Todd Abbott.
Installed as ABC head of comedy in July, Todd Abbott will start evaluating the development materials of the comedy projects that received support under the $5 million Fresh Start Fund this week – and next week he hopes to greenlight development on several projects that he’s already been evaluating.
That’s the good news for Australian producers and creators – tempered by the fact that the broadcaster’s comedy slate for 2021 is fully committed. So the projects that will advance from now on will premiere in 2022.
Given the ABC’s budget constraints, Abbott tells If: “Everyone has had to tighten their belts. My task is to maintain the comedy department’s output and to keep the Wednesday comedy night thriving – and then I’ll try to work out how to do hostile takeovers of the other nights. None of the projects I am looking at now is expected to be...
Installed as ABC head of comedy in July, Todd Abbott will start evaluating the development materials of the comedy projects that received support under the $5 million Fresh Start Fund this week – and next week he hopes to greenlight development on several projects that he’s already been evaluating.
That’s the good news for Australian producers and creators – tempered by the fact that the broadcaster’s comedy slate for 2021 is fully committed. So the projects that will advance from now on will premiere in 2022.
Given the ABC’s budget constraints, Abbott tells If: “Everyone has had to tighten their belts. My task is to maintain the comedy department’s output and to keep the Wednesday comedy night thriving – and then I’ll try to work out how to do hostile takeovers of the other nights. None of the projects I am looking at now is expected to be...
- 9/15/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Kevin Whyte.
Kevin Whyte’s Token Group is weathering the pandemic thanks to its diversified businesses which encompass talent management, live touring, TV production and distribution.
“It will be a brutal two years but we will come through this; we have reserves to fall back on,” said Whyte, who founded the group nearly 30 years ago.
“I’m worried about where the young, entrepreneurial businesses will be coming out of this,” he told Screen Producers Australia CEO Matt Deaner in a webinar today. “They’re the ones that we will all have to look out for.”
During the pandemic the group’s Guesswork Television kept shooting The Weekly with Charlie Pickering for the ABC, which enabled the producers to experiment with new ideas.
Whyte tells If he is figuring out the logistics of when and how to film the next series of the ABC’s Hard Quiz in Melbourne later this year.
Kevin Whyte’s Token Group is weathering the pandemic thanks to its diversified businesses which encompass talent management, live touring, TV production and distribution.
“It will be a brutal two years but we will come through this; we have reserves to fall back on,” said Whyte, who founded the group nearly 30 years ago.
“I’m worried about where the young, entrepreneurial businesses will be coming out of this,” he told Screen Producers Australia CEO Matt Deaner in a webinar today. “They’re the ones that we will all have to look out for.”
During the pandemic the group’s Guesswork Television kept shooting The Weekly with Charlie Pickering for the ABC, which enabled the producers to experiment with new ideas.
Whyte tells If he is figuring out the logistics of when and how to film the next series of the ABC’s Hard Quiz in Melbourne later this year.
- 8/12/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
What do Hugh Jackman, Jon Bernthal and Jeffrey Dean Morgan have in common, aside from the fact that they’re all actors? Not much, to be honest. At least, not on the surface. But they’re just three of the Hollywood stars who’ve rallied around Quaden Bayles this week.
The Queensland 9-year-old was born with achondroplasia dwarfism and was recently the subject of a video that went viral, which saw his mother talking about her son’s experiences with bullying and how difficult of a time he’s been having at school and in life in general. She even goes so far as to reveal that Quaden has attempted suicide on several occasions.
And now, as the video continues to make its way around the web, a ton of celebrities have shown their support for the young boy, with a campaign being launched to help send him to Disneyland.
The Queensland 9-year-old was born with achondroplasia dwarfism and was recently the subject of a video that went viral, which saw his mother talking about her son’s experiences with bullying and how difficult of a time he’s been having at school and in life in general. She even goes so far as to reveal that Quaden has attempted suicide on several occasions.
And now, as the video continues to make its way around the web, a ton of celebrities have shown their support for the young boy, with a campaign being launched to help send him to Disneyland.
- 2/21/2020
- by Matt Joseph
- We Got This Covered
‘Top End Wedding’ is among the eight films in contention for the feature film Spa Award.
Some 54 production companies are among the finalists for this year’s Screen Producers Australia (Spa) Awards, which span 12 categories across film, TV and interactive.
