be announced in the coming weeks.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Prime Video family of creators and talent,” said Wilson.
“I’ve already had the chance to work with Alexa – she’s great – and on Audible, so working with Prime Video seemed like an obvious choice. I can’t wait to see what these talented Australian comedians come up with and how far they’ll go to take home the prize.”
The show is based on an Amazon Original format from Japan, Documental, produced by and starring comedian Hitoshi Matsumoto,...
- 8/21/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Kylie Minogue and Michael Hutchence in ‘Mystify: Michael Hutchence.’
Takings at Australian cinemas jumped last weekend thanks to the school holidays, Sony/Marvel’s Spider-Man sequel and Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 4, while Richard Lowenstein’s Michael Hutchence documentary proved to be effective counter-programming.
Roadshow’s Us romantic drama After opened reasonably well considering its meagre Us results and Palace’s Argentinian rom-com An Unexpected Love appealed to upscale audiences.
The top 20 titles garnered $25.7 million, up 34 per cent on the previous frame, according to Numero.
Spider-Man: Far From Home captured $10.4 million in the first four days and $17.4 million since its launch last Monday. So the Jon Watts-directed sequel will surpass Spider-Man: Homecoming, which ended up with $25.6 million in 2017.
The superhero adventure starring Tom Holland, Zendaya, Samuel L. Jackson, Jake Gyllenhaal and Aussies Remy Hii and Angourie Rice has generated $580 million worldwide in just 10 days.
The 6-day domestic debut...
Takings at Australian cinemas jumped last weekend thanks to the school holidays, Sony/Marvel’s Spider-Man sequel and Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 4, while Richard Lowenstein’s Michael Hutchence documentary proved to be effective counter-programming.
Roadshow’s Us romantic drama After opened reasonably well considering its meagre Us results and Palace’s Argentinian rom-com An Unexpected Love appealed to upscale audiences.
The top 20 titles garnered $25.7 million, up 34 per cent on the previous frame, according to Numero.
Spider-Man: Far From Home captured $10.4 million in the first four days and $17.4 million since its launch last Monday. So the Jon Watts-directed sequel will surpass Spider-Man: Homecoming, which ended up with $25.6 million in 2017.
The superhero adventure starring Tom Holland, Zendaya, Samuel L. Jackson, Jake Gyllenhaal and Aussies Remy Hii and Angourie Rice has generated $580 million worldwide in just 10 days.
The 6-day domestic debut...
- 7/7/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘Mystify: Michael Hutchence’
International buyers are circling Mystify: Michael Hutchence, Richard Lowenstein’s revealing portrait of the late Inxs frontman, following the world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Negotiations handled by the international sales agent Dogwoof are expected to continue after the feature documentary screens this week at the Hot Docs festival in Toronto.
“We had great responses at the Tribeca press and industry screenings, which were attended by reps of some really good companies,” Sue Murray, who produced with Lowenstein, Mya Gnyp, John Battsek, Mark Fennessy, Lynn-Maree Milburn and Andrew de Groot, tells If from New York.
“We expect to get a report from Dogwoof in the next few days, and there will be market screenings in Cannes.”
Lowenstein finished the film, a labour of love, just before the festival opened, with the final version shipped to the event as he was en route to NY.
It features...
International buyers are circling Mystify: Michael Hutchence, Richard Lowenstein’s revealing portrait of the late Inxs frontman, following the world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Negotiations handled by the international sales agent Dogwoof are expected to continue after the feature documentary screens this week at the Hot Docs festival in Toronto.
“We had great responses at the Tribeca press and industry screenings, which were attended by reps of some really good companies,” Sue Murray, who produced with Lowenstein, Mya Gnyp, John Battsek, Mark Fennessy, Lynn-Maree Milburn and Andrew de Groot, tells If from New York.
“We expect to get a report from Dogwoof in the next few days, and there will be market screenings in Cannes.”
Lowenstein finished the film, a labour of love, just before the festival opened, with the final version shipped to the event as he was en route to NY.
It features...
- 4/29/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Former Inxs frontman Michael Hutchence is the subject of a new BBC feature doc co-produced by Studio 54 and Searching For Sugar Man producer Passion Pictures.
