PETER ALLEN: NOT THE BOY NEXT DOOR CAST ANNOUNCED

In a joint statement, Shine Australia and Seven today announced the cast for PETER ALLEN: NOT THE BOY NEXT DOOR.

JOEL JACKSON as Peter Allen

Joel Jackson, who will make his Australian screen debut in Foxtel’s drama series, Deadline Gallipoli, has landed the role of Peter Allen and will be supported by an iconic cast including Sigrid Thornton (Underbelly, Little Oberon, MDA, SeaChange, Whipping Boy, The Man From Snowy River, 1915, Prisoner, The Lighthorsemen, Boy In The Bush, All The Rivers Run) as Judy Garland, Rebecca Gibney (Winter, Packed to the Rafters, Halifax f.p., All Together Now, The Flying Doctors) as Peter’s mother Marion Woolnough and Henri Szeps (Cruise Control, Cabaret, Mother and Son, Palace of Dreams) as talent agent Dee Anthony.

They will be joined by Sara West (Winter, ANZAC Girls) as Liza Minnelli, Nick Farnell (Charles Bean’s Great War, Killing Time, The Mule) as Peter’s father Dick Woolnough and musical theatre star Rob Mills as Chris Bell, Peter’s partner in ‘The Allen Brothers’.

Joel Jackson said: “To be given the unique responsibility of playing two legendary Australians, in Charles Bean and Peter Allen, back to back all before I'm 24 years old is incredible. The on-set experience I garnered whilst shooting Deadline Gallipoli has given me the confidence to dive straight into the huge task of inhabiting the charisma and flair of Peter Allen.”

Sigrid Thornton said: “Now, in 2015, I think we're perhaps better placed than ever to be able to tell Peter Allen's story with the honesty it deserves. And for me personally, as a lifelong Garland fan, I feel privileged to be bringing her to life with this marvellous team, to a whole new audience.”

Rebecca Gibney said: “I am beyond thrilled to be a part of the Peter Allen story. The relationship between Peter and his mother Marion is so important in the story and the scripts are beautifully written. The cast that has been assembled is extraordinary and with director Shawn Seet at the helm I'm sure it's going to be a wonderful experience.”

The two part mini-series will tell the remarkable story of Peter Allen’s rise from country New South Wales to the Hollywood Hills – becoming part of American entertainment royalty along the way. Managed by Judy Garland at 20, married to Liza Minnelli at 23 and the first Australian to win an Oscar (‘Arthur's Theme’) and a Grammy (‘I Honestly Love You’ – Olivia Newton-John), Peter Allen is one of Australia's most adored entertainers and the man behind some of our most iconic songs.

Mark Fennessy, CEO Shine Australia said: “We're absolutely delighted with the composition of our stellar cast. Peter Allen led a remarkable life and with the support of such brilliant acting talent, we'll bring his unique story alive again for all Australians.”

Brad Lyons, Seven’s Director of Network Production said: “As we found with INXS: Never Tear Us Apart, people are enjoying these great Australian stories and this journey of a boy from the bush to international stardom will be no exception. We have an extraordinary cast and a heartfelt script which we know will resonate with our viewers. There was and is no one else like Peter Allen and Seven is really proud to be telling his story.”

Produced by Rory Callaghan and Kerrie Mainwaring, PETER ALLEN: NOT THE BOY NEXT DOOR commences production next week. It will be shot in various locations across New South Wales. 

Jessie J joins Ricky Martin, Delta Goodrem and The Madden Brothers

British pop superstar Jessie J will join Ricky Martin, Joel and Benji Madden and Delta Goodrem as a Coach on the fourth season of The Voice on Channel Nine in 2015.

Blessed with an astounding voice and natural knack for a hook, Jessie J redefines what’s possible within pop as she upholds its traditions, and is one of a kind. With album sales in excess of three million and single sales topping 20 million, Jessie has established herself as a superstar and a palpable, powerful pop culture force.

In 2011, the world first took notice of the UK-born singer-songwriter with her album Who You Are, which debuted in the Top 15 on the Billboard Top 200 and generated six Top 10 hits. Price Tag (featuring hip hop artist B.o.B.) went platinum in the USA and was No. 1 in 18 major territories. Domino, her biggest US hit to date, then went double-platinum and become an anthem around the globe.

