
The romanticized notion of the cowboy, of ranchers who live by their own rules and represent the very idea of freedom, is something shared between Americans and Australians. Around the middle of the 19th century, both countries had an untamed "wild west" that spanned as far as the eye could see, and cattle ranching became a way to "settle" those wild lands. There's a reason why there are so many great Australian westerns, from Jennifer Kent's "The Nightingale" to John Hillcoat's "The Proposition," and those cowboy stories have turned into ranching stories. So of course the land Down Under is getting in on the latest and greatest cowboy-flavored fad, with a Netflix miniseries that clearly looks to be Australia's answer to the Taylor Sheridan juggernaut "Yellowstone."
That show is the six-episode miniseries "Territory," created by Australian outback drama experts Timothy Lee (the writer behind "Mystery Road") and Ben Davies,...
That show is the six-episode miniseries "Territory," created by Australian outback drama experts Timothy Lee (the writer behind "Mystery Road") and Ben Davies,...
- 11/13/2024
- by Danielle Ryan
- Slash Film

More finalists have been revealed for the 2022 Screen Producers Australia (Spa) Awards, with voting now open for Comedy Program or Series Production of the Year, Light Entertainment Series Production of the Year, and Reality Series Production of the Year.
The field for Comedy Program or Series Production of the year comprises eight finalists, including the fifth and final season of What Horse? and Guesswork Television’s Rosehaven, as well as Porchlight Films’ Fisk, which won Best Series Award in the comedy competition at Series Mania France last month.
The other categories feature a strong contingent from Endemol Shine Australia, which has two finalists in Light Entertainment Series Production of the Year and four nods in Reality Series Production of the Year.
The announcement is part of a staggered release of the award categories, with a new round of finalists to be unveiled and open for voting each fortnight.
Spa CEO...
The field for Comedy Program or Series Production of the year comprises eight finalists, including the fifth and final season of What Horse? and Guesswork Television’s Rosehaven, as well as Porchlight Films’ Fisk, which won Best Series Award in the comedy competition at Series Mania France last month.
The other categories feature a strong contingent from Endemol Shine Australia, which has two finalists in Light Entertainment Series Production of the Year and four nods in Reality Series Production of the Year.
The announcement is part of a staggered release of the award categories, with a new round of finalists to be unveiled and open for voting each fortnight.
Spa CEO...
- 10/11/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au

Catching up on news from and beyond NATPE Miami, ITV Studios and Hot begin shooting on “Jerusalem,” while Disney Plus starts production on its first originals in Spain and Argentina, Newen ropes its French production companies together as Newen France, Beyond Rights sells 250 hours of content in Spain and Portugal and Onza Distribution gets the global rights to new Spanish game show “The Celebrity Challenge.”
Production
Drama Team, in association with ITV Studios and Hot, have kicked off shooting on their new thriller series “Jerusalem,” created by “Blank Bullet’s” David Ackerman.
Inspired by Ackerman’s previous career in national security and the multicultural nature of the city, “Jerusalem” unspools in the lead up to the Jewish fast of Tisha Be’av and the Muslim celebration of Eid al-Adha. It turns on Superintendent Amir, a well educated and culturally literate lawman who too often puts his work ahead of his own family,...
Production
Drama Team, in association with ITV Studios and Hot, have kicked off shooting on their new thriller series “Jerusalem,” created by “Blank Bullet’s” David Ackerman.
Inspired by Ackerman’s previous career in national security and the multicultural nature of the city, “Jerusalem” unspools in the lead up to the Jewish fast of Tisha Be’av and the Muslim celebration of Eid al-Adha. It turns on Superintendent Amir, a well educated and culturally literate lawman who too often puts his work ahead of his own family,...
- 1/25/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV

Netflix has been the saving grace of millions during the quarantine that has forced everyone inside in the midst of our ongoing global pandemic. As a matter of fact, Us Netflix subscribers are averaging 3+ hours a day on the streaming service, indicating that a fairly substantial part of everyone’s lives is catching up on movies or binging their favorite shows. The virus has even caused an all-time high for Netflix stocks, resulting in the company becomeing worth more than Disney. If that doesn’t blow your mind, nothing will.
That said, it’s been up to Netflix to ensure everyone continues to receive quality content to keep them entertained, and so far, they’ve been doing a really great job. May has seen an influx of fantastic films and shows, and there are sure to be plenty more to come when June rolls around.
Unfortunately though, as always, the...
That said, it’s been up to Netflix to ensure everyone continues to receive quality content to keep them entertained, and so far, they’ve been doing a really great job. May has seen an influx of fantastic films and shows, and there are sure to be plenty more to come when June rolls around.
Unfortunately though, as always, the...
- 5/5/2020
- by Billy Givens
- We Got This Covered
Michael Cordell and Nick Murray.
Cjz took out the award for Media Super Production Business of the Year last night at the 16th annual Spa Awards, capping off the the 2016 Screen Forever Conference.
Formed in 2012 with the merger of Cordell Jigsaw and Zapruder.s Other Films, Cjz is responsible for the Gruen franchise (ABC), Bondi Rescue (Ten), and Go Back to Where You Came From (Sbs).
.The Screen Producers Australia Awards were born from a desire to recognise and honour Australian screen businesses who create and support high quality and outstanding screen content," said Spa CEO Matthew Deaner.
"Cjz have established themselves as one of Australia.s most successful production companies, consistently producing original and entertaining stories for television audiences both locally and internationally..
This year's ceremony included the Ones To Watch Screen Internship award, which went to Yingna Lu.
The full list:
Media Super Production Business of the Year:...
Cjz took out the award for Media Super Production Business of the Year last night at the 16th annual Spa Awards, capping off the the 2016 Screen Forever Conference.
