Two of Shaun’s previous cohorts, Francis Greenslade and Denise Scott, are part of the cast of the new TV drama, Winners and Losers, which starts tonight. They play a married couple to one of the main leads, and are expected to provide the light relief.
The show is part of Channel 7’s desire to build on the success of Packed to the Rafters. If a good clip of them together appears online, I’ll post it, but despite how funny I’m sure they will be, I won’t be watching the show personally. 🙂
We’re up to episode 7 already, and the guests for this week are Noni Hazlehurst (Baby Boomers), comedian Rebecca DeUnamuno (Gen X) and dancer Matt Lee (Gen Y).
This week’s episode of TAYG is another family one, with Amanda Keller joined by her husband Harley Oliver (Baby Boomers), Charlie Pickering and his sister Suzie Pickering (Gen X), and Josh Thomas and his 83 year old grandmother Mona Hale (Gen Y). Completing the family love-in is Charlie’s parents (Pamela and Ron Pickering) and Amanda’s kids (Liam and Jack) who make a surprise appearance on the show.
In the teaser for the show, Gen Y is playing Human Nacho after choosing ‘Trust Me’ – and Mona volunteers herself to be the corn chip!
[Thanks to Andrew for the heads up!]
Shaun’s short story “The Moment” is now available to read as part of “Humanity: A Short Story Collection” which you can purchase and read on your Kindle or Kindle reader for PC. (It’s also available on Android, so I’m going to use my phone to read it). It’s more of a serious offering from Shaun, following the path of his work like the Blackjack series.
What’s more is that “The Moment” is being adapted into a short film! You can try the interactive feature or watch the preview on the official website. My opinion – it looks eerie…
Shaun has confirmed he will be filming a pilot for a new variety show on Channel 10.
Being interviewed for the Herald Sun, has admitted “I’m doing a pilot in July. Any variety show worth its salt is live. There’s a big taste for that at the moment.” He went on to describe his current relationship with Ten as a “good one”, which he wants to build on. He’s also talking to them about other projects.
He describes his current show, Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation, as having the most “real” version of himself, unlike shows such as The Micallef P(r)ogram(me) and even Micallef Tonight. Of the reason for using a “character” version of himself previously, “Perhaps I hid behind characters was, ‘What if they don’t like me?’ ”
He’s very flattered by the success of TAYG, which culminated in his winning of a Logie for Most Popular Presenter.
Let me be the first to say – if you need someone for your audience Shaun, I’ll be there with bells on!
Joining Shaun and the team captains this week are: actress Judith McGrath (BB), tennis player Todd Woodbridge (Gen X), and DJ Danny Clayton (Gen Y).
Ten’s programming department have confirmed that Tuesday, February 8th is the return date for Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation. This is the 3rd year of TAYG (as Shaun pronounces it) and the premiere episode is a special 70 minute length. Woot!
Once again, the call has gone out from the TAYG Facebook page for donated trophies, so we can expect that to return this year. And despite some misplaced rumours, Josh is returning for Gen Y – Shaun joked about him leaving in the final show, but as Josh tweeted it was a joke. Yesterday he tweeted that the first episode had just finished taping – and it was exciting and insane.
The anticipation… (in the meantime, we have repeats of Season 2…)
The first episode of Laid, the black comedy written by Marieke Hardy, will premere on ABC1 on Wednesday 9th February at 9:30pm.
Shaun plays a gynocologist to the main character, Roo, so expect to see him in the first episode. Check out the previous news to see a short clip.
The Australian Literature Review is compiling a anthology of short-stories, each between 1500-4000 words, on the subjects of Africa and/or human behaviour common throughout the world. A number of writers are on board, including Shaun himself!
The book will be released as an eBook on the Kindle platform in the first few months of 2011. All of the proceeds are being donated to charity: half to improve literacy in developing countries and half to help Australians in their writing endeavours.
No word on what Shaun’s story will be about, but we wait with great interest. Read more about the project or AusLit’s interview with Shaun about Preincarnate.
If you missed the fun of the Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation Christmas Special (which aired in November) – you are in luck. Channel 10 are replaying it on Christmas Eve (Friday 24th) at 8:30pm.
It was very funny – almost the most mayhemic episode all year. (OK, so mayhemic isn’t a word…)