The British public broadcaster is to air Mystify: Michael Hutchence on BBC Two, which will feature personal footage filmed by Hutchence and his former partner Kylie Minogue.
Written and directed by Richard Lowenstein, who worked on some of the band’s early music videos, the film is co-produced by the BBC, Ghost Pictures and Passion Pictures.
The film will look to uncover the secret and mysterious side of the singer and songwriter. It will tell the story of Hutchence, who died in 1997, through rare archive footage and intimate insights from friends, lovers, family and colleagues.
It will feature interviews with Helena Christensen and Michele Bennett, who have never spoken publicly about the rock star before, Minogue, Kathy Lette, Bono, Garry Gary Beers, Andrew Farriss,...
The British public broadcaster is to air Mystify: Michael Hutchence on BBC Two, which will feature personal footage filmed by Hutchence and his former partner Kylie Minogue.
Written and directed by Richard Lowenstein, who worked on some of the band’s early music videos, the film is co-produced by the BBC, Ghost Pictures and Passion Pictures.
The film will look to uncover the secret and mysterious side of the singer and songwriter. It will tell the story of Hutchence, who died in 1997, through rare archive footage and intimate insights from friends, lovers, family and colleagues.
It will feature interviews with Helena Christensen and Michele Bennett, who have never spoken publicly about the rock star before, Minogue, Kathy Lette, Bono, Garry Gary Beers, Andrew Farriss,...
- 4/26/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Mystify: Michael Hutchence’
Richard Lowenstein’s feature documentary on Michael Hutchence will have its world premiere at the 18th edition of the Tribeca Film Festival, which runs from April 24 to May 5.
Produced by Lowenstein, Maya Gnyp and John Battsek for Ghost Pictures and Passion Pictures, Mystify: Michael Hutchence will screen in the documentary competition for best documentary feature, cinematography and editing.
Co-funded by Screen Australia, the film is described as an intimate look at the life of the Inxs lead singer through his many loves and demons, featuring Kylie Minogue and Helena Christensen.
Madman Entertainment is the Australian distributor and Dogwoof is handling international sales. The ABC and BBC pre-bought the film.
Lowenstein tells If the doc features live music from Inxs and Max Q, Hutchence’s only completed solo album which was a collaboration with Ollie Olsen, remixed for Atmos, plus archival footage which had been in his attic,...
Richard Lowenstein’s feature documentary on Michael Hutchence will have its world premiere at the 18th edition of the Tribeca Film Festival, which runs from April 24 to May 5.
Produced by Lowenstein, Maya Gnyp and John Battsek for Ghost Pictures and Passion Pictures, Mystify: Michael Hutchence will screen in the documentary competition for best documentary feature, cinematography and editing.
Co-funded by Screen Australia, the film is described as an intimate look at the life of the Inxs lead singer through his many loves and demons, featuring Kylie Minogue and Helena Christensen.
Madman Entertainment is the Australian distributor and Dogwoof is handling international sales. The ABC and BBC pre-bought the film.
Lowenstein tells If the doc features live music from Inxs and Max Q, Hutchence’s only completed solo album which was a collaboration with Ollie Olsen, remixed for Atmos, plus archival footage which had been in his attic,...
- 3/5/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
The Tribeca Film Festival has set its full feature slate for 2019, selecting 103 titles including world premieres of films by Jared Leto, Christoph Waltz, and Margot Robbie.
The 18th edition of the festival, which runs from April 24 to May 5, will include documentaries from Antoine Fuqua, Werner Herzog, and Abel Ferrara, and music-focused docs highlighting the lead singer of band Inxs (“Mystify: Michael Hutchence”), Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman (“The Quiet One”), and musician Linda Ronstadt (“Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice”) with Sheryl Crow performing after the premiere.
Leto’s “A Day in the Life of America” is a crowd-sourced documentary featuring footage from all 50 states on July 4, 2017. Waltz is making his directorial debut with the crime drama “Georgetown,” starring himself, Annette Bening, and Vanessa Redgrave. Robbie stars in and produces “Dreamland,” a Depression-era drama set in the Oklahoma dustbowl.
