'Employable Me': ABC TV show TRAILER + FULL SHOW link

The 'Employable Me' series is as breathtaking as it is honest and is the best TV I have seen in a very long time.



Okay, so I have an ulterior motive to watch this show: my son is autistic and is age 10, and I always like to imagine what he'd be like as a young adult, working and facing the sometimes cruel world we live in, and a society that is not so accepting of those who are, in the words of preeminent autistic professor and legend Temple Grandin: "different, not less."

Here is the trailer:



The show started on ABC TV on April 3 and is on Tuesdays at 8.30pm - the last ep is tonight, and I highly recommend you seek it out on IView.

Here is the link for you: https://iview.abc.net.au/programs/employable-me-australia

It's a three-part documentary series adapted from an English format which profiles nine people with disabilities trying to find a job – it is exceptional filmmaking and so moving and heartwarming.

Each episode follows three people on their job hunting journey.

People profiled have: autism, Tourette Syndrome, and obsessive compulsive disorder, and Fragile X syndrome.

The show presents a case for us all to look beyond people's conditions to see them for who they are: often gifted, vulnerable, endearing, wonderful, and, in this case, self aware of their conditions and lot in life.

MUST WATCH!

'Glitch': Must-See ABC TV Series + iview link

This… is a must-see.

The new Australian drama screening on ABC TV is called 'Glitch', and the original storyline and outstanding acting will have you glued. Right from the very beginning. The acting is A1. The cast is exceptional. Just watch it, okay!

And tonight, you can binge-watch like mad: ABC TV has taken the rare step to allow you to watch the WHOLE series after the first episode screens on ABC TV.

Yes, in a network first, the six-part must-see drama series Glitch will premiere on ABC on Thursday 9 July at 8.30pm then immediately following the TV premiere, the entire Glitch series – all six episodes – will be available to watch exclusively on ABC iview.

Here is a link to the ABC iview page.

SO, this means that - in these times of the-viewer-is-king approach to TV viewing - the audience get to choose how and when they watch 'Glitch' – when it plays out weekly on ABC TV, or every episode, whenever it suits on ABC ivies.

(It may sound crazy, but sometimes, I love the anticipation of waiting to see the next ep, next week. So old school. I have seen the first two eps of this though… and I want more, now).

For a first look at Glitch in this extended trailer:

ABC TV Head of Programming Brendan Dahill explains “Glitch really is something of a ground breaking project for the ABC.  Increasingly, TV audiences are demanding more in regards to how and where they watch content – we are acknowledging this by taking this bold approach. Packed with compelling storylines and cliffhangers, we’re sure our audiences will take advantage of this great opportunity to access the entire Glitch series, free on ABC iview.”

Made by Matchbox Pictures (with such gems as 'The Slap', 'Old School', 'The Devil’s Playground' under its belt) and starring a stellar cast including Patrick Brammall, Emma Booth, Rodger Corser, Genevieve O’Reilly, Sean Keenan, Ned Dennehy, Daniela Farinacci (I LOVE her in anything, an exceptional actress) and Andrew McFarlane, Glitch tells the emotional story of six seemingly unconnected people who have inexplicably returned from the dead, alive and in good health. With no memory of their identities, disbelief quickly gives way to a determination to discover who they are and what has happened to them.

But the mystery soon becomes deeply personal to Sergeant James Hayes (Patrick Brammall) when he recognises one of the group: it’s the love of his life, his recently deceased wife Kate (Emma Booth - who is SO engaging in this).

Kate died two years ago, so how can this be? James is stunned and confused as he grapples with the implications of Kate’s return. More than anything he wants to be with her and keep her safe. But a lot has changed since she died.

He enlists the help of local doctor Elishia McKellar (Genevieve O’Reilly, also brilliant) as he struggles to keep the case hidden from his colleagues, his new wife, and the world. Having this secret tests him as a policeman, a husband and as a man, as one thing soon becomes clear: the group are all linked in some way, and someone knows the truth about how and why they’ve returned.The six-part drama series Glitch is a moving story about love, loss and what it means to be human, and the dark secrets that lie behind our characters’ lives.

Glitch is described as a "moving story about love, loss, the past and what it means to be human." Got me right in the feels with that line… THAT'S what I am all about.

The series creators of 'Glitch' are Tony Ayres and Louise Fox.  Producers, Ewan Burnett and Louise Fox.  Executive Producer: Tony Ayres. ABC Executive Producers Christopher Gist and Carole Sklan.