Eight titles will compete for the feature film gong. The nominees include the highest grossing Australian films of the year, Ambience’s Storm Boy and Goalpost Pictures/Kojo Entertainment’s Top End Wedding. Also in the running are Unicorn Films’ Celeste and Red Dune Films & Deeper Water Films’ Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan, as well as four yet to be released films, Blue-Tongue Films’ Judy & Punch, Closer Productions’ Animals, Ticket To Ride’s Standing Up For Sunny and SixFourSixty’s Angel of Mine.
Hoodlum is up twice in the drama series category for Tidelands and Five Bedrooms, as is Matchbox for Glitch and The Heights (the latter together...
Some 54 production companies are among the finalists for this year’s Screen Producers Australia (Spa) Awards, which span 12 categories across film, TV and interactive.
Eight titles will compete for the feature film gong. The nominees include the highest grossing Australian films of the year, Ambience’s Storm Boy and Goalpost Pictures/Kojo Entertainment’s Top End Wedding. Also in the running are Unicorn Films’ Celeste and Red Dune Films & Deeper Water Films’ Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan, as well as four yet to be released films, Blue-Tongue Films’ Judy & Punch, Closer Productions’ Animals, Ticket To Ride’s Standing Up For Sunny and SixFourSixty’s Angel of Mine.
Hoodlum is up twice in the drama series category for Tidelands and Five Bedrooms, as is Matchbox for Glitch and The Heights (the latter together...
- 8/19/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Lee Matthews.
Producer Lee Matthews has launched a short film screenwriting competition, open to emerging or established writers from any racial background or gender identity.
Matthews will turn the winning script into a 5-7 minute film which will screen on the YouTube channel run by his company Different Films (the re-branded Matthewswood Productions) in 2020.
The Emo the Musical producer tells If: “The competition is open to everyone, emerging or not, young or not, straight or not, from any racial background or gender identity.
“The screenwriter just needs to be able to see the benefit in having his or her story made into a finished short film. That can happen if the essence of the story is about difference and/or looks at life through a completely different lens, the concept is a stand-out and the production is feasible.”
He estimates it will cost him up to $5,000 to make the short.
Producer Lee Matthews has launched a short film screenwriting competition, open to emerging or established writers from any racial background or gender identity.
Matthews will turn the winning script into a 5-7 minute film which will screen on the YouTube channel run by his company Different Films (the re-branded Matthewswood Productions) in 2020.
The Emo the Musical producer tells If: “The competition is open to everyone, emerging or not, young or not, straight or not, from any racial background or gender identity.
“The screenwriter just needs to be able to see the benefit in having his or her story made into a finished short film. That can happen if the essence of the story is about difference and/or looks at life through a completely different lens, the concept is a stand-out and the production is feasible.”
He estimates it will cost him up to $5,000 to make the short.
- 7/29/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
The writers of All Is True, Hotel Mumbai, Relic, Ride Like a Girl and The Favourite have been nominated for best original feature film in the 52nd annual Awgie Awards.
Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears (Deb Cox) and True History of the Kelly Gang (Shaun Grant) are the contenders for the feature film adaptation category.
Andrew Knight scored two nominations, for Ride Like a Girl (shared with Elise McCredie) and for TV series or miniseries for an episode of ABC’s Jack Irish, competing with Bloom (Glen Dolman), Secret City: Under the Eagle (Matt Cameron) and The End (Samantha Strauss).
Ben Elton wrote All is True, John Collee and Anthony Maras wrote Hotel Mumbai, Christian White and Natalie Erika James scripted Relic and Tony McNamara and Deborah Davis collaborated on The Favourite.
In the running for telemovie or miniseries up to four hours are The Cry (Jacquelin Perske...
Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears (Deb Cox) and True History of the Kelly Gang (Shaun Grant) are the contenders for the feature film adaptation category.
Andrew Knight scored two nominations, for Ride Like a Girl (shared with Elise McCredie) and for TV series or miniseries for an episode of ABC’s Jack Irish, competing with Bloom (Glen Dolman), Secret City: Under the Eagle (Matt Cameron) and The End (Samantha Strauss).
Ben Elton wrote All is True, John Collee and Anthony Maras wrote Hotel Mumbai, Christian White and Natalie Erika James scripted Relic and Tony McNamara and Deborah Davis collaborated on The Favourite.
In the running for telemovie or miniseries up to four hours are The Cry (Jacquelin Perske...
- 7/12/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
(L-r) Kevin Whyte, Lisa Wang and Todd Abbott accepting Spa’s Comedy Television Production of the Year award for ‘Please Like Me’ s2.
The screen industry needs to stop cutting writers’ fees and to do a lot better in providing career paths for writers, according to Guesswork Television MD Kevin Whyte.