Other notable titles include “Mad Men” producer Semi Chellas making...
The 18th edition of the festival, which runs from April 24 to May 5, will include documentaries from Antoine Fuqua, Werner Herzog, and Abel Ferrara, and music-focused docs highlighting the lead singer of band Inxs (“Mystify: Michael Hutchence”), Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman (“The Quiet One”), and musician Linda Ronstadt (“Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice”) with Sheryl Crow performing after the premiere.
Leto’s “A Day in the Life of America” is a crowd-sourced documentary featuring footage from all 50 states on July 4, 2017. Waltz is making his directorial debut with the crime drama “Georgetown,” starring himself, Annette Bening, and Vanessa Redgrave. Robbie stars in and produces “Dreamland,” a Depression-era drama set in the Oklahoma dustbowl.
Other notable titles include “Mad Men” producer Semi Chellas making...
- 3/5/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Australian cable network Foxtel announced today that Emmy-winning actress Ann Dowd (The Handmaid’s Tale) and and Essie Davis (The Babadook) will star in Lambs of God, a four-part original drama series from writer Sarah Lambert and director Jeffrey Walker.
Based on the Marele Day novel, Lambs of God is a dark, gothic story about three nuns, each a generation apart, living in an isolated convent by the coast, and an unwelcome visitor who enters their lives and changes their world forever.
Dowd and Davis will be joined by Jessica Barden (The End Of The F*****World, The Lobster) who will star as the third nun. As the Sisters of St Agnes, the must defend their lives, existence and beliefs when the handsome priest, played by actor Sam Reid (The Railway Main, Belle, Anonymous) attempts to sell their dilapidated monastery. What unfolds is an epic and fantastical tale of faith,...
Based on the Marele Day novel, Lambs of God is a dark, gothic story about three nuns, each a generation apart, living in an isolated convent by the coast, and an unwelcome visitor who enters their lives and changes their world forever.
Dowd and Davis will be joined by Jessica Barden (The End Of The F*****World, The Lobster) who will star as the third nun. As the Sisters of St Agnes, the must defend their lives, existence and beliefs when the handsome priest, played by actor Sam Reid (The Railway Main, Belle, Anonymous) attempts to sell their dilapidated monastery. What unfolds is an epic and fantastical tale of faith,...
- 5/13/2018
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Sean Keenan.
Puberty Blues star Sean Keenan has nabbed the lead role in Ten's Wake in Fright two-parter, which begins shooting today..
Keenan will play John Grant, a young school teacher who descends into his own personal nightmare after being stranded in the small outback mining town of Bundanyabba.—.the role made famous by Gary Bond in Ted Kotcheff's 1971 original.
Keenan just worked with director Kriv Stenders, who's helming both episodes of the TV redo, on Foxtel telemovie Australia Day.
He's joined in the cast by David Wenham (Seachange, Lion), Caren Pistorius (Offspring), Gary Sweet (House Husbands), Alex Dimitriades (The Slap), Robyn Malcolm (Upper Middle Bogan), Lee Jones (The Bastard Executioner), Anna Samson (Winners & Losers), Hannah Frederiksen (Hunters) and Jada Alberts (Wentworth), with filming to take place in Broken Hill and Sydney.
Written by Stephen M. Irwin, the Wake In Fright mini is produced by Helen Bowden (The Slap,...
Puberty Blues star Sean Keenan has nabbed the lead role in Ten's Wake in Fright two-parter, which begins shooting today..
Keenan will play John Grant, a young school teacher who descends into his own personal nightmare after being stranded in the small outback mining town of Bundanyabba.—.the role made famous by Gary Bond in Ted Kotcheff's 1971 original.
Keenan just worked with director Kriv Stenders, who's helming both episodes of the TV redo, on Foxtel telemovie Australia Day.
He's joined in the cast by David Wenham (Seachange, Lion), Caren Pistorius (Offspring), Gary Sweet (House Husbands), Alex Dimitriades (The Slap), Robyn Malcolm (Upper Middle Bogan), Lee Jones (The Bastard Executioner), Anna Samson (Winners & Losers), Hannah Frederiksen (Hunters) and Jada Alberts (Wentworth), with filming to take place in Broken Hill and Sydney.
