'Conquering Hollywood'

Today I stumbled upon 'The Daily Telegraph' article entitled 'How Summer Bay Conquered Hollywood'.
Here's the link...http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sunday-telegraph/how-summer-bay-conquered-hollywood/story-e6frewt9-1225936433975

The article was of particular interest to me, because as the title suggests it revolves around 'Home and Away' actors 'making it' in Hollywood. I wondered how many of these actors had actually done so.

For those of you who don't know, or have never watched a 'Home and Away' episode, it is Australia's answer to 'The Young and the Restless', on a beach front location.




Source: http://au.tv.yahoo.com/home-and-away/

 Basically there are hookups, breakups, crime, bronzed bodies and the occasional death.

The above article resembles a profile on new 'Home and Away' starlet, Samara Weaving. However, the author Richard Clune also refers to past cast members in his attempt to instill in us that being on 'Home and Away' is the way to be successful in Hollywood.

I found it particularly irritating that the author mentioned Ms Weaving is well-known actor Hugo Weaving's niece on two separate occasions. Yes, I do feel readers may like to know that small detail but...we got you the first time mate!

To my surprise though this article wasn't as sensationalistic as many articles I am used to seeing in 'The Daily Telegraph'. Clune actually met with Samara Weaving in person and has obviously done his research. He has included useful quotations and details to help paint a picture for the audience. I can't help wonder why he didn't give us more of a profile though. The piece could have been stronger if he had done so.

My biggest issue with the article, however, was when Clune discusses past H & A stars and how they have 'conquered' Hollywood. Particularly Sharni Vinson the recent star of dance movie 'Step Up 3D'. Yes, the film did well in the box office but let's face it 'Step Up 3D' is no 'Schindlers's List'. No offense to Ms Vinson but I'm not 100% convinced people will remember who she is or what she was in in a few years time. I am completely aware that i sound a little harsh because i know this was her first 'big' role but i don't think we can classify a role in 'Step Up 3D' as 'conquering' Hollywood. There are some notable exceptions to this list, however. Some of the past H & A actors that have made a successful Hollywood career for themselves include Guy Pearce, Naomi Watts an Melissa George. I also want to point out though that you don't have to be on 'Home and Away' to make it in Hollywood  but the article fails to mention any of these other ways. The article did show me that Aussie's are continuing to infiltrate the US acting market and I wish them all the best in their endeavours.

Until next time...

The end of an era?

I found the SMH article by Ben Pobjie surprisingly refreshing and I would encourage television enthusiasts to have a look. Here's the link...http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/television-shows-to-grieve-for-20101001-160ps.html

The article 'Television shows to Grieve for' mentions some of the great shows in the last decade that have come to an end and left us, the audience, feeling a sense of loss.

As a self-confessed television addict, I agree with everything he's saying. I would even go so far as to say when your favourite series ends after years of watching TV at that same particular time, it feels like loosing a child ( I have never lost a child or do I have kids but I can only imagine..its a traumatic and life changing experience).

I think Pobjie says it best..."there are those shows that become so ingrained in the fabric of our existence that their demise leaves us lost and confused about our place in the world". The author mentions the end of the show 'Arrested Development' and the upcoming finale of 'The Bill' as having a significant impact on his emotional state. He even admits that he doesn't even watch 'The Bill' but it acts as a sort of security blanket for him, he always thought it was going to be there. I never watch 'Home and Away' but if they decided to cancel the show, I would most definitely shed a tear. Pobjie also draws our attention to those shows that we have in fact been fortunate to loose, for example, 'Undercover Angels' and 'Popstars'.

The article is not only well-written and witty but I also found it thought provoking. I remembered back to my childhood and those television shows that I believe made a difference to my life.

I have decided to compose a list of those television shows that I have grieved over...in no particular order
(I grew up in the 80s)
1. Family Ties (need I say more)
2. Full House (I truly believe John Stamos was my first love)

(Source: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092359/)

3. Step by Step (I dreamt Suzanne Somers was my mum-not that my own mother isn't fantastic)
4. Saved by The Bell (I wanted to be Jessie)
5. 90210 (the original...yes high waisted jeans and midriffs)

Anyway, I could probably continue with that list all day but they were a few that I am sure I will always miss and remember throughout my life.

Until next time...

Another On Air Gaff

Only last week Sarah Murdoch announced the wrong winner on the Australia's Next top Model finale! This story received a great amount of media interest internationally as well as put Sarah Murdoch in the spotlight. Many media commentators were confused by Mrs Murdoch's use of an ear piece to receive the information of who had won rather than simply having an envelope with the winners name inside. Lets just say I don't think there is any great fear of Murdoch being fired from the Fox8 television show....how awkward for Rupert!

Anyway, this story raised many comments about live television and the common gaffs we have all become accustomed to. Now, singer Guy Sebastian has joined Murdoch in the ranks of making a very public stuff up.

Guy Sebastian who won Australian Idol is now a judge on Australia's Got Talent. Last night I don't think Sebastian was very focused on what he was saying.

(Source: http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/television/how-guy-sebastian-blew-it-live-on-air/story-e6frfmyi-1225934678320)

Here is a link to the article entitled 'How Guy Sebastian Blew it live on Air'...http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/television/how-guy-sebastian-blew-it-live-on-air/story-e6frfmyi-1225934678320

If your thinking this title sounds strangely sexual, your not wrong....it's meant to be!

During a live video link cross to Sebastian (who had been overseas for the week), host Luke Jacobs asked him to introduce the next act.

"I met these girls on a tour ... and they blew me away and then they walked into the audition room and blew me again", he said.

Guy Sebastians' embarrassment was visible as he put his hands up and hid his face while the expression of the other hosts was surprise and shock.

The show quickly went to ad break to let the judges compose themselves. I really don't think a big deal should be made of this as it was a clear slip of the mind and I doubt viewers would be seriously offended by it. Actually, what am I talking about? People complain about everything these days! I actually found the gaff funny and don't feel sorry for Sebastian as I did for Murdoch, as he was not making a life changing announcement. He was purely introducing a musical act and didn't quite say what he meant to say.

I have a feeling though that all those angry television viewers out there will now be complaining about the faults in live TV. It's natural, people make mistakes (hopefully they aren't ones that offend a large amount of people) but we all do it.

Until next time...