Aussiewood

The comedic genius behind mockumentary hits We Can Be Heroes and...

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 03:29:58 -0400

The comedic genius behind mockumentary hits We Can Be Heroes and Summer Heights High has begun filming a new series.

Chris Lilley has made every effort to ensure no details about the new production are made public, telling Digital Spy, “I want to keep as much of the show as possible a secret, but if you’ve loved my last three shows, this is part four. It’s going to be really good.”

The six part series will be filmed in Melbourne and is once again being produced by Princess Pictures.

Sources are already speculating that private schoolgirl Jamie King (Summer Heights High) and Gran Sims (Angry Boys) could be making appearances.

Even though it’s not Australian made, I thought I would...

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 03:21:00 -0400

Even though it’s not Australian made, I thought I would tell you that the new series of Miranda has just started on ABC1 (Finally!).

The British comedy stars Miranda Hart, Tom Ellis and Sarah Hadland and is well worth a watch. It has absolutely become one of my favourite shows.

Miranda airs on Sunday nights at 9.30pm.

Marta Dusseldorp looks a treat as Sarah Adams in the upcoming...

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 03:17:56 -0400

Marta Dusseldorp looks a treat as Sarah Adams in the upcoming drama A Place to Call Home on Channel 7.

The romantic drama series centres on Sarah as she returns to Australia after twenty years abroad only to find herself tangled in a web of secrets and family ties, all set against the backdrop of the aftermath of the Second World War.

The show also stars TV veteran Noni Hazlehurst and Kris McQuade and premiers on Channel 7 this year.

WENTWORTH 2013 If anyone is a fan of the famous Australian...

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 03:01:00 -0400

WENTWORTH 2013

If anyone is a fan of the famous Australian series Prisoner, you’ll be interested to know the SoHo Channel is about to premiere it’s new ‘remake’ of the iconic show- with a few changes.

Danielle Cormack and Aaron Jeffery (Above) both star in the new seasons as inmate Bea Smith and guard Matthew Fletcher alongside some high profile Aussie talent including Nicole Da Silva and Catherine McClements (RUSH), Kate Atkinson (Offspring) and Kris McQuade (Ned Kelly) among others.

Previously, the character of Bea Smith, now played by Cormack, was the ‘top dog’ of the fierce women’s prison and ruled the roost with an iron fist. In the 2013 remake, however, she is only just arriving in Wentworth Prison as fresh bait.

Wentworth premiers on the SoHo Channel on Foxtel on May 1.

Welcome Back!

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 19:32:02 -0500

My HUGE apologies for not updating Aussiewood in recent months. I’ve been changing things up a little on the blog and giving it a bit of a make-over but it will be up and running again very soon!

Cait x

Hey guys! Sorry there’s been no action on the blog recently, having major internet problems...

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 05:55:16 -0400

Hey guys! Sorry there’s been no action on the blog recently, having major internet problems and been getting busy with life and all that! Will definitely be doing a big catch-up soon.

State of Origin or just 2 hours of Promotions?

Thu, 24 May 2012 04:13:10 -0400

Queensland won the first State of Origin last night with an 18-10 score, delivering an exciting first game for the series. There was outstanding action from the likes of Billy Slater and Brent Tate and of course there was an all-in brawl (a fan favourite) that saw Michael Jennings sin-binned for 10 minutes. And while I thoroughly enjoyed the game (I’m an NRL fan) I very quickly tired of Channel 9’s shameless advertising and promoting through the game. They crammed in ad breaks everywhere they could, at one point even leading viewers to miss a few seconds of the action. The entire country (and most likely the world) now knows that Channel 9 is the obviously very proud owner of The Block, The Voice and Tricky Business. We get it. We got it five minutes into the coverage. Ray Warren and the gang had to repeatedly talk about the shows and didn’t sound at all impressed about it. I have respected Channel 9 for a long time because they have a mature approach to their work, but the suffocating promotion for these shows is over-bearing and exhausting. There is such a thing as over exposure and it can lead to audience figures dropping. Also on the subject of Origin, Delta Goodrem’s performance was not good. She sang her new hit Sitting on Top of the World which she premiered at the Logie Awards. That performance was also shaky, which I assumed were just nerves as it’s been awhile since Delta was back on the home turf. But last night’s performance proved there’s no point writing a song with high notes you can reach in a recording studio, but not on stage. I hope for her sake she had a cold last night, but I really don’t think that was the case. On the upside, I was glad to see an opening act with a little bit of credibility. Although I do think one of these years that it really has to be a group like AC/DC or Cold Chisel rather than pop stars.

State of Origin II is on the 13th June at 8pm

Tickets are still available for ANZ Stadium

Home & Away: Brax To Find Love?