Formed in 2012 with the merger of Cordell Jigsaw and Zapruder.s Other Films, Cjz is responsible for the Gruen franchise (ABC), Bondi Rescue (Ten), and Go Back to Where You Came From (Sbs).
.The Screen Producers Australia Awards were born from a desire to recognise and honour Australian screen businesses who create and support high quality and outstanding screen content," said Spa CEO Matthew Deaner.
"Cjz have established themselves as one of Australia.s most successful production companies, consistently producing original and entertaining stories for television audiences both locally and internationally..
This year's ceremony included the Ones To Watch Screen Internship award, which went to Yingna Lu.
The full list:
Media Super Production Business of the Year:...
- 11/18/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
John Barnett.
Veteran Kiwi producer John Barnett (Shortland Street, Whale Rider) is teaming with Cordell Jigsaw Zapruder as a consultant producer to develop and produce drama out of Australia.
Barnett retired from Nz production house South Pacific Pictures last year.
Cjz is home to Gruen, Bondi Rescue, Go Back To Where You Came From and House of Hancock.
.John is without question one of the most experienced producers in the business in Australia and New Zealand., said Cjz MD Nick Murray..
.He.s a brilliant storyteller and to top that off, he.s a quality human being and we are excited and honoured to be working across a range of projects with him."
John Barnett said he had "enormous respect" for the Cjz team's "personal integrity, for the business they have built, and the programmes they make."
Cjz CEO Matt Campbell described Barnett as someone who "lives to tell stories...
Veteran Kiwi producer John Barnett (Shortland Street, Whale Rider) is teaming with Cordell Jigsaw Zapruder as a consultant producer to develop and produce drama out of Australia.
Barnett retired from Nz production house South Pacific Pictures last year.
Cjz is home to Gruen, Bondi Rescue, Go Back To Where You Came From and House of Hancock.
.John is without question one of the most experienced producers in the business in Australia and New Zealand., said Cjz MD Nick Murray..
.He.s a brilliant storyteller and to top that off, he.s a quality human being and we are excited and honoured to be working across a range of projects with him."
John Barnett said he had "enormous respect" for the Cjz team's "personal integrity, for the business they have built, and the programmes they make."
Cjz CEO Matt Campbell described Barnett as someone who "lives to tell stories...
- 6/7/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Wentworth has been sold to 90 countries around the world.
.
Australia.s audiovisual trade deficit has dropped for the first time in 5 years with exports growing by 41 per cent to $199 million..
This is a strong sign of acceptance of Australia television content around the world.
Cleverman, Upper Middle Bogan and Secrets and Lies can be added to the likes of Dance Academy, Go Back to Where You Came From, Wentworth and Bondi Rescue as some of the most notable and enduring examples of tape and format sales to come out of our market in recent years.
But what goes on in the negotiations behind these titles? What do producers need to know to ensure the best deals are being made?
Screen Producers Australia will present a masterclass for producers detailing the international business in television sales on May 17 at Fox Studios, Sydney.
The panelists will draw on their extensive commercial experience...
.
Australia.s audiovisual trade deficit has dropped for the first time in 5 years with exports growing by 41 per cent to $199 million..
This is a strong sign of acceptance of Australia television content around the world.
Cleverman, Upper Middle Bogan and Secrets and Lies can be added to the likes of Dance Academy, Go Back to Where You Came From, Wentworth and Bondi Rescue as some of the most notable and enduring examples of tape and format sales to come out of our market in recent years.
But what goes on in the negotiations behind these titles? What do producers need to know to ensure the best deals are being made?
Screen Producers Australia will present a masterclass for producers detailing the international business in television sales on May 17 at Fox Studios, Sydney.
The panelists will draw on their extensive commercial experience...
- 4/28/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Wentworth has been sold to 90 countries around the world.
.
Australia.s audiovisual trade deficit has dropped for the first time in 5 years with exports growing by 41 per cent to $199 million..
This is a strong sign of acceptance of Australia television content around the world.
Cleverman, Upper Middle Bogan and Secrets and Lies can be added to the likes of Dance Academy, Go Back to Where You Came From, Wentworth and Bondi Rescue as some of the most notable and enduring examples of tape and format sales to come out of our market in recent years.
But what goes on in the negotiations behind these titles? What do producers need to know to ensure the best deals are being made?
Screen Producers Australia will present a masterclass for producers detailing the international business in television sales on May 17 at Fox Studios, Sydney.
The panelists will draw on their extensive commercial experience...
.
Australia.s audiovisual trade deficit has dropped for the first time in 5 years with exports growing by 41 per cent to $199 million..
This is a strong sign of acceptance of Australia television content around the world.
Cleverman, Upper Middle Bogan and Secrets and Lies can be added to the likes of Dance Academy, Go Back to Where You Came From, Wentworth and Bondi Rescue as some of the most notable and enduring examples of tape and format sales to come out of our market in recent years.
But what goes on in the negotiations behind these titles? What do producers need to know to ensure the best deals are being made?
Screen Producers Australia will present a masterclass for producers detailing the international business in television sales on May 17 at Fox Studios, Sydney.
The panelists will draw on their extensive commercial experience...
- 4/28/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Northern Rivers Screenworks has revealed the five local writers selected to work with some of the best in business as part of the Inside the Writers' Room placement program.
The program is designed to help regionally-based emerging writers understand professional writers room best practice and to create connections between local content creators and established production houses.
Each of the writers will receive an all expenses paid trip to a capital city to observe and experience writers rooms being run by some of Australia.s leading production companies as they work and develop story into a television script.
Carly Lorente, writer and Newrybar resident is wasting no time and will be travelling to Sydney on Monday to start her placement opportunity..
Lorente will be working on a new drama series with Cjz (Cordell Jigsaw Zapruder), whose catalogue includes House of Hancock (Nine Network), The Ex Pm (ABC), Gruen (ABC), Bondi Rescue...