Written by Stephen M. Irwin, the Wake In Fright mini is produced by Helen Bowden (The Slap,...
- 3/6/2017
- by Harry Windsor
- IF.com.au
(l-r): Jason Isaacs, Zen McGrath and director Kriv Stenders on the set of 'Red Dog: True Blue'.
Kriv Stenders might just be the busiest director in Australia.
The helmer's first sequel, Red Dog: True Blue, comes out on Boxing Day, he's got Foxtel TV movie Australia Day in the can, and he's currently in the thick of making a documentary on The Go-Betweens.
After that Stenders begins production on Ten's two-part adaptation of Kenneth Cook's Wake in Fright, previously the basis for Ted Kotcheff's 1971 film of the same name: considered by many the greatest Australian film of all time.
For now, the director is focused on True Blue, and admits to nerves in the run-up to its release.
"Look, of course, I'm anxious," Stenders told If. "I know I've made a really good film, I'm really proud of this film. My job is to make...
Kriv Stenders might just be the busiest director in Australia.
The helmer's first sequel, Red Dog: True Blue, comes out on Boxing Day, he's got Foxtel TV movie Australia Day in the can, and he's currently in the thick of making a documentary on The Go-Betweens.
After that Stenders begins production on Ten's two-part adaptation of Kenneth Cook's Wake in Fright, previously the basis for Ted Kotcheff's 1971 film of the same name: considered by many the greatest Australian film of all time.
For now, the director is focused on True Blue, and admits to nerves in the run-up to its release.
"Look, of course, I'm anxious," Stenders told If. "I know I've made a really good film, I'm really proud of this film. My job is to make...
- 11/25/2016
- by Harry Windsor
- IF.com.au
(l-r): Jason Isaacs, Zen McGrath and director Kriv Stenders on the set of 'Red Dog: True Blue'.
Kriv Stenders might just be the busiest director in Australia.
The helmer's first sequel, Red Dog: True Blue, comes out on Boxing Day, he's got Foxtel TV movie Australia Day in the can, and he's currently in the thick of making a documentary on The Go-Betweens.
After that Stenders begins production on Ten's two-part adaptation of Kenneth Cook's Wake in Fright, previously the basis for Ted Kotcheff's 1971 film of the same name: considered by many the greatest Australian film of all time.
For now, the director is focused on True Blue, and admits to nerves in the run-up to its release.
"Look, of course, I'm anxious," Stenders told If. "I know I've made a really good film, I'm really proud of this film. My job is to make...
Kriv Stenders might just be the busiest director in Australia.
The helmer's first sequel, Red Dog: True Blue, comes out on Boxing Day, he's got Foxtel TV movie Australia Day in the can, and he's currently in the thick of making a documentary on The Go-Betweens.
After that Stenders begins production on Ten's two-part adaptation of Kenneth Cook's Wake in Fright, previously the basis for Ted Kotcheff's 1971 film of the same name: considered by many the greatest Australian film of all time.
For now, the director is focused on True Blue, and admits to nerves in the run-up to its release.
"Look, of course, I'm anxious," Stenders told If. "I know I've made a really good film, I'm really proud of this film. My job is to make...
- 11/25/2016
- by Harry Windsor
- IF.com.au
Ted Kotcheff's Wake in Fright (1971)
Network Ten has commissioned a new adaptation of Wake In Fright, Kenneth Cook.s classic Australian novel.
Wake In Fright is the story of John Grant, a young school teacher who descends into his own personal nightmare after being stranded in the small outback mining town of Bundanyabba.
Cook.s novel also birthed Ted Kotcheff's iconic 1971 film, which starred Donald Pleasance, Chips Rafferty, Jack Thompson, John Meillon and Gary Bond.
Ten.s two-part series will be produced by Lingo Pictures in association with Endemol Shine Australia, with the assistance of Screen Australia and Screen Nsw.
The news follows on from Foxtel.s announcement earlier this week that it plans to adapt the iconic Picnic at Hanging Rock into a six-part series.