Chiming with the concerns of the Australian Writers’ Guild and Cjz executives Nick Murray and Matt Campbell, Whyte tells If: “Working out how we can make Australia an attractive and lucrative place to be a television writer, which means we put stories and ideas first and foremost, is critically important.
“The struggling artist cliché is wearing a bit thin. The industry should focus on creating career paths, not just so people stay but to entice people in into the industry.
“I am not saying there is an easy solution but as our budgets come under more and more pressure...
The screen industry needs to stop cutting writers’ fees and to do a lot better in providing career paths for writers, according to Guesswork Television MD Kevin Whyte.
Chiming with the concerns of the Australian Writers’ Guild and Cjz executives Nick Murray and Matt Campbell, Whyte tells If: “Working out how we can make Australia an attractive and lucrative place to be a television writer, which means we put stories and ideas first and foremost, is critically important.
“The struggling artist cliché is wearing a bit thin. The industry should focus on creating career paths, not just so people stay but to entice people in into the industry.
“I am not saying there is an easy solution but as our budgets come under more and more pressure...
- 3/11/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘Sweet Country’.
Sweet Country was named Best Film at last night’s Aacta Award Ceremony, with the period Western also taking home Best Direction for Warwick Thornton and Best Lead Actor for Hamilton Morris.
Produced by Bunya Productions, Sweet Country beat out Boy Erased, Cargo, Ladies in Black and Breath. Based on real events, the 1929-set film follows an Aboriginal stockman (Morris) who a kills white station owner in self-defence and goes on the run. It was Morris’ first film role – he previously had only a small part in ABC series 8Mmm Aboriginal Radio.
Accepting the award for best film, producer David Jowsey said: “Sweet Country is a Trojan horse. We drive through your gate, and there in our belly is a story about our history, a story about the birth of our nation. Sweet Country is really about our identity.”
Last night’s accolades join the three awards Sweet Country...
Sweet Country was named Best Film at last night’s Aacta Award Ceremony, with the period Western also taking home Best Direction for Warwick Thornton and Best Lead Actor for Hamilton Morris.
Produced by Bunya Productions, Sweet Country beat out Boy Erased, Cargo, Ladies in Black and Breath. Based on real events, the 1929-set film follows an Aboriginal stockman (Morris) who a kills white station owner in self-defence and goes on the run. It was Morris’ first film role – he previously had only a small part in ABC series 8Mmm Aboriginal Radio.
Accepting the award for best film, producer David Jowsey said: “Sweet Country is a Trojan horse. We drive through your gate, and there in our belly is a story about our history, a story about the birth of our nation. Sweet Country is really about our identity.”
Last night’s accolades join the three awards Sweet Country...
- 12/5/2018
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Media Super CEO Graeme Russell and Guesswork Television MD Kevin Whyte.
Guesswork Television was crowned the 2018 Production Business of the Year at the Screen Producers Australia Awards, held last night at Melbourne’s Forum Theatre.
It was one of two accolades on the night for the company, which also picked up Comedy Series Production of the Year for Rosehaven with What Horse?. The top gong recognises Guesswork’s impressive production slate over the past year, which in addition to Rosehaven included Hannah Gadsby’s Nanette, Get Krackin’, Hard Quiz, Corey White’s Roadmap to Paradise, The Edge of the Bush and The Weekly with Charlie Pickering.
The other big winner on the night was Bunya Productions, who walked away with three prizes. As well as being named Breakthrough Business of the Year, it won Telemovie or Mini Series Production of the Year for Mystery Road and Feature Film of the Year for Sweet Country.
Guesswork Television was crowned the 2018 Production Business of the Year at the Screen Producers Australia Awards, held last night at Melbourne’s Forum Theatre.
It was one of two accolades on the night for the company, which also picked up Comedy Series Production of the Year for Rosehaven with What Horse?. The top gong recognises Guesswork’s impressive production slate over the past year, which in addition to Rosehaven included Hannah Gadsby’s Nanette, Get Krackin’, Hard Quiz, Corey White’s Roadmap to Paradise, The Edge of the Bush and The Weekly with Charlie Pickering.
The other big winner on the night was Bunya Productions, who walked away with three prizes. As well as being named Breakthrough Business of the Year, it won Telemovie or Mini Series Production of the Year for Mystery Road and Feature Film of the Year for Sweet Country.
- 11/22/2018
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
The Code. . Shelley Birse has taken out the top prize at this year.s Awgie Awards, winning the Major Award for the second season of ABC cyber-thriller The Code..