The program is designed to help regionally-based emerging writers understand professional writers room best practice and to create connections between local content creators and established production houses.
Each of the writers will receive an all expenses paid trip to a capital city to observe and experience writers rooms being run by some of Australia.s leading production companies as they work and develop story into a television script.
Carly Lorente, writer and Newrybar resident is wasting no time and will be travelling to Sydney on Monday to start her placement opportunity..
Lorente will be working on a new drama series with Cjz (Cordell Jigsaw Zapruder), whose catalogue includes House of Hancock (Nine Network), The Ex Pm (ABC), Gruen (ABC), Bondi Rescue...
- 12/11/2015
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
A Playmaker Media drama starring Jessica Marais and a reality series which reunites people with long-lost family members are among six new Australian shows for Network Ten in 2016.
The line-up includes Australian Survivor, All Star Family Feud, the spin-off I.m A Celebrity. Get Me Out Of Here! Now, and the previously announced telemovie Brock.
Ten said more new local series will be announced next year as it strives to build the momentum which saw the broadcaster record its highest commercial prime time shares since 2011 as audiences increased by 15 per cent this year.
In Playmaker Media's The Wrong Girl, Love Child star Marais will play Lily, a modern woman caught between two guys — one too good to be true and the other so wrong he might be Mr. Right.. Lily and her flatmate Simone are supposed to be taking a sabbatical from men but Lily falls in love with Jack,...
The line-up includes Australian Survivor, All Star Family Feud, the spin-off I.m A Celebrity. Get Me Out Of Here! Now, and the previously announced telemovie Brock.
Ten said more new local series will be announced next year as it strives to build the momentum which saw the broadcaster record its highest commercial prime time shares since 2011 as audiences increased by 15 per cent this year.
In Playmaker Media's The Wrong Girl, Love Child star Marais will play Lily, a modern woman caught between two guys — one too good to be true and the other so wrong he might be Mr. Right.. Lily and her flatmate Simone are supposed to be taking a sabbatical from men but Lily falls in love with Jack,...
- 11/19/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
The Aftrs Open Summer School — now in its third year — has expanded to 17 intensive courses, including a new six-week doco school and a six-week film school.
These introductory and intermediate film courses running between November and January are designed for intensive learning and the chance to upskill in the rapidly changing media landscape.
Amongs the screen industry speakers and lecturers are writer/director David Caesar (Nowhere Boys, Underbelly, Dirty Deeds, Mullet), cinematographer Ross Emery (The Wolverine, Woman In Gold, I Frankenstein), TV writer Vicki Madden (The Bill, Water Rats, Blood Brothers, McLeod.s Daughters and Foxtel drama The Kettering Incident), feature film director Elissa Down (The Black Balloon, Offspring) and documentary director/producer Madeleine Heatherton (Call Me Dad, Bondi Rescue, The Nest,. Last Chance Surgery, Outback Truckies).
Also screenwriter Ian David ( Police Crop: The Winchester Conspiracy, Police State, Joh's Jury, Blue Murder, Killing Time, 3 Acts of Murder, The Shark Net,...
These introductory and intermediate film courses running between November and January are designed for intensive learning and the chance to upskill in the rapidly changing media landscape.
Amongs the screen industry speakers and lecturers are writer/director David Caesar (Nowhere Boys, Underbelly, Dirty Deeds, Mullet), cinematographer Ross Emery (The Wolverine, Woman In Gold, I Frankenstein), TV writer Vicki Madden (The Bill, Water Rats, Blood Brothers, McLeod.s Daughters and Foxtel drama The Kettering Incident), feature film director Elissa Down (The Black Balloon, Offspring) and documentary director/producer Madeleine Heatherton (Call Me Dad, Bondi Rescue, The Nest,. Last Chance Surgery, Outback Truckies).
Also screenwriter Ian David ( Police Crop: The Winchester Conspiracy, Police State, Joh's Jury, Blue Murder, Killing Time, 3 Acts of Murder, The Shark Net,...
- 11/17/2015
- by Staff writer
- IF.com.au
Network Ten is betting heavily on new and returning reality shows in 2015 to maintain the momentum of this year.s ratings growth and to make the company a more attractive take-over target as potential buyers circle.
News Corp chairman Rupert Murdoch has confirmed the 50%-owned Foxtel is looking at buying a small stake in the loss-making broadcaster, reportedly in partnership with Discovery Communications. Cross-media laws would limit Foxtel to a 14.9% stake.
Murdoch told News' Agm that independent advisers have been hired to look at the potential purchase but he ruled out buying his son Lachlan.s stake in Ten.
There were only two fresh dramas among eight new local productions highlighted at Ten.s upfronts presentation on Thursday night.
FremantleMedia Australia will produce Mary: The Making Of A Princess, a telemovie dramatizing the fairytale of the Tasmanian-born real estate agent who met a Danish crown prince in a Sydney pub and became Mary,...
News Corp chairman Rupert Murdoch has confirmed the 50%-owned Foxtel is looking at buying a small stake in the loss-making broadcaster, reportedly in partnership with Discovery Communications. Cross-media laws would limit Foxtel to a 14.9% stake.
Murdoch told News' Agm that independent advisers have been hired to look at the potential purchase but he ruled out buying his son Lachlan.s stake in Ten.
There were only two fresh dramas among eight new local productions highlighted at Ten.s upfronts presentation on Thursday night.
FremantleMedia Australia will produce Mary: The Making Of A Princess, a telemovie dramatizing the fairytale of the Tasmanian-born real estate agent who met a Danish crown prince in a Sydney pub and became Mary,...
