'Look Me In The Eye' Casting Call: VIDEO + info

A new show is coming to Australian TV... and you can be a part of it.


UPDATED: 'Look Me In The Eye' starts on Wednesday September 6, 2017 on SBS and SBS 'On Demand'.

For SBS On Demand go here: https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/

First, some questions they ask:

Is there a painful rift between you and a family member?

Have you grown distant from a friend you used to care about?

Has a close relationship ended and you don’t know how to move on?

SBS are looking for people who genuinely want to reconcile after years apart to participate in a compelling new TV documentary series.

'Look Me In The Eye' could provide an opportunity to heal old wounds - is it's where you want to go.

Could sitting face to face and looking in each other’s eyes for several minutes help you find the closure you deserve?

Oh gosh, you guys... the very thought of this for me... I don't know!

But for many, it could be the 'place' to go to start to heal. Or, start a reconnection process.

Here is the casting call link - CLICK RIGHT HERE.

Some more questions they ask you to ponder:

Have you become distant or fallen out with a family member, friend, colleague or lover?

Are you at a loss as to how to reconnect with this person?

Do you want the opportunity gain closure or to start a fresh?

Perhaps you just need to see that person one more time.

No words are spoken, but so much can be said.

Here is what they are looking for (taken from the casting website):

People of all ages and backgrounds who are genuinely looking to reconnect with someone in their life

 

People who are willing to share their story on television about why they became distant from this person

 

People who are willing to spend several minutes looking in the eyes of the person they want to reconnect with

Key eligibility requirements

 

You must be 18 years of age

 

You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident

 

You must be available for approximately a 2-day-shoot period between the 28th November 2016 and 20th January 2017

 

You must abide by the Application Terms & Conditions in order to be considered by us for the Program

How to Apply

 

You must fill out the entire application form openly and honestly (which will take several minutes)

 

You must attach a clear, recent photograph of yourself

 

If your application is successful, Endemol Shine Australia’s Casting Team will contact you to discuss the next step

The basic premise of the documentary series: two people who have had a falling out/haven’t spoken to each other in years sit in a room together, with non-verbal communication, and look at each other. It’s based on psychological idea/theory that eye contact can be more powerful than verbal. 

To give you an idea of the power of this process, you may be interested in a popular video of a similar experience filmed by Amnesty International, called "Look Beyond Borders": 

The show is looking for people who want to reconnect with a loved one, an ex, a colleague, a family member without actually talking to them. Freaky, right?

Read more here: http://www.sbs.com.au/guide/article/2016/08/01/sbs-casting-callout-look-me-eye

The documentary, which will hit screens in 2017, is a compelling look at what happens when eye contact, and nothing but eye contact, is used as a form of communication when all other attempts to reconcile have failed.

Recent studies have shown that eye contact has a uniquely powerful effect on how we connect with other people. When no other words are spoken, so much can be said.

The concept is based on the research behind the power of uninterrupted eye contact developed by psychologist Arthur Aron in 1997.

"Eye contact provides some of the strongest information" says social psychologist James Wirth, who has conducted more recent studies in 2010 about the impact of eye gazing.

That's why often it is said that eye contact can be more powerful than words.

'Look Me In The Eye' is seeking Australians of at least 18 years old from all backgrounds who are genuinely looking to reconnect with someone in their life. Ideal candidates are those who are living with an unresolved conflict with a family member, friend or colleague.

Those who want to be involved are ideally looking for an opportunity to reconcile and start fresh with someone and both parties must consent to meeting. The series will seek to find out if eye contact alone can help bridge personal and psychological riffs.

Interested applicants should head to the casting website, lookmeintheeye.com.au to apply - see link above.