Network Ten head of drama Rick Maier said there are few Australian stories as original or compelling as Wake in Fright.
.Kenneth Cook.s novel,...
Network Ten has commissioned a new adaptation of Wake In Fright, Kenneth Cook.s classic Australian novel.
Wake In Fright is the story of John Grant, a young school teacher who descends into his own personal nightmare after being stranded in the small outback mining town of Bundanyabba.
Cook.s novel also birthed Ted Kotcheff's iconic 1971 film, which starred Donald Pleasance, Chips Rafferty, Jack Thompson, John Meillon and Gary Bond.
Ten.s two-part series will be produced by Lingo Pictures in association with Endemol Shine Australia, with the assistance of Screen Australia and Screen Nsw.
The news follows on from Foxtel.s announcement earlier this week that it plans to adapt the iconic Picnic at Hanging Rock into a six-part series.
Network Ten head of drama Rick Maier said there are few Australian stories as original or compelling as Wake in Fright.
.Kenneth Cook.s novel,...
- 9/8/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Communications Minister, Mitch Fifield, and Shadow arts minister, Mark Dreyfus, have been confirmed to speak at this year's Screen Forever Conference..
The two politicians will speak at the annual conference event for the Australian screen industry on Wednesday November 18 at Crown Conference Centre, Melbourne.
Screen Producers Australia chief executive, Matthew Deaner said it was a rare opportunity, ahead of next year.s federal election, to be able to hear from two of the most important policymakers for the industry..
"Screen Forever is a vital platform for the industry to debate and discuss the issues with hundreds of businesses able to hear directly from minister Fifield and Shadow Minister Dreyfus about their priorities and policies affecting screen production,. he said.
.In particular, this marks the first address to the screen industry by Minister Fifield since his appointment to the communications and arts portfolio..
"This level of engagement reflects the strong relationship...
The two politicians will speak at the annual conference event for the Australian screen industry on Wednesday November 18 at Crown Conference Centre, Melbourne.
Screen Producers Australia chief executive, Matthew Deaner said it was a rare opportunity, ahead of next year.s federal election, to be able to hear from two of the most important policymakers for the industry..
"Screen Forever is a vital platform for the industry to debate and discuss the issues with hundreds of businesses able to hear directly from minister Fifield and Shadow Minister Dreyfus about their priorities and policies affecting screen production,. he said.
.In particular, this marks the first address to the screen industry by Minister Fifield since his appointment to the communications and arts portfolio..
"This level of engagement reflects the strong relationship...
- 11/5/2015
- by Inside Film Correspondent
- IF.com.au
Offspring actor Matthew Le Nevez is set to star in the new Endemol Shine production for Network Ten - Brock.
Le Nevez will bring to life the story of one of Australia.s greatest and most complex sporting heroes, Peter Brock.
The cast will also include Ella Scott Lynch as Bev Brock, Steve Bisley as Harry Firth and Natalie Bassingthwaite as Julie Bamford.
Le Nevez, best known for his role as Dr Patrick Reid in the multi-award winning drama Offspring, is no stranger to portraying real-life individuals.
He has already played Matthew Wales in the critically acclaimed The Society Murders, Australian cricket legend Dennis Lillee in Howzat! Kerry Packer.s War and Damien Parer in Parer.s War.
Le Nevez said it was a privilege to be involved in the Brock project..
"Growing up as a kid, I watched Peter conquer the mountain many times and now to be playing him,...
Le Nevez will bring to life the story of one of Australia.s greatest and most complex sporting heroes, Peter Brock.
The cast will also include Ella Scott Lynch as Bev Brock, Steve Bisley as Harry Firth and Natalie Bassingthwaite as Julie Bamford.
Le Nevez, best known for his role as Dr Patrick Reid in the multi-award winning drama Offspring, is no stranger to portraying real-life individuals.
He has already played Matthew Wales in the critically acclaimed The Society Murders, Australian cricket legend Dennis Lillee in Howzat! Kerry Packer.s War and Damien Parer in Parer.s War.
Le Nevez said it was a privilege to be involved in the Brock project..