- 11/13/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Network Ten is betting heavily on new and returning reality shows in 2015 to maintain the momentum of this year.s ratings growth and to make the company a more attractive take-over target as potential buyers circle.
There were only two fresh dramas among eight new local productions highlighted at Ten.s upfronts presentation on Thursday night.
FremantleMedia Australia will produce Mary: The Making Of A Princess, dramatizing the fairytale of the Tasmanian-born real estate agent who met a Danish crown prince in a pub and became Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark.
Shine Australia will produce The Peter Brock Story, a bio on the motorsports champion who was plagued by self-doubt. He died in 2006, aged 61, when his car hit a tree during a rally in Western Australia.
Fremantle Media.s Wonderland returns next year and Neighbours will celebrate its 30th year, but there is no Offspring.
The only major new Australian...
There were only two fresh dramas among eight new local productions highlighted at Ten.s upfronts presentation on Thursday night.
FremantleMedia Australia will produce Mary: The Making Of A Princess, dramatizing the fairytale of the Tasmanian-born real estate agent who met a Danish crown prince in a pub and became Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark.
Shine Australia will produce The Peter Brock Story, a bio on the motorsports champion who was plagued by self-doubt. He died in 2006, aged 61, when his car hit a tree during a rally in Western Australia.
Fremantle Media.s Wonderland returns next year and Neighbours will celebrate its 30th year, but there is no Offspring.
The only major new Australian...
- 11/13/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
When Martin Sharpe.s animated short Still Life was a finalist at Tropfest last year, it.s doubtful he realised his little project could be expanded into a 3D series for Australian and international audiences.
Hamish Lewis, a co-founder of international distribution and TV and film financing start-up Escapade Media, spotted Still Life and immediately begun discussing projects with Sharpe. Sharpe created the concept for Artie! - a 26 x 11 minutes, 3D animated TV series targeted primarily at 8-10 year-olds with a slight male skew and Hamish saw the market potential right away. Artie tells the story of the title character Artie, an adventurous spirit who discovers he has the ability to enter other worlds.
Managing director Natalie Lawley plans to pitch the project at Mipcom Junior in October. She is talking to three animation production companies, two Australian-based, the other in Singapore, and hopes to have decided on the production entity before the market.
Hamish Lewis, a co-founder of international distribution and TV and film financing start-up Escapade Media, spotted Still Life and immediately begun discussing projects with Sharpe. Sharpe created the concept for Artie! - a 26 x 11 minutes, 3D animated TV series targeted primarily at 8-10 year-olds with a slight male skew and Hamish saw the market potential right away. Artie tells the story of the title character Artie, an adventurous spirit who discovers he has the ability to enter other worlds.
Managing director Natalie Lawley plans to pitch the project at Mipcom Junior in October. She is talking to three animation production companies, two Australian-based, the other in Singapore, and hopes to have decided on the production entity before the market.
- 8/6/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Streuth! - The drunken tashin'-on-machines that are the Geordie Shore crew are about to hit Australia for the MTV show's sixth scandalous series, which begins tonight at 10pm.
Digital Spy were 'lucky' enough to get an advance screening of the opening episode and we can confirm that Vicky, Gaz and co are as eloquent and refined as ever. Here are some of our favourite soundbites from the Geordie premiere. And may God have mercy on us all...
"The Geordies are going Down Under and deep into the bush."
Well, at least that joke's out of the way nice and early.
"Me hair's going to run, I'm going to look like I've got period on me face."
Only on Geordie Shore would this be one's primary concern when it starts to rain.
"The shag pad is the best shag pad we've ever had. You can give them all that romantic s...
Digital Spy were 'lucky' enough to get an advance screening of the opening episode and we can confirm that Vicky, Gaz and co are as eloquent and refined as ever. Here are some of our favourite soundbites from the Geordie premiere. And may God have mercy on us all...
"The Geordies are going Down Under and deep into the bush."
Well, at least that joke's out of the way nice and early.
"Me hair's going to run, I'm going to look like I've got period on me face."
Only on Geordie Shore would this be one's primary concern when it starts to rain.
"The shag pad is the best shag pad we've ever had. You can give them all that romantic s...
- 7/9/2013
- Digital Spy
Reckitt Benckiser has turned from its usual creative agency Havas Worldwide to PR agency Frank to create an online video for Aerogard.
The video, which spoofs Baywatch, features members of Ten’s factual TV show Bondi Rescue dashing to help people under attack from mosquitoes.
The work was creatively led by Frank PR with production by Dangermouse Productions.
Titled The Mozzie Guards, the video coincides with a “reclaim the summer” campaign which will see David Hasselhoff lookalikes patroling popular Australia Day locations in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane with Aerogard.
See the ad:
Victoria Janchek, brand manager of Aeroguard said in a press release: “The Mozzie Guards will ensure mozzies don’t spoil the fun for anyone this Australia Day. We hope that the rescue service enables families to stay out in the outdoors well into the evening and truly enjoy the national day with the help of Aerogard’s long lasting protection.
The video, which spoofs Baywatch, features members of Ten’s factual TV show Bondi Rescue dashing to help people under attack from mosquitoes.
The work was creatively led by Frank PR with production by Dangermouse Productions.
Titled The Mozzie Guards, the video coincides with a “reclaim the summer” campaign which will see David Hasselhoff lookalikes patroling popular Australia Day locations in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane with Aerogard.
See the ad:
Victoria Janchek, brand manager of Aeroguard said in a press release: “The Mozzie Guards will ensure mozzies don’t spoil the fun for anyone this Australia Day. We hope that the rescue service enables families to stay out in the outdoors well into the evening and truly enjoy the national day with the help of Aerogard’s long lasting protection.
- 1/25/2013
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Rise Media Group has closed its literary/production division after an internal review found its performance was not up to scratch.