The first season of The Code also took out the Australian Writers. Guild Major Award in 2014. This year.s award makes it the only series to have been recognised by two Major Awards for both of its seasons. The Code also received the Awgie Award for the Television: Miniseries — Original category.
Overall, more than 25 Australian writers —.from radio, television, film, theatre and interactive media — were honoured at this year.s Awgie Awards, held in Sydney on Friday evening.
Andrew Knight and Osamah Sami.s Ali.s Wedding took out the award for most outstanding script for an original feature, while Shaun Grant and Craig Silvey received the award for most outstanding feature adaptation for Jasper Jones.
Samantha Strauss was honoured for her original telemovie,...
The first season of The Code also took out the Australian Writers. Guild Major Award in 2014. This year.s award makes it the only series to have been recognised by two Major Awards for both of its seasons. The Code also received the Awgie Award for the Television: Miniseries — Original category.
Overall, more than 25 Australian writers —.from radio, television, film, theatre and interactive media — were honoured at this year.s Awgie Awards, held in Sydney on Friday evening.
Andrew Knight and Osamah Sami.s Ali.s Wedding took out the award for most outstanding script for an original feature, while Shaun Grant and Craig Silvey received the award for most outstanding feature adaptation for Jasper Jones.
Samantha Strauss was honoured for her original telemovie,...
- 10/17/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
This year, Australia.s longest running children.s series, Play School, celebrates 50 years on air. To mark the occasion, ABC Kids has enlisted some famous faces to join with Big Ted and Humpty Dumpty to host a special series. Entitled Play School Celebrity Covers, the mini-episodes will feature a lineup of popular Australian personalities, actors and musicians turning their hand to being a Play School presenter, either performing a song or reading a story. Daily episodes will air from July 4 on ABC Kids, as well as on iview. Featuring in Play School Celebrity Covers are: Adam Goodes, Annabel Crabb with Leigh Sales, Architecture in Helsinki, Benita Collings with Don Spencer, Bernard Fanning, Carrie Bickmore, Costa Georgiadis, Dami Im, Dan Sultan, Delta Goodrem, Emma Wiggle, Guy Sebastian, Hamish and Andy, Jeremy Fernandez, John Hamblin, Josh Thomas, Kate Ceberano with her daughter Gypsy, Kate Miller-Heidke, Katie Noonan, Kurt Fearnley with Rachael Coopes,...
- 6/23/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Charlie Pickering is set to return to the ABC in 2016 with a new series of The Weekly.
Prior to that, Pickering and the team at The Weekly will also appear in a one-hour annual news roundup special, The Yearly, in December.
Pickering said the team at The Weekly was currently on an extended hiatus from screen duties..
"Our priority has been expending much-needed time and development funding coming up with a name for the one-hour annual news roundup special," he said..
"After a laborious three minutes, we settled on The Yearly and will be taking the rest of the time off. See you in December!.
In both offerings, Pickering will again be flanked by comedians, Tom Gleeson and Kitty Flanagan.
Executive producer, Chris Walker said it was very exciting to be coming back so soon.
"One thing we can be sure of in this country is that 2016 will be even...
Prior to that, Pickering and the team at The Weekly will also appear in a one-hour annual news roundup special, The Yearly, in December.
Pickering said the team at The Weekly was currently on an extended hiatus from screen duties..
"Our priority has been expending much-needed time and development funding coming up with a name for the one-hour annual news roundup special," he said..
"After a laborious three minutes, we settled on The Yearly and will be taking the rest of the time off. See you in December!.
In both offerings, Pickering will again be flanked by comedians, Tom Gleeson and Kitty Flanagan.
Executive producer, Chris Walker said it was very exciting to be coming back so soon.
"One thing we can be sure of in this country is that 2016 will be even...
- 9/18/2015
- by Inside Film Correspondent
- IF.com.au
Shaun Micallef as a fictional former prime minister who is desperate to stay relevant, a comedy series starring The Project.s Charlie Pickering and a modern re-telling of Anna Karenina.
These are among the highlights of the ABC.s 2015 line-up unveiled today by director of television Richard Finlayson. .The breadth and depth of our slate reflects the quality of Australian independent production,. Finlayson told If.
The executive acknowledges producers are fearful of the impact of looming budget cuts to be imposed by the federal government but says, .We know the cuts cast a pall of uncertainty but we are getting on with the process of commissioning as best we can. By and large it is business as usual.. Micallef will star in The Ex-pm as Australia.s third longest-serving Prime Minister who has far too much time on his hands and no one to waste it on in a Cjz...