Here is the HUGELY talented Patrick Brammal as James Hayes:

And his explanation of the show:

Tune in tonight on ABC TV at 8.30pm to see episode one of 'Glitch', and watch on ABC iview soonafter ep one.

The Breakfast Clubbing Season: VIDEO

The BEST thing you will watch all day… all week… all month?

Says the www.abc.net.au site:

Our video editor Huw Parkinson has sent former PMs Rudd and Gillard to detention to work out their differences.



Watch the slightly extended version here.

Read the whole transcript here.

'The Weekly with Charlie Pickering': ABC TV - VIDEO

You've likely seen the ads for Charlie Pickering's new show… and tonight, it starts.

'The Weekly with Charlie Pickering' will premiere on Wednesday 22 April at 8:30pm on ABC.

The blurb says:

Australians demand a show that keeps its promises and THE WEEKLY with Charlie Pickering promises to be both weekly and hosted by Charlie Pickering.



And:

A brand new half-hour comedy show that shoves a broom handle into the spinning wheel of the news cycle, THE WEEKLY with Charlie Pickering shines a light on the bits of the week’s news that you didn’t notice, as well as some bits you were noticing when you didn’t notice the other stuff. Backed up by heavy-weight comedians Tom Gleeson & Kitty Flanagan, who both object to that description, THE WEEKLY will expose the humorous, the absurd and the downright hypocritical, 24/7, once a week.

THE WEEKLY: the news you need, a few days after you need it. 

I love it already!

The Weekly with Charlie Pickering will premiere on Wednesday 22 April at 8:30pm on ABC. 

AFC Asian Cup Final: ABC TV Ratings Figures

Did you watch the AFC Asian Cup final?

Of course you did - and millions joined you!

Photo: ABC TV

In TV ratings figures just in, 5.3 million people tuned in to the AFC Asian Cup final on Australian TV, on the ABC.

The ABC’s live coverage of the AFC Asian Cup Final match between the Socceroos and South Korea reached 5.3 million Australians nationally. Hosted by Stephanie Brantz with special guest panellists Brett Emerton, Archie Thompson and Gerard Whateley, the match saw the Socceroos win 2-1 in extra time and declared AFC Asian Cup 2015 Champions.

Justin Holdforth, ABC Head of Sport and Events, said: “The AFC Asian Cup has been a tournament celebrating our culture, our community and our diversity. It’s been a privilege to be part of and we are immensely proud to have brought this landmark moment in Australian football to audiences throughout Australia, live and free to air and across ABC Radio and ivies.”

Richard Finlayson, ABC Director of Television, said: “I want to congratulate the Socceroos on an historic win. The ABC should be there for great moments in the national story, but it would not have been achieved without the commitment of the FFA and its CEO David Gallop, the AFC Asian Cup Local Organising Committee and its CEO Michael Brown, and our broadcasting partner, Fox Sports.” 

"Finally, I would like to thank the ABC Sports broadcast team, including Justin Holdforth, executive producer Kirsty Bradmore, host Stephanie Brantz, Gerard Whateley, Francis Leach and our special guest panellists Brett Emerton, Paul Okon and Archie Thompson."

Here are the stats on ABC TV coverage:

·         ABC’s coverage of the AFC Asian Cup Final last night reached 5.3 million Australians (metro + regional)*

·         Audience peaked at 22.27 AEDT with 3 million metro + regional viewers

·         The Australia v South Korea match (including extra time) had a metro + regional  average audience of 1.8 million

·         Sydney had the highest average audience and share with 503,000 viewers of the match, and 32.6% share in the timeslot

·         52% of the metro audience was aged under 50

Overall ABC performance:

·         Last night was the highest ABC Network share since the launch of digital channels in 2008

·         The ABC Network was the top network for the night with 28.6% share

·         ABC main channel was the top channel for the night at a 5 City Metro Level (20.3% share) and in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth

ABC iview:

·         There were 43,000 live streams of the Australia V South Korea match, plus an additional 12,600 catch-up plays of the first half via ABC iview

ABC TV Facebook

·         ABC TV’s Socceroos 2015 Champions post had a reach of 144,300, over 7,700 likes and 1,007 shares

·         On the night ABC TV social reach was over 420,000 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram combined

ABC TV’s live coverage of the AFC Asian Cup Semi Final between the Socceroos and the United Arab Emirates reached 3.1 million Australians nationally (metro + regional)*. ABC TV’s live broadcast of the Quarter Final between Australia and China reached over 1.8 million people nationally. The delayed opening match against Kuwait reached 1.1 million Australians; the delayed match between Australia and Oman reached 1.05 million; and the delayed final group match where Australia lost to South Korea reached 1.04 million.