"Growing up as a kid, I watched Peter conquer the mountain many times and now to be playing him,...
- 8/24/2015
- by Inside Film Correspondent
- IF.com.au
The Voice and Australia.s Got Talent will return to the Nine Network in 2016.
.The fourth season of The Voice has attracted an average national audience of more than two million after just six episodes.
.Shine Australia chief executive, Mark Fennessy, said the Voice was a certified global smash which continued to deliver outstanding ratings and a brilliant second-screen experience..
"Together with our partners at Nine, we.re delighted to commence work even earlier in building on that success in 2016..
Applications for artists to be the 2016 Voice of Australia will open later in the year.
.Australia.s Got Talent casting starts today, with FremantleMedia executive producer, Julie Ward at the helm.
.FremantleMedia Australia will be producing Agt in association with her production company, ZigZag TV.
.FremantleMedia Australia and Asia chief executive, Ian Hogg, said "Got Talent" was a world-class format and that Julie was a world-class creative..
"It.s a powerful combination,...
.The fourth season of The Voice has attracted an average national audience of more than two million after just six episodes.
.Shine Australia chief executive, Mark Fennessy, said the Voice was a certified global smash which continued to deliver outstanding ratings and a brilliant second-screen experience..
"Together with our partners at Nine, we.re delighted to commence work even earlier in building on that success in 2016..
Applications for artists to be the 2016 Voice of Australia will open later in the year.
.Australia.s Got Talent casting starts today, with FremantleMedia executive producer, Julie Ward at the helm.
.FremantleMedia Australia will be producing Agt in association with her production company, ZigZag TV.
.FremantleMedia Australia and Asia chief executive, Ian Hogg, said "Got Talent" was a world-class format and that Julie was a world-class creative..
"It.s a powerful combination,...
- 7/8/2015
- by Inside Film Correspondent
- IF.com.au
Shine Australia will produce The Great Australian Spelling Bee, a family entertainment series, for Network Ten. An original format created by Shine and Ten, the show will see kids aged 8-13 displaying their skills with words, definitions and grammar.
There is a call for applications via CastaSugar, which close on April 17. The show is expected to be stripped five nights a week. The host will be announced soon.
The format is completely different from Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?, which ran on Ten from 2007-2009, according to the network.
.The Great Australian Spelling Bee is an exciting, engaging new series and a perfect fit with our strategy of bringing event television to Australians,. said Ten.s chief programming officer Beverley McGarvey. .Surrounded by their friends and loved ones, we will see Australia.s brightest young people put through their paces as they inspire and surprise us. And we will cheer them on.
There is a call for applications via CastaSugar, which close on April 17. The show is expected to be stripped five nights a week. The host will be announced soon.
The format is completely different from Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?, which ran on Ten from 2007-2009, according to the network.
.The Great Australian Spelling Bee is an exciting, engaging new series and a perfect fit with our strategy of bringing event television to Australians,. said Ten.s chief programming officer Beverley McGarvey. .Surrounded by their friends and loved ones, we will see Australia.s brightest young people put through their paces as they inspire and surprise us. And we will cheer them on.
- 3/23/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Russell Crowe-Directed Movie Up for Australian Film Award; Crowe Shortlisted Only in Acting Category
Director Russell Crowe Movie up for Best Film: Australian Academy Awards 2015 nominations (photo: Actor-director Russell Crowe in 'The Water Diviner') Aacta Awards: Feature Film Categories Best Film The Babadook Kristina Ceyton and Kristian Moliere Charlie's Country Nils Erik Nielsen, Peter Djigirr and Rolf de Heer Predestination Paddy McDonald, Tim McGahan, Peter Spierig and Michael Spierig The Railway Man Chris Brown, Andy Paterson and Bill Curbishley Tracks Emile Sherman and Iain Canning The Water Diviner Andrew Mason, Keith Rodger and Troy Lum Best Director The Babadook Jennifer Kent Charlie's Country Rolf de Heer Predestination Peter Spierig and Michael Spierig The Rover David Michôd Best Actress Kate Box The Little Death Essie Davis The Babadook Sarah Snook Predestination Mia Wasikowska Tracks Best Actor Russell Crowe The Water Diviner David Gulpilil Charlie's Country Damon Herriman The Little Death Guy Pearce The Rover Best Supporting Actor Patrick Brammall The Little Death Yilmaz Erdogan...