The company, which originally launched as Woodburn Sweitzer Management (Wsm) in late-2009, will now focus on growing its talent, packaging (film and TV) and brand building divisions.
Rise managing director and founder Rob Woodburn said: "We have given the literary/production department ample time to show positive results but it unfortunately has not met our expectations. We will be focusing our energies on our core strengths [Talent, Packaging and Brand Building] moving forward."
Literary manager and producer Keith Sweitzer has now left the company and is set to return to the United States.
The company's first feature film, John Doe, is in post-production, while documentary feature Morning Glass begins production next month in Mexico, USA, Australia and Hawaii.
One North Entertainment, formerly known as Rgm Media, also attempted to turn its talent agency into...
The company, which originally launched as Woodburn Sweitzer Management (Wsm) in late-2009, will now focus on growing its talent, packaging (film and TV) and brand building divisions.
Rise managing director and founder Rob Woodburn said: "We have given the literary/production department ample time to show positive results but it unfortunately has not met our expectations. We will be focusing our energies on our core strengths [Talent, Packaging and Brand Building] moving forward."
Literary manager and producer Keith Sweitzer has now left the company and is set to return to the United States.
The company's first feature film, John Doe, is in post-production, while documentary feature Morning Glass begins production next month in Mexico, USA, Australia and Hawaii.
One North Entertainment, formerly known as Rgm Media, also attempted to turn its talent agency into...
- 10/22/2012
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
The production company behind Bondi Rescue is claiming that the show is the first in the world to connect with its fans using Google+ Hangouts.
People can now ‘hang out’ with the cast of Bondi Rescue on Google+, with the likes of Chief Lifeguard Hoppo, and Bondi favourites Reidy, Deano, Maxi, Jesse and Kerrbox and Whippet in attendance.
The first Bondi Rescue Google+ Hangout took place on April 30, and future events will take place at 8.30pm although no dates have been given.
Kristin Burgham, head of sales at Cordell Jigsaw, which makes the show, said: “We are strengthening the audience of Bondi Rescue worldwide – targeting non-traditional television viewers, who we believe will tune in to engage more fully with the show and the network screening it – wherever in the world they live.”
Cordell Jigsaw’s ‘world first’ claims appear to be hasty, with the likes of NBC and ABC News...
People can now ‘hang out’ with the cast of Bondi Rescue on Google+, with the likes of Chief Lifeguard Hoppo, and Bondi favourites Reidy, Deano, Maxi, Jesse and Kerrbox and Whippet in attendance.
The first Bondi Rescue Google+ Hangout took place on April 30, and future events will take place at 8.30pm although no dates have been given.
Kristin Burgham, head of sales at Cordell Jigsaw, which makes the show, said: “We are strengthening the audience of Bondi Rescue worldwide – targeting non-traditional television viewers, who we believe will tune in to engage more fully with the show and the network screening it – wherever in the world they live.”
Cordell Jigsaw’s ‘world first’ claims appear to be hasty, with the likes of NBC and ABC News...
- 5/6/2012
- by Robin Hicks
- Encore Magazine
Loving the underdog is what Aussies are all about, and this was proved again last night at the 54th Annual Logies Awards Ceremony held at Crown Palladium in Melbourne.
Despite Carrie Bickmore of Channel 10.s highly successful The Project being the favourite to take out the major gong, the Gold Logie for most popular personality on TV went instead to comedian Hamish Blake of Hamish and Andy.s Gap Year.
In a minor controversy leading up to this unexpected win, while testing its new IPad application the Herald Sun experienced a technical glitch, leading to the publishing of a link to an embargoed press release containing Logies winners an hour prior to the Gold Logie being officially announced during Channel Nine.s coverage.
The link was killed immediately, but not before Google picked it up. In the split second it was available, lucky net-trawlers picked it up and leaked it onto Facebook and Twitter,...
Despite Carrie Bickmore of Channel 10.s highly successful The Project being the favourite to take out the major gong, the Gold Logie for most popular personality on TV went instead to comedian Hamish Blake of Hamish and Andy.s Gap Year.
In a minor controversy leading up to this unexpected win, while testing its new IPad application the Herald Sun experienced a technical glitch, leading to the publishing of a link to an embargoed press release containing Logies winners an hour prior to the Gold Logie being officially announced during Channel Nine.s coverage.
The link was killed immediately, but not before Google picked it up. In the split second it was available, lucky net-trawlers picked it up and leaked it onto Facebook and Twitter,...
- 4/16/2012
- by Paul Bugeja
- IF.com.au
Nine comedian Hamish Blake has won the Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality at the 54th TV Week Logie Awards.
However, public broadcaster the ABC won the most awards, followed by Nine, Seven and Ten.
Blake pipped fellow nominees Adam Hills, Asher Keddie, Karl Stevanovic, Carrie Bickmore and Esther Anderson to the top gong.
Blake’s win was leaked online by The Herald Sun about an hour before the presentation of the Gold Logie and was a spoiler for the room. However Ten’s Breakfast reports Blake maintained he didn’t know before the announcement was made.
Across the networks, the ABC came out on top with six and a shared award – the shared coming from Asher Keddie’s Most Popular Actress win for her work in both the ABC’s Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo and Ten’s Offspring.
The ABC also won the most outstanding drama series,...
However, public broadcaster the ABC won the most awards, followed by Nine, Seven and Ten.
Blake pipped fellow nominees Adam Hills, Asher Keddie, Karl Stevanovic, Carrie Bickmore and Esther Anderson to the top gong.
Blake’s win was leaked online by The Herald Sun about an hour before the presentation of the Gold Logie and was a spoiler for the room. However Ten’s Breakfast reports Blake maintained he didn’t know before the announcement was made.
Across the networks, the ABC came out on top with six and a shared award – the shared coming from Asher Keddie’s Most Popular Actress win for her work in both the ABC’s Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo and Ten’s Offspring.
