Yiana Pandelis and Reece Noi (Photo credit: Ben Mezups)
Yiana Pandelis was 14 when she did her first acting workshop at Melbourne’s Active Performance Studios.
Her performance made a lasting impression on one of the attendees, casting director Cinzia Coassin, who was amazed to discover afterwards that Yiana is hearing impaired.
So years later when Coassin received the script for Unsound, she immediately thought of Yiana as ideal for the co-lead Finn, a young woman who is hearing impaired and undergoing the difficult process of transitioning to male.
After reading the script by Ally Burnham, a Nida graduate who received funding from Screen Australia’s Gender Matters Brilliant Stories program, Pandelis did several self-tests and auditioned for a previous director in Melbourne last year.
Development took longer than the producer Tsu Shan Chambers expected, with Screen Australia’s support on the script, and Ian Watson took over as the director.
Yiana Pandelis was 14 when she did her first acting workshop at Melbourne’s Active Performance Studios.
Her performance made a lasting impression on one of the attendees, casting director Cinzia Coassin, who was amazed to discover afterwards that Yiana is hearing impaired.
So years later when Coassin received the script for Unsound, she immediately thought of Yiana as ideal for the co-lead Finn, a young woman who is hearing impaired and undergoing the difficult process of transitioning to male.
After reading the script by Ally Burnham, a Nida graduate who received funding from Screen Australia’s Gender Matters Brilliant Stories program, Pandelis did several self-tests and auditioned for a previous director in Melbourne last year.
Development took longer than the producer Tsu Shan Chambers expected, with Screen Australia’s support on the script, and Ian Watson took over as the director.
- 1/28/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
(L-r) Tsu Shan Chambers, Martine Delaney, Chryssy Tintner, Jess Orcsik, Ally Burnham and Christine Anu.
Game of Thrones’ Reece Noi and newcomer Yiana Pandelis are playing the leads in Unsound, a quirky romantic drama now shooting in Sydney.
Directed by Ian Watson, and scripted by Ally Burnham, the plot follows Noi as Noah, a disillusioned musician who quits the band and returns to his mother’s home.
After clashing with his mother Angela (Paula Duncan) over old wounds, Noah seeks solace elsewhere and is caught up in the vibrant, passionate life of Finn (Pandelis), a young trans man.
Finn, who only speaks Auslan, runs a centre and nightclub for his deaf community. Despite their differences, the two become closer but with no shared language to fall back on, they risk hurting each other.
The cast includes Todd McKenney as Lewis, Finn’s father, Christine Anu as Moniqua, a fiery singer...
Game of Thrones’ Reece Noi and newcomer Yiana Pandelis are playing the leads in Unsound, a quirky romantic drama now shooting in Sydney.
Directed by Ian Watson, and scripted by Ally Burnham, the plot follows Noi as Noah, a disillusioned musician who quits the band and returns to his mother’s home.
After clashing with his mother Angela (Paula Duncan) over old wounds, Noah seeks solace elsewhere and is caught up in the vibrant, passionate life of Finn (Pandelis), a young trans man.
Finn, who only speaks Auslan, runs a centre and nightclub for his deaf community. Despite their differences, the two become closer but with no shared language to fall back on, they risk hurting each other.
The cast includes Todd McKenney as Lewis, Finn’s father, Christine Anu as Moniqua, a fiery singer...
- 1/10/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
After 10 years as president of Actors Equity Australia, Simon Burke has stepped down from that post.
Geoff Morrell was elected acting president by the national performers. committee (Npc) yesterday, pending union elections to be held in the next six months.
Burke.s resignation co-incides with his 40th anniversary as an Equity member: he joined when he was 12 after landing the lead role in Fred Schepisi.s The Devil.s Playground.
The actor told If he first considered relinquishing the job a couple of years ago but postponed his decision when Simon Whipp quit as Equity director.. "I wanted to step down when we had the right person leading the union,". Burke said from Melbourne, where he is about to start rehearsals for La Cage Aux Folles..