- 12/3/2014
- by Steve Montgomery
- Alt Film Guide
Paul Franklin is re-joining Shine Australia early next year in the newly-created role of director of content.
Starting in February, he will oversee part of Shine.s unscripted and scripted programming, working alongside director of programming Peter Newman.
Shine Australia has not yet specified how Franklin and Newman will divide responsibility for the company.s burgeoning slate. But it.s considered likely that Franklin will take charge of The Voice and The Voice: Kids, which had been overseen by Julie Ward, who confirmed in August she was departing as director of entertainment.
For the past two and a half years Franklin has served as executive VP, programming, for Shine America, where he helped launch the unscripted programming department.
As executive producer he oversaw a raft of shows including MasterChef and MasterChef Junior (Fox), The Biggest Loser (NBC), The Face (Oxygen), Tabatha Takes Over (Bravo), Minute To Win It (Gsn...
Starting in February, he will oversee part of Shine.s unscripted and scripted programming, working alongside director of programming Peter Newman.
Shine Australia has not yet specified how Franklin and Newman will divide responsibility for the company.s burgeoning slate. But it.s considered likely that Franklin will take charge of The Voice and The Voice: Kids, which had been overseen by Julie Ward, who confirmed in August she was departing as director of entertainment.
For the past two and a half years Franklin has served as executive VP, programming, for Shine America, where he helped launch the unscripted programming department.
As executive producer he oversaw a raft of shows including MasterChef and MasterChef Junior (Fox), The Biggest Loser (NBC), The Face (Oxygen), Tabatha Takes Over (Bravo), Minute To Win It (Gsn...
- 11/28/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Screen Australia announced today it will invest nearly $10.7 million in 11 television and film projects which will trigger production worth almost $59 million.
In one of the most hotly contested funding rounds, six features succeeded. They include Wayne Blair.s romantic comedy Ali.s Wedding; Joe Cinque.s Consolation, a thriller about a troubled law student who tries to kill her boyfriend, from director Sotiris Dounoukos, whose A Single Body won best short at the Toronto International Film Festival, and Cameron and Colin Cairnes. horror movie Scare Campaign.
The other three are Taboo, the narrative feature debut of documentary filmmakers Bentley Dean and Martin Butler; Rachel Perkins. murder mystery Jasper Jones, based on the novel and play by Craig Silvey, adapted by Shaun Grant;. and Greg Mclean.s true-life thriller Jungle.
The TV projects are Shine Australia.s Peter Allen: Not the Boy Next Door for the Seven Network; a Jack...
In one of the most hotly contested funding rounds, six features succeeded. They include Wayne Blair.s romantic comedy Ali.s Wedding; Joe Cinque.s Consolation, a thriller about a troubled law student who tries to kill her boyfriend, from director Sotiris Dounoukos, whose A Single Body won best short at the Toronto International Film Festival, and Cameron and Colin Cairnes. horror movie Scare Campaign.
The other three are Taboo, the narrative feature debut of documentary filmmakers Bentley Dean and Martin Butler; Rachel Perkins. murder mystery Jasper Jones, based on the novel and play by Craig Silvey, adapted by Shaun Grant;. and Greg Mclean.s true-life thriller Jungle.
The TV projects are Shine Australia.s Peter Allen: Not the Boy Next Door for the Seven Network; a Jack...
- 11/26/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Former BSkyB executive Sophie Turner Laing will take the helm of the TV production and distribution powerhouse being formed from the merger of Shine, Endemol and Core Media.
Laing, a former MD of content at the British satcaster, will be the new venture.s CEO.
While Endemol CEO Just Spee and Shine Group CEO Alex Mahon will remain in their posts for the time being, media reports suggest both will depart after the transaction is completed and the businesses are integrated. Core Media Group president Marc Graboff has already exited.