More about Executive Producer, Debbie Cuell:

Debbie has over twenty years experience developing and producing high quality programs for the commercial networks, Foxtel, the ABC, and SBS in Australia. Her expertise in factual television has seen her in leading roles on highly regarded series, including most recently Kings Cross ER for the Nine Network, Coast Australia, for the History Channel on Foxtel and BBC -2. Prior to that Debbie was Executive Producer on the documentary series Taking on the Chocolate Frog, which was a finalist in the 2014 AACTA awards for best Documentary Television program and also a finalist in the 2014 SPAA (Screen Producers of Australia) awards for best Documentary series.

Previously she was most notably Executive Producer of Development at Zapruder’s Other Films, during which time she executive produced Gruen Sweat, which won the Rose D’or 2013 for Best Entertainment Program and series 4 of The Gruen Transfer, which won the 2012 AACTA Award for Best Light Entertainment Program. She also conceptualised, executive produced and directed Country Town Rescue, a six part OB documentary series for ABC TV.

The work of Yugoslavian performance artist Marina Abramovic has tapped into this same theme, especially her 2010 exhibition 'The Artist Is Present' at New York’s Museum of Modern Art.

She sat at a table in the museum and invited spectators to sit across from her and keep her gaze.

At one point during the 736 (yikes!) hours of performance, Abramovic’s former partner unexpectedly sat down... and there were tears from the artist, sending video of their emotional reunion viral. Ah, you guys... so emotional! Watch:

To be eligible for filming the SBS series, candidates must be over 18 and available for a three-day shoot between October 31 and December 16. Applications via lookmeintheeye.com.au.

So, what are you waiting for? Are you up for it?

UPDATED: 'Look Me In The Eye' starts on Wednesday September 6, 2017 on SBS and SBS 'On Demand'.

'The Family Law': SBS - Facebook Premiere

Now, this is a first!

SBS and Facebook have today announced 'The Family Law' will premiere exclusively on Facebook, with the entire first episode to be pre-released on the social media platform ahead of its TV launch.

This is the first time an Australian scripted and commissioned new series has premiered on Facebook!

The first episode will be published directly to Facebook and available for viewing within the Facebook platform for one weekend only from 5pm Friday 8 January – midnight Sunday 10 January, before 'The Family Law' hits TV screens on Thursday 14 January, 8.30pm on SBS.

This is a six-part series, based on Benjamin Law’s hit memoir of the same name.

Says the blurb:

Through the eyes of 14-year-old Benjamin, and set over the course of a long, hot, Queensland summer, this is a show about sabotaged expectations, growing pains, finding your place in the world, and the strange embarrassment we feel towards the people we’re supposed to love the most: our family.

Watch the trailer below - looks fantastic, right?

SBS Director of TV & Online Content Marshall Heald said, “As audiences move more freely between platforms and devices, we as a broadcaster have to move with them. We are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to bring SBS content to all Australians, and Facebook offers such a unique one-to-one viewing experience. The Family Law is one of SBS’s most hotly anticipated programs for 2016, and we’re thrilled to be able to surprise our audience by inviting them to meet The Laws early with this Australian-first Facebook premiere.”     

Jason Juma-Ross, Facebook's Australian Head of Technology, Entertainment and Communications said, “Facebook is fast becoming the place where people discover new video content. Eleven million Australians visit Facebook each day, 91% of these via a mobile phone. We are excited to be partnering with SBS on this first look event and to enable The Family Law to be shown on demand to the broad Facebook audience.”

You can click here for the Facebook event - you can RSVP!

'Kebab Kings': SBS - VIDEO trailer + screen date

This is SO my kinda TV series.

It's Aussie, it's about food, it shows our darker side of Australiana - a little rude, sometimes, well, a little pissed, but definitely - generally - a bunch folks who love the cultures and foods that we have been blessed with in our country. This time, the kebab. Presenting, 'Kebab Kings', another fab SBS TV offering:

I mean, who DOESN'T love a kebab? It's the post-boozy staple. The big-ass roll of Leb-bread love which wraps up that shaved off (with that weird contraption) meat, loads of (healthy, phew) salads and cheese and tabouli, and that heavenly garlic sauce, and yeah, okay, maybe a good squirt of hot chilli sauce... it's the BOMB!