Presented by Jeanne Pratt's The Production Company, the musical co-starring Todd McKenney, Gary Sweet and Rhonda Burchmore will open at the Victorian Arts Centre...
Geoff Morrell was elected acting president by the national performers. committee (Npc) yesterday, pending union elections to be held in the next six months.
Burke.s resignation co-incides with his 40th anniversary as an Equity member: he joined when he was 12 after landing the lead role in Fred Schepisi.s The Devil.s Playground.
The actor told If he first considered relinquishing the job a couple of years ago but postponed his decision when Simon Whipp quit as Equity director.. "I wanted to step down when we had the right person leading the union,". Burke said from Melbourne, where he is about to start rehearsals for La Cage Aux Folles..
Presented by Jeanne Pratt's The Production Company, the musical co-starring Todd McKenney, Gary Sweet and Rhonda Burchmore will open at the Victorian Arts Centre...
- 10/29/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Melbourne, April 28: Celebrities have slammed Kylie Minogue for her performance at the Logie Awards as twitter was abuzz with a barrage of abuses directed towards her.
Viewers and celebrities mocked the 45-year-old Australian singer's performance of 'I Was Gonna Cancel', News.com.au reported.
'Dancing With the Stars' judge Todd McKenney took to the micro-blogging site saying that he is not sure if performing was a good idea for Minogue and she "mimed badly".
'The Block' contestants Dale and Sophie also accused the 'Sexercise' hitmaker of lip-synching at the event, while former Spicks and Specks panellist Myf.
Viewers and celebrities mocked the 45-year-old Australian singer's performance of 'I Was Gonna Cancel', News.com.au reported.
'Dancing With the Stars' judge Todd McKenney took to the micro-blogging site saying that he is not sure if performing was a good idea for Minogue and she "mimed badly".
'The Block' contestants Dale and Sophie also accused the 'Sexercise' hitmaker of lip-synching at the event, while former Spicks and Specks panellist Myf.
- 4/28/2014
- by Arun Pandit
- RealBollywood.com
Seven has announced the 2012 cast for Dancing With The Stars.
In the line up is former Nine TV presenter Kerri-Anne Kennerly, former Afl player Brendan Fevola, ex-X Factor finalist Johnny Ruffo, singer/songwriter and Russell Crowe’s wife, Danielle Spencer.
Also joining them is TV presenter Erin McNaught, solo yachtswoman Jessica Watson, Uncanny X-Men singer Brian Mannix, DJ and fiance of Brian McFadden Vogue Williams, ironman Caine Eckstein, Packed to the Rafters actor Zoe Cramond and pub rocker Shannon Noll.
Joining the cast is new host and former Us Dancing with the Stars contestant Mel B with show host Daniel MacPherson.
Helen Richey, Todd McKenney and Joshua Horner return as judges.
In the line up is former Nine TV presenter Kerri-Anne Kennerly, former Afl player Brendan Fevola, ex-X Factor finalist Johnny Ruffo, singer/songwriter and Russell Crowe’s wife, Danielle Spencer.
Also joining them is TV presenter Erin McNaught, solo yachtswoman Jessica Watson, Uncanny X-Men singer Brian Mannix, DJ and fiance of Brian McFadden Vogue Williams, ironman Caine Eckstein, Packed to the Rafters actor Zoe Cramond and pub rocker Shannon Noll.
Joining the cast is new host and former Us Dancing with the Stars contestant Mel B with show host Daniel MacPherson.
Helen Richey, Todd McKenney and Joshua Horner return as judges.
- 3/13/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
The Dancing with the Stars Australia lineup for this year has been announced. Channel Seven revealed that stars such as morning television host Kerri-Anne Kennerley and Afl star Brendan Fevola will be taking to the dancefloor during the 2012 season of the reality show. Presenter Daniel MacPherson will be returning with new co-host Mel B after Sonia Kruger quit the show last year. Judges Helen Richey, Todd McKenney and Joshua Horner will also all be coming back to sit on the Dancing with the Stars panel. Other females celebrities taking part are Brian McFadden's new fiancée Vogue Williams, Packed to the Rafters actress Zoe Cramond, Russell Crowe's musician (more)...