The ABC also won the most outstanding drama series,...
- 4/16/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
The nominations for the 2012 TV Week Logies were announced on Sunday, with long-running soap Home and Away and Nine.s Underbelly: Razor leading the pool with seven nominations each.
Home and Away, which has been on air since 1988, received its nominations in the public-voted categories. It is up against Offspring, Packed To The Rafters, Winners And Losers and Underbelly: Razor for most popular drama series.
Esther Anderson (who plays Charlie Buckton) is nominated for both the gold logie for most popular TV personality and the silver logie for most popular actress. Veteran Ray Meagher (aka Alf Stewart) will compete against stars from Wild Boys, Packed to the Rafters and Offspring for most popular actor, while Dan Ewing, Steve Peacocke and Demi Harman are nominated in the most popular new talent categories.
Underbelly: Razor was acknowledged by both the public and industry peers. It earned nods for most popular series, actress...
Home and Away, which has been on air since 1988, received its nominations in the public-voted categories. It is up against Offspring, Packed To The Rafters, Winners And Losers and Underbelly: Razor for most popular drama series.
Esther Anderson (who plays Charlie Buckton) is nominated for both the gold logie for most popular TV personality and the silver logie for most popular actress. Veteran Ray Meagher (aka Alf Stewart) will compete against stars from Wild Boys, Packed to the Rafters and Offspring for most popular actor, while Dan Ewing, Steve Peacocke and Demi Harman are nominated in the most popular new talent categories.
Underbelly: Razor was acknowledged by both the public and industry peers. It earned nods for most popular series, actress...
- 3/19/2012
- by Amanda Diaz
- IF.com.au
TV heavyweights Karl Stefanovic, Adam Hills and Asher Keddie are among the main contenders for the top prize at the 2012 TV Week Logie Awards.
For the second year in a row, the Today presenter, the Spicks and Specks host and the Paper Giants actress look likely to claim the top award – the viewer-voted Gold Logie – which last year was claimed by Stefanovic.
They will be challenged by Ten’s Carrie Bickmore, Hamish Blake from Hamish & Andy’s Gap Year and Seven’s Esther Anderson.
The list of contenders in full:
TV Week Gold Logie – Most Popular Personality on TV
Adam Hills (Spicks And Specks, ABC1/Adam Hills In Gordon St Tonight, ABC1) Asher Keddie (Nina Proudman, Offspring, Network Ten /Ita Buttrose, Paper Giants: The Birth Of Cleo, ABC1) Carrie Bickmore (The Project, Network Ten) Esther Anderson (Charlie Buckton, Home And Away, Channel Seven) Hamish Blake (Hamish & Andy’s Gap Year,...
For the second year in a row, the Today presenter, the Spicks and Specks host and the Paper Giants actress look likely to claim the top award – the viewer-voted Gold Logie – which last year was claimed by Stefanovic.
They will be challenged by Ten’s Carrie Bickmore, Hamish Blake from Hamish & Andy’s Gap Year and Seven’s Esther Anderson.
The list of contenders in full:
TV Week Gold Logie – Most Popular Personality on TV
Adam Hills (Spicks And Specks, ABC1/Adam Hills In Gordon St Tonight, ABC1) Asher Keddie (Nina Proudman, Offspring, Network Ten /Ita Buttrose, Paper Giants: The Birth Of Cleo, ABC1) Carrie Bickmore (The Project, Network Ten) Esther Anderson (Charlie Buckton, Home And Away, Channel Seven) Hamish Blake (Hamish & Andy’s Gap Year,...
- 3/18/2012
- by Robin Hicks
- Encore Magazine
Michael Cordell, executive producer of production company Cordell Jigsaw, has hit back at a Daily Telegraph article that accused the production company of not paying key cast of an observational documentary.
Cordell was accused of not paying the 33 individual lifeguards that appear on his show Bondi Rescue, now in its seventh season on Ten, despite the production being a documentary and doing so would create a conflict of interest within the production.
Cordell said in a statement: “We have huge respect for the boys down at Bondi and weʼve made every effort to ensure theyʼre part of Bondi Rescueʼs success.”
“It would be a conflict of interest to actually employ the lifeguards to appear in the series. Nor would Waverley Council ever permit it. However, there are very concrete agreements in place that benefit both the Council and the lifeguards.”
Similar shows like Rpa, Border Security, The Force and Recruits...
Cordell was accused of not paying the 33 individual lifeguards that appear on his show Bondi Rescue, now in its seventh season on Ten, despite the production being a documentary and doing so would create a conflict of interest within the production.
Cordell said in a statement: “We have huge respect for the boys down at Bondi and weʼve made every effort to ensure theyʼre part of Bondi Rescueʼs success.”
“It would be a conflict of interest to actually employ the lifeguards to appear in the series. Nor would Waverley Council ever permit it. However, there are very concrete agreements in place that benefit both the Council and the lifeguards.”
Similar shows like Rpa, Border Security, The Force and Recruits...
- 3/16/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine


Bondi Rescue's cast members receive no payment for their involvement in the show, it has been revealed. Bosses of the award-winning documentary series, which has run for seven series and appears in 13 countries, have admitted that all 33 of the lifeguards appear on a "gratis" basis and apparently only receive on average a $$60,000 (£40,000) salary per year. One of the cast members, who chose not to be named, told The Daily Telegraph: "Obviously we are not in this industry for the money and love what we do. But after a while you start to think, 'Hang on. A few people are making a lot of money here and we're not seeing anything'." Bondi Rescue's executive producer Michael Cordell, who apparently lives in a $$4.9 million (£3.3 million) Bronte mansion, confirmed that the company (more)...