Says the short program description:

Get to know the humble kebab, meet the characters behind the counters of kebab stores across the country and discover kebabs from around the world.

And the longer version:

The humble kebab is a one thousand calorie icon of our fast food culture and late-night rite of passage, but what really goes on in the world of kebabs?

This original three-part series follows the staff and customers at two of Australia’s most popular kebab shops across three of the busiest weeks of the year leading up to Christmas.

Cameras capture what goes on behind the spit at Oz Turk in George Street Sydney, a notorious inner city strip carrying the nickname ‘The Angry Mile’, and Smith Kebabs in Melbourne’s newest hipster capital brimming with new bars and clubs, Collingwood.

Kebab Kings delves into the lives of the kebab shop owners and staff as they live the ‘Australian dream’, and explores the challenges they face when their beliefs and values come face to face with a very different culture on a daily basis.

In Melbourne, Australian-Indian Muslim couple Mustafa and wife Zareena have run Smith Kebabs for four years and have grand plans to build their business into an empire, all while juggling raising a young family. Alcohol-fuelled customers from gay clubs and hipster pubs in trendy Collingwood are often at odds with the Muslim culture of Smith Kebabs’ owners and staff.

Turkish couple Fatima and Nafi, along with their son Ufuk, have been kebab royalty of Sydney for 14 years, catering to the scores of tipsy city workers, backpackers and weekend revelers who party in the heart of Sydney’s CBD with charm and unwavering customer service.

Over a decade of 14 hour days has taken its toll and now the local legends have decided to retire, selling Oz Turk to rookie entrepreneurs and wannabe kebab kings, Syrian brothers Fadi and Rami.

The cameras in these two kebab shops capture people behaving badly, the problems with excess and human behaviour at its best. Heartwarming and poignant moments, outrageous and sometimes all too familiar late night conversations, and a whole lot of meat, Kebab Kings is a rare front-row seat to the mixing pot of Australian culture.

Follow the social media convo at: #KebabKingsSBS

What really goes on in the world of kebab shops? Kebab Kings is a three-part series that lifts the lid on the great Australian multicultural institution. Starts Wednesday 25 November, 8.30pm on SBS.

Eurovision Semi-Final Two breaks record: most successful SBS Eurovision broadcast ever

The ​Eurovision semi-final two has broken the record as most successful SBS Eurovision broadcast ever.

Last night the SBS broadcast of semi-final two of the 60^th Eurovision Song Contest attracted a combined average metro and regional audience of 880,000 and a peak audience of 1,074,000, making it the highest ever recorded audience for a Eurovision broadcast on SBS.

The second semi-final had an average metro audience of 639,000, peaking at 755,000 and an average regional audience of 241,000, peaking at 319,000.

The second semi-final also recorded a metro free to air share for Total People of 17.2% and 12.8% for regional. People 16-39 recorded a 24.4% share (metro) and 11.4% (regional). People 18-49 recorded a 22.2% (metro) and 13.6% (regional). People 25-54 recorded a 19.7% share (metro) and 13.8%(regional).

The broadcast of the second semi-final also saw a lift in audience, year on year, with a 7.7% growth in Total People for metro plus regional audiences.

The annual event, hosted by Julia Zemiro and b, reached a combined metro and
regional audience of 1,837,000 for Total People, and was the number one most watched show for People 16-39 and People 18-49 (metro). It was also the second most-watched program for People 25-54 (metro) and ranked number three for OG1s (metro).

Last night the hash tag #SBSEurovision was once again trending at number one in Australia and number seven worldwide on Twitter, peaking at a phenomenal 700 tweets per minute.

Eurovision 2015, Eurovision, Eurovision's Greatest Hits and Eurovision Song Contest 2015 have served a total of 179,000 Online Video Chapter Views to 83,000 Unique Browsers in May 2015 to date. This includes all video episodes, clips and interviews associated with the program. At the time of reporting,Eurovision 2015 ranked number 2 most watched Entertainment program for May 2015 to date with 79,000 Video Chapter Views.

