Media Release

UNDERCOVER BOSS IS COMING TO TEN

Highest rating reality show premiere to call TEN home

10 February 2010 Network Ten is pleased to confirm that it has secured the tape and format rights to the new CBS reality series Undercover Boss.

Undercover Boss, which launched to 38.6 million viewers in the US, making it the highest rating* premiere of a reality show on record, follows high-level chief executives as they slip anonymously into the rank and file of their companies.

Each week a different executive will leave the comfort of their corner office for an undercover mission to examine the inner workings of their company.

While working alongside their employees, they will see the effects their decisions have on others, where the problems lie within their organisation and get an up-close look at both the good and the bad while discovering the unsung heroes who make their company run.

US companies whose chief executives will make the undercover journey include such corporate giants as Waste Management, 7-Eleven and Hooters.

David Mott, chief programming officer said: “We are thrilled to own such a great program. It is, without a doubt, an hour of feel-good television for workers from all walks of life.

“The concept of Undercover Boss is simple and brilliant, and it’s gratifying to see these CEOs learn how tough everyday work and life can be,” Mr Mott said.

Undercover Boss is a perfect addition to TEN’s program schedule and will air later in the year.

Source: Network Ten

INTERVIEW: “FRINGE” CO-CREATOR J.J. ABRAMS

By Brian Ford Sullivan

When “Fringe” premiered in September of 2008, co-creator J.J. Abrams said the fun of the show “was taking the kinds of things we loved growing up and combining them and sort of playing with them and making them into something that is hopefully brand new while being in the spirit of things that inspired us.” Fast forward to 2010 and Abrams hasn’t lost his enthusiasm for the show. The prolific writer, director and producer was on hand at the TCA Winter Press Tour last month where he chatted with reporters about what’s in store for the show, his new pilot at NBC and his boundless love of the television medium.

Question: What can you tell me about where the second half of the season is going?

J.J. Abrams: I will say that there are… the story that [we established] at the very beginning of the season is going to play out. There were some adjustments we made along the way… but what I think is fun about where it’s going is on the one hand there’s this inevitable thing that will happen but I think there’s going to be a huge surprise too. I’m really excited about it… The fun of [the conflict with alternate universe] is there’s this growing problem and that there is something brewing sort of between these two places. To me it’s just a fascinating kind of premise. It’s so big! And the key is how do you make it specific and how do you make it personal and I think some of the stuff you’ll be getting to with all three of our characters [will be fantastic].

Question: Any plans for Leonard Nimoy?

J.J. Abrams: I have tons of plans for him. Whether he’ll be part of them is another question but there are plans aplenty… I would love to return to that character, I know there’s a chance that will occur.

Question: Are you satisfied with the ratio of standalone to arc episodes? And will that change going forward?

J.J. Abrams: I think it will be somewhat consistent with where it’s been but I think I always like a great standalone but I’m also a sucker for that like ongoing serialized story. We’re sort of in a place where I’d be thrilled with more serialized stuff but I also know that’s an increasingly difficult way of doing television.

Question: Will the same apply to your NBC pilot “Undercovers?”

J.J. Abrams: This show does have ongoing stories as well but they are much more personal based and character based. But I’m trying to do a show that has a more fun energy and a little more comedic than ["Fringe"]… There won’t be any of [the Rambaldi-type mythology, i.e. "Alias"]. I think that there will be, again, something that will give the story a sense of inevitability and yet, you’re right, it won’t be going into that place of like crazy, mythology heavy stuff.

Question: Why did you decide to direct the pilot?

J.J. Abrams: I just enjoyed the idea of it. I enjoy the script… I enjoyed the chemistry of these two people and it became clear as we were working on it, rather than be sitting on the set every day with someone else directing it, being annoying, I’d rather just take the burden on myself.

Brian Ford Sullivan: I talked to [executive producer] Jeff Pinkner and he said [tonight's episode] is your best one yet and the one coming back [after the hiatus] is even better. [Abrams laughs.] What’s so great about them?

J.J. Abrams: The great thing about Jeff is he knows how to lower expectations. [Laughs.] I would just say that it’s always wonderful to get director’s cuts of episodes that make me smile. And it’s nice when they are on important dates, and it’s nice when they are consecutive so I will just say we’re on a nice internal run right now where things are, you know, when a story’s entertaining and fun and has that weird combination – which is the goal of “Fringe” to be scary as hell and funny in one show, it’s a weird thing to do – when that works, it’s just, you know, you just thank God.

“Fringe” airs its winter finale tonight at 9:00/8:00c. Look for the second season to resume on Thursday, April 1 at 9:00/8:00c.

Source: The Futon Critic

iiNet wins. Case dismissed. AFACT to pay.

The film and television industry giants have lost their case against internet service provider iiNet. The landmark decision was handed down in the Federal Court today.

“I find that iiNet simply can’t be seen as approving infringement,” said Justice Cowdroy.

The 200 page judgement did confirm that iiNet users had infringed copyright by downloading films via BitTorrent, however the number of infringements was far less than alleged by The Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft.

AFACT, who represented Village Roadshow, Warner Bros., Sony, Walt Disney, Paramount, 20th Century Fox and the Seven Network, has been ordered to cover iiNet’s legal costs.

A significant finding by the court was that the provisioning of internet access is not the means to infringement.

“Copyright infringement occured as result of use of BitTorrent, not the Internet,” said Justice Cowdroy. “iiNet has no control over BitTorrent system and not responsible for BitTorrent system.”

The landmark case had attracted interest across Australia and overseas, with it being the first trial of its kind in the world to proceed to hearing and judgment.

The outcome of the iiNet case has potential to influence similar cases around the world.

AFACT have yet to decide whether they will appeal to the High Court of Australia.

Ana Ortiz and America Ferrera

‘Ugly Betty’ will end this season after ABC decided to swing the axe on the struggling dramedy.

It has been a steep fall from grace for the once ratings powerhouse with ratings falling dramatically after its break through freshman season.

Despite this bad news there is some good news for those long suffering fans, with an ABC spokesman confirming that there would be some sort of closure.

“We’ve mutually come to the difficult decision to make this Ugly Betty’s final season, and are announcing now as we want to allow the show ample time to write a satisfying conclusion,” said the spokesman.

“We are extremely proud of this groundbreaking series, and felt it was important to give the fans a proper farewell.”

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Calista Flockhart

Today, Entertainment Weekly is reporting that Calista Flockhart’s future on ‘Brothers and Sisters’ will be limited next season. The online rag claims that the Golden Globe-winning actress will be scaling back her workload next season.

An ABC spokesperson declined to comment, although they did maintain that Flockhart will remain a series regular. Entertainment Weekly speculates that she’ll most likely appear in around 13 episodes next season.

The news comes just days after it was confirmed that Rob Lowe would be leaving the hit family drama, stating that he felt underused on the show.

If Flockhart’s decision to reduce her workload is accurate, it would seem like a plausible reason for Lowe to feel like his role would become even more diminished next season.

SPOILER AHEAD

With Kitty’s recent decision to run for Senate and all this behind-the-scenes drama, it’d seem like an all too convenient time for the McCalister’s to exit Pasadena for good.

END SPOILER

Now the question remains, will ‘Brothers and Sisters’ still be able to maintain its title with yet another family member’s exit?  Perhaps the the return of Tommy (Balthazar Getty) could help fill the void. Or have we already forgotten and thus couldn’t care less about the black sheep returning the show full-time?

The new season of ‘Brothers and Sisters’ returns 9:30pm Monday,  February 1 on Seven.

Media Release

ABC News to go 24/7 in 2010

The ABC will launch Australia’s first free-to-air 24-hour television news channel in 2010.

The ABC’s Managing Director, Mark Scott, said the ABC’s commitment to quality news and current affairs would enter a new era with the creation of the new digital channel.

The channel will provide live continuous news coverage of major breaking stories from Australia and around the world. Broadcasting around the clock will enable the ABC to increase its in-depth coverage of local, national and international affairs through background features and analysis, combined with the ABC’s unrivalled long-form current affairs reporting.

“No media organisation in the country is better equipped to deliver this channel than the national broadcaster,” Mr Scott said.

“We can draw on the investment already made in the ABC, through its major newsrooms in every state and territory, 12 international bureaux and 60 regional newsrooms, to deliver to Australians a top-quality 24-hour news service that is comprehensive, independent and up to the minute.”
New programs are also being developed specifically for the channel, focusing on world news, national politics and business. Many of the ABC’s existing television news and current affairs programs will also be featured.

A continuous news centre with a new state-of-the-art studio, in the foyer of the ABC’s Ultimo headquarters, will serve as the engine room of the new channel. The ABC will also take advantage of its multi-platform capabilities, ensuring that audiences are able to keep up to date with news developments in different formats and across an array of devices.

The ABC’s capacity to “go live” with in-depth, continuous news coverage will extend to Australia Network, ensuring the ABC’s audiences in 44 countries also benefit from the new channel.

The channel will commence with no additional funds from the Government for content. Significant changes the ABC has made to news and television production processes, taking advantage of new technology, will allow the broadcaster to reinvest in new programming.

The news channel will be launched on the ABC’s HD channel, adding to the suite of services offered by the broadcaster on ABC1, ABC2 and ABC3. Further details of the new channel, including the program schedule and launch date, will be outlined in coming months.

Mr Scott said the ABC had been systematically preparing for the establishment of a 24-hour news channel in recent years. He said the project was a vital part of its charter obligation to inform the public and provide “innovative and comprehensive broadcasting services of a high standard”.

“ABC News Breakfast on ABC2 has shown how effectively the ABC can deliver live breaking news, tapping into the full resources of the national broadcaster,” Mr Scott said.

“By putting TV cameras in radio studios, we have already been able to put on television some of the outstanding agenda-setting radio interviews from ABC programs such as AM, PM, Radio National Breakfast and a range of local radio programs.”

“And over the past week we have witnessed the ABC’s capacity to cover breaking news with the crisis in Haiti. Our correspondents have provided dozens of live crosses into radio, television and online bulletins and programs.”
The ABC’s News Director, Kate Torney, said the News Division was committed to delivering news of the highest standard to audiences across a range of programs and platforms.

“ABC journalists around the country and around the world produce hours of original, quality content each day. The news channel will give Australians more flexible access to our best reporting and analysis, along with an opportunity to watch breaking news as it happens,” Ms Torney said.
“Australians can tap into news from the national broadcaster when they want it and where they want it through the new 24-hour news channel and also from services like ABC News Online, ABC News Radio and ABC Mobile.

“Our audiences look to the ABC to provide independent, quality news reporting and analysis they can trust. With the launch of this channel, Australians will be able to access the country’s most comprehensive news coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Director of Television, Kim Dalton, said ABC TV was fully embracing the benefits of digital television by creating another genre-specific channel.
“As the country’s leading multi-platform broadcaster, ABC TV offers viewers true choice – be it landmark Australian programming on ABC1 or our kids channel, ABC3,” Mr Dalton said. “The addition of a news channel to our current line-up ensures that viewers can select the type of quality Australian content they want to watch and enjoy it both on digital television and online.”

To view the short ABC 24/7 news channel video promotion click here.