Source: OzTAM & RegionalTAM overnight data

*Reach counts the total number of viewers who watched at least five consecutive minutes of the program

**Due to the coverage running overtime, match figures are based on an actual start and end times. This may differ from OzTAM program listings which are based on preliminary start and end times**

Bondi Hipsters 'do' Kim Kardashian #BreakTheInternet

That Kim Kardashian #BreakTheInternet Paper magazine cover photo?

This is the version presented by Bondi Hipsters, those crazy funny kooksters (who also happen to have a new, quite awesome show on ABC TV).

Here is their caption the posted on social media, and allllll their photos. 'Warning': there IS 'mangina'...

Here's some more Rubbish for your daily newsfeed...

When interviewed by Rubbish Mahgazine, Adrian said:

"There's nothing we cahn do thaht's not documented, so why not grease up your ass ahnd put it all over the internet"

"It's been a while since I've taken a selfie... So I needed some validation and some indication that I was still relevant"

"You just hahve to not care about your own soul. You hahve to say this is my junk and it is what it is."

"Every Tuesday a garbage truck comes to pick up my rubbish"

Photos shot by Pat Stevenson of Hobo.

‪#‎rubbish‬ ‪#‎junkinthetrunk‬ ‪#‎cloggingupyourthirdeye‬ ‪#‎sorryboutit‬

'Soul Mates': Bondi Hipsters on ABC2 - VIDEO Trailer

After announcing the series earlier his year, 'Bondi Hipsters' co-creators Christiaan Van Vuuren and Nick Boshier's kicked off their six-part TV series 'Soul Mates' tonight on ABC2 at 9:30pm (a repeat will air on Tuesday October 28, on the same channel at 9pm), and it was brilliant.

It goes beyond being a long overdue piss-take of the particular brand of folks who live in Bondi (hey, Housos takes a swipe at housing commission-residing 'Westies', and 'wogs' have been the butt of jokes for decades; it's definitely Bondi's turn).

No, this series is something else. Set in the past, the present, and the future, it's the future part that is the most entertaining, set in a time-travel travel agency, where everything is (virtual) madness and some one-liners are… too 'what the hell did they just say?'.

Like a scene where the co-worker is pregnant with a child (father-ed and mother-ed by a pool of people), and one of the attributes chosen for this child is 'a touch of autism.' YUP. (I actually said out loud, "Fucking, what?!" Coz, you know, I have a child with autism. But I do get it, the whole, designer babies of the future means that their attributes will be able to be chosen. It's good to know autism will become cool, yay).

No, I really do get the joke and found it strangely amusing… that's the beauty of this new series. You might find yourself being inexplicably hooked.

Watch:



'Bondi Hipsters' six-part TV series 'Soul Mates' is on ABC2 at 9.30pm each Thursday (a repeat will air the following Tuesday at 9pm on ABC2).

Jennifer Byrne Presents - 'Malala: Life After The Taliban' VIDEO

Ensure your daughter (and you son) watches this… I did. It demonstrated how far a powerful young women will go, against the odds.

Jennifer Byrne presented an Australian television exclusive interview with the world’s youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize winner, student activist Malala Yousafzai. Jennifer is an impeccable interviewer, and she demonstrates this here.

It was absolutely essential viewing. (This iView version is available in this link below until November 2, 2014, and was originally broadcast at 6.30pm on Sunday 19 October 2014. The file size is approximately 140 MB).

Click here to watch.

Friday Night Crack Up: 'Stuck In The Middle With You' - VIDEO

ABC TV's 'Friday Night Crack Up' brings you a very special rendition of 'Stuck In The Middle With You' sung by some of Australia's most loved newsreaders and morning show hosts.

It's all part of ABC's 'Mental As'... week of programming, where 'Friday Night Crack Up' come together with Seven Network, Nine Network, SBS and Network Ten for a special one-off 'spectacular' to start the conversation and help bring awareness to mental illness.

It's hosted by Eddie Perfect and it's a live fund-raising event.

I love!

And, here is the trailer for the show:



Says the video description:

"Our two hour live-to-air variety show, Friday Night Crack Up, will bring you singing, dancing, comedy and personalities - from across all the Australian TV networks - doing things you never expected they could, or would!"

You can donate here: http://ab.co/mentalas

ABC TV's 'Friday Night Crack Up' is on Friday 10 October at 7.30pm on ABC and on ABC iview

Karise Eden: 'Australian Story' – Vanishing Act

“If I could put one word on my journey over the last couple of years it would definitely be ‘turbulent'” - Karise Eden.