Eurovision, which includes Semi Final 1 and Semi Final 2 video episodes, served 70,000 Video Chapter Views to 28,000 Unique Browsers. The Eurovision Song Contest 2015, which includes the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 promo video, served 9,000 Video Chapter Views.

Eurovision 2015: Australia remains the most watched video episode of Eurovision 2015, serving 19,000 Video Chapter Views, followed by Eurovision's Greatest Hits with 14,000 Video Chapter Views.

Eurovision 2015 marks the first time in Eurovision history Australia has been invited to compete in the contest with wild card entrant Guy Sebastian to perform in celebration of 60 years of Eurovision.

Australia’s performance by multi-talented singer and ARIA Award winner Guy Sebastian will feature during the grand final tonight Sunday May 24 from 7.30pm on SBS ONE.

Join the conversation by using this hashtag: ​#SBSEurovision

Struggle Street Series Concludes on SBS ONE Next Week

If you're wondering why the three part doco series on SBS (ep one screened tonight) called 'Struggle Street', is concluding next week, here's why.

This press release, just in from the TV station:

SBS and Keo Films observational documentary series Struggle Street will conclude on SBS ONE next Wednesday 13 May from 8:30pm.

Due to the significant public interest in the series in the lead up to its broadcast tonight and in consideration of participants who bravely tell their stories, SBS has decided to fast track the series’ which will now conclude in a two hour program next week.

Struggle Street was filmed over a six month period and is an honest and raw, but often heart-warming and inspiring glimpse into the lives of individuals and families involved which seeks to more broadly explore a range of issues that can affect the lives of Australians.

SBS and Keo Films continue to be focused on working closely with, and supporting participants of this documentary as we have throughout the entire production process, as well as liaising with community leaders. We take our responsibilities in supporting the participants very seriously.

SBS and Keo Films stand by Struggle Street as a program which makes a valuable contribution to the national conversation about the support needed to address complex issues of hardship, illness and addiction.

Struggle Street Episode 1 aired tonight at 8.30pm on SBS ONE. The series will conclude on SBS ONE next Wednesday 13 May at 8:30pm in a two hour program and be simultaneously made available online at SBS ON DEMANDsbs.com.au/ondemand

My review on the show is here.

'Struggle Street': SBS ONE - Review and VIDEO: Why it should air.

The objections to the SBS documentary series called 'Struggle Street' - the three-part doco series which premieres tonight Wednesday 6 May, 8.30pm on SBS ONE - have reached fever pitch today, with protests taking place at the SBS Sydney HQ at St Leonards, as garbage trucks blockade the headquarters, as a symbol of how some of the residents are feeling they're being portrayed - like rubbish - based on the trailer they've seen and the first episode of the series.

Having just watched the complete first episode via the SBS media site, accessible to journalists, bloggers, and media, it's clear the show is intended to be a doco style series. Of course the producers and writers have sought out areas which are truly struggling, depicting the poorest people in that cross section of Mt Druitt, who have struggled with unemployment and homelessness and discrimination when they ARE wanting to make something of themselves, lying about their postcode in order to be given a chance of a job, sticking together with family in order to stay positive, and make the most of the life they have.

Peta and Ashley, as featured in 'Struggle Street'

Peta and her family, from 'Struggle Street'

Sure, not every street in Mt Druitt is like this - of course they aren't. Many suburbs in Sydney have their 'rougher' precincts, have their streets which are more likely to have break ins, and trouble, and cop call outs.

And sure, in the case of Mt Druitt and many other less affluent suburbs, there are people who have broken away from that tag, that stereotype that comes with the geography of where they live, and have become successful in their quest for a better life, raising a unified family, and being law abiding and respectful contributors to the community. And these residents depicted in the program ARE trying their best, within the confines of what they have been served up. As one person says at the end of ep one: "It's not where you live, it's how you act."