Source: Australian Broadcasting Corportation

'Flight of the Conchords' wont be back for a third season.

Confirming a comment the New Zealand comedy duo made back in September 2008 with Q magazine, Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement have officially stated that ‘Flight of the Conchords’ has aired its final flight.

The Emmy nominated series, which ran for two seasons on HBO, won’t be back for a third season.

“We’re very proud of the two seasons we made, and we like the way the show ended,” said the duo on their official website. “While the characters Bret and Jemaine will no longer be around, the real Bret and Jemaine will continue to exist.”

The duo are currently working on solo projects, including Clement’s upcoming high profile animated feature ‘Despicable Me’ with Steve Carrell.

Source: Variety

Comcast acquires '30 Rock' parent company NBC Universal.

Comcast, America’s largest cable television and internet provider, has agreed to acquire the majority share of NBC Universal from General Electric in a $30 billion deal.

The cable company will own 51 percent of the new entity, while General Electric will retain the remaining 49 percent.

The acquisition is set to change America’s television landscape, with the new joint venture set to become a massive entertainment powerhouse.

Film and television properties include NBC, Universal Studios, USA Network, SyFy, CNBC, MSNBC, Bravo, The Weather Channel and Hulu.

In addition to NBCU’s entertainment portfolio, Comcast will contribute $7.25 billion of its own cable channels, sports and online properties to the joint venture, including E!, Style and The Golf Channel.

“This deal is a perfect fit for Comcast and will allow us to become a leader in the development and distribution of multiplatform ‘anytime, anywhere’ media that American consumers are demanding,” said Brian Roberts, Comcast Chairman and CEO. “In particular, NBCU’s fast-growing, highly profitable cable networks are a great complement to our industry-leading distribution business.”

President of NBC Universal, Jeff Zucker, will become the new CEO of the joint venture, reporting to Comcast COO Steve Burke.

“This marks the start of a new era for NBCU, and I’m genuinely excited that I will be leading this wonderful organization, along with the Comcast team, at this important time in our history,” Zucker said.

How the merger will affect NBC Universal’s television programs remains to be seen.

Perhaps less NBC subsidiary of Sheinhardt Wig Company subsidiary of General Electric jokes on ‘30 Rock’?

Will '30 Rock' need to update their corporate structure flowchart?

Lisa Kudrow joins Courtney Cox on ABC's 'Cougar Town'.

Here’s your first look at Lisa Kudrow’s guest appearance on Courtney Cox’s new comedy ‘Cougar Town’.

Kudrow plays Jules’ (Cox) horrible but brilliant dermatologist in the January 6 episode on ABC.

“They didn’t want to play friends,” said executive producer Bill Lawrence. “She plays a dermatologist who is a horrible, horrible person, but [Cox] goes to her because she’s the best. The [sight] of them playing people who dislike each other intensely was very funny for me to watch.”

‘Cougar Town’ premieres next year on the Seven Network.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Alec Baldwin

“I don’t have any interest in acting anymore,” Baldwin, 51, told Men’s Journal in an interview for its December issue.

With that line, the future of NBC’s ‘30 Rock’ and Jack Donoghue, Baldwin’s infamous character in ‘30 Rock’ hangs in the balance.

Baldwin claims it is “pretty much it for him” after ‘30 Rock,’ “in a couple of years or so.” He said he will be “done” with acting in 2012 and will retire at “30 Rock’s” wrap party.

He also added he won’t be pursuing a movie career, referring to his previous failures. “I consider my entire movie career a complete failure,” he told Men’s Journal. “The goal of movie-making is to star in a film where your performance drives the film, and the film is either a soaring critical or commercial success, and I never had that.”

Alec Baldwin has won numerous emmies for his portrayal of Jack Donoghue in ‘30 Rock’.

It is still unclear of what he will do after acting but he did previously show some interest in politics

Will ‘30 Rock’ be the same without him or can Tina Fey steer the boat?

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

'Rove' wraps up after 10 years.

Despite rumours of a delayed return next year, Rove McManus shockingly announced his decision to end the show tonight after 10 years on air.

“I need to stop, take a step back and see what happens next,” he said.

“It was a difficult call to make but after 10 years it felt like time to step away from the show and take a break to properly reflect on what I want to do next as a performer.”

The Logie award winner is believed to be taking time off to spend more time on his other television programs.

Network Ten have released a statement saying, “The strong relationship between Roving Enterprises and TEN will continue to grow with The 7PM Project and Before The Game, both on TEN through 2010.”

Ten’s head of programming, David Mott, said despite the end of ‘Rove’, McManus would still remain a part of the network.

“A relationship that spans a decade is harder than this to switch off,” said Mott.

McManus has made numerous jokes about stepping down from the show over the course of the series, but tonight concluded his announcement by saying –

“I know we’ve made jokes about this on the show before.”

The talk show host thanked all his viewers for their support over the years, before kicking off the final episode.

He wraps up 10 years of the Network Ten program tonight with the whole cast and guest stars Powderfinger and Sam Worthington.

According to a 3-week Sunday Herald Sun survey of TV programs between 7pm and 10pm, networks have been found to be exceeded their prescribed advertising limits — some by as much as 6 additional minutes per hour.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority sets limits for advertising between 6pm and midnight, of which 13 minutes per every hour is allowed to be “non-program material”.

The survey found that every single program, of more than 20 popular primetime programs, exceeded those limits — with each additional minute generating as much as $40,000 for the networks.

While advertising is an essential element of the commercial television broadcast model, the number of programs running overtime from extended ad breaks has spawned an increased number of complaints from viewers.

Donald Robertson, a rep for the ACMA, said that in order for the authority to look into a TV station exceeding their limits, a viewer would need to make a written complaint to the station and refer it to ACMA if they were not satisfied with the network’s response.

Robertson also said that certain kinds of advertising, such as community service announcements, were not included in the 13 minute limit.

A new proposal from Free TV Australia is understood to be in development, including a plan to exclude station promotions as commercial advertising.

Source: Sunday Herald Sun

‘Fringe’ exclusive: J.J. Abrams on ‘bad’ ratings, good vibes, and the show’s future

by Michael Ausiello

'Fringe' stars Joshua Jackson and Aussies Anna Torv and John Noble.

It’s hardly a secret that Fringe is having a tough go of it on Thursday night this season. Last week, the sophomore drama’s audience shrunk to just 5 million viewers — an all-time low. Sure, two weeks of pre-emptions due to baseball didn’t help, but the fact remains: Fringe is struggling.

On the bright side, everyone seems to be in agreement that Fringe has never been better creatively. And inside sources say Fox, although not thrilled with the ratings, remains committed to the show — a fact corroborated by the drama’s boss, J.J. Abrams.

“The mood on set and in the writer’s room is as good as the ratings are bad, which is to say, wonderful,” Abrams tells me. “Luckily, Fox has been insanely supportive, for which we are deeply grateful.”

Abrams is encouraged by the show’s “strong” DVR numbers as well as the glowing reviews from critics. “But given that we’re on one of the hardest [nights] on television, we’re just focusing on making the best show we possibly can,” he says. “What else can we do?”

Bottom line: Fringe is in no immediate danger of going “over there” (a.k.a. TV graveyard). The key word there being immediate.

What do you think? Worried about Fringe’s future? Got a theory why more people aren’t watching? Should Fox move it to a less-crowded night — and, if so, which one? Sound off below!

Source: Entertainment Weekly

J.J. Abrams

J.J. Abrams is hoping direct his upcoming spy series pilot for NBC.

Providing his schedule permits, Abrams will make his directorial return to television following two successful features ‘Mission Impossible III’ and ‘Star Trek’.

Abrams’ last television pilot was the 2004 2-hour opener of  ’Lost’, which he received an Emmy win for best direction.

Prior to ‘Lost’, he similarly directed the pilot for his spy series ‘Alias’.

‘Undercovers’, which Abrams will exec produce, has been described as a cross between ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ and ‘The Bourne Identity’.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

'Dawson's Creek' creator Kevin Williamson, actor James van der Beek, executive producer Paul Stupin, and actors Meredith Monroe and Monica Keena attend the Paley Center for Media's "Dawson's Creek: A Look Back" at the Paley Center For Media on November 4, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California.

LIVE AT THE PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA: “DAWSON’S CREEK: A LOOK BACK”

By Jim Halterman

With all six seasons coming out on a “Complete Series” DVD next week it was a perfect time for the Paley Center for Media to pay tribute to the coming of age series “Dawson’s Creek” on Wednesday night in Beverly Hills. Besides viewing the pilot episode, members of the cast and crew talked about the impact of the show on television and their own lives. Here’s a minute-by-minute rundown by our Jim Halterman:

7:06 PM – Rebecca Faez, Director of External Affairs for The Paley Center takes the podium to introduce how “Dawson’s Creek” impacted a generation when it premiered in 1998 on the WB network. She gives Marc Rashba, Sony Home Entertainment Vice President of Marketing a moment to come up and say a few words.

7:07 PM – Marc thanks the fans first and foremost voicing their wanting the complete series DVD set that arrives in stores on Tuesday.

7:08 PM – Rebecca returns and invites Will Keck from TV Guide to take the stage and begin his moderating duties. Will admits he almost didn’t accept the invite to moderate because he is still upset that creator Kevin Williamson killed off Michelle Williams’s character in the final episode. That said, he also shares his excitement at being a part of this event and introduces the original pilot of “Dawson’s Creek.”

7:12 PM – Pilot is showing and after the teaser (featuring a very young James Van Der Beek and cute-as-hell Katie Holmes) the theme song over the credits is surprisingly NOT the Paula Cole “I Don’t Want To Wait” song that was the chart-topping “Dawson’s Creek” theme. More on that during the panel.

7:55 PM – Will returns and asks if anyone wants to come to the stage to sing the real theme song to the show. Nobody volunteers so Will calls the panel to the stage. Executive Producer Paul Stupin! Cast member Busy Philipps (Audrey)! Cast member Meredith Monroe (Andie McPhee)! Creator Kevin Williamson! Cast member James Van Der Beek (Dawson Leery)!

7:57 PM – Kevin and Paul remember how the role of Dawson was the last one cast and he wasn’t cast until just before the first day of production on the pilot. Paul gives Marcia Shulman (then-casting director for the show) credit for alerting them to James and getting him considered and, eventually, chosen for the pivotal role of Dawson Leery.

8:00 PM – Will says that “Dawson’s” was considered a show that saved the WB and asks Kevin if the same can be said for his current hit “Vampire Diaries” bringing more viewers to the CW network. Kevin shakes his head and says, “Television is just a different place now. It’s not the same as it was. You’re competing with so many other outlets in terms cable and other channels like ABC Family; there are just too many channels out there. I feel the same way in terms of the WB being a small little place and the CW is a small little place so it’s very intimate in that you’re dealing with 5 people. You’re not dealing with a corporation.”

8:01 PM – Will talks about how the dialogue of “Dawson’s” was considered scandalous at the time but it now seems so innocent. Could things fly in today’s TV landscape? Kevin says “I always felt like the show was about romance and sweaty palms and weak knees and that’s what I wanted the show to be. It was really just the dialogue that was sort of racy. Like ‘man-meat’ [which is said in the pilot]. We could not say ‘man-meat’ today. I don’t think I could get away with ‘man-meat.’ It’s a different time. The Bushes got in there and changed the whole world.”