- 3/13/2012
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Kyle Sandilands's job on Australia's Got Talent is reportedly at risk. The Australian radio and television personality, who is a judge on the show alongside Brian McFadden and Dannii Minogue, caused chaos by calling in sick during filming over the weekend, leaving producers struggling to find a last-minute replacement. According to the Herald Sun, production was delayed for two hours while Dancing with the Stars judge Todd McKenney was brought in as a temporary judge during Australia's Got Talent auditions yesterday. Bosses are also thought to have held a meeting to decide if Sandilands still has a future with the series. Seven Network head of production Brad Lyons said: "Kyle's management advised us that he was too unwell to attend work yesterday. We are monitoring the situation closely." A spokesperson (more)...
- 2/13/2012
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
The Australian International Movie Convention has awarded filmmakers Emile Sherman and Yoram Gross, as well as actors Lincoln Lewis, Sophie Lowe and Maeve Dermody, at its closing night gala ceremony. The closing ceremony was hosted by Todd McKenney at Jupiter.s Hotel & Casino, bringing the week-long event to a close. This year's event for exhibitors and distributors attracted 960 registered delegates, with more than 650 attending for the entire week. Check out photos from the event here. The full list of award winners are: News Limited Australian Star of the Year Award Maeve Dermody (Griff the Invisible). Previous Star of the Year Award recipients include Russell Crowe (1993), Bill Hunter (1994), Geoffrey Rush (1997), Hugh Jackman (1999), Eric Bana (2000), Abbie...
- 8/26/2011
- by Staff reporter
- IF.com.au
Lara Bingle has opened up about Dancing with the Stars judge Todd McKenney's recent jibes. The Australian swimwear model, who was recently eliminated from the Seven Network show, said that series judge McKenney was just "playing a part" when he labelled her "dull" on the show and later said that she wasn't "very bright". Bingle told The Daily Telegraph: "It's just a show. It's a show. Todd is just playing a part. He is a character in a show. He has to say stuff he doesn't necessarily mean. It's his role. He said some unnecessary stuff about my hair, but at the end of the day it's just a show." The celebrity revealed that she has not "spoken to [McKenney] since" his comments but said that she is still "grateful" (more)...
- 6/30/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Lara Bingle has been verbally attacked by Todd McKenney for a second time. The Australian swimwear model, who was eliminated from Dancing with the Stars on Sunday night, was first labelled as "dull" by the show's judge McKenney and has now been accused of being arrogant and not very clever. McKenney told News.com.au: "She seems to think the world owes her a living. Poor thing came on the show not expecting to be criticised. But, unfortunately for her, that's what the show is about. Look, we're not just there to heap it on contestants. "We, as judges, are there to offer the dancers constructive criticism, peppered with a bit of humour. To be honest, I don't think Lara is bright enough to understand that." McKenney compared Bingle to 'Cousin It' from The Addams Family during her final episode, but (more)...
- 6/29/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Various celebrities have leapt to the defence of Lara Bingle after her Dancing with the Stars elimination on Sunday night. The 24-year-old model, who was partnered with Carmelo Pizzino in the Australian version of the reality television show, was told by judge Todd McKenney that she was "dull" and lacked the "X factor" while performing. Before the elimination verdict was delivered, fashion designer Peter Morrissey encouraged his Twitter followers to vote for Bingle and then told her that she looked "beautiful" on the show. He then joked to Dancing with the Stars hosts Daniel MacPherson and Sonia Kruger: "With those judges comments it should be called 'Dancing with the Scars'." Home and Away actor Dan Ewing, who was eliminated from Dancing with the Stars three weeks ago, then wrote to Bingle (more)...