- 3/16/2012
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Ten’s dreadful start to the ratings week continued on Monday with the network trailling throughout the night with not a single show above 1m.
The poor performance comes after Ten’s Super Sunday also saw significant falls without a single show delivering more than 900,000.
According to preliminary overnight metro ratings from OzTam, Ten’s only decent performer on Monday was The Biggest Loser which rated 942,000 – the best for the series to date. Ten then declined to 652,000 for Bondi Rescue and 525,000 for NCIS Los Angeles. At 9.30pm Hawaii Five-0 delivered a dreadful 353,000. It was even thrashed by ABC1′s Media Watch which rated 750,000 and Q&A which rated 659,000.
Even in Ten’s heartland younger demographics, Hawaii Five-0 bombed – 23rd for the night in 16-39. Media Watch was 22nd and Q&A 24th.
Monday night’s viewing was dominated by Seven with My Kitchen Rules rating 1.921m and Revenge 1.715m.
Nine...
The poor performance comes after Ten’s Super Sunday also saw significant falls without a single show delivering more than 900,000.
According to preliminary overnight metro ratings from OzTam, Ten’s only decent performer on Monday was The Biggest Loser which rated 942,000 – the best for the series to date. Ten then declined to 652,000 for Bondi Rescue and 525,000 for NCIS Los Angeles. At 9.30pm Hawaii Five-0 delivered a dreadful 353,000. It was even thrashed by ABC1′s Media Watch which rated 750,000 and Q&A which rated 659,000.
Even in Ten’s heartland younger demographics, Hawaii Five-0 bombed – 23rd for the night in 16-39. Media Watch was 22nd and Q&A 24th.
Monday night’s viewing was dominated by Seven with My Kitchen Rules rating 1.921m and Revenge 1.715m.
Nine...
- 3/12/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
Two of Australia’s independent TV production houses have merged to form a “super indie,” it has been announced today.
The merger sees Zapruder’s Other Films, founded by Andrew Denton and Anita Jacoby combine with Cordell Jigsaw, founded by Nick Murray and Michael Cordell, to be titled Cordell Jigsaw Zapruder (Cjz).
The talks began six to eight months ago, as Murray and Denton worked together lobbying the ABC for funding, but a deal wasn’t inked until last week.
As a merged production company it makes Cordell Jigsaw Zapruder the most prolific producer of Australian created shows with 14 shows slated for 2012 across free to air and subscription TV, including seven new productions such as tele-movie The Great Mint Swindle and Randling as well as seven re-commissioned productions such as Go Back To Where You Came From, The Gruen Transfer, Bondi Rescue and Can of Worms.
Murray, managing producer of...
The merger sees Zapruder’s Other Films, founded by Andrew Denton and Anita Jacoby combine with Cordell Jigsaw, founded by Nick Murray and Michael Cordell, to be titled Cordell Jigsaw Zapruder (Cjz).
The talks began six to eight months ago, as Murray and Denton worked together lobbying the ABC for funding, but a deal wasn’t inked until last week.
As a merged production company it makes Cordell Jigsaw Zapruder the most prolific producer of Australian created shows with 14 shows slated for 2012 across free to air and subscription TV, including seven new productions such as tele-movie The Great Mint Swindle and Randling as well as seven re-commissioned productions such as Go Back To Where You Came From, The Gruen Transfer, Bondi Rescue and Can of Worms.
Murray, managing producer of...
- 2/27/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Two prestigious Australian independent production companies have joined forces.
Sydney companies Cordell Jigsaw . established by Michael Cordell and Nick Murray . and Zapruder.s Other Films . led by Andrew Denton, Anita Jacoby and Peter Thompson . have formed Cordell Jigsaw Zapruder (Cjz).
The combined company, touted as the biggest privately-owned production company in Australia, currently has 10 shows in the works for ABC, Nine, Ten, Sbs and Foxtel. Such series include quiz show Randling (ABC), telemovie The Great Mint Swindle (Nine), Mega Truckers (Foxtel) and Country Town Rescue (ABC). The first show goes to air this Wednesday morning on ABC3 . You're Skitting Me . which was previously known as Lol. The children's sketch show is a first for Australia.
Established in 2005, Cordell Jigsaw has been responsible for such productions as Bondi Rescue, Hardliners, Recruits, O.Loughlin and the popular Go Back To Where You Came From. The latter . Sbs. highest-rated show of 2011 . saw Cordell...
Sydney companies Cordell Jigsaw . established by Michael Cordell and Nick Murray . and Zapruder.s Other Films . led by Andrew Denton, Anita Jacoby and Peter Thompson . have formed Cordell Jigsaw Zapruder (Cjz).
The combined company, touted as the biggest privately-owned production company in Australia, currently has 10 shows in the works for ABC, Nine, Ten, Sbs and Foxtel. Such series include quiz show Randling (ABC), telemovie The Great Mint Swindle (Nine), Mega Truckers (Foxtel) and Country Town Rescue (ABC). The first show goes to air this Wednesday morning on ABC3 . You're Skitting Me . which was previously known as Lol. The children's sketch show is a first for Australia.
Established in 2005, Cordell Jigsaw has been responsible for such productions as Bondi Rescue, Hardliners, Recruits, O.Loughlin and the popular Go Back To Where You Came From. The latter . Sbs. highest-rated show of 2011 . saw Cordell...
- 2/26/2012
- by Sam Dallas
- IF.com.au
From drama to reality and factual – meet the production house powerhouses responsible for Australia’s greatest television.
Andrew Denton
Owner/ Creative guy
Zapruder’s Other Films The Gruen Transfer, Hungry Beast, Country Town Rescue, Randling
With producers Anita Jacoby and Peter Thompson, Andrew Denton’s Zapruder’s Other Films is known for intelligent and often funny television.
