Shine Australia & AFTRS Announce the 2014 Intern Program

As part of a commitment to foster creativity and nurture talent within Australia's television industry, Shine Australia and the Australian Film, Television & Radio School (AFTRS) have today announced the launch of the inaugural Shine Australia Intern Program.  

Through this industry partnership one 2013 Foundation Diploma Graduate will be awarded a full time, paid internship with Shine Australia for 2014.

Mark Fennessy, CEO Shine Australia said: "In a rapidly changing landscape it's often hard to get a start or find a window of opportunity. Together with AFTRS we’re pleased and proud to be able to provide such a window – and hopefully give something back. Shine's currency has always been great people and we believe this internship will provide the right platform to kick start a new career in this industry".

Sandra Levy, CEO AFTRS said: “We feel incredibly fortunate to be able to offer this opportunity to our Graduating Foundation Diploma students who are at the very commencement of their professional careers. In a highly competitive industry, this will provide a serious break for one of our young Graduates.” 

The 2014 programme will commence in February and the aim is for the internship to roll out with a new foundation diploma graduate each year.

"The Face" announced

Supermodel Naomi Campbell is bringing her worldwide smash hit series THE FACE to Australia, with Shine Australia and Foxtel announcing a local version of the new reality format, headed by the fashion icon herself, will begin production later this year.

THE FACE is an innovative modelling competition series following three supermodels as they use their unparalleled knowledge of the industry to mentor their teams of up and coming models.  These next generation models go head-to-head for the ultimate prize – becoming The Face of a major brand.

As co-executive producer of THE FACE AUSTRALIA and one of the model mentors, Naomi will lead the local hunt for the face of a major Australian brand.

“I’m looking forward to working with Foxtel and Shine Australia in bringing The Face to Australia.  Having found amazing girls in America and the UK, I can't wait to see what talent Australia has to offer,” Naomi said from the set of THE FACE US in New York.

“The show is a real insight into the modelling world – it's authentic, fast paced, and gives our aspiring models a taste of what it is really like.  We're trying to find contestants who have the whole package – a beautiful face, great body, unique look, confidence, drive and passion, the ability to change and transform, a willingness to follow direction, and, above all, a strong work ethic."

Foxtel Executive Director of Television Brian Walsh said, “Naomi Campbell is an industry icon.  She is one of the world’s original supermodels who continues to set the benchmark for the industry, and we are delighted to have secured her to join Foxtel and headline The Face Australia.”

“Having such a dynamic personality at the helm of this exciting new format will generate huge buzz for Foxtel, and further illustrates our commitment to developing unique and compelling content for our customers,” he said.

A Shine America format, THE FACE will be produced by Shine Australia exclusively for Foxtel.

Shine Australia CEO Mark Fennessy said,"Naomi Campbell is a catwalk superstar – a doyenne of the runway.  Together with Foxtel we're thrilled to welcome her to Australia for The Face – a brilliant new series that creates the next generation of supermodels. With fashionista mentors, real brands and real campaigns, viewers will get double the drama, tension and excitement. It takes one great face to know another".

THE FACE first launched on the Oxygen Network in the US in February.  Hosted by photographer Nigel Barker, the series featured Naomi Campbell, Karolina Kurkova and Coco Rocha competing to find The Face of ULTA Beauty, one of the fastest growing beauty retailers in the United States.

Following on from the hype of the US version, the series soon spread to the United Kingdom with Naomi working alongside British model Erin O’Connor and Swedish beauty Caroline Winberg. 

The host of THE FACE AUSTRALIA and the remaining two model coaches will be announced soon.  The series will go to air on FOX8 in 2014.

Applications are currently open to all females aged between 18-30 years old and at least 172cm tall.  For further details, head to the FOX8 website – www.fox8.tv

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