- 6/28/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Lara Bingle has been eliminated from Dancing with the Stars 2011. The Australian swimwear model, who was partnered with Carmelo Pizzino in the reality dance competition, was asked to leave after being criticised by the judges for her lack of emotion while performing a samba. Todd McKenney told Bingle: "Even though you have a natural ability, you're dull. I can never see your face. You're like Cousin It on the dancefloor. I can't see your expression." Bingle, who raised money for Bowel Cancer Australia by taking part in the programme, said: "I honestly thought I'd go in the first week. Every week has been a bonus. I've had an amazing experience. I've loved every minute of it." The star's reported rival Haley Bracken came first in last night's episode, scoring 86 points for her quickstep. McKenney told (more)...
- 6/27/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Brynne Edelsten has left Dancing with the Stars. The 28-year-old socialite, who is married to 68-year-old Australian medical entrepreneur Geoffrey, was eliminated from the dance competition after performing a paso doble with partner Arsen Kishishian. After the results were announced, the show's host Daniel MacPherson told her: "The way you held yourself was a testament to you." Edelsten then said: "I loved the entire experience. It was a privilege to be part of this show. My dance partner Arsen is amazing. He's been my rock. I want to keep dancing. It's so much fun." Haley Bracken came in first place, with her tango being praised by judge Todd McKenney. He said: "I absolutely loved it. It was an unbelievably great routine. It was classy, stylish and it had all the elements I look for." Josh Horner also complimented celebrity chef Manu (more)...
- 6/13/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Dan Ewing has left Dancing with the Stars. The Australian actor, who is best known for his role as Heath Braxton in Home and Away, was eliminated with partner Luda Kroitor after failing to impress the judges with his quickstep routine. After the announcement, Ewing said: "I've had a blast. Thanks to Channel Seven, to my dance partner Luda, the amazing cast and to everyone who voted. Keep voting." He also said that he was pleased to have raised funds for his chosen charity, St Vincent De Paul Society. "It's been great," he explained. "Mum works for them so that's been very special." Lara Bingle, who was criticised by judges last week, was told by Helen Richey that she could be "unbeatable" in the competition. Todd McKenney was impressed with Haley Bracken's (more)...
- 6/6/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Todd McKenney has said that Brynne Edelsten deserves the abuse that she has been getting on Dancing with the Stars. The 28-year-old Australian socialite, who is a contestant on this year's season of the reality dance show, was shocked when judge Josh Horner called her a "bedazzled sack of potatoes" on Sunday's debut episode. Fellow judge McKenney told The Morning Show that Horner's comments were perhaps a "little tough" but said that Edelsten shouldn't be surprised because she has set herself up as a "bombshell of a woman". He said: "If she's going to come on Dancing With the Stars and wear a shoestring strap, fully-breasted dancing around (more)...
- 5/10/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Mark Wilson has left Dancing With The Stars Australia. The five time Aussie dancesport champion, who has been a judge on the reality television series since 2004, will no longer be taking part in this year's season of the competition. According to The Daily Telegraph, Wilson and the Seven Network decided to "part company" before the 11th series began, but fellow judges Todd McKenney and Helen Richey will still be taking part. He said: "I understand TV shows have to evolve and I support the decision to recast the judging panel - (more)...
- 4/12/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Todd McKenney has been labelled a distant father figure to his 2-year-old daughter Charlotte. A friend of the child's mother Anne Wood has claimed that the Dancing With The Stars judge, who once announced that he was moving to Melbourne to take a more active role in the 2-year-old's life, rarely sees his daughter. The source told The Daily Telegraph: "It has to be that way. Todd (more)...
- 10/30/2009
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Australian Dancing With The Stars judge Todd McKenney has come under fire for slamming blind contestant Gerrard Gosens's performance on Sunday's show. Gosens, who has climbed Mount Everest and taken part in three Paralympic Games, danced a solo salsa to an audience of 1.6 million, despite suffering from a degenerative blindness condition. McKenney described Gosen's performance as "stilted" and "appalling", saying: "To be honest, you are not a great dancer. It was awkward." Later, Gosens responded with: "I have a passion and desire to improve as a dancer, but maybe Todd doesn't believe that because there was absolutely (more)...
- 7/28/2009
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
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