8:03 PM - Will talks about how the show was daring in killing off characters and reveals that actress Monica Keena, whose character Abby drowned during the series, is in the audience. Monica stands up, shows that she is very much alive and takes a bow. Also, in the killing of Dawson’s father (played by John Wesley Shipp), James says “One of the things about playing a character for that duration of time is you develop all this back story and all this history so I remember being struck like ‘Wow! What’s that going to be like to play?’” He added that because they filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina that when people left the show they really left and you didn’t bump into them at Starbucks.

8:05 PM - Meredith talks about meeting the cast for the first time at the start of the second season and Katie Holmes was the first person to show up and greet her. “I was so nervous because it was a hit already… and Katie was like ‘Oh! Nice to meet you!’ I thought ‘Oh, she’s sweet!’ and then she says ‘Yeah, we had someone come in like you last year but they didn’t last long and were gone after two episodes’ and my jaw dropped. Then she said ‘I’m just kidding!’” Meredith feigns her fast-paced heart beating at that joke.

8:07 PM – Busy tells how she originally came to the show for a guest spot but then-showrunner Tom Kapinos, who knew her from “Freaks and Geeks” said they should wait to use her when the cast went to college in season five. Busy said on her plane ride she was flying with Chad Michael Murray. “Just between us,” Busy says, “I was horrified because I was afraid that people would associate him with me and I didn’t like him very much.” The crowd laughs and Busy assures them, “Listen, I don’t care about burning bridges with CMM! It’s no secret that I don’t like him.” Big laughs continue and Kevin buries his face in his hands.

8:10 PM – Will asks if anyone remembered Katie saying during the run of the show that she someday wanted to marry Tom Cruise, as Holmes has claimed many times in the press after becoming Mrs. Cruise. Busy shares, “I actually do remember her saying that in the trailer how she thought he was the bee’s knees!”

8:11 PM – Will asks Meredith about the “highs and lows” in her character’s life on the show. “I think you just said it,” says Meredith, “she was so much fun because she had all those different levels and emotional qualities and I thought she was so rich and exciting!” She also admits that although she loved working with on-screen love interest Pacey (played by Joshua Jackson), she loved it when the whole cast was in the same scene.

8:14 PM – Kevin reflects on the gay character of Jack (played by Kerr Smith) and how he came out of the closet on the show. “I wanted the audience to sort of follow the journey so I wanted to kind of bring him in and have the audience grow to love him first and then reveal the truth of who he was and love him even more. I just wanted to be very sensitive to the way we chose to tell it. I never had any problem with it and called up Susanne Daniels, who was [WB] President at the time, and she was like ‘Absolutely. Sounds great!’ Her one request was ‘Make sure when you deal with him coming out that you deal with it from Dawson’s perspective and Joey’s perspective and all the other kids’ perspective and I want to see how they react to it.’”

8:16 PM – Surprising same sex kissing topic comes up when Will mentions that “Vampire Diaries” star Ian Somerholder and James have an interesting bond since the two men kissed in the movie “Rules of Attraction.” Busy proudly states that she beat James to the punch when she first kissed Ian by playing his girlfriend in an MTV made-for-TV about Matthew Shepard. James admits, “If you have to kiss a guy, kiss Ian.” Kevin then tells James that Ian told him that he was a good kisser. James is visibly pleased.

8:17 PM – Did Kevin always know that Joey would end up with Pacey in the finale? “I really didn’t,” he admits. “I knew that I wanted it to be special. This show was always supposed to be a coming of age story with a twist; I always wanted the show to have a twist and sort of comment on the coming of age and that’s why I chose to kill the character of Jen because this was a coming of age story and this was about life lessons learned. The one lesson of what do you do when someone you care about and is part of your world dies… that was sort of the last lesson that you can possibly learn and that’s the evolution of adulthood and that’s what this story was. I felt like if you kill someone, I wanted to see the other characters rally around and deal with grief, true heartbreaking grief.

8:19 PM – Busy shares a story that Michelle Williams imparted to her. “Jen in the pilot was the catalyst for all these characters having to change so in the end she had to be the catalyst for all the characters going through that final change.” Kevin says it was that catalyst that made everyone made their final decisions in the series finale.

8:20 PM – Paul remembers that there was a lot of going back and forth about who Joey should end up with in the finale. “I remember the last two hours that Kevin wrote was shot as two individual episodes that were put together as a two-hour. I think at one point in that first hour we were leaning more towards Dawson and if you watch that first hour I think there.” Kevin also says that even though Dawson and Joey didn’t end up together romantically, they are still – and always will be – soul mates.

8:22 PM – Would Kevin ever revisit “Dawson’s Creek?” Kevin admits “I don’t think so. The finale was five years later in the future so we kind of did that. I don’t know what else to do because here’s what you have to do – you’d have to create conflict, create a story and there would be all this drama and who wants to see that? We’ve closed the door. Let it all be a memory. This is a very nostalgic coming of age story. Let it be nostalgic now and let us all think back like ‘Aw, I liked that show.’”

8:24 PM – Kevin and Paul reveal that they were the ones who shot the endearing main title sequence. According to Paul: “Kevin and I were saying ‘We’re only shooting a presentation but it would be cool to have some of sort of great main title.’ James said the actors were told ‘This will never see the air!’ but, of course, that footage was used in the main titles for many seasons to come.

8:25 PM – The theme song confusion is finally cleared up. Licensing for the international version of the DVD prohibited the Paula Cole song. Kevin reveals that Alanis Morissette’s “Hand In My Pocket” was originally going to be the theme song but the Paula Cole song fit better after being used in the commercials for the show. Someone hands Will a note and he reads, “The pilot shown tonight is the international TV pilot, which did not include the Paula Cole song. The first season set available on DVD does include the Paula Cole song.”

8:26 PM – Q&A time. A fan says she loves seeing the “Dawson’s” actors popping up on other shows. James gets a shout out for his dark guest role on “Criminal Minds.” Busy says that feels her character on the new hit “Cougar Town” is essentially Audrey grown up. James also says he’s doing an episode of “The Forgotten” but cannot reveal if he is the killer this time around.

8:28 PM – Kevin is asked about the autobiographical challenges of writing “Dawson’s Creek.” He says “Watching the pilot I was struck by how autobiographical so many of the elements of the show was. I forgot how much trouble I got in with my family and friends!”

8:30 PM – Kevin says that he Twitters James but he never responds. James sheepishly promises that he will start checking his VanDerJames Twitter account more often.

8:31 PM – Favorite episode? James says that the pilot has always been his favorite. “It was so new and it was a lot of discovery at the time… I remember when Dawson’s dad died I think Tom Kapinos wrote that one. There was one that Gina Fattore wrote when the whole love triangle came to a head and I remember being at the table read thinking ‘Wow, this is going to be good.’” Paul says that he loves the pilot and “I remember shooting it and we’d get the dailies the next day and the characters were coming to live and both Kevin and I would sit there looking at them and say to ourselves ‘Maybe we have something here.’”

8:34 PM – Paul reflects on the writing staff that they had the first season and how just about everyone went on to create their own shows like Rob Thomas (“Veronica Mars”), Mike White (“Cracking Up”), Jon Feldman (“Big Shots”) and Maggie Friedman (“Eastwick”).

8:36 PM – It’s revealed that actress Mary Beth Peil (who played Jen’s grandmother) was much younger than her character and was one of the characters that lasted the entire run of the show, even outliving her TV granddaughter.

8:38 PM – Will asks the crowd if they like that Joey ended up with Pacey or Dawson and there is clearly more applause for the Joey/Pacey pairing.

8:39 PM – Did Kevin ever hear from Steven Spielberg about his inclusion in the show as Dawson’s idol? Kevin said that because the director owns all the rights to his films, they had to go through a lot of hoops to get him to see the pilot and approve using the posters that adorned Dawson’s bedroom. Kevin also says that Spielberg finally watched the pilot and was fine with everything but, “there was one line in the show where there’s a picture of Kate Capshaw and Dawson said, after Jen left the room, he turns to the picture and goes ‘She’s got a little Kate Capshaw thing going.’ Spielberg saw it and said ‘Please take it out.’”

8:40 PM - James shares his own Spielberg story. “I was at a Laker game when the show was really crazy and I was sitting courtside and I felt a hand on my shoulder and I thought ‘Who is bugging me at a Laker game?’… I turned around and it was Steven Spielberg and he said ‘I like the posters on your wall’ and I said ‘Hi!’”

8:43 PM – One final question comes from a North Carolina resident who asks about the cast’s time in Wilmington. Busy says that she and Michelle Williams have talked about renting a house there with their families and James scoffs, “Michelle’s been talking about that for years! That is never gonna happen!” Busy says that now that she has kids that they’re going to make it happen.

8:45 PM – Since Busy has said that Audrey is grown up and is on “Cougar Town,” where does everyone else think their characters are? Meredith says that Andie is so type-A that she’s probably running an empire somewhere. James says that Dawson probably created a TV series about vampires, which gets a big laugh and round of applause. A fitting end for a nostalgic night.

‘Dawson’s Creek: The Complete Series’ is out Tuesday, November 10 in North America.

Source: The Futon Critic

Mark (Eric Dane) and Addison (Kate Walsh) catch up during last season's crossover event.

The hugely successful crossover episodes of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Private Practice’ last season are in for a sequel.

The two medical dramas are set to crossover this January, with Addison (Kate Walsh) being summoned by McSteamy (Eric Dane) to Seattle Grace to perform a surgery on one of his patients, played by Leven Rabin (‘Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles’).

“Complications arise and Mark ends up taking [Rabin's character] back down to Los Angeles to get more surgery,” says exec producer Shonda Rhimes.

Can this possibly top last season’s brain worm induced seizure/coma/disaster?

Source: TV Guide

Adrian Pasdar

Adrian Pasdar is leaving sci-fi drama ‘Heroes’.

Rumours began circulating early last month of a major character’s death and departure from a former hit series, these latest reports seem to confirm that ‘Heroes’ was in fact the show in question.

NBC would not confirm Pasdar’s exit, however a TV Guide source has since confirmed his departure.

Pasdar was apparently quite blindsided by his ousting, the actor only finding out when he read his characters sudden death the script.

“He was hurt that the producers didn’t tell him first,” said an Entertainment Weekly source. “He deserved better.”

Word is, actors on ‘Heroes’ have long been frustrated by the lack of communication between the set and production office. But, as the insider points out, “This was low even for them.”

Source: TV Guide, Entertainment Weekly

Gregory Itzin is set to reprise his role as ex-president Charles Logan on '24'.

Gregory Itzin is returning to the series to reprise his role as the slightly psychotic ex-preisdent Charles Logan.

Itzin’s love-to-hate character will resurface towards the end of Day 8 when President Allison Taylor (Cherry Jones) reluctantly recruits him to assist with an escalating diplomatic crisis.