These are among the highlights of the ABC.s 2015 line-up unveiled today by director of television Richard Finlayson. .The breadth and depth of our slate reflects the quality of Australian independent production,. Finlayson told If.
The executive acknowledges producers are fearful of the impact of looming budget cuts to be imposed by the federal government but says, .We know the cuts cast a pall of uncertainty but we are getting on with the process of commissioning as best we can. By and large it is business as usual.. Micallef will star in The Ex-pm as Australia.s third longest-serving Prime Minister who has far too much time on his hands and no one to waste it on in a Cjz...
- 11/12/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Kekovich hit by cricket ball in suspicious video
Days after posting a video purporting to show Sam Kekovich being hit by a cricket ball during a live cross, Ten has revealed that it is the commercial TV network partner for this year’s Australia Day campaign from Meat and Livestock Australia.
Ten disabled comments on the YouTube video after a large number of people suggested that the footage was faked.
The new video apparently shows Kekovich taking part in a live cross with Ten weatherman Tim Bailey at Birchgrove Oval in Leichard.
The pair stand on the side of a cricket game at a barbecue, while Bailey introduces Kekovich as the “Lambassador”. Kekovich is the long standing frontman for Mla’s lamb promotions.
As Kekovich starts to speak to Bailey, he appears to be struck on the head by a cricket ball, the camera is knocked over and an anxious voice asks “Is he okay?...
Days after posting a video purporting to show Sam Kekovich being hit by a cricket ball during a live cross, Ten has revealed that it is the commercial TV network partner for this year’s Australia Day campaign from Meat and Livestock Australia.
Ten disabled comments on the YouTube video after a large number of people suggested that the footage was faked.
The new video apparently shows Kekovich taking part in a live cross with Ten weatherman Tim Bailey at Birchgrove Oval in Leichard.
The pair stand on the side of a cricket game at a barbecue, while Bailey introduces Kekovich as the “Lambassador”. Kekovich is the long standing frontman for Mla’s lamb promotions.
As Kekovich starts to speak to Bailey, he appears to be struck on the head by a cricket ball, the camera is knocked over and an anxious voice asks “Is he okay?...
- 1/7/2013
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
In this roundup from the Encore and Mumbrella Annual, we remember the seven bravest advertisers from the last 12 months.
1. Coles
To shamelessly bombard the Australian public with wave after wave of irritating supermarket sing-alongs shows serious balls, if not bravery. But digging up ageing rockers Status Quo for a re-recording of the original Down, Deeper and Down, who played with guitars, drums and keyboards decorated with Coles’ trademark big red hands, showed true daring. Now on a tour of Australia, the track used in the ad is the very first song on the Quo’s new album, which is sold exclusively in Coles supermarkets.
2. McDonald’s
The year after Maccas created the self-funded documentary McDonald’s Gets Grilled, the brand made another leap of faith in branded entertainment with a music video featuring X Factor finalist Johnny Ruffo. Gettin’ Serious was a 60-second R&B tune about love and Maccas’ new lamb burger,...
1. Coles
To shamelessly bombard the Australian public with wave after wave of irritating supermarket sing-alongs shows serious balls, if not bravery. But digging up ageing rockers Status Quo for a re-recording of the original Down, Deeper and Down, who played with guitars, drums and keyboards decorated with Coles’ trademark big red hands, showed true daring. Now on a tour of Australia, the track used in the ad is the very first song on the Quo’s new album, which is sold exclusively in Coles supermarkets.
2. McDonald’s
The year after Maccas created the self-funded documentary McDonald’s Gets Grilled, the brand made another leap of faith in branded entertainment with a music video featuring X Factor finalist Johnny Ruffo. Gettin’ Serious was a 60-second R&B tune about love and Maccas’ new lamb burger,...
- 12/21/2012
- by Luke
- Encore Magazine
At 5pm today, the final note was played by the Impossible Orchestra, a 24-hour musical tribute to the 2.6m carers in Australia who look after their sick, aged or disabled loved ones.
The musical marathon, which took place in Melbourne’s Hamer Hall, was a metaphor for the ongoing sacrifice made by Australia’s carers, for government backed charity CareAware.
The event was performed by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria and the Australian National Academy of Music, with contributions from politicians, actors and comedians including Shaun Micallef, Josh Thomas and Charlie Pickering.
Interspersed with classical pieces by the likes of Vivaldi, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, were video tributes to some of Australia’s carers.
The event was devised by McCann Melbourne.