Jessie has received the prestigious BRIT Award for Critic’s Choice and the BBC crowned her with the “Sound of 2011” honour. In 2012, she earned a Grammy Award nomination for Silver Lining and was embraced by fans as she acted as the 2012 London Olympic Games Ambassador.

She has continued to stand out in 2014, teaming up with rising diva Ariana Grande and rap’s reigning queen, Nicki Minaj, for Bang Bang, which captured the No. 1 spot on the iTunes Overall Top Songs Chart and went gold within weeks of release. It set the stage for the October release of her Sweet Talker album.

Jessie is no stranger to The Voice red chair, having featured on the first two seasons of The Voice UK alongside will.i.am, a former Coach for The Voice Australia.

Jessie J said: “I love being a Coach and sharing my knowledge and experience in vocals and in music. I learnt so much and really enjoyed being on The Voice UK for two series. I have loved continuing my support for the show by being a guest and getting to perform with contestants from all over the world AND I’m so excited to get back in the red chair!! I love Australia and I can’t wait to see what voices I might discover.”

Fresh from her win as a Coach on The Voice Kids, Delta Goodrem, one of Australia’s most accomplished performers of the past decade, returns to her chair on The Voice to mentor our next group of singing hopefuls. 

Delta said: "I'm thrilled to be starting the new year with incredible Coaches on a show that I'm very proud of being a part of and looking forward to discovering great Australian talent."

After a busy 2014 coaching on The Voice, The Voice Kids, releasing an ARIA chart-topping single We Are Done, #1 album Greetings from California and doing a nationwide tour, The Madden Brothers, Joel and Benji, will once again team up, bringing their “double chair” to the fourth season of The Voice.

"We can't wait to get back to Australia for The Voice 2015! We are looking forward to reuniting with Delta and Ricky as well as welcoming Jessie J to the show. This year is going to be an exciting one. Double the chair, double the fun. Let's go” said Joel and Benji Madden.

The all-star coaching lineup will be rounded out by Grammy Award-winning Latin superstar Ricky Martin, who will return for his third season as a Coach.

Ricky Martin said: “I’m very excited to uncover the talents of the fourth Season. I can't wait to hear fresh voices and get up close and personal with amazingly talented artists. I'm ready for an intense season with Team Ricky and my fellow Coaches.”

Darren McMullen will also return as host for the 2015 season, which has already had thousands of hopefuls auditioning for a chance to sing for the superstar Coaches in the Blind Auditions.

“I’m super excited to be coming home and hosting the fourth season of the best talent show in the world. It's a real privilege to work with such a dedicated team of top-notch Coaches and professionals, let alone the incredible talents that The Voice will uncover ... I'm ready for the biggest season yet!”

The Voice is a co-production between Shine Australia and Talpa Productions. The Australian series of The Voice is filmed at Fox Studios in Sydney. 

PAUL FRANKLIN NAMED DIRECTOR OF CONTENT FOR SHINE AUSTRALIA

Franklin Returns to Australia After Helping Bolster Shine America’s Initial Programming Efforts 

Shine Australia today announced that Paul Franklin is to re-join the business as Director of Content.

Paul is returning from the U.S. to oversee part of Shine’s unscripted and scripted programming.

For the last two and a half years, Paul has served as Executive Vice President, Programming, Shine America, where he helped launch the studio’s unscripted programming department.

While in Los Angeles, Paul was responsible for and served as an executive producer on such U.S. series as MasterChef and MasterChef Junior (FOX), The Biggest Loser (NBC), The Face (Oxygen), Tabatha Takes Over (Bravo), Minute To Win It (GSN) as well as recently launched programs Restaurant Startup (CNBC) and Fake-Off (TruTv). Paul also helped launch Canada’s top rating MasterChef (CTV).

Paul will relocate to Australia in February 2015, reporting to Mark and Carl Fennessy and working alongside Director of Programming, Peter Newman.

Paul Franklin said: "I could not pass up the opportunity to return to Australia and reunite with Carl and Mark. I’ve truly enjoyed my experience in the States helping bolster Shine America’s initial programming efforts and I believe this exciting new role with Shine Australia is the ideal next step for me."