Jones and Itzin’s face-off “was simply too compelling to pass up,” said ‘24′ exec producer Howard Gordon.

Ex-president Logan was last seen in season 6, where he was almost killed after being stabbed by his former equally psychotic wife Martha.

At the time, 24’s then-executive producer Jon Cassar revealed that the initial script called for Logan to die. “I did everything I could not to kill him,” he said. “I wanted to give us the [option] to potentially bring him back.”

‘24′ returns with its two-night, four-hour premiere January 17 and 18 on FOX.

Day 8 is expected to commence on 7TWO early next year.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Bad 'Game' - Jeremy 'Junglist' Ray (left) replaced by Stephanie 'Hex' Bendixsen (right)..

Following the public outcry over ABC’s decision to replace ‘Good Game’ co-host Jeremy ‘Junglist’ Ray with Stephanie ‘Hex’ Bendixsen, things have turned even more sour online.

A feud has broken out on the show’s official message board, following a statement posted by the ‘Good Game’ team.

Dear GG’ers

You can’t help but have noticed we’ve been quiet regarding Junglist’s departure from the show which has really sucked because we’re used to having such an honest and open relationship with you.

For all sorts of reasons we are unable to tell you things that have happened over many months inside Team Good Game which have impacted on the production. That’s just real life folks. We know it leaves many questions unanswered but we have reached that point where we really can’t say any more than that.

But we can tell you this much…

The decision to take Junglist off air was not forced upon us by ABC Management and it’s one that is fully supported by all the GG team. We are gutted that it has come to this but in our opinion it absolutely had to happen.

It’s strange for us to read that so many of you think this is because we have suffered a raging case of political correctness gone mad or a wish to dumb the show down. That’s absolutely not right. We, as ever, will continue our quest to bring you the show for gamers by gamers but this has to be our last word on this – we have shows to make!

Finally, we genuinely wish Junglist all the best, and we hope he finds a medium for his awesome analysis and presenting skills that works for him.

Team Good Game Out
(Syd, Bajo, Moe, Tuk, Gog, Mafia, Jeremy Pencil, Palindrome)

Despite attempting to ease viewers minds. Junglist hit back at the statement, claiming foul at the ‘Good Game’ team’s united front.

I can tell you that this is a lie. There was no vote taken, no consensus reached. In fact, the GG team was completely unaware of the change until the same day I found out. The same confidentiality clause that prevented me from saying anything publicly, prevented management from telling them anything.

I have spoken to members of the GG team who clearly DON’T support this, but can’t say anything publicly. Of course they’ll tow the party line. They have to.

Up until now the situation has just been poorly handled. But to now LIE to your own audience, in an effort to save face for replacing an experienced reviewer/presenter with an inexperienced one, is quite simply the lowest thing I’ve ever seen ABC management do.

I feel now as if I’m being professionally attacked, so here’s a truth bomb. In the meeting where I was told I would be replaced, the reason given was they wanted a girl on the show. “Mass appeal” was a direct quote from that meeting. After a half-hour of explaining how they’ll lose their hardcore following, they responded that yes, they knew this, but expected to make up the numbers with a new following. “A show can grow beyond its hardcore base”, is another direct quote.

The decision was forced by ABC management, for a mass appeal direction, and will naturally be dumbed down for the loss of experience.

Following which fellow co-host Steven O’Donnell aka Bajo replied.

We have felt professionally attacked by some of the posts by Jung, with the inability to reply due to confidentiality. So we cannot drop our own ‘truth bomb’. While Junglist may have his own version of events, so do we, and all we ever wanted to do was work with him but it’s not to be, and we are exhuasted by the whole thing, and just want to move on.

I’m really stressed, upset and sad about the whole situation, and I’m not going to be posting on it furthur, as I feel I have said my piece. I stand by Syd, and the team, and the show will go on.

The feud continues on ABC’s official message boards.

Rumer Willis and Jessica Lowndes set to steam things up on The CW's '90210’.

While ‘Gossip Girl’ just teased fans with a random same-sex hook up this past month (another one of Chuck and Blair’s games), fellow CW drama ‘90210’ is set to take things a little further.

The zip’s token lesbian character, played by guest star Rumer Willis, is set to embark on a major same-sex romance with one of the show’s resident female characters.

But it isn’t just a fling, says executive producer/showrunner Rebecca Sinclair.

“We’re coming at this [relationship] from a genuine place and not going, ‘Let’s do a titillating story that will grab some promotion’,” said Sinclair.

“This is a real aspect of teenager life that’s interesting…and there’s been a real void in the 90210 universe in terms of gay and bisexual characters.”

So who’s hooking up with Gia, you ask?

Who else but the show’s go-to-girl for substance abuse and teen pregnancy — Adrianna, played by Jessica Lowndes.

Cause her character hasn’t had enough going this past season and a half.

What do you think? Is this (despite what they say) just another ratings ploy? Or is this set to be a truly organic exploration of teen sexuality?

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Network Ten

Network Ten held their 2010 program launch at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art last night, during which they confirmed plans for a ‘Junior’ edition of cooking comp ‘MasterChef’ and plans for a third digital channel.

“The strength of the MasterChef brand has bolstered the potential for stunt spin-off series as evidenced this year with Celebrity MasterChef and next year we will introduce something really special…Junior MasterChef,” said a Network Ten spokesperson.

Ten’s chief programming officer David Mott confirmed that the network would reveal a third digital channel within the next 12 months — no doubt as a response to the increased competition from GO! and 7TWO.

Ten are likely to replace their standard definition simulcast of sporting channel One, with the third digital channel.

Mott also confirmed that the network has given a commitment Roving Enterprises’ ‘The 7PM Project’, which will continue through the summer and into the new year.

It was announced just last week that Rove McManus would be taking time off from his talk show ‘Rove’ early next year, to focus on improving ‘The 7PM Project’.

Ten will hold similar program launch events in Sydney and Melbourne over the next two days.

Source: Courier Mail

Daryl Somers and Livinia Nixon

The Nine Network are bringing back ‘Hey Hey’ next year, our inside source confirms.

Following the success of the show’s two reunion specials, it comes as little surprise that Nine are keen to get it back on the air.

We’ve been told the entire ‘Hey Hey’ cast will be returning for the revived variety show — except for one person. Any guesses who?

Molly Meldrum.

Despite eventually being allowed to appear on Nine’s reunion specials. The music guru won’t be joining the cast, when the show returns next year. Seven are said to be playing hard ball, banning Meldrum from reappearing on the variety show.

Curiously, the same can’t be said for Red Simmons, who serves as a judge on Seven’s ‘Australia’s Got Talent’.

Whether Seven intends to keep Simmons on the popular talent show, remains to be seen. Though, we can’t imagine Seven are keen to share Simmons with Nine — and vice versa.

As for the format of ‘Hey Hey’s’ return, it’s unclear whether it will be in the form of multiple specials or a more permanent fixture, however we’ve been lead to believe it’s the later.

We’ll keep you updated as more news comes to hand.

Media Release

RUSSELL CROWE IN DAMAGE CONTROL

Coming soon to Channel Seven

Russell Crowe

Russell Crowe is the creative force behind a thrilling new show, DAMAGE CONTROL, which will air on Channel Seven next year.

Oscar‐winning actor Crowe is executive producer and presenter for the show which will give viewers a front row seat to the real life drama and cutting‐edge work being done by medical teams to keep Australia’s elite sports stars at the top of their game.

Australians thrive on the most brutal contact sports in the world. And every day Australia’s most gifted and committed athletes push their bodies to the limit.

From remarkable major surgical procedures to on‐the‐spot treatment techniques, DAMAGE CONTROL shows how far elite sports people will go to reach the peak of their sport and the key role medical personnel play in keeping them there.

DAMAGE CONTROL will feature exclusive and unprecedented access behind the scenes of Australia’s most popular sports, including AFL, NRL, A‐League, basketball, netball and more.

Seven’s Director of Programming and Production Tim Worner says:
“Australians love their sport and they particularly love their sport on TV.

“A compelling factor in the coverage of Australian sports, including rugby league and AFL, is the physical courage displayed in every moment of the game.

“Damage Control reveals the absolute courage of the player in a way not seen before.”

Mikael Borglund, Managing Director and CEO of Beyond International, adds:
“The access is unprecedented. Damage Control will take viewers to where they’ve never been before. It’s compelling viewing and a show Russell is extremely passionate about.”

Produced by Beyond International and South Sydney Media for Channel Seven, DAMAGE CONTROL is coming to Seven in 2010.

Source: Seven Network

Evicted - Colin Egglesfield and Ashlee Simpson-Wentz.

Entertainment Weekly talks to show runners Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer about the major renovations set to take place at 4616 Melrose Place, including the eviction of Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and Colin Egglesfield; and the introduction of some new characters.

What was behind the decision to let Ashlee and Colin go?

Todd Slavkin: Well, we always knew that this murder mystery would end in episode 12. And we always knew that [Ashlee's] character of Violet would be instrumental in that as a suspect, and [Colin's character of] Augie as well. And once that murder mystery was solved, she would go on her way. That was the original plan going into the development of the show.

So it was always the plan for Ashlee to leave after episode 12?

Slavkin: Yes. Because we felt that once the murder mystery was resolved, the tone of the show was going to shift into a much more fun, romantic, sexy upbeat kind of show, and [her] character would move on.

Same thing with Colin?

Slavkin: Colin was always meant to be the ultimate suspect. And his brooding alcoholic [character] tonally didn’t fit the paradigm moving into post-murder mystery Melrose Place.

Is it fair to say that if either of those characters clicked you would’ve found a way to keep them?

Slavkin: Well, you never know when you go along. But in the end, we felt like it was right [decision].

Darren Swimmer: The nature of soaps is that as things progress along, the story takes on a life of its own and the characters come and go in relation to that.

How did Ashlee and Colin take the news?

Slavkin: They’re total professionals and they took it like professionals. When you go into a show you never know what’s going to evolve and what the possibilities are. But because they knew ahead of time [that leaving was a possibility], it wasn’t a complete shock.

People are going to look at these changes and assume it’s a direct result of the show’s disappointing ratings.

Slavkin: Well, I understand that perspective. None of us foresaw the ratings; there’s nothing we can do about that. All we can do is write and produce the best show we know how. It’s fine to speculate, but in the end there was always a plan.

What about Laura Leighton and Thomas Calabro? Are they leaving, too?

Slavkin: Thomas is very much a part of the fabric of this show. Many storylines are ahead for him. You’ll get to see him interact with his old friend Amanda Woodward as well as all the characters on our show. With Laura, we would never close the door officially. She did her part in the murder mystery. We love her. We think she is gorgeous and a great actress and would love to have her be involved in the future, but there is no plan at the moment.

Can you elaborate on the tonal shift?

Slavkin: Now that the characters are no longer suspects, they can have a great time, they can focus on their careers, they can get into bed with each other without having this ominous cloud hanging over the building… But this is still Melrose Place. There’s still going to be intrigue on the show.

Do you think viewers were turned off by the dark nature of the show?

Swimmer: Who knows why the ratings aren’t better? I think for us, it’s just a matter of moving on in the direction we [always] wanted to go.