The doco DOES demonstrate how the people depicted in the show are hopeful and how their spirit is not broken. They keep trying to raise their kids the best way they can, they continue trying to find the best means to keep their kids fed and clothed, and keep their tight knit families together, despite their huge life struggles - some they are simply born into.

The biggest issue from the most vocal critics of the show - coming from the very people who have been filmed for the show - is with how they are depicted in the trailer. Some have also seen the first episode, and they are unhappy about that too.

The man breaking wind in the trailer (see below) - Ashley - is particularly upset, says his wife and carer Peta.

She says she was horrified that her husband is depicted this way, and rightfully so. We learn in the first episode Ashley is undergoing tests for dementia, and today she revealed to Lisa Wilkinson on their 'Today' show interview (see that link below) that Ashley does in fact now have a dementia diagnosis. Obviously, as a huge supporter and advocate of people with dementia I don't like this at all.

During this morning's interview though, Lisa does point out that they knew cameras were filming for the show, but Peta says Ashley doesn't even recall, well, farting on camera, and now they are embarrassed this has made the cut in the episode and trailer.

Ashley told 9News:“It’s a documentary on our life struggles, not how we fart”.

In an excellent article by Amanda Meade published in The Guardian yesterday, Jon Owen, who was one of the community leaders approached by SBS field producers, says:

“If you’re making a documentary about people trying to make a difference then why did you need to show them farting?” Owen says. “It’s a class issue in Sydney. We need to always put these subtle reminders in that they’re from the west and we’re not. You wouldn’t do a story on someone from Mosman who is making a difference with their business and then show him having a fart!”

Read the whole article here.

Watch the trailer here (which SBS did take down from their official site, to appease the community):

The other huge sticking point from some of the residents is that certain elements were filmed in order to elicit specific footage.

For example, Peta revealed today that when Ashley is shown collecting scrap metal for cash and later spending that money on junk food at the local 7-Eleven, the reality is that the money he earned was in fact used for family necessities like milk and bread, and the film crew bought that junk food from the store.

See the whole 'Today' show interview here.

Lisa does bring up an excellent point, and one that I echo, that the press surrounding the program could serve as a catalyst to get the government funnelling funds to the area.

I agree with this sentiment, and it's why I think that this show MUST be shown on TV, it must screen tonight and for the next three weeks. It shows just how much certain people in the community are struggling. It's essential viewing for all Aussies. Lisa says that the show could indeed shine a light on how the struggling community can be helped, and I agree.

This is why I think the screening should go ahead - not that the screening was ever truly going to be halted anyway. I mean, c'mon guys.

I believe that the doco shows just how these particular Mt Druitt residents want to turn their lives around, how much they're struggling, yet how they band together to make good of what they have. 

And before you think I am some person hiding behind a keyboard with zero idea what it's like to live in a suburb on the other side of Sydney's M4 motorway, you're wrong. All my life I have lived - and still live, proudly - in a suburb out west, and still choose to live here with my husband, and raise my kids here. The socio-economic status of where I live is not a pocket of poverty and struggle like some of the precincts portrayed on 'Struggle Street'. But if we're basing the comparison on higher disposable incomes and (over the top) housing prices, it's no North Shore, either.

And while the trailer is intended to be sensationalist, and the furore around it has done the trick - to get people talking, and get newspapers running 'outrage' headlines (all of which is exceptional PR for the show, getting people to know the show is on, and ultimately tune in) - it will also give the Australian government a massive wake up call on how much funding this area needs, how much help these people need in order to help turn their lives around.

I am not talking welfare money thrown at the problem, no. I am talking about what the Mayor of Blacktown Steven Bali highlights in his interview with Lisa, that community services which are sorely needed in the area have been ignored, their funding cut. Stephen highlights two such places: Eagles RAPS which aids the prevention of youth suicide, and Rosie's Place, which helps women who are victims of domestic violence - both now have their funding completely cut.

If anything, the doco series has given people who know and love the area and represent it an opportunity to raise important issues and leverage that discussion into the right channels - and ultimately change the community for the better.