There is no word yet on the management structure of the merged Shine-Endemol entity in Australia. Mark Fennessy and Carl Fennessy are joint CEOs of Shine Australia and Janeen Faithfull is CEO of Endemol.
Nor is it yet clear whether Cathy Payne, CEO of Endemol Worldwide Distribution, will take Shine International, where Nadine Nohr is CEO, under her wing.
First announced in May,...
Laing, a former MD of content at the British satcaster, will be the new venture.s CEO.
While Endemol CEO Just Spee and Shine Group CEO Alex Mahon will remain in their posts for the time being, media reports suggest both will depart after the transaction is completed and the businesses are integrated. Core Media Group president Marc Graboff has already exited.
There is no word yet on the management structure of the merged Shine-Endemol entity in Australia. Mark Fennessy and Carl Fennessy are joint CEOs of Shine Australia and Janeen Faithfull is CEO of Endemol.
Nor is it yet clear whether Cathy Payne, CEO of Endemol Worldwide Distribution, will take Shine International, where Nadine Nohr is CEO, under her wing.
First announced in May,...
- 9/29/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Popular Us reality series The Bachelor is coming to Australia. Network Ten announced it has commissioned an Australian production of the show, to be produced by Shine Australia.. Network Ten Chief Programming Officer, Beverley McGarvey, says, .The Bachelor is one of the longest-running and most successful television franchises in the world, with productions in 24 countries. We are thrilled to be working with Shine to take this iconic show and create a uniquely Australian entertainment event.. Shine Australia Chief Executive Officer, Mark Fennessy, says,.There are few marquee brands which have enjoyed the same connection with audiences worldwide as The Bachelor. We're delighted to bring this brilliant series to Australian viewers and look forward to introducing our very own Prince Charming." The Bachelor follows a single bachelor and a number of bachelorettes who all claim to be looking for love. Over the weeks, the bachelor presents his favourite ladies with a...
- 5/9/2013
- by Emily Blatchford
- IF.com.au
Australian journalist Ellen Fanning will host a new interview series, The Observer Effect, which has been commissioned by the Sbs, it was announced today. The 20x60-minute series, produced by Shine Australia, will be broadcast from June 2, 2013 and will invite high-profile Australians to offer their personal opinions on the news and current affairs of that week. In a statement released by the Sbs, the broadcaster stated, .By viewing news and events through the eyes of .the observer., the audience will get to know who they are beyond the 24 hour news headlines - whether politician, author, journalist, business leader, academic or philosopher.. Sbs Managing Director Michael Ebeid said, .Through The Observer Effect, we wanted to create a show that would continue to build on Sbs's reputation for content which provokes debate by bringing audiences a fresh and edgy take on the issues Australians are talking about, and gives them a new...
- 5/6/2013
- by Inside Film Correspondent
- IF.com.au
Screen Australia says it has not mismanaged its finances by spending its annual production funding in just six months - a state of affairs which it says reflects the strength of the local film industry.
The government screen agency revealed in mid-December 2012 that it had spent its entire annual $42 million drama production allocation due to the unprecedented number of quality feature film and television projects seeking support. The shock announcement was reminiscent of the agency's abrupt decision to cut its investment cap in 2009 while several films were mid-financed. That decision.threw several major Australian productions into dissaray including The Tree and the biggest box office hit of.2010, Tomorrow When the War Began (Omnilab Media had to increase its investment at the last minute to ensure production).
Overspending on such a scale has never occurred before, even going back to the era of Screen Australia.s predecessor funding arm, the Film Finance Corporation.
The government screen agency revealed in mid-December 2012 that it had spent its entire annual $42 million drama production allocation due to the unprecedented number of quality feature film and television projects seeking support. The shock announcement was reminiscent of the agency's abrupt decision to cut its investment cap in 2009 while several films were mid-financed. That decision.threw several major Australian productions into dissaray including The Tree and the biggest box office hit of.2010, Tomorrow When the War Began (Omnilab Media had to increase its investment at the last minute to ensure production).
Overspending on such a scale has never occurred before, even going back to the era of Screen Australia.s predecessor funding arm, the Film Finance Corporation.
- 2/6/2013
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
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