Thu, 24 May 2012 03:54:31 -0400

Any Charlie and Brax fans out there may be disappointed with the following news because it appears Brax is getting a ‘potential love interest’ heading his way. Brax’s alter ego Steve Peacocke is currently in the South Australian outback filming a highly confidential, top secret storyline with actress Catherine Mack who plays the role of a school counsellor. Steve, Catherine and Lincoln Younes, who plays Brax’s younger brother Casey, are over in the Flinders Ranges on a family property filming the scenes that will air in September.

Catherine Mack is originally from Melbourne but has recently been based in LA. She has appeared in Blue Heelers, Neighbours, Winners & Losers and a 1988 episode of Home & Away. Acting is not her only talent, with the 28 year old also qualified in criminology and philosophy.

Home & Away Stars Engaged!

Wed, 16 May 2012 07:20:27 -0400

Ruby and Romeo may be treading a rocky road in Summer Bay, but their real-life alter egos couldn’t be happier- so much so that they’re getting married! Rebecca Breeds and Luke Mitchell have become engaged after a relationship that began about three years ago. Luke, 27 proposed to 24 year old Rebecca while holidaying in Hayman Island, Queensland and Luke calls it the ‘most difficult thing’ he has ever done his life. Adding that he had the element of surprise, he reveals he didn’t tell anyone what he was planning- not even his parents! While there’s no date set yet, the pair aren’t planning a long engagement. Congratulations!

(Image: au.tv.yahoo.com)

Jessica Marais & James Stewart Welcome Baby

Fri, 11 May 2012 04:14:58 -0400

Former Packed to the Rafters stars Jessica Marais and James Stewart have become first time parents, welcoming their baby daughter Scout Edie Stewart into the world. James and Jess are currently engaged and are planning to move to America next month where Jess is making a name for herself in drama series Magic City. James recently quit Channel 7’s Packed to the Rafters to help care for baby Scout.

Disclaimer: These photos are not the property of Aussiewood. I do not claim to own them, and I have...

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:07:09 -0400

Disclaimer:

These photos are not the property of Aussiewood. I do not claim to own them, and I have credited them when able. This is an appreciation blog, and few photographs posted on here will be my own property. If you own a picture posted on here and you would like me to include a credit or remove it, please click on the ‘Talk to Aussiewood’ link above and contact me. Thank you!

Tricky Business Begins Next Week

Wed, 09 May 2012 21:29:00 -0400

It’s been a long wait but Channel 9 finally premieres its new family drama Tricky Business on Monday. The series centres on the Christie family- a group of debt workers trying to balance their complex job with their personal lives. With a cast including Shane Bourne (City Homicide), Gigi Edgley (Rescue: Special Ops) and Lincoln Lewis (Home & Away). Jim and Claire Christie (Bourne and Deborah Byrne) have retired and passed on the family business to their daughter Kate (Edgley) who has a crumbling marriage with Rick (Kip Gamblin) as well as a teenage daughter Emma (Odessa Young).

The promotional ads have shown similiarities to Packed to the Rafters on Channel 7 but Tricky Business castmembers say that’s where the similarities end.

“I think people are saying that because of the success of Rafters - they think we’re trying to do a version.” Kip Gamblin says. But you can’t deny the ads of perfectly trimmed hedges and sunny skies show a fair resemblance to Rafters. Channel 7 didn’t invent the concept of family dramas, but Tricky Business would have done well to make themselves stand out against their rival and set a different standard.

Tricky Business also features Antony Starr, who is best known for playing twins Jethro and Van in the kiwi favourite Outrageous Fortune and who was last seen as Charlie in RUSH. Starr plays Matt, the ‘bad boy’ of the series who comes between Rick and Kate. Also making a name for herself is Sophie Hensser, who played Freya in Home and Away a few years ago. Hensser was last seen in the stage production Silent Disco and is now hitting the screen to play free spirited Lily Christie, the youngest family member.

Critics are labelling the drama ‘cute’ while Gamblin says it has a ‘darker side’. Channel 9 is hoping they have a winner on their hands after searching for a family drama series for some time.

Tricky Business starts on Monday, 9.30 Channel 9

Rafter Clan Not So Packed Anymore

Wed, 09 May 2012 05:18:00 -0400

James Stewart, AKA hunky tradie Jake is the latest to leave the shiny 7 drama. James is expecting his first baby with his fiancee Jessica Marais after they originally met on the set of Rafters and he’s now handing in his resignation and moving to America where Jessica has been making waves in Hollywood filming drama series Magic City. James is the sixth actor to leave Packed to the Rafters in just five seasons- an overwhelming number for a show that has been one of the most popular dramas to come out of Australia. Jessica McNamee (Sammy), Zoe Ventoura (Mel), Jessica Marais (Rachel) Hugh Sheridan (Ben) and now James have all departed the series in recent years. So, what does the future hold for Packed to the Rafters? A 7 spokeswoman has remained optimistic and maintains the show is doing ‘superbly’ and confirmed it would return in 2013 with some sparkly new castmembers. She also said as long as matriarchs Rebecca Gibney and Erik Thomson remain in the show.