Says the SBS press release:

See what life is really like on Struggle Street in new SBS documentary series. Three-part documentary series premieres Wednesday 6 May, 8.30pm on SBS ONE

In the heart of the ‘lucky country’ some Australian families and individuals are living on the fringes, facing the daily hardships of unemployment, drug addiction and illness; struggling just to get by.

New three-part, fly on the wall observational documentary series Struggle Street  gives a voice to those doing it tough right on the doorstep of Australia’s most affluent cities.

Filmed in the public housing estates of Sydney’s western suburbs, residents invited cameras in for exclusive, uncensored access to their lives over a six month period. The result is an eye-opening glimpse at real life in under-resourced Australian communities – raw, honest and unfiltered.  

Telling their own stories in their own voices, Struggle Street shines a light on part of Australian society often overlooked and misunderstood. Their stories are at times confronting, but also heartwarming and inspiring.

The program uncovers how a range of complex issues– low-incomes, unemployment, postcode discrimination, minimal education, addiction, long term illness and generational cycles of disadvantage – which shape the lives of these residents.

In Struggle Street, meet the people behind the labels ‘dole bludgers’, ‘housos’, ‘druggos’, and find out the circumstances and life events  that led them to the difficult situations they face today.

Peta and husband Ashley have ten kids and eighteen grandkids between them. Both were employed, Peta in the catering industry and Ashley as an interstate truck driver for 30 years, until severe family illness forced them out of work and onto benefits. Physical and mental illness, disability and drug addiction are part of their daily life, as they try and do their best for their kids, make ends meet and keep their family together.   

                                                           

Bob’s wife suffered a catastrophic medical condition and his life has been on a downward spiral ever since, battling drug addiction and the housing authorities. Bob’s girlfriend Billie-Jo is pregnant and, born a methadone addict, is managing her own drug issues before the birth of their baby.  

21-year-old Erin is a single mum and has taken homeless teenager Bailee under her wing as she tries to get a roof over her head and her life on track.

William is an Indigenous man living rough in the bush just outside Mt Druitt, using homemade slingshots to hunt birds to eat. William doesn’t have formal ID documents and, caught between two cultures, is struggling to find his place in society.

Young adult Chris has tense relationships with both his mum, and her twin sister Aunt Michelle who he lives with. Dealing with constant family turmoil, his own mental illness, and living in an area plagued with high youth unemployment, Chris has just managed to land his first job as a cleaner and with it a reason to stay on the straight and narrow.

What emerges through the most challenging of circumstances are powerful stories of family bonds, love, resilience and hope, and a determination to make the best of what you’ve got when you’re on Struggle Street.

Three-part Australian series Struggle Street was produced by KEO Films Australia and premieres Wednesday 6 May at 8.30pm on SBS ONE. Join the conversation on Twitter #StruggleStreetSBS.

Struggle Street was produced with the support of Screen Australia and Screen New South Wales.

SBS Announces Australia’s Eurovision Jury Members

Just in: SBS has announced Australia’s Eurovision Jury members.

The famous 'douze' points - when the host or spokesperson states the top score in French during Eurovision Song Contest voting procedure - is legendary, and nearly as eccentric as the performances. Nearly.

Viewers in countries of participating broadcasters, including Australia, are invited to vote for their favourite songs in the Eurovision Semi-finals and Grand Final by televoting, which makes up 50% of the total vote.

The other 50% of the vote is decided by a National Jury in each participating country. Each jury comprises of a rag tag team of respected local music/entertainment figures with extensive experience in the industry and, of course, a passion for all things Eurovision.*

Australia – meet your 2015 Eurovision Jury, charged with the glamorous task of finding performers guilty of pop perfection … or of being criminally bad:

Amanda Pelman (Chair)
Amanda has a distinguished career in Australian music. She has worked at record labels where she signed a young Kylie Minogue, cast leading musicals (Priscilla Queen of the Desert), produced live events (Long Way to the Top) and judged music television programs (It Takes Two).