Carl Fennessy, CEO, Shine Australia said: "Paul is an outstanding creative executive with a proven track record of delivering stand out television both here in Australia and of course most recently, in the USA. We are thrilled Paul has decided to return to Shine Australia."

Prior to joining Shine America, Paul was Shine Australia's Head of Programming from 2010-2012, where he oversaw MasterChef and Junior MasterChef, The Biggest Loser and Relocation Relocation.

Before his first stint with Shine Australia, Paul traveled the globe launching Shine Group's successful MasterChef format in numerous territories including India, France and the U.S.

From 2005-2009, Paul was Head of Factual Programming for Fremantle Media Australia, where he oversaw the original launches of MasterChef, The Biggest Loser, Farmer Wants A Wife and The Apprentice.

Paul also previously worked in the UK on a variety of shows for Endemol, Shine and Fremantle, including show-runner for the BBC1 hit series Changing Rooms.

For more information please contact:
Charlotte McLauchlan
Head of Communications, Shine Australia P: 02 8587 1113 M: 0414 621 658 Charlotte.mclauchlan@shineaustralia.com 

MasterChef Australia: Best Reality TV Production of 2014.

Network Ten and Shine Australia are thrilled to congratulate MasterChef Australia on being named the best reality television production at this evening’s Screen Producers Australia Awards in Melbourne.

Accepting the award on behalf of the production, judges Matt Preston and George Calombaris paid tribute to the hard-working team behind the scenes who made MasterChef Australia an outstanding success in 2014.

Network Ten Chief Programming Officer, Beverley McGarvey, said: “The combination of great cooks, great food, great contestants and a great crew made MasterChef Australia the fastest-growing reality television series in Australia this year.

“The Screen Producers Australia Award is a great tribute to the show and everyone who worked on it. Thank you to the judges, the rest of the cast, the crew and everyone at Network Ten and Shine Australia who worked on the show. We are all very excited about bringing more great food and great cooks to Australians next year with Series 7 of MasterChef Australia.”

Peter Newman, Shine Australia’s Director of Programming agreed, adding: “There is a truly passionate and special team who put together MasterChef Australia.

“We’re proud not only to have won the Screen Producers Australia Award, but to have delivered a program in Series 6 that was honest and true to its promise of showcasing Australia’s best home cooks cooking extraordinary food. We can’t wait to see what great cooks emerge for 2015.”

MasterChef Australia’s positioning of “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Food” resonated strongly with viewers in 2014.

On July 28, more than 2.2 million Australians tuned in to watch Brent Owens crowned the winner of MasterChef Australia. The series’ average capital city and regional audience was 1.3 million. In the capital cities alone, its average audience was 1.02 million, up 31% on last year’s season.

MasterChef Australia was also a hit online this year, with 16.1 million video views on www.tenplay.com.au during its run – up 110% on 2013 and the highest ever in the history of the program – and 19.9 million page views, up 23%.

Series 7 of MasterChef Australia is currently in production and will air on Network Ten in 2015. 

Shine Australia & AFTRS Announce 2015 Intern Programme

Shine Australia and the Australian Film, Television & Radio School (AFTRS) have today announced the continuation of the Shine Australia Intern Program.

Following the successful first year of the program in 2014 when an internship was offered to one AFTRS Foundation student, Luke Davis next year Shine Australia is offering two internships to AFTRS graduates, one from the Foundation program and a second to a Graduate Diploma Editing student.

Mark Fennessy, Shine Australia CEO said “Shine is committed to fostering creativity and nurturing bright new talent within the industry. Our first AFTRS intern, Luke Davis, has impressed us enormously with his talent and commitment across a wide range of production duties and experiences. His own journey has now begun towards an exciting and successful career. The high quality of AFTRS Graduates has really encouraged us towards increasing our support for these creative young Australians.“

This year the graduates selected for the internships will work across a range of Shine Australia projects and departments.

Sandra Levy, CEO AFTRS said: “This is an incredible opportunity for two of our graduates to work within one of Australia’s most successful and prolific production companies - something every one of our students strives for. We are very grateful to Shine Australia for partnering with AFTRS on this on-going internship program. The school constantly seeks to expose our students to best industry practice and professional opportunities through the quality of our teaching staff who are drawn from the industry and internships such a these.”

For enquiries or to arrange an interview please contact Tracey Mair: traceym@tmpublicity.com // 0419 221 493