Some people might wonder why you’re fixing what’s not broken. Personally, I love the show.

Slavkin: Which we understand and I totally get that. I think our feeling is that TV shows need to evolve. Mike, you’re a fan of Smallville. You’ve watched that show and you’ve seen the evolution in that show. Characters come and go. This being much more of a soap opera, we feel that it’s heated up more rapidly, where characters come and go and have arcs and move on. There will be new characters coming in.

Tell me about those new characters.

Slavkin: There’s a doctor, a new resident at the hospital who is irreverent and funny and will mix it up and move into the building. He will be a roommate of one of the characters and interact with Lauren. He’s a guy that, even though he’s a doctor, he doesn’t take life very seriously. Medicine can be very fun as well as serious to him and he ends up lightening up Lauren. We think this guy’s a lot of fun and is going to mix it up in a great way with the rest of the cast.

Has the role been cast?

Slavkin: Not yet.

Any other new characters?

Swimmer: We have [Heather Locklear's] new love interest played by Billy Campbell. He has a three-episode arc. He plays basically a billionaire version of Jonah. He’s the equivalent of a Mark Cuban. Again, a lot of fun, funny, irreverent, and is someone who can actually make Amanda Woodward smile.

How long do you have Heather for?

Slavkin: A long time. She’s in every episode moving forward. She’s a major focus [of the show]. She has a hidden agenda that will become not so hidden as the episodes move along. She’s not just the boss of Ella [Katie Cassidy].

Does Heather still have it?

Slavkin: Absolutely. Not only is she so fun as Amanda, but she’s such an amazing, hysterical woman. Her [return] is going to be a big moment on Melrose Place.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Stephanie ‘Hex’ Bendixsen

MORE: Fans outraged over ‘Good Game’ host change — read here.

Stephanie Bendixsen, or ‘Hex’ as she is better known in the gaming world will join Good Game’s Steven ‘Bajo’ O’Donnell for the latest gaming news and events in Good Game SP, the teen sibling to ABC2’s Good Game.

It’s a show for gamers, by gamers, bringing you the latest news, reviews, tips and more.

Stephanie Bendixsen

POSITION: Good Game SP Presenter

BORN: 31 March, 1985

HOMETOWN: Sydney

ACTIVITIES: Gaming, singing, horse riding, art

INTERESTS: The internet, Dunk, Powerpop and live music, acting, sci-fi, fantasy novels and being a geek

FAVOURITE TV SHOWS: The Big Bang Theory, Firefly, Battle Star Galactica

STRANGEST HABIT: I have a pretty weird ritual when it comes to making tea – and if it’s disrupted I won’t drink it.

MOST OBSCURE FACT ABOUT ME: I’ve kept a diary since I was six. I am obsessed with documenting my life

FAVOURITE QUOTE: “Angelheaded hipsters burning for the ancient heavenly connection to the starry dynamo in the machinery of the night.” – Howl, Allen Ginsberg

MOST INSPIRATIONAL: My parents. They’re worldly and supportive, and share a wealth of knowledge between them.

WHY ME FOR ABC3? : I’m fun and enthusiastic. I’m all about having a good time and sharing my geekiness with everyone!

IF I WASN’T DOING THIS I’D BE: Travelling the World

Source: Countdown to 3

Hannah Wang

Sydneysider Hannah Wang will join competition snowboarder Chris Boadle to co-host Rush TV, a fast-paced blur of action sports and urban culture.

Full of epic sequences from the world of action sports, Rush TV also looks at the music, fashion and art that surround them.

In between filming, Hannah gave us this exclusive interview.

Hannah Wang

POSITION: Co-host for the best action sports show ever… Rush TV

BORN: Auburn Hospital, Sydney

HOMETOWN: Manly Beach… The one and only!

ACTIVITIES: Skydiving, Scubadiving, Rockclimbing, Snowboarding, ANY action sports!!! yee haahh!!! Dancing, taking photos… This list goes on and on….

INTERESTS: fashion, music, psychology, animals, nature… Again the list goes on and on…

FAVOURITE TV SHOWS: Summer Heights High, The Sopranos, Scrubs, Mythbusters, Gossip Girl

STRANGEST HABIT: I have to put a finger in my belly button whenever I am near a grave yard… just so the ghosts don’t get in!

MOST INSPIRATIONAL: my wonderful mum!

MOST OBSCURE FACT ABOUT ME: I can’t throw away food. I’ll keep even half-eaten food like half an apple, half a tub of yoghurt, a couple of grains of rice etc in the fridge thinking I’ll eat it, but it’s always in there til it rots.

FAVOURITE QUOTE: “I refuse to tip toe through life to arrive safely at death”.

WHY ME FOR ABC3? : Because I’m gutsy and slightly crazy…and I have lots of fun doin it!

IF I WASN’T DOING THIS I’D BE: jumping out of planes.

Source: Countdown to 3

Scott Tweedie

Hosted by Scott Tweedie from Brisbane, ‘Prank Patrol’ proves that somewhere, sometime, a big time prank is about to be pulled…all in the name of good fun.

Along with two prank-loving Ninjas, you may get the chance to execute the prank of a lifetime on your chosen target.

Scotty sat down for a minute between pranks to tell us about his favourite things.

Scott Tweedie

POSITION: Host of ‘Prank Patrol’

BORN: 29 January, 1988

HOMETOWN: Brisbane

ACTIVITIES: Surfing (although very bad), running, filming and editing whatever, sport including touch football and mixed netball.

INTERESTS: Pranking teachers and friends, going to the beach, following my favourite football team – The Broncos.

FAVOURITE TV SHOWS: NRL Footy Show, Family Guy, The Simpsons, Friends, Two and a Half Men, The Chaser, ABC News, Getaway.

STRANGEST HABIT: I hate having clean hair. I will go to all lengths to get it as dirty as possible after I wash it by putting surfboard wax in my hair.

MOST OBSCURE FACT ABOUT ME: When I was 13-years-old, I put chemical peroxide in my hair. I was burning but I thought it was “part of the process” and as a result I now have grey hairs on top of my hair from it. It has killed the pigments in my hair.

FAVOURITE QUOTE: “To infinity and beyond.” – Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story.

MOST INSPIRATIONAL: The State of Origin 2006 in Brisbane. It put shivers down my spine and tears in my eyes. The whole team are legends.

WHY ME FOR ABC3? : I suppose my love of life and passion to have fun all day long and be a kid for a few more years attracted me to ABC3. Now I can’t wait to start my pranks…watch out Australia!!

IF I WASN’T DOING THIS I’D BE: Studying at uni and probably straining my brain for ideas to start a business….any ideas?

Source: Countdown to 3

Amberley Lobo, Ben Crawley and Kayne Tremills

‘Studio 3′ will be the hub for everything that happens on the new ABC3 – it’ll be the place where it all comes together.

Hosted by Amberley Lobo and Kayne Tremills, ‘Studio 3′ is an entertaining mix of fun, games, competitions, guests and more.

Joining them is roving reporter Ben Crawley, taking ABC3 to the streets.

Countdown to 3 sat down for a chat with Amberley, Kayne and Ben to find out why they were chosen for ABC3.

Amberley Lobo

POSITION: Upright

BORN: 30 October, 1990

HOMETOWN: Perth, Southside

ACTIVITIES: I like to play street soccer, front yard cricket, Sharapova tennis, water bomb fights and 44-home. I also like to rap and rip up the streets with my epic dance moves.

INTERESTS: One of my biggest interests would have to be learning; I love having a go at new things. I want to see as much as I can and experience as much as I can.

FAVOURITE TV SHOWS: Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Psych, Hustle, Flight of the Conchords and The Bill.

STRANGEST HABIT: I like to wear shorts all year round.

MOST OBSCURE FACT ABOUT ME: Straight out of school I was fighting crime in the police force as a police cadet.

FAVOURITE QUOTE: “I’d rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not.” And “conquer your shyness, embrace your flyness” – both by Kanye West.

MOST INSPIRATIONAL: Glen McGrath

WHY ME FOR ABC3? : It’s my dream job. I love entertaining people and having fun which is what ABC3 is all about.

IF I WASN’T DOING THIS I’D BE: Keeping it real at uni.

Kayne Tremills

POSITION: ABC3 host

BORN: 23 January, 1987

HOMETOWN: Melbourne

ACTIVITIES: Run workshops for
a exploring life

INTERESTS: Running, surfing, skating, drumming, music, TV, learning things, taking risks.

FAVOURITE TV SHOWS: Anything with superheros in it and Getaway.

STRANGEST HABIT: Talking to myself whilst lying in bed.

MOST OBSCURE FACT ABOUT ME: I keep a baby photo of myself in my room to remind me not to grow up too much.

FAVOURITE QUOTE: “When ya livin’ to love, you’re lovin’ to live”. Donovan Frankenreiter

MOST INSPIRATIONAL: Jim Stynes, my Grandpa and my mates.

WHY ME FOR ABC3? : Because I’m a ball of electric energy and I don’t take much seriously.

IF I WASN’T DOING THIS I’D BE: Chillin’ out with the kids of Oz…dreaming big!

Ben Crawley

POSITION: ABC3 Roving Reporter

BORN: 13 November, 1987

HOMETOWN: Adelaide

ACTIVITIES: Footy, acoustic guitar, going to the beach, working, uni, laughing, running, body boarding, doing silly stuff.

INTERESTS: Travelling, music, documentaries, politics, history, unusual facts, news, animals, sport, cooking.

FAVOURITE TV SHOWS: Entourage, ABC News, 60 Minutes, Louis Theroux, Prison Break, Getaway, Amazing Race.

STRANGEST HABIT: I eat a Mi Goreng noodle pack every day.

MOST OBSCURE FACT ABOUT ME: I can’t sit still for more than five minutes. Sometimes I can push for six but it’s rare.

FAVOURITE QUOTE: “You only live once and if you work on it right, once is enough.” Joe E. Louis

MOST INSPIRATIONAL: I meet people every day that have an inspirational effect on me in some unique way.

WHY ME FOR ABC3? : Because I want to have fun and get paid for it!!

IF I WASN’T DOING THIS I’D BE: Studying marketing and politics at uni.

Source: Countdown to 3

Pauley Perrette

Don’t freak out. She’s not permanently jumping ship. It’s more of a holiday in ‘Los Angeles’ gone awry.

Abby, will touch down at LAX only to be abducted by some unknown crims.

Pauley Perrette’s appearance on ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ is set to air November 24 on CBS.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Joss Whedon

If you hadn’t already fallen in love with the musical stylings of ‘Glee’, then check this.

The man who took ‘Buffy’ to new heights with the infamous musical episode “Once More, With Feeling” and created the hilarious ‘Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog’, is set to drop by William McKinley High School this season to direct one of the back-nine episodes of ‘Glee’.

Who am I talking about? Joss Whedon of course.

The television genius jumped at the opportunity, when approached by 20th Century Fox Television (who are also behind Whedon’s ‘Dollhouse’) about directing an episode of the underdog musical comedy.

Even ‘Glee’ co-creator, Ryan Murphy, spoke high praise of his fellow writer/director, “Joss directed one of the great musical episodes in the history of television on Buffy, so this is a great, if unexpected, fit. I’m thrilled he’ll be loaning us his fantastic groundbreaking talent.”