Denton came to prominence as the host of ABC’s 1988 comedy show Blah Blah Blah and was quick to get involved behind the scenes. His first executive producing credit came in 2001 when he gave The Chaser team their break with The Election Chaser.
Denton is responsible for adland favourite The Gruen Transfer, with five series including Gruen Planet and Nation under its belt. The show is one of the ABC’s highest rating formats attracting international interest.
Denton’s great skill is fostering young talent with his 2008 Project Next experiment resulting in Hungry Beast.
Andrew Denton
Owner/ Creative guy
Zapruder’s Other Films The Gruen Transfer, Hungry Beast, Country Town Rescue, Randling
With producers Anita Jacoby and Peter Thompson, Andrew Denton’s Zapruder’s Other Films is known for intelligent and often funny television.
Denton came to prominence as the host of ABC’s 1988 comedy show Blah Blah Blah and was quick to get involved behind the scenes. His first executive producing credit came in 2001 when he gave The Chaser team their break with The Election Chaser.
Denton is responsible for adland favourite The Gruen Transfer, with five series including Gruen Planet and Nation under its belt. The show is one of the ABC’s highest rating formats attracting international interest.
Denton’s great skill is fostering young talent with his 2008 Project Next experiment resulting in Hungry Beast.
- 2/17/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine


Bondi Rescue's Ryan Clark has announced his engagement to long-term girlfriend Gina Brackenridge. The 28-year-old lifeguard, who also played Sam Marshall on Home and Away for nearly ten years as a child, said that he cried as he knelt on one knee and proposed to Brackenridge during a trip to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas recently. Clark told New Idea magazine: "I sort of blubbered out, 'Will you marry me?' I had all of these things that I wanted to say but none of them came out. She cried for a minute or two and then I said, 'Was that a yes?'" Brackenridge added: "I forgot to say yes! I always thought I'd know because he'd be so nervous but I had no idea. It was a huge surprise." She described her sapphire and diamond ring as her "dream ring". > 'Bondi (more)...
- 9/20/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Kobi Graham has proposed to Alex Miller. The 31-year-old Bondi Rescue star, who was "lucky to be alive" after being involved in a near-fatal surfing accident last year, said that asking long-term girlfriend Miller to marry him over dinner in Sydney was a "hard thing" to do. Graham told Woman's Day magazine: "It was hard to go from sitting at a bar having a beer to suddenly busting out these romantic lines I never normally say. "It was making the jump from drinking a beer to suddenly saying, 'By the way, I really love you.' I was looking up at the (more)...
- 3/28/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy


People around the world are still looking for a beach that resembles the one featured on the hit 1990s series ‘Baywatch.’ Fuel TV is promising to show its viewers Australia’s answer to the Los Angeles coastline, Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach, in its new series ‘Bondi Rescue.” Viewers will definitely be drawn to the show at first, as they will be intrigued to see if Bondi is really one of the most “dangerous beaches in the world,” as Fuel describes it. However, Fuel over-glamorized the show’s premiere, as it promised to show a “small group of elite lifeguards striv(ing) to keep visitors safe from the elements…and themselves. From encounters with wildlife, to [...]...
- 12/12/2010
- by karen
- ShockYa
Ten is swapping lifesavers for surfers in its new factual series, Manly Surf.
Bondi might be one of the world's most famous beaches, garnering further exposure with programs like Bondi Rescue and Bondi Vet, but now its North Shore neighbour will get some of the spotlight with Manly Surf.
Produced by 5 Oceans Media, the 10-episode series will explore the loves and lifestyles of the Manly crowd, using cutting-edge... More >>...
Bondi might be one of the world's most famous beaches, garnering further exposure with programs like Bondi Rescue and Bondi Vet, but now its North Shore neighbour will get some of the spotlight with Manly Surf.
Produced by 5 Oceans Media, the 10-episode series will explore the loves and lifestyles of the Manly crowd, using cutting-edge... More >>...
- 10/13/2010
- by Peter Allott
- TV.com


Kobi Graham has revealed that he is lucky to be alive. The Bondi Rescue lifesaver, who recently broke his neck in a boarding accident at a dangerous surfing spot in Sydney, said that he has "never felt so much pain" as in the moments just after he hit the reef. Graham told Woman's Day magazine: "I knew I'd fallen off on the worst part of the wave. I thought, 'I'm in trouble.' There was a moment (more)...
- 7/1/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy


Kobi Graham has told friends that he fears he may never be able to surf again. The Bondi Rescue lifeguard, who broke his neck last month while surfing in a dangerous area of Sydney's Botany Bay, is reportedly struggling to cope with the pain caused by his injuries. Graham's co-star Anthony "Harries" Carroll told The Daily Telegraph: "Kobi is in a lot of pain, particularly his arms, and he will be in a neck brace for another two months (more)...
- 6/25/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy


A lifeguard on Australian beach show Bondi Rescue has broken his neck in a surfing accident. Kobi Graham, who is one of the biggest stars of the Channel Ten fly-on-the-wall documentary series, reportedly suffered a "hideous wipe-out" on a large wave at one of Sydney's most dangerous surf spots on Sunday. CoastalWatch, which posted photographs of Graham moments before the accident, told Reuters: "The wave comes out of deep water before literally exploding on a shallow, barnacle-encrusted (more)...
- 6/1/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy


Bondi Rescue star Troy Quinlan has been seriously assaulted on a night out with friends. The lifeguard and reality TV personality, who celebrated his 22nd birthday yesterday, has spent 11 days in and out of hospital since the attack took place in Sydney. A police spokesperson told The Daily Telegraph: "It does appear it was a case of mistaken identity following an incident at a nightclub earlier in the night. This bloke was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time." Quinlan and (more)...
- 12/22/2009
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
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