“All the Artists who appear on Eurovision are totally unique - not just in displaying the nuances of their specific nationalities, but in getting a grip on the ART of show business. Everything is over the top and fun filled. I wish the music industry would embrace more of this humour and joie de vie!"

Richard Wilkins
A trained violinist Richard is known as a television/radio host (Channel 9’s Today; Smooth FM) and performer (Grease: The Arena Spectacular). With 27 years in the Australian music and television industry he is a Member of the Order of Australia for services to the community through the entertainment industry.

“What’s not to love about Eurovision? I’m deeply honoured to be part of the Australian jury. Just a shame we can’t vote for Guy. But tell your rellies in Europe to vote 1 Australia!”
Danielle Spencer
Danielle began singing and learning piano at aged 4. As an adult she worked in film, television and theatre before releasing her debut album White Monkey in 2001. She toured internationally after the release of her second album in 2010 and is currently working on a new album.

 “As someone with a passion for music and performance, I’m thrilled to be part of a jury that assesses some of the world’s best performers on our biggest stage. It’s exciting to be part of Australia’s debut at Eurovision, and I’m sure Guy Sebastian will do us all proud. I can’t wait to see what the acts have in store for us and to hopefully discover the next ABBA or Conchita with my fellow jurors”. 

Jake Stone
Jake boasts a varied and successful music career as a performer (with his band Bluejuice), music journalist (The Sydney Morning Herald, Rolling Stone Australia), radio host (triple J), songwriter and event host (MusicNSW, Vivid Festival).

“From being in a band people thought was weird enough to compete in Eurovision, to actually being officially asked to judge Eurovision for Australia, it's been a dizzying and completely unexpected ride so far.”
Ash London
An MTV addict growing up, Ash has lived and breathed pop music since she first saw Britney cartwheel down the corridor in ‘Baby One More Time’. Since then, she’s spent majority of her 20s bringing pop music into the ears of Aussies on TV and radio as host of Take 40, The Loop and Shazam Top 20.

“From the tap dance shows in my living room, to my lifelong obsession with neon spandex and a deep seated love of show tunes, I feel as though my whole life has been working towards this point. What an honour to be involved in Australia's first ever shot at Eurovision glory!”

SBS Managing Director Mike Ebeid said:

"SBS is delighted to have so many well respected music and industry figures joining us on this incredible Eurovision ride as we compete in the contest for the first time. Amanda, Richard, Mark, Jake and Danielle each bring extensive knowledge and enthusiasm to the table and I’m confident that this 50 per cent of Australia's vote is in very safe hands."

Jury members and public voters can’t vote for their own countries, but there are plenty of other brilliant acts alongside our beloved Guy Sebastian.

Will the jurors embrace Armenia’s supergroup (including Australian Mary-Jean O’Doherty, an international coloratura soprano of Armenian ancestry)? Will Slovenia’s air violin playing singer Maraaya cause division in the voting room? Or will reigning champs Austria get a unanimous thumbs up with their slick rock entry, The Makemakes?

Both semi-finals will be shown in full on SBS ONE on Friday May 22 and Saturday May 23 from 7:30pm. The Grand Final featuring multi-talented singer and ARIA Award winner Guy Sebastian will screen on Sunday May 24 from 7:30pm.

SBS will broadcast both semi-finals and the Grand Final live on Wednesday May 20, Friday May 22 and Sunday morning May 24 from 5am.

Australians will be able to vote in the contest in the early broadcast and then join in the conversation using the hashtag #sbseurovision during the interactive evening prime-time broadcasts with tweets and party pictures on screen. The prime time broadcast will feature artist interviews, and behind the scenes clips with Australia's Eurovision hosts for SBS, Julia Zemiro and Sam Pang.

SBS will announce Australia’s Eurovision Spokesperson, who will deliver Australia’s votes during the live broadcast on Monday 18 May.

*The Eurovision Jury was selected by SBS and had to meet the criteria set out by the EBU.