But ‘Dollhouse’ fans, don’t get your nickers in a twist. This doesn’t spell the end to the Eliza Dushku drama.

“This doesn’t mean Dollhouse definitely won’t get a back-nine,” said Whedon. “We’re not exactly saving all the good stuff for 14-22, but nobody’s closed the door. If (Dollhouse) suddenly busts wide, huzzah, we’ll still bring it, and I’ll still go and direct an episode of Glee.”

So what are your thoughts? Whedon, directing an episode of ‘Glee’? Perfect fit or what?

Source: Entertainment Weekly, Whedonesque

'Southland' may find a new home on cable channel TNT.

Fans of the cancelled NBC cop drama can breath a little easier, with word that John Wells is in talks with two networks about finding a new home for the series.

The executive producer called actors late last week to let them know about the recent negotiations.

While it hasn’t been confirmed which networks are in the running, it’s believed that the Warner Bros. owned cable channel TNT is the top contender.

However, even if a deal can be struck, production on the series may not resume any time soon, as the series may restart from the beginning of the first season.

13 episodes have been produced all up, just enough for a standard cable television cycle.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

The following is an excerpt from the Los Angeles Times article ‘Megan Mullally at the age of freedom’ by Irene Lacher.

Megan Mullally, famous from 'Will & Grace,' has been appearing in 'The Receptionist' at Odyssey Theatre. (Anne Cusack, Los Angeles Times)

After Karen, Mullally was offered a broad array of opportunities on TV and the stage. Some worked and some didn’t, like her short-lived talk show and the series “In the Motherhood.” Nonetheless, her choices proved she hadn’t been typecast as a narcissist with a high-pitched voice. And that knowledge freed her to contemplate creating a Broadway show around her popular character, tentatively titled “Karen: The Musical.”

She recently secured the rights from NBC and backing from Fox Theatricals. “The Drowsy Chaperone” director Casey Nickolaw is attached to the project, and Jeff Blumen- krantz, an actor-composer she met in the 1995 Broadway revival of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” is writing the songs. Leslie Jordan, who played Karen’s nemesis, Beverley Leslie, on “Will,” is set to return. And now the creators are looking for a book writer.

“The main thing is Karen is such a great character, and people really want to see her again,” she says. “Even jaded people in our business are giggling. Also, nobody has taken their sitcom character and done a big Broadway musical.”

She envisions a limited run in L.A. before taking the show to New York and around the world. Of course, she’d have to work that into a busy schedule that includes appearing in “Children’s Hospital” — Rob Corddry’s Web satire of doctor shows, which has been picked up by Adult Swim — and in “Party Down,” replacing Jane Lynch’s character in Starz’s offbeat comedy about a catering company.

“I don’t like to be elitist in any way,” she says. “I like to do little things, like ‘Children’s Hospital,’ which is very, very cult. But then I also like doing really commercial things like the talk show and ‘Karen: The Musical.’ I like to keep all my options open. I don’t see why you wouldn’t.”

Source: Los Angeles Times

J.J. Abrams

On whether he’s in for shepherding the “Star Trek” franchise for the long haul, or planning a movie-by-movie involvement:

J.J. Abrams: That’s a wonderfully optimistic question and I appreciate that, but the answer is that it’s obviously just movie-to-movie. The fact that we are now actively discussing the second film is surreal and very nice, and I’m thrilled. I hope that that results in something worthy of your time. But it’s one of those things that you just don’t know. And so I cannot presume it’s gonna be a series that goes beyond those. Do we have ideas for a few movies and have we discussed them? Of course. You can’t help but go “Oh, it would be really cool if we could do this or if we can set that up there!” You throw those things around. But we can’t presume it’s going to be anything more than now another film that we’re lucky enough to do.

On whether he plans to bring further elements of established “Star Trek” lore into the re-imagined franchise:

Abrams: Going forward, the fun of this movie series is that we will have the opportunity – given its alternate timeline – to cross paths with any of the experiences, places and characters that existed in the original series. We have to be really careful, obviously, doing that. I don’t want to do something that is so inside that only die-hard fans will appreciate. We’re just now working on the script and just beginning the process of story-breaking, but I guarantee you whatever the story is and whatever the final movie ends up being, I know it will be something that will work on its own terms and be something that you don’t need to know and study “Star Trek” to get. But if you are a fan, there will hopefully be gift after gift of connections, references, characters that you hold near and dear. At least, that’s the intent.

On the possibility of shooting the “Star Trek” sequel in 3-D:

Abrams: Paramount talked to me about doing the first one in 3-D and, having it only be my second film, I was petrified just at the addition of it. I thought it would be another dimension of pain-in-the-ass. I was just like, “I want to make a decent 2-D movie.” I was so worried that instead of being a decent 2-D movie it would have been a bad 3-D one. I’m open to looking at it because now I feel a little bit more comfortable. And, if I, in fact, direct the “Star Trek” sequel, 3-D could be really fun, so I’m open to it. What I’ve seen of “Avatar” makes me want to do it because it’s so crazy-cool looking.

On revisiting the notion of including William Shatner in the sequel:

Abrams: The Shatner thing comes up quite a bit. As someone who was a William Shatner fan, in a huge way, just because of “The Twilight Zone” episodes he did, and then completely appreciating what he did in “Star Trek,” but not really becoming a fan until I started working on this movie, it was a foregone conclusion that we wanted Shatner in the movie. The problem was that his character died on screen in one of the “Trek” films, and because we decided very early on, that we wanted to adhere to “Trek” canon as best we could – which was a huge challenge, because even the original series in many ways didn’t always adhere to “Trek” canon – the required machinations to get Shatner into the movie would have been very difficult to do, given the story we wanted to tell, and also to give him the kind of part that he would be happy with. It was this thing where it would have felt like a gimmick, in order to get Shatner in the movie, which would have honestly, to me, been distracting. Having said that, would it have been fun to have him in the movie? Of course. Would it be great to work with him? No doubt. I was as excited to work with him as I was Mr. Nimoy, who we luckily did have in the film… In terms of moving forward, I am open to anything. I would love to figure out something, given the challenge of introducing these new characters and given the burden of having to cast these people. I feel like the first movie did some of the heavy lifting that needed to be done, in order to free us to continue, going forward. Maybe there’s less of a burden and there’s going to be more opportunity to work with him again. I would love to work with him. We speak. We actually have a lunch date planned. I’m a fan. I’m a friend of his. Or, he’s at least a friend of mine. He may say otherwise on his blog today. I have no idea. But, I really couldn’t like him more and would love to work with him.

On the potential for incorporating “Star Trek’s” tradition of current events allegories and philosophical metaphors into the storyline of the sequel:

Abrams: It’s hard to give a blanket answer to that question. I do think that, whether it’s “Star Trek” or anything – whatever is being investigated, created or produced now, in movies or TV needs to consider the context in which it is being distributed. It’s not a vacuum. There are certain universal themes of love, conflict, loyalty or family that are everlasting and that need to be presented in a way that makes it feel relevant, even if it’s a period piece. You need to consider what context that film, that story and those characters are being seen in. But having said that, with “Star Trek” it’s not like we’re looking to make the second movie some kind of heavy political allegory. I think that it’s important that there is metaphor to what we know and that there is relevance, and I think allegory is the thing that made shows like “The Twilight Zone” and “Star Trek” resonate and still be vital today. But because the first movie was so much about introducing these people and it was very much a premise movie about how to bring these people together, it made it difficult to also have the film go as deep as it could, about certain conflict, certain relationships and the heart of who some of these characters are. I think it was successful in what it needed to do to introduce these people, but I feel like now that we’ve done that, it is the job of the next film to go a little bit deeper. It shouldn’t be any less fun or take itself too seriously, but consider who these people are now and grow with them, and just examine them a little more closer, now that we’ve gotten through the pleasantries and introductions.

On Leonard Nimoy’s recent suggestion that future “Star Trek” films just might not need him anymore:

Abrams: I can’t imagine a “Star Trek” movie not needing him. I’m sure that what he’s saying is a combination of modesty and honesty. He may actually feel that way. But, the truth is, we could never have made this movie without him, and working with him again would be a joy. It is clearly too early, given that we are just now talking story, to conclude whether or not Spock Prime is in the film or not. Do I want to work with him again? Of course, one hundred percent. I’d love to.

On what to expect from Nimoy in his role on the Abrams-produced TV series “Fringe”:

Abrams: In terms of his role as William Bell, none of us could believe our luck that we convinced him to say yes to being on the show. He is wonderful on the show. And, I will say that this is not the last you will see of his character… I don’t want to give anything away, but this is not the last you’ll see of him. He is so good and so wonderful to work with that I wouldn’t limit the possibilities of what he’ll get to do.

On the notion of having Nimoy reprise his ’60s TV role of Paris in a fourth “Mission: Impossible” film – and possibly other original cast members as well:

Abrams: How cool would that be? I just got a call that Peter Graves is in great shape, which would be a very bizarre bend in the space-time continuum, for obvious reasons. I almost feel like you could make him serious again and bring him back. Whether it’s Nimoy, who I have an incredible affinity for, or Graves or anyone, we’ll see. I actually tried to get Martin Landau in “Mission 3,” in a very small little moment just for fun, and was told that he had no interest in doing it. But then, when I met him, after the movie came out, it was the greatest thing. We were at this restaurant in New York for one of the TV Upfront parties, and someone introduced me to Landau. They took me over and Martin Landau came over to me, extended his hand, and [pretended to lift a false face off]. That was the greatest thing I’d ever seen!

On the rest of his future plans in film and TV:

Abrams: Jeff Pinkner and Joel Wyman are running “Fringe” very well. We’re still very involved in that, but they’re running that. We have a new series that we just sold to NBC that we’re going to be producing. It’s a pilot. And there’s a movie that I’m writing that I would love to direct, early next year, so we’ll see if that comes to fruition. There’s a movie [I'm producing] called “Morning Glory” that’s coming out next year – with Harrison Ford, Rachel McAdams and Diane Keaton – that’s being edited now. Roger Michell directed that. And we’re obviously hard at work on “Star Trek 2″ and “Mission: Impossible 4.” There’s a LOT that we’re working on.

Source: ComingSoon.net

According to an article by the Sydney Morning Herald, Hamish Blake, one half of the Hamish & Andy comedy duo, has been titled the king of television so to speak, being named the most popular personality on television. Meanwhile, the Seven Network laments over cancelling ‘The Hamish & Andy Show’ “too early”.

Brightest stars ... Radio jocks Hamish and Andy. Inset, Magda Szubanski and Andrew Denton.

Radio jock Hamish surprise king of TV

PAUL MCINTYRE
October 9, 2009

ANDREW Denton, move aside please. The radio jock Hamish Blake is now the most popular TV personality in Australia, according to a 10-year consumer survey probing the rise and fall of 800 of TV biggest on-air names.Some predict Blake’s skyrocketing popularity – whose main gig is the Hamish & Andy radio show on 2DayFM with Andy Lee – means he and Lee are now worth at least $1 million a year each on radio alone as advertisers begin their stampede to exploit his popularity.

