The Voice Kids coming in 2014

The Voice Kids for 2014 was announced today – a new series to showcase the vocal talent of Aussie kids aged 8-14.  It will be produced by Shine Australia and broadcasted on the Nine Network.

After the extraordinary success of the first two seasons of The Voice Australia, the spin-off program has now opened auditions for the next generation of singers to reveal the same talent and heart-stopping moments as the grown-ups do on The Voice.

The stars of this show – competing to impress their superstar coaches – will be kids from all over Australia.

Already a global ratings smash in more than 15 countries, The Voice Kids will feature the same spectacular set with electrifying blind auditions and thrilling battles that culminate in a grand finale where only the best of the best young singers will get their chance to perform.  

Michael Healy, Nine Network’s Director of Television, said: “The Voice has been an incredible success for Nine and we look forward to The Voice Kids shining a light on the enormous pool of undiscovered young talent this country has to offer.”

Julie Ward, Director of Entertainment for Shine Australia, said: “We are excited to open The Voice stage up to the next generation of great Australian talent. We are confident that there are amazing young singers who will benefit from the unique experience of being part of The Voice and we want to see them register to audition.”

Applicants for The Voice Kids must be aged between 8 and 14 on January 1, 2014. To register, go to www.thevoice.com.au.  

The coaches and host of The Voice Kids, will be revealed in the coming months. 

The Voice Kids is a co-production between Shine Australia and Talpa productions for the Nine Network. It will be broadcast in 2014.

MasterChef Dining & Bar to return for 2013

Shine Australia and Network Ten are delighted to announce the return of MasterChef Dining & Bar – presented by American Express with partners Lipton and Alfa Romeo.

In keeping with the enormous success of its inaugural year in 2012, MasterChef Dining & Bar will once again create an extraordinary food experience that connects MasterChef fans and foodies to the chefs, cooks, dishes and restaurants made famous by the television series. 

However this year it will take place at not one but two amazing locations –Sydney's First Fleet Park at the iconic Circular Quay followed by the rooftop of the spectacular Crown Melbourne and will be open for three weeks in each city, launching in Sydney on 15th August.

At the helm and already part of the family as chef consultant to MasterChef Australia, is two hatted former Becasse Head Chef Monty Koludrovic who will create a MasterChef-inspired menu allowing diners a true taste of their favourite show as well as a premium dining experience.  

MasterChef Australia talent will appear at every session with special guest appearances from the MasterChef family of celebrity chefs.  

All funds raised by tips will go to OzHarvest and Food Bank – matched dollar for dollar by American Express.

Desserts will be matched by Lipton's Pyramid range of teas and an Italian themed bar will be open to the public.

There will also be three Private Dining Rooms per sitting - available to book.

Running front of house as General Manager will be David Jouy. Most recently, David helped relaunch Sydney restaurant The Bourbon but he also ran the floor for the now infamous service challenges in MasterChef: The Professionals.

Nick Love, Managing Director of Shine 360 said: "In a very short period of time, MasterChef Dining & Bar has become the core pillar of Shine 360's extensive off-screen strategy spanning brand partnerships, digital, publishing, consumer products and live experiences. After the stunning success of our Sydney event in 2012, we are expanding to Melbourne to deliver a unique and premium, yet accessible, pop-up dining experience for foodies and lovers of the show alike."

Network Ten’s Chief Sales Officer, Barry O’Brien, said: “MasterChef Dining and Bar is the ultimate MasterChef experience, as proven by its sell-out success in 2012.  It is a unique and engaging dining experience, one that highlights the growing power of the MasterChef brand and demonstrates how the brand can be amplified off-screen.”

Dean Chadwick, VP of Consumer Acquisition and Engagement for American Express, said: “For the second year running, the flavours and energy of MasterChef Australia will be brought to life with the MasterChef Dining & Bar presented by American Express.  As part of the American Express Invites program, American Express Cardmembers will also have the opportunity to access tickets before they go on sale to the general public.”

In 2012, MasterChef Dining & Bar sold out in two weeks and more than 5,000 guests were seated across the three weeks it was open.

For tickets, go to www.masterchefdining.com.au

Sydney: 13th August – 1st September 2013 

Melbourne: 1st – 20th October 2013

INXS: Never Tear Us Apart - Cast Announced

In a joint statement today, Shine Australia and Seven announced the cast for INXS: Never Tear Us Apart.

Luke Arnold (Winners & Losers, City Homicide) will star as Michael Hutchence, newcomer Nicholas Masters is Tim Farriss, Ido Drent (Offspring, Shortland Street) is Jon Farriss, Andy Ryan (Underbelly: Squizzy Taylor, Reef Doctors) is Andrew Farriss, Alex Williams (Underground: The Julian Assange Story) is Kirk Pengilly and Hugh Sheridan (Packed to the Rafters) is Garry Gary Beers, while Damon Herriman (The Sullivans, Love My Way) is the band’s manager, CM Murphy.
 