The young singer who famously won the first series of Channel Nine’s talent show 'The Voice' Australia is finally revealing why she stepped away from the spotlight in the aftermath of her triumph, in next week's episode on 'Australian Story.'

Here is a trailer, introduced by fellow 'The Voice' alumni Darren Percival:

More than three million viewers watched Karise win the first ever 'The Voice' Australia title in 2012. 

One week later: Karise had four songs in the top five ARIA singles chart, the first artist to achieve that since The Beatles in 1964. This was her first interview post-win, with Channel Nine reporter Chris Urquhart.

But her national tour, a few months later, was cancelled after just four performances.


Now, the 22 year old singer is giving one, and only one media interview to explain what happened.

In this exclusive with 'Australian Story', Karise says she suffered a complete physical and mental breakdown.

“It’s been a huge secret. This will probably be the first time I’ve spoken out. Only my close family and friends are aware of truly what happened,” she told the program.

“I think definitely that was me saying ‘enough is enough.’ I’ve warned everybody. I’ve been nice, I’ve been sweet, I’ve been assertive, I’ve been aggressive, I’ve been crying to you all, now I’ve hit rock bottom.”

“Shut up and listen to me. I’m falling off, come and get me.”

Says Colleen Ward, Karise's friend: “Once she won, everybody was wanting her.  She was the person of the moment.  She was being pushed and pulled.” 

Adds Jimmy Foster, her sound engineer: “It left people wondering what happened to her.  Was she okay?  Where was she?  What was going on?  This amazing voice we’d heard had vanished.”

In the in-depth and frank interview with 'Australian Story', she also talks about her difficult teenage years after being made a ward of the state at age 13 and living in a series of refuges.

After learning to play the guitar, she discovered that she had a big singing voice and started performing in local clubs and festivals.

Three years after winning The Voice Karise says she is finally ready to step back into the limelight. 

She has a new album of original songs coming out, and… a new baby on the way! She is seven months pregnant and due at the end of this year.

Karise says she is now emotionally ready to take on the pressures of a music career in the public eye.

“Yeah I definitely feel like I’ve been living under a rock and I’m finally crawling out.  I’m excited. I’m pumped. I’m nervous. I’m ready.”

Her new song Dynamite is below, and the cover art is here too:

And: that dramatic moment when all four judges on 'The Voice' turned their chairs before Karise had even finished the first line of her first song… it's here. You must watch it again. She is fantastic:

'Vanishing Act' - the story of Karise Eden will screen on 'Australian Story' on Monday October 13, 8pm on ABC.

'At the Movies' Show to End

The ABC today announced that, after 28 years, and one of the longest and most enduring partnerships on Australian television, Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton will record the final episode of 'At the Movies' on December 9, 2014.

Margaret and David, whose on-screen partnership is legendary, came to the ABC in 2004 from SBS, where they had hosted 'The Movie Show' for the previous 18 years.

Here is there just-in video message:

Here's a shot from the good ol' days:

Here is a recent photo of the duo:

Since their 'accidental' pairing more than (gasp!) a quarter of a century ago, Margaret and David have grown to become Australia’s most admired and trusted movie reviewers - even enjoying an envious reputation abroad; few actors or filmmakers would refuse an interview with this duo, such is the regard in which they’re held.

“After 28 years reviewing films on television with Margaret, ten of them at the ABC, I feel it’s time to go. We’ve had a wonderful time, thanks to very supportive and encouraging audiences, throughout that period. And we’ve worked with wonderful teams, both at SBS and at the ABC, people who discovered movies alongside us, helped and assisted us, and in the process became valued friends. We couldn’t have done it without them.

“Most of all, working with Margaret, whose enthusiasm, commitment and passion has been amazing (and only occasionally irritating) has been a joy for over a quarter of a century. But, since I turned 75 last week, I look forward to less pressure and more opportunities to enjoy the movies I love, in the years ahead,” says David.

Margaret adds, “As David says, it’s time to go from the small screen after a great innings, thanks to all our viewers and the fabulous teams we’ve worked with over the years. And thank you to the ABC and SBS. We’ve been lucky to work for two great public broadcasters, and long may they prosper.

“My gratitude goes to David who gave me credibility just by being prepared to sit by me and discuss film when I am just a film enthusiast, not the great walking encyclopedia of film that he is. He’s a grand person, a most generous, decent man, even if a little stubborn at times.

“We’ve seen Australian films continue to mature over nearly three decades on air and I look forward to a continued involvement in this wonderful industry of ours which explores and reflects our culture and our peccadilloes. It’s been such a privilege to have been on the sidelines, witnessing the talent that this country produces in all areas of film production. 