Blake now joins a select bunch of names including Sigrid Thornton, Hugh Jackman, Magda Szubanski and Andrew Denton to have topped the TV celebrity popularity list in the past 10 years. Blake’s partner-in-crime, Lee, is ranked 19th in the latest “Personality Q Scores” from the TV research group Audience Development Australia.

The tightly held figures are used by TV broadcasters and advertisers to monitor which TV names are rising and falling in the public eye.

And in a grand twist another 2Day radio jock, Kyle Sandilands, has tumbled in the figures, while Szubanski is up two spots to No. 4. Sandilands, who was taken off air for the second time this year after his jab over Szubanski and concentration camps, is the most disliked personality of the 800 names listed.

The rapid rise of Blake, who displaced Denton for the top spot (Denton remains in the top 10 despite withdrawing from on-air presenting), has surprised industry executives, who say such status is usually reserved for veteran TV identities. Moreover, Blake does not have his own TV gig after the Seven Network dumped The Hamish & Andy Show when it debuted in 2005. Many believe that will change quickly.

“No one picked this,” said the managing director of Audience Development Australia, David Castran. “His rise has been phenomenally quick, and he hasn’t peaked yet.

”He could sit on top of this poll for the next two years.”

A combination of Blake’s broad exposure – he appears regularly on top-rating TV shows across most TV networks including Spicks and Specks, Rove and Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation – and his ability to be funny without the nastiness, has endeared him to viewers.

Network Seven’s director of programming, Tim Worner, told the Herald he made a mistake dumping the pair’s show too early after launch and has an open invitation for them to do something again.

“We did cut too early. Their act probably wasn’t as mature as it is now but we also could have given them more freedom. To be critical of myself, we should have backed them a bit more than we did. And don’t think they ever let me forget that. They’re always bagging me. Will they do TV again? Only if they want to.”

Source: Sydney Morning Herlad

Julianna Margulies is 'The Good Wife'.

CBS has given full-season pickups to the its Tuesday-night rookie duo ‘NCIS: Los Angles’ and ‘The Good Wife’.

‘NCIS: Los Angeles’, co-created by Aussie Shane Brennan, consistently ranks among the top 15 in adults 18-49 (4.1 rating/11 share) and has become the highest rated new series of the season, averaging 17.5 million viewers overall.

Meanwhile, ‘The Good Wife’ which follows ‘Los Angeles’ in the 10 pm slot, ranks No. 2 among new series in viewers, averaging 13.7 million overall (3.0/8 in adults 18-49).

Network Ten seem to have hit a running streak here, scoring all three series currently on order for a full-season. The network’s underdog musical comedy ‘Glee’, was the first series of the season to receive a full-season pickup last month.

Other shows expected to receive the nod are ‘The Vampire Diaries’ currently airing on GO! and ‘FlashForward’ on the Seven Network.

‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ airs 8.30pm Wednesdays on Network Ten.
‘Glee’ airs 7.30pm Thursdays on Network Ten.
‘The Good Wife’ has yet to premiere on Network Ten.

Source: Variety

Rashida Jones

TV Guide sat down with Rashida Jones and discussed some of the big things that are coming this season on ‘Parks and Recreation’.

How is the show different this season?

I hope that people who watch The Office can now see that it’s definitely different, but it’s the kind of thing that you would want to watch if you like that show. Hopefully there’s enough distance now. It’s like becoming friends with an ex once you’ve had a little time after you broke up. Hopefully we’ll be able to be friends now.

Ann and Mark (Paul Schneider) have been getting close. How is that going to progress?

It seems like Ann and Mark are spending more time together. She likes him more than she expected to. She’s going to give it a shot. In a way, anything is better than Andy [Chris Pratt].

Is that going to affect her relationship with Leslie?

There’s always going to be a tiny bit of that tension, but it is something that they discussed ad nauseum in the first couple of episodes to make sure it was not a big deal. Leslie is definitely going to be moving on in the next couple episodes. They’re decidedly more mature than I would ever be about something like that.

Do you think there’s a chance that Ann and Andy will get back together?

I do. Andy is having a tough time right now realizing what good care Ann took of him, maybe too good of care. The truth is that they do love each other, but I think there’s too much of a son-mother relationship with them right now. If they can somehow shift that, I think there’s still love with them. Definitely.

What’s going on with the pit?

We definitely get some progression when it comes with the pit. We get a little good news; we get more movement than we expected to get so quickly. We try to be a little proactive about it.

That park is never going to be built.

Maybe, maybe not. Based on the way things really happen, you’re probably right.

Have they talked about a crossover with The Office?

No, it would be so weird. It would be like the Twilight Zone with me involved. We’ve never talked about it. I think [executive producers] Mike Schur and Greg Daniels are so committed to the realistic element that I’m the red herring there. As long as I’m not involved, I feel like they could do a little crossing over.

Fred Armisen is guest-starring this season. Who does he play?

He’s one of the funniest people on the planet. He plays the head of a small Venezuelan town’s parks department, and he comes to visit. They’re like our sister city and we have total misconceptions about him and his department. We think they’re small-town-small-minded, and they turn out to be a lot more sophisticated than us.

Your dad produced Michael Jackson’s Thriller album; did you ever get a chance to meet him?

I did when I was a kid. He was around a lot. My dad worked with him since he was 18 years old.

How did you feel about his passing?

It was definitely sad. I felt like he had been publicly made into a bit of an animal, which I never really liked and I thought was pretty tragic. He took his own missteps in his own life, but I think as a public we were kind of ungenerous about him and his own isolation. It’s been making me sad for 10 years. In a sense, I’m devastated by his loss, but I felt like he was unhappy.

At least now he’s being celebrated. It’s sad that it comes with his death.

Right, well that’s the thing that bums me out so much. Why can’t we celebrate our heroes while they’re still alive?

Source: TV Guide

'Lost' - The Final Season, 2010

TV Guide recently chatted with a few cast members of ‘Lost’, here’s what they found out.

Emmy winner Michael Emerson, being just as enigmatic as his character, promised the final season would resolve some but not all of fans’ questions.

“I don’t know if they’ll be fully satisfied or not,” said Emerson. “I don’t know if we want to be fully satisfied. I think it’s always best to go away wanting a little more.”

While Emerson wasn’t willing to divulge any juice goss, co-stars Jorge Garcia, Daniel Dae Kim, and Terry O’Quinn did clarify a few things for us, which have been bugging us since the cliff-hanger season finale last May.

First up, yep, the bomb exploded!

“Basically a bomb went off at the end of the last one and all bets are off,” said Garcia. Adds Kim: “At the end of last season there was a big explosion.” Neither of them guaranteed that the bomb was “Jughead”, but we’ll just assume it was to keep our heads from spinning.

Secondly, we haven’t seen the last of Juliet. Sources say Elizabeth Mitchell, just flew back from shooting in Hawaii and that she may return there to shoot again.

Also, despite the many rumours of all the MIA cast members returning, we mostly likely HAVE seen the last of Libby. “It looks like we’re probably not going to see Libby,” said Garcia. “They’ll probably deal with the story, but [Cynthia Watros] may not be joining us.”

Finally, whatever the writers have planned for the final season is more than worthy of the show’s past secrets and big reveals. O’Quinn promises that first episode of season six will be nothing less than “wow”.

“When I read the first script, it’s the first time in the whole series that I said, ‘Wow, that’s amazing,’” he said.

So now that we know those few tiny tid bits, what else are we expecting to find out when the final chapter graces our screens?

Source: TV Guide

Mischa Barton

After only two episodes on the air, The CW have pulled ‘The Beautiful Life’ from its schedule, marking the first cancellation of the season.

The series only managed to pull 1.1 million viewers for its second episode this week, down from a measly 1.5 million during its premiere.

Production of the seventh episode was shut down on Friday, following the decision from the network.

The Ashton Kutcher produced drama will be replaced by repeats of ‘Melrose Place’, effective immediately.

With only has one mid-season drama up The CW’s sleeve, ‘Life UneXpected’, let’s hope the extra exposure for ‘Melrose’ helps it avoid the same fate as ‘The Beautiful Life’.

Source: TV Guide

Sophia Bush

Entertainment Weekly is reporting a couple of CW pick ups this morning.

The network have picked up ‘One Tree Hill’ for a full season, bringing to season total to 22 episodes. The show has been one of the networks strongest performers this season, topping ‘Gossip Girl’ this past week with 2.5 million viewers.

Meanwhile, the network have also ordered nine additional scripts for ‘The Vampire Diaries’, which scored the highest series premiere for The CW with 4.9 million viewers. Curiously, they haven’t picked it up for a full season just yet.

Finally, six more scripts were ordered for ‘Melrose Place’, which has struggled to find an audience this season. The network hopes the ratings will see a turn around once Heather Locklear arrives on November 17.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Longueville Road, in North Sydney’s Lane Cove was transformed into a neon clad Kings Cross last week, for the filming of Nine’s ‘Underbelly: The Golden Mile’.

The third chapter of the famed ‘Underbelly’ series, acts as a bridge between last year’s ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ and 2007’s original breakout series.

‘The Golden Mile’ will delve further into Sydney’s dark past, while focussing on the notorious party strip during the late 80’s and early 90’s.

Lane Cove's Longueville Road was transported back in time.

Kings Cross' notorious strip is explored in the new series.

A cast member walks through the finely detailed set.

The infamous Pink Pussycat strip club, which closed in 2003, features in the show.

The series will begin in 1989 and again depict Sydney's criminals and crooked cops.

Spectators look on as filming continues on the third installment.

Source: Getty, Nine News

Meaghan Jette Martin, Larry Miller and Lindsey Shaw from ABC Family's '10 Things I Hate About You'.

Just a week after the season finale of ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ went to air, ABC Family have quickly pushed through an order for another 10-episode season of the single-camera comedy.

Based on the feature by the same name, the half-hour show follows the two Stratford sisters, Kat and Bianca, as they try navigate the social shark tank that is high school.

The series was developed for television by Carter Covington (‘Greek’),with original film’s director, Gil Junger, serving as a consultant and director on the series.

With production resuming over the next few months, the series is expected to return for its second season shortly after the new year.

Maura Tierney

NBC has begun recasting the role left by Maura Tierney, following the news that she’d be pulling out of the midseason series, ‘Parenthood’.

Tierney, who was diagnosed with breast cancer several months ago had been undergoing treatment and hoped to return to the show in November, when the series was scheduled to resume production.

It now appears that Tierney’s treatment will take much longer, so NBC will recast the role in order to make their postponed midseason launch date.

“Ms. Tierney and her doctors remain confident that the outcome of her treatments will be positive,” said Tierney’s spokeswoman on Thursday. “She is deeply disappointed that she will not be able to rejoin such a highly respected, talented, fun and funny group of actors and wishes to thank Jason Katims and NBC for their patience and support.”

Early reports from upfronts applauded Tierney for her strong performance in the pilot, as a contemporary version of Dianne Wiest’s character from the movie.

“While we are saddened that Maura Tierney won’t be able to continue in her current role in ‘Parenthood,’ our main concern is for her quick and full recovery,” said an NBC spokesman. “Our thoughts and best wishes are with her.”