Credits:
Executive Creative Director: John Mescall
Creative Team: Pat Baron, Matt Stoddart, Natasha Wood
Designers: Pat Baron, Cayne Snowden, Scott Hall
Producers: Jo Alach, Pauline McMillan
Group Account Director: Adrian...
The musical marathon, which took place in Melbourne’s Hamer Hall, was a metaphor for the ongoing sacrifice made by Australia’s carers, for government backed charity CareAware.
The event was performed by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria and the Australian National Academy of Music, with contributions from politicians, actors and comedians including Shaun Micallef, Josh Thomas and Charlie Pickering.
Interspersed with classical pieces by the likes of Vivaldi, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, were video tributes to some of Australia’s carers.
The event was devised by McCann Melbourne.
Credits:
Executive Creative Director: John Mescall
Creative Team: Pat Baron, Matt Stoddart, Natasha Wood
Designers: Pat Baron, Cayne Snowden, Scott Hall
Producers: Jo Alach, Pauline McMillan
Group Account Director: Adrian...
- 10/28/2012
- by Robin Hicks
- Encore Magazine
The host of Ten’s The Project, Charlie Pickering is to present next week’s Mumbrella Awards.
The event takes place at Doltone House in Sydney next Thursday September 13.
A total of 10 media agencies, 12 media companies, four digital agencies, 16 creative agencies, four agencies, four production houses, five marketing teams and four PR agencies are in the running for the Mumbrella Awards. (View the shortlist via this link).
Pickering’s stand-up comedy talents saw him nominated for a Perrier comedy award at the Edinburgh Festival. His TV work has included Talkin Bout Your Generation for Ten while he has also co-hosted Triple M’s national weekend breakfast show.
Because the venue is close to full capacity, almost all tables at the event have been sold to shortlisted teams and sponsors.
Just six tables are now available for general sale.
Priced at $2700 plus Gst for ten guests, they are available on a first come,...
The event takes place at Doltone House in Sydney next Thursday September 13.
A total of 10 media agencies, 12 media companies, four digital agencies, 16 creative agencies, four agencies, four production houses, five marketing teams and four PR agencies are in the running for the Mumbrella Awards. (View the shortlist via this link).
Pickering’s stand-up comedy talents saw him nominated for a Perrier comedy award at the Edinburgh Festival. His TV work has included Talkin Bout Your Generation for Ten while he has also co-hosted Triple M’s national weekend breakfast show.
Because the venue is close to full capacity, almost all tables at the event have been sold to shortlisted teams and sponsors.
Just six tables are now available for general sale.
Priced at $2700 plus Gst for ten guests, they are available on a first come,...
- 9/6/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
Not since a British newsreader stumbled over the “Kent countryside” has there been quite such a spectacular newsreading C-bomb slip-up.
So Dr Mumbo doffs his cap to The Project’s Carrie Bickmore who has delivered a spectacular new way of saying “Qantas customers”.
Co-host Charlie Pickering was quite right: YouTube awaits.
Dr Mumbo also fears for Qantas: The next time there’s a stoppage, the new nickname may just stick.
So Dr Mumbo doffs his cap to The Project’s Carrie Bickmore who has delivered a spectacular new way of saying “Qantas customers”.
Co-host Charlie Pickering was quite right: YouTube awaits.
Dr Mumbo also fears for Qantas: The next time there’s a stoppage, the new nickname may just stick.
- 8/29/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
To Sydney’s Comedy Store and Ten’s storming showcase from the team on The Project.
And the loudest heckles came from an unlikely source – with The Biggest Loser trainer Michelle Bridges having apparently warmed up early for the event. At one point – when Tom Ballard showed off his pasty white belly – Bridges yelled out “Shit!” loudly enough to make The Project regular and Triple J morning presenter wince.
But Dave Hughes probably had the most honest line of the night, telling the audience: ‘Thank fuck The Voice has finished.”
But Charlie Pickering had the biggest confession, telling the audience that his dark secret since the show began is that at the end of each episode, he says goodnight, turns to his script and draws “a cock and balls”. He volunteered that it now comes so naturally, that on occasion he does it while maintaining eye contact with the night’s guest.
And the loudest heckles came from an unlikely source – with The Biggest Loser trainer Michelle Bridges having apparently warmed up early for the event. At one point – when Tom Ballard showed off his pasty white belly – Bridges yelled out “Shit!” loudly enough to make The Project regular and Triple J morning presenter wince.
But Dave Hughes probably had the most honest line of the night, telling the audience: ‘Thank fuck The Voice has finished.”