James Stewart is leaving Packed to the Rafters in preparation for his baby with Jessica Marais

What's that song...?

Wed, 09 May 2012 05:03:00 -0400

For anyone wondering what the song is used in promo ads for The Voice Australia and Home and Away (for the 9th May 2012), it’s called Different Worlds by Jes Hudak. Absolutely beautiful song!

Shaun Micallef and Kat Stewart Play Husband and Wife

Fri, 04 May 2012 07:11:44 -0400

It seems an odd coupling, but Shaun Micallef (Thank God You’re Here, Talkin’ Bout YourGeneration) and Kat Stewart (Tangled,Offspring) are pairing up to play a married couple in a new television series on Channel Ten. Shaun and Kat will be playing Charlie and Nicole, a husband and wife team who run a crime scene cleaning business and happen to solve the crimes before the coppers do. Shaun has created the 13 part series with Jason Stephens, the series’ executive producer. Production begins in August in Melbourne.

Jessica Marais A Drag Queen?

Tue, 01 May 2012 03:00:00 -0400

Former Packed to the Rafters’ star Jessica Marais may have signed on to play a drag queen in an upcoming ABC telemovie. The telemovie is about transgender television personality Carlotta (born Richard Byron) and her rise to fame in King’s Cross. Currently there has been no confirmation from Jessica or her management. Carlotta is also remaining tight-lipped, saying she ‘wasn’t allowed to talk about it yet’. Carlotta may not be a household name, but in the 1960s she was on the soap opera Number 96 and was reportedly the inspiration for the lead role in Priscilla: Queen of the Desert.

Could Jessica Marais be playing Carlotta?

The History Hysteria Continues

Tue, 01 May 2012 02:48:00 -0400

Downton Abbey, Wild Boys, Titanic, Underbelly Razor, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries… it seems impossible to turn on a TV without seeing a period television series at the moment and a new ABC drama has starts production on Monday. The Mystery of a Hansom Cab stars some of Australia’s finest talents and is based on the 1886 best-seller by Fergus Hume. Some of the names announced for the project include John Waters (All Saints, Offspring), Shane Jacobsen (Kenny, Beaconsfield) and Brett Climo (Killing Time). The new series has also turned out to be somewhat of an Underbelly Razor reunion, with Chelsie Preston-Crayford, Anna McGahan and Felix Williamson scoring roles.

As much as I love period pieces (and I seriously do love them), I’m hoping this new genre doesn’t die the same painful death the cop/hospital dramas have died over the years. There tends to be a habit of jumping on the bandwagon when it comes to succcessful genres of television shows, and soon everyone’s jumping and down to make one. This can be the kiss of death for shows of that caliber and it can be years before another successful one can be made- if made at all. With this sudden crowd of period television shows being made, does this mean it’s only a matter of time before the genre is tired, overdone and eventually thrown out?

Also coming to screens is a screen adaptation of Vale Valhalla, the novel written by Joy Chambers. The story centres on three families between the 1890s right up to the Great War of 1914-1918. Wild Boys actor Jeremy Sims is directing the mini-series and says Vale Valhalla is ‘driven by action, tragedy and romance’. The producers say they intend to gather a cast of world-renowned actors and Chris Hemsworth (Thor) is at the top of their wish list.

The Wrath of the Period Dramas- Too much too soon?

WOLVERINE IS COMING TO SYDNEY

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 21:00:00 -0400

Exciting news for Wolverine fans- the new blockbuster movie is coming to Sydney! The government has invested $12.8million in the production which is to be filmed at Sydney’s Fox Studios. For the first two weeks Wolverine will be in Japan before arriving in Sydney where production will begin in August. Good news for Hugh Jackman fans!

FROM STAGE TO SCREEN

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 20:55:00 -0400

Australian playwright Stephen Sewell has had years and years of success on stage with his acclaimed plays so it’s little wonder he is now moving his talents to the screen. Sewell will be directing Babylon, a film adaptation of his novel of the same name. Jaggi.Shute, a Sydney production company, has acquired the rights to the story and is currently in funding talks with various agencies. Stephen says this new project is ‘a dream come true’.

Calling Fashion Darlings

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 20:50:00 -0400

Any aspiring models or fashion lovers I’ve got a show you will adore. ABC2 has started showing The Model Agency, a British documentary about Premier- one of the number one modelling agencies in the world. The first episode screened last week and followed the drama of Premier when one of their star models pulled out of Fashion Week at the last minute due to jetlag and homesickness. It’s a very interesting series and absolutely worth a look!

The Model Agency screens Wednesday nights 8.30pm followed by encore screenings at 11.25pm on Thursdays, on ABC2