‘Parenthood’ will premiered midseason on NBC.

'Supernatural' stars Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles.

According to Entertainment Weekly, ‘Supernatural’ is set to wrap things up when the fifth season ends next year.

Series creator and show runner Eric Kripke admits that he always set our to tell a “five-season storyline”.

“Quite frankly, I never expected [the show] to make it to five years. But now that we’re in our fifth year, I have every intention of ending the story with a bang and not drawing it out or watering it down.”

While this all sounds rather conclusive, ‘Supernatural’ fans will be happy to hear that there’s a slight catch to this statement.

“That having been said,” Kripke adds, “I’m looking at this season as the last chapter in this particular story. That doesn’t mean there can’t be a new story. Buffy did it. The X-Files did it. You close a chapter on a big mythology storyline and then you begin a new one.”

Assuming that the show even gets picked up for a sixth season, Kripke says, “We’ll answer a bunch of questions this season and then pose some new ones next season.”

On whether not Kripke would still be involved if the show gets renewed, “I don’t know, I’m going to cross that bridge when I get to it.”

With ‘Smallvile’ and ‘Supernatural’ being the only two successful male skewed shows on The CW’s line up, it’d come as a surprise if the paramornal drama didn’t get picked up for yet another season. However the network would have to enter negotiations with the ‘Supernatural’ show runner, as his current contract expires following the conclusion of this upcoming fifth season.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Isabel Lucas

24-year-old actress Isabel Lucas has resigned from her loyalty to appear in an animal rights documentary with former pal and fellow actress Elissa Sursara. The documentary, ‘Rights Revoked’, has been of profound interest to Animal Planet.

The ‘Transformers’ star, who currently awaits the release of her latest flick ‘DayBreakers’ says that while there are no hard feelings between her and Sursara, she feels there may be tension between the two, “Particularly if we are filming things that may trigger anger and other messy emotions.”

21-year-old Sursara has not announced plans to suspend the documentaries progress and it assumed the production will go on.

Lucas, who previously dated ‘Entourage’ star Adrian Grenier assures that she and Sursara are not fighting, but have simply grown distant.

Says the blonde actress, “There is no fight, nothing happened. But over time you lose touch and we lost touch. It’s going to be a great project, I’m sure someone else has already replaced me.”

As part of the global “Can’t Stop the Serenity” event, Melbourne Browncoats will be screening Joss Whedon’s feature film ‘Serenity’ and web series ‘Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog’ at the VCA Federation Hall in Southbank, Melbourne.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to Equality Now, a international human rights advocacy group.

Date: Sunday, 30 August 2009
Location: VCA Federation Hall, 234 St Kilda Road, Southbank, Melbourne
Time: 12-4:30pm (Doors open at 11:30am)
Tickets: $15 advance online via GreenTix (plus booking fees) or $20 at the door (cash only).

For more details visit Melbourne Browncoats.

There’s also the chance to win a number of prizes including items signed by Joss Whedon, Tim Minear, Alan Tudyk, Nathan Fillion, Jewel Staite, Ron Glass, Jonathan Woodward, Nectar Rose, Michael Fairman, Sonny Rhodes, Geoff Mandel, Dichen Lachman and more.

Find out more.

Global Charity Event “Can’t Stop the Serenity” returns to Melbourne on 30 August

For the 4th year, fans of popular television and film writer/director Joss Whedon are gathering worldwide to raise money for Equality Now, a charity dedicated to promoting the human rights of beleaguered women and girls.

Tens of thousands of fans, geeks and gamers around the world will participate in “Can’t Stop the Serenity” fund-raising events to benefit charity organisation Equality Now. Over $250,000 has been raised since 2006, and this year we’re aiming to add another $150,000 to that total. On Sunday, 3 August it will be time for Melbourne fans to join in.

Melbourne’s event features a screening of cult sci-fi film Serenity and web sensation Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, as well the opportunity to win some extremely awesome prizes in the live auction, raffle and costume competition. Prizes include items signed by Serenity cast and creative team. It will be held at VCA Federation Hall (Victorian College of the Arts, 234 St Kilda Road, Southbank) from 12-4pm (Doors open at 11:30am). Tickets are $15 advance online (plus booking fees) or $20 at the door (cash only). Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to celebrate the works of Joss Whedon and raise money for a vital cause – Equality Now.

Says Amanda Sullivan, director of Equality Now: “Amazing as it is, we are heading into our fourth season of CSTS global screenings! It is a difficult time for us and a difficult time for everyone right now.

So it’s especially important for all of you to know how grateful all of us at Equality Now are, and will always be, for the commitment to gender equality the Browncoats [fans of Firefly/Serenity] have demonstrated through their hard work and generosity.”
The story of Firefly and Serenity is an interesting case in popular culture. The Television series Firefly experienced a short run from September to December of 2002, before being cancelled mid-season due to low ratings and artistic disagreements with its creator, Joss Whedon. Not content with the show’s release on DVD in 2004, fans known as Browncoats grew in number across the globe, thriving on any content related to Firefly and bolstering DVD sales enough to merit creation of a movie epilogue to the series in 2005: Serenity.

Most fan stories usually end there, but inspired by Whedon’s passion for the underdog and his fiery post on Whedonesque.com in response to the senseless “honor killing” of young Du’a Khalil, his fans continue to go above and beyond to focus their enthusiasm and community into a force for good.

In 2009, Melbourne is among the 50+ cities that are holding a public screening of Serenity to raise funds and awareness for Equality Now. The entire net proceeds go to charity, and no one is paid for their time, including this year’s Global Organizer, Anne Barringer. Anne and her Global Team bring it all together by coordinating participating cities across the US, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia.

“Browncoats are an amazing phenomenon, accomplishing something that no other fandom has to date.

I can’t tell you how many wonderful people I’ve met while working on Can’t Stop the Serenity. These guys and gals are giving, hardworking people who do more every year; they create new ways to screen Serenity, raise money for charity and still have an entirely festive time. And my Global Team is simply amazing. We’ve done more this year than I ever thought possible. I came here for the cause, but I stayed here for the people.” – Anne Barringer, Global Organizer of Can’t Stop the Serenity.

The screenings are entertaining, theater-packing events where plenty of new friends are made. In many cases, the excitement of again seeing the “Big Damn Movie” on the silver screen can be more exhilarating than when the movie first opened in 2005. Each year brings new faces; people who are seeing the film for the first time and get fired up about the cause. Between the fun atmosphere and the community spirit showed by raising funds for Equality Now, it’s easy to see why these events keep getting bigger each year.

Download the full press release here.

Network Ten confirmed the UK-born Springbett as the new judge during the show’s Sunday night program.

Springbett, who’s worked as director of A&R at Sony for five years, replaces ousted judge Kyle Sandilands from Monday night’s top 24 round.

Jay Dee Springbett is the new judge on 'Australian Idol'.

Meet our new judge Jay Dee

Jay Dee Springbett is not about to let his new job go to his head. Although he’s incredibly excited about joining Australian Idol as a judge and will become a familiar face on our television screens, Jay Dee cheerfully says he’ll still have to “come home at night and change nappies.” Chatting to us from his home about his new gig, Jay Dee then pauses to ask his daughter in the background to “take that mop off your sister’s head.”

Like a certain other Australian Idol judge, moving to Australia from the UK in 2004 proved to be a good move for this experienced music industry professional. For one, Jay Dee now shares his life with his Australian partner and their two daughters, Jasmine and Marley (“after the great, late Bob”). He has also loved working in Australia as Head of A&R at Sony Music and has now been bowled over by the chance to be a judge on Australian Idol.

“I’ve always been a fan of the show and have worked quite closely with it for for years now,” says Jay Dee. “I never expected it to happen but now the opportunity is here…Take the leap and see how you fall, as my grandfather would say!”

Jay Dee says he’s still “slightly in disbelief” at his new Australian Idol role, which will see him plunged into semi-finals madness for his first week of work. A bundle of nerves, Jay Dee is currently envisioning the moment “when Andrew G asks me something and I’ll just go blank.”

“I’m sure that’ll happen,” says Jay Dee philosophically. “Once I get over my camera nerves, I’ll just perform my day job. I spend all week giving advice to artists, from ones who sell millions to those just starting out.”

Ever since Jay Dee was a six-year-old in the north of England spending his weekly £1.50 pocket money on 7-inch vinyl, music has been his passion. He moved on from touring as a drum & bass MC when he was a teenager to managing bands in London in his early 20s. Jay Dee teamed up with the management heavyweight Jonathan Shalit and went on to work with huge UK acts like Big Brovaz, Artful Dodger and Jamelia. This is one music industry dynamo who knows his stuff and won’t hold back from telling the Idol hopefuls what they need to know.

As to what we can expect from his judging style, Jay Dee says, “I’m just going to me and be honest. There’s no point in being unnecessarily cruel because it doesn’t achieve anything but there’s no point sugar coating something either.” At this point Jay Dee gets a second opinion from a trusted source, “I’m not nasty all the time – Daddy’s nice, aren’t I, Jasmine?”

Source: australianidol.com.au

The actress, who recently told OK! Magazine that she was “feeling great” following her recent undisclosed hospitalisation, filmed scenes with co-stars Nico Tortorella, Sara Paxton and Ashley Madekwe in New York City on Monday.

The 23-year old appeared to be in good health despite sources claiming her close friends remain worried over the stars well being.

”There still are issues. Mischa’s just not herself at all. I think she’s gone back to work too soon,” a friend told the Chicago Sun-Times.

Barton continues to shoot scenes for the upcoming model-centric drama ‘The Beautiful Life’, which is set to premiere September 16th on The CW.

Check out some photos from Monday’s shoot.

Source: JustJared.com

'Hey Hey It's Saturday' is returning to the screen for two reunion specials later this year.

Hey Hey They’re Back

Hey Hey it’s Saturday returns to Channel Nine

Channel Nine announced today that the legendary variety show HEY HEY IT’S SATURDAY will return to the network, with two LIVE reunion specials to air later this year.

Ten years on from the final HEY HEY IT’S SATURDAY show, Somers Carroll will produce these two special reunion shows, bringing together original cast members, along with many of the all-time favourite segments.

Channel Nine’s Programme Director, Michael Healy, said today, “We are delighted to have Australia’s most popular, longest running variety show back on Nine – where it all began. Audiences are craving family viewing, and HEY HEY appealed to all age groups. It’s a show the whole family can watch together and enjoy.”

Daryl Somers said he was very excited by the task of re-launching HEY HEY. “Over the past 18 months, David Gyngell and Michael Healy have been very supportive and determined to make this project a reality – so full credit to them.”

“All the gang are really enthusiastic and can’t wait to recreate the fun we had over the 28 years of the show. There is enormous groundswell of public support for this, so it’s the right time to do this… while we are all still here!”

Each two hour show will feature original cast members, favourite segments and characters including “Dickie” Knee and Plucka Duck.

Channel Nine will announce the on air dates of the specials in the coming months.

For further information:
Channel Nine Publicity
(02) 9965 2727

Saturday July 25, 2009

Source: Nine Network