But Charlie Pickering had the biggest confession, telling the audience that his dark secret since the show began is that at the end of each episode, he says goodnight, turns to his script and draws “a cock and balls”. He volunteered that it now comes so naturally, that on occasion he does it while maintaining eye contact with the night’s guest.
- 6/27/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
Sandilands: Labelled a misogynist by Pickering
Radio presenter Kyle Sandilands has been labelled a misogynist in an attack broadcast on his own network. The swipe at Sandilands was aired on the Today Network’s national Hamish & Andy drivetime show during a pre-Logies special.
After pointing out that Australia’s Got Talent was up for a Logie TV award, Ten’s Charlie Pickering was challenged by hosts Hamish Blake and Andy Lee to demonstrate an impression of Sandilands, who is a judge on Agt.
Pickering began his mock Sandilands acceptance speech saying: “Mate, I hated it. Mate, Australia doesn’t have talent.”
After pausing, he drew laughs from Blake and Lee when he told them: “Sorry, every word coming into my head is literally too misogynistic to say on the radio.”
Returning to the Sandilands impression Pickering went on: “Governor General: Don’t like you, you’re a woman… anyone noticed...
Radio presenter Kyle Sandilands has been labelled a misogynist in an attack broadcast on his own network. The swipe at Sandilands was aired on the Today Network’s national Hamish & Andy drivetime show during a pre-Logies special.
After pointing out that Australia’s Got Talent was up for a Logie TV award, Ten’s Charlie Pickering was challenged by hosts Hamish Blake and Andy Lee to demonstrate an impression of Sandilands, who is a judge on Agt.
Pickering began his mock Sandilands acceptance speech saying: “Mate, I hated it. Mate, Australia doesn’t have talent.”
After pausing, he drew laughs from Blake and Lee when he told them: “Sorry, every word coming into my head is literally too misogynistic to say on the radio.”
Returning to the Sandilands impression Pickering went on: “Governor General: Don’t like you, you’re a woman… anyone noticed...
- 4/16/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
Carrie Bickmore has revealed that she still cannot believe that she has been nominated for a Gold Logie award. The Australian television presenter, who fronts The Project alongside Dave Hughes and Charlie Pickering, admitted that it feels "surreal" to receive a nod for the prestigious prize because she never thought she would be considered. Bickmore told the Sunday Herald Sun: "I used to sit next to [former colleague] Rove [McManus] and he would get up and get the Gold and I used to think that was such an honour. I never thought I'd ever get a nomination, so I'm just enjoying it." Other nominees for the Gold Logie include comedian Hamish Blake, breakfast TV presenter Karl Stefanovic, Spicks and Specks host Adam Hills, actress Asher Keddie and Home and Away's Esther Anderson. (more)...
- 4/9/2012
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Charlie Pickering has slammed Channel Ten bosses for changing the air time of Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation. The Australian television personality, who hosts the comedy panel show, said that he believes that ratings would not have suffered if it had been left in its original timeslot and it could have been as "successful" as Adam Hills' Spicks and Specks. Pickering told TV Tonight: "8pm [as an airtime] is pretty unconventional. I don't often criticise the decisions of my masters, because I don't think it's politics. And the fact is everyone is an expert programmer when they're not actually programming a network. "So I'll just say Spicks and Specks was an extremely successful, broadly appealing panel/game show that was allowed to enjoy the same timeslot for the entirety of its existence. (more)...
- 3/30/2012
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Channel Ten bosses have said that they feel "positive" about The Project's viewer ratings. The Australian current affairs show, which is hosted by Dave Hughes, Carrie Bickmore and Charlie Pickering, was recently renamed and moved to an earlier timeslot in order to boost ratings, but was still beaten by Today Tonight, A Current Affair and the Seven and Nine Network news bulletins last night. The Project achieved less than half a million viewers, while all the rival programmes got audiences of over a million. However, Ten's programming chief David Mott said that they are pleased that The Project still gave the station a 22% audience increase in its 6pm to 7pm slot. Mott told (more)...
- 1/24/2012
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
The Project will now air at 6pm on weeknights in Australia. Channel Ten bosses have reportedly decided that the current affairs chatshow - hosted by Dave Hughes, Carrie Bickmore and Charlie Pickering - should be shown earlier in order to appeal to a wider audience. According to the Herald Sun, chief of programming David Mott hopes that The Project will provide a lead-in to reality series The Biggest Loser and MasterChef and target a demographic of 18 to 49-year-olds. He said: "The Project is the perfect choice for a younger audience who still wants news, but not in the traditional sense." He also revealed that he was content with Ten's decision to axe George Negus's current affairs programme last year, saying: "I think it was a strong show and a good alternative (more)...