This major, two part television event is being Executive Produced by Mark Fennessy and Rory Callaghan, with CM Murphy as Co-Executive Producer. Promising an authentic behind the scenes look beyond the music, INXS: Never Tear Us Apart will tell the band's extraordinary and uncensored story – with full access to their archive of music, photography and stories.
 
Mark Fennessy, CEO Shine Australia said: “It's a true privilege to be working with such a stellar cast of young acting talent. Together with a powerful script and brilliant production team we will bring to life the extraordinary, untold story of INXS.”
 
Brad Lyons, Seven’s Director of Network Production said: “We’ve secured a sensational group of actors to tell the story of three brothers and their best mates who took the world by storm. Seven can’t wait to share this incredible part of Australian rock history with our audience.”
 
CM Murphy said: “These guys are the new sensation, they already look like rock stars. This is going to be one hell of a TV series that not a single Australian will want to miss.”
 
Tim Farriss said: “I've been spending a lot of time with the cast and I'm amazed! At times I actually thought Michael was there! It has been all forms of emotions for me – I'm very excited.”
 
INXS: Never Tear Us Apart  commences production in Melbourne next week.
 
Other production credits include:
Producers: Kerrie Mainwaring and Andrew Prowse
Director: Daina Reid
Writers: Justin Monjo and Dave Warner

Shine Australia announces management restructure

Shine Australia announced a restructure within senior management.

Current Chief Operating Officer, Shine Australia Tim Robinson has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, Shine Group and will relocate to London in early 2013.
 
Sara Horn, currently Director of Production, has been promoted to Executive Director, Production.
 
Scott Howard, Head of Business and Legal Affairs has been promoted to Commercial Director.
 
Chris Fry will join Shine Australia from Shine Group as Head of Business and Finance Strategy, Shine Australia and Asia-Pacific in early 2013.
 
Mark Fennessy, CEO, Shine Australia said: "These promotions are much deserved and I remain proud of the incredible team we have at Shine. This restructure ensures our business is correctly positioned for continued growth while enhancing our ability to deliver premium content."
 
Rory Callaghan joined the business this month as Executive Director and will be responsible for growing the sales of Shine Group formats in Australia and New Zealand in addition to those of Talpa and Zodiak. He will also focus on moving the company into scripted.
 
As a result of the restructure and the planned return of Carl Fennessy to the Australian business in 2013, Managing Director Matt Campbell has departed the company.
 
Mark added, "We sincerely thank Matt Campbell and wish him the best. He is a talented executive and has contributed greatly to Shine during his time with us"

Shine Appoints Peter Newman as Creative Director

Shine Australia today announced an exciting new appointment;  Peter Newman joins as Creative Director.

With a career spanning over fourteen years in television, Peter Newman has defined himself as one of Australia’s leading television visionaries. Appointed as Creative Director, Newman will be responsible for the editorial stewardship of all unscripted content including MasterChef and The Biggest Loser.

Prior to joining Shine, Newman has established himself as a globally renowned producer having produced for the Australian, UK and US markets in a number of high profile executive production roles. His career has seen him deliver everything in the entertainment world from large scale live sport events, ambitious reality series and acclaimed documentaries. He has also garnered accolades for his work on award winning factual series and documentaries.

Highly regarded in the entertainment industry, Peter joins Shine Australia from WTFN where he developed Ten’s new lifestyle and entertainment show The Living Room. Prior to that Peter was Head of Production and Development at SBS, where he was responsible for the critically acclaimed and multi award winning series Go Back To Where You Came From. He also oversaw a range of domestic and international award winning factual programs such as SAS: The Search For Warriors and Living The End.

Before his move to Australia four years ago, Newman was Head of Development at the prominent UK production house Outline Productions. Whilst there, the company delivered ambitious reality series such as Dumped (Channel 4) and The House of Tiny Tearaways (BBC). His experience in TV also includes working for BBC Sport on broadcast events such as The Olympics, Wimbledon and Sport Relief, as well as working across a variety of BBC departments for the duration of eight years.

In welcoming Peter Newman to the team, President Shine Network & CEO Shine Australia Mark Fennessy said: “Peter is universally respected as a gifted content creator and program maker. He's an exceptional talent and we're excited to welcome him to Shine.”

Peter Newman said: “I am thrilled to be joining Shine and their outstanding team of people.  I look forward to getting stuck in delivering some of the most dynamic and exciting television in Australia”

Newman will commence in the coming months and report directly to Shine MD, Matt Campbell