“I’m very sad to have to call an end to our show, it started out as a very fragile thing and only survived because there are enough lovers of film in this country to support a specific program about cinema. Thank you all.”

Said ABC Managing Director, Mark Scott: “The fact that everybody knows them as Margaret and David demonstrates how much they are loved by the Australian public. Their passionate and enthusiastic championing of the cinema art form, their articulate and always entertaining reviews and their personal rapport on stage (not to mention those earrings) have defined them. Their contribution to the ABC and to the wider arts community has been enormous. We are so proud to have worked with them for over a decade at the ABC and we will miss them. I give them five stars.”

The ABC also announces that, with Margaret’s and David’s decision to retire, At the Movies will not be returning in 2015.

I kinda feel like we need a whole blog post on Margaret's hairstyles and earrings over the years. They've been kinda eclectic over the years!

Photo: Mark Gambino

'The Time Of Our Lives' - Series 2: DVD Giveaway

This Australian TV series - 'The Time of Our Lives' - has quite the following… watch the trailer for season 2 and you'll understand why.

Just screened on ABC TV, it's now on DVD for you to own. The season 2 trailer is below; then scroll down for details on how to enter the comp.

For the Tivoli family, things are changing after some big life shifts.

Matt (William McInnes) and Caroline (Claudia Karvan) are divorcing but must face an even greater challenge when a traumatic event with Alice affects them all. Chai Li's (Michelle Vergara Moore) reconnection with her birth mother brings unexpected complications when a life-changing issue arises for her adoptive parents Ray and Rosa. And the show's central couple, Luce (Shane Jacobson) and Bernadette (Justine Clarke) find new strength together as they deal with a major personal crisis.

Enter below to go in the running to win a copy. Here's all you need to do:

- 'Like' the Josie's Juice Facebook page

- Follow me on Instagram and Twitter if you are on the social media platforms

- Share this link on your Facebook wall

- Comment below on why you'd like to win this DVD.

- Email me at josiegags@optusnet.com.au with your address so I have your details in case you are a winner!

ABC 'Mental As…': Mental Health Initiative + VIDEO

Australia's ABC is launching 'Mental As…'

It's the biggest ever cross-platform programming event conducted by the ABC, for Mental Health Week, 5-12 October 2014.

Across ABC TV, radio, online and mobile ABC Mental As... will take a look at mental health from all angles and perspectives, from comedy to documentary, entertainment to debate, as we aim to help join the dots on mental health in Australia.

The week will culminate in a two-hour, live, TV fundraising event the Friday Night Crack Up on World Mental Health Day, Friday 10 October. Australia’s biggest personalities - comedians, actors, sportspeople, and musicians – will show their support for Mental As... and encourage Australians to take action, start talking, and give to mental health research.

ABC Director of Television Richard Finlayson said, “Mental health challenges are huge and touch so many Australian families, yet we still struggle to talk about it openly. Our week of ABC Mental As... programming will challenge stigmas and taboos; promote discussion, support and education; and inspire Australia to donate to mental health research.

“From the unique and ground-breaking documentary series Changing Minds and one-off special Felicity’s Mental Mission; to new comedy and entertainment including Timothy, The Agony of the Mind and theFriday Night Crack Up; along with distinctive episodes of Q&A, Good Game, Gardening Australia and many more.”

ABC Mental As... is supported by a number of high profile Australians across all networks including actress Deborah Mailman, Network Ten presenter Jessica Rowe, TV personality Rove McManus, designer Alex Perry, advertising guru Todd Sampson, musician Missy Higgins, actor Shane Jacobsen and ABC presenters Jeremy Fernandez and Emma Alberici, who will act as ambassadors to raise awareness of the initiative and stimulate conversations.

Visit the excellent site set up for this mental health initiative here: abc.net.au/mentalas

And join the conversation using this hashtag: #mentalas

To see the fantastic line up of TV programs on ABC, click here.

It starts with: Felicity's Mental Mission, which screens on Monday October 6 at 8.30pm on ABC2.

Here is the trailer:

Other highlights:

'The Agony of the Mind' - the Agony Aunts and Uncles are back and this time around, sharing their mental weaknesses as well as their techniques for overcoming them. CAST: Dave Hughes, Dawn Fraser, Dave O'Neil, Julia Zemiro, Kerri-Anne Kennerley. This screens on Thursday October 9, at 9.30pm.

Then we have Changing Minds, Timothy, and more.

Watch the ABC Mental As promo here:

Post by ABC TV.