- 1/12/2012
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Charlie Pickering has proposed to his girlfriend of one year. The Australian television personality and comedian, who is best known for hosting The Project alongside Carrie Bickmore and Dave Hughes, asked Sarah Krasnostein to marry him on Sunday. According to the Herald Sun, Krasnostein showed off her new engagement ring at the GQ Awards in Sydney last night. Pickering, Bickmore and Hughes recently had The Project renamed and extended by 30 minutes when George Negus's current affairs show was axed by Channel Ten. Former Home and Away actress Sharni (more)...
- 11/23/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Carrie Bickmore is rumoured to be in the running for a new daytime TV role. The Australian television personality, who currently hosts weeknight comedy current affairs panel show The Project alongside Charlie Pickering and Dave Hughes, is believed to be the top contender to host Channel Ten's new morning chatshow Breakfast. According to The Daily Telegraph, Bickmore would join former colleague Dr Andrew Rochford and New Zealand TV star Paul Henry on the series. Broadcasters such as Magdalena Rose and Sarah Murdoch were recently linked to the coveted role, and Melissa Doyle was even rumoured to be quitting her job on (more)...
- 11/17/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
A number of Australian comedians have started a protest against Melbourne Festival being rescheduled. Stars such as Dave Hughes, Wil Anderson and Charlie Pickering said that they are angry at the event organisers' decision to move the festival from October to February or March, meaning that it will be on during the same period as Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Melbourne Festival has cited the better weather in March as the main reason for rescheduling the event. Arts Victoria has now called a meeting today with representatives of 23 arts events and venues in the city to discuss the idea. Anderson told the Herald Sun: "They don't have the Afl Grand Final the same weekend as the Australian Open. It just doesn't make sense. It might be a good idea for the Melbourne Festival, but it's only going to hurt the Comedy Festival." (more)...
- 11/9/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Shaun Micallef and Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation will both be returning to television screens next year. The Australian comedy panel show, which is aired on Channel Ten, was rumoured to be coming to an end after reports surfaced that Micallef was keen to move on to other television projects. A spokesperson for Ten has now confirmed that the series will return for at least another year, with Micallef as host and team captains Amanda Keller, Charlie Pickering and Josh Thomas appearing as usual. The channel's representative told the Herald Sun: "Talkin' Bout' Your Generation will be back in 2012 with all cast returning." Thomas caused controversy earlier last year by having a public spat with former Talkin' 'Bout Your (more)...
- 10/27/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Dave Hughes has revealed that he is considering suing Stonnington Council after falling into a hole while out running. The Australian comedian, who is best known as a presenter on current affairs show The 7pm Project alongside Carrie Bickmore and Charlie Pickering, said that the unconcealed hole in Chapel Street in South Yarra is "dangerous" and he is in shock that it has not been covered up. After being photographed by the hole, Hughes told listeners on his radio show: "I fell into this at 2pm yesterday afternoon in bright sunlight. There [were] about 30 witnesses around me and I yelled, 'This is dangerous'. "I staggered off and I cannot believe nothing has been done. This hole is still there, there's no tape (more)...
- 10/20/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
George Negus's current affairs series has been axed by Channel Ten. The television host said that 6.30 with George Negus, which debuted in January this year, was too "ahead of its time" for the Australian public. Carrie Bickmore, Dave Hughes and Charlie Pickering programme The 7pm Project has now been extended by half an hour to take over Negus's slot and will be renamed The Project, but Negus will return to being a regular panelist on the show. Negus told Sky News: "Though sadly 6.30 has come to an end, I'm looking forward to getting back with my mates at The Project. (more)...
- 10/20/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Dave Hughes has revealed that he thought The 7pm Project would ruin his career. The 40-year-old Australian comedian, who joined the panel for the daily comedy news show when it premiered in 2009, admitted that he and his co-stars Carrie Bickmore and Charlie Pickering aren't "breaking any records" with ratings. Hughes told National Features: "My manager rang me three months before the show started and told me about the concept. He said Channel Ten was going to back it in [but] I was wary of it [thinking], 'can that work?' "On the first night, every time I opened my mouth I thought I was ruining my career. We were coming off the back of MasterChef Australia, being at seven o'clock, so there were unrealistic expectations." > Dave Hughes becomes dad for second time
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- 9/22/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
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