Trip for Biscuits is a fast-paced, serialised disaster-comedy that follows super nerd Bajo (Good Game) and his misfit Private Investigator colleagues as they try to carry out their bizarre assignments. Unfortunately, the team lack the necessary life skills required to deal with everyday situations – let alone cope with the unusual and dangerous phenomena they are investigating. Consequently, most of their time is spent bickering and trying to deal with the growing set of problems they are doomed to perpetuate. These guys have turned ‘out of control’ into an art form – reminding us that when you mess with aliens, things can go horribly, horribly wrong.
Production credits: Produced by Media World Pictures with the support of Screen Australia and Film Victoria Runs for: 18 x 10min episodes plus 6 x 30min episodes, on ABC ME
###My Year 12 Life
Every year, over 200,000 Aussie kids go through Year 12 exams. They’re told it’s the one year that changes everything. In 2016, we gave cameras to fourteen students from across the country. They documented the raw, intimate, unfiltered drama of their final school year. No rules, no teachers, no parents. Just their story, seen through their eyes. This is Year 12 examined.
Production credits: Produced by Princess Pictures with the support of Screen Australia and Film Victoria Runs for 26 x 30min episodes on ABC ME
###Nippers
There are few more iconic symbols of modern Australia than the beach and the life savers who patrol it. Nippers has become a vibrant part of that culture, with around 65,000 kids across Australia meeting every Sunday on their local surf beach for a training program run by Surf Life Saving Australia. Nippers will tap into that culture and celebrate the diversity within it.
The series will focus on a number of kids and their families from the one Surf Club each with their own developing stories. Across the series our nippers will face challenges, wrestle unfamiliar feelings and vulnerabilities, but most of all there will be plenty of fun times and friendships formed along the way.
Production credits: Produced by Beyond Entertainment > Runs for: 13 x 30min episodes on ABC ME
I think the reasoning for dropping the channel numbers from the branding has something to do with the fact that the ABC (and other networks) are trying to focus on online streaming where (most) programs can be seen anytime on any device and all the rest.
It’ll be interesting to see what happens to the branding of ABC2 in 2017. I’m guessing probably eventually changed to “ABC YOU” (since ME rhymes with 3 and YOU rhymes with 2! ;P), “ABC NOW” or some other embarrassing name.
I hope the ABC actually begins to include some more mainstream content in their programming next year, like Michelle Guthrie said she’d be pushing for.
A lot of the ABC’s perception problem that’s cropped up in recent years is that they focus too much on their core ABC audience - hence those disastrous New Years Eve broadcasts targeting the regular ABC audience which were very poorly received by most people who had tuned in. The biggest opportunity to show the value of the ABC to the mainstream audience, and they’ve screwed it up year after year.
If they included some decent mainstream programming (like most other public broadcasters in the world), it would do a great deal to silence their critics, but the core ABC audience would likely throw a tantrum if they noticed “mainstream” programs being inserted into the schedule. Nick Xenophon did, when the ABC decided to begin broadcasting the BBC show Pointless before the news - his reaction just seems ridiculous to me, because it’s a very good show.
Look I have my opinions on the way the industry is now with “comedy showroom” and all and I did think Ronny Cheings pilot was the best but now the series is being co-produced with Comedy Central which Ronny has ties with. It all seems a little too convenient.
The ABC is committed to increasing its investment in science with the Catalyst program returning in 2017 as an internally commissioned production, but with a revised format.
Under the proposed plan, a series of 17 hour-long documentaries will be created to replace the existing 30-minute magazine-style program, which launched in its current format in 2001.
The hour-long focus will enable Catalyst to explore a range of science ideas in depth, using leading expert subject presenters, rather than a fixed ensemble of science reporters.
The Catalyst team will also deliver short form content around each issue and throughout the year to increase the ABC’s digital science offering on and off ABC platforms.
Catalyst will be co-located with other Science Units in Radio and Science Online to foster collaboration and ensure editorial excellence with greater promotional synergies.
The review of the program is in line with ABC TV’s strategy to reach a broader and more diverse audience with distinctive, Australian content that is accessible and durable.
Catalyst will recruit an experienced Executive Producer to manage a small internal production team.
The Director of ABC TV, Richard Finlayson, said the proposed change in direction was driven by changing audience demands.
“Catalyst has made a huge contribution to science communication over 16 years.
But, audiences can now get instant access to quality content anywhere in the world and we must ensure our programs can have the greatest possible public impact.
“Under this model, we will encourage excellence by allowing the best minds in Australia to pitch their science ideas no matter how local or how global.”
Up to 9 ongoing staff members may be affected by the proposed changes.
Consultations have begun with the ABC offering alternate positions for some staff.
“I have heard it said … that the ABC has captured the hearts and minds of every preschool and aged-care facility,”
This was spouted at least three years ago Michelle. It’s a shame she couldn’t have her own vision instead of her predecessors failed ambitions.
The ABC has been trying to shed that image since it commissioned Crownies back in 2011. So far it has failed as has every drama slanted towards youth despite the ABC desperately trying to prove otherwise. The Code never should have received a second season. Barracuda flopped.
Cleverman. The show that bombed in ratings and most of the viewer feedback was negative and harsh.
So I don’t understand why she has to focus on so many niche fields that ends up alienating the loyal audience that actually gives the ABC recognition and relevance. Catering towards the elderly and the preschool level is exactly the niche they should cover as no one else does it well.
She wants more ethnic diversity. Umm so I guess NITV doesn’t exist and what about SBS?
The Warriors sounds dreadful now as it did when I read about it a couple of months ago. That’s the last thing we need in Australia, more content geared towards sport. We have enough already. Exactly who is the target audience? Guaranteed no one is going to give two shits about this crap. Which is probably exactly what ABC thought so hired McCune and Woods. Such distasteful stunt casting.
Cyberhate with Tara Moss. Ohh the LOLs. No amount of crap is ever going to stop people expressing their hate on the net. If you can’t hack the hate stay off the net.
"When we look at producers, we’re going to ensure their hiring practices reflect our [diversity] objectives. As a commissioner of shows, we can drive a lot of behaviour."
I have a huge issue with this. This is a classic case of ‘positive’ discrimination and tokenism. People should not be promoted solely because they are the right sex and race. Promotions and positions of authority should be earned not given. Positive discrimination is discrimination pure and simple. Yes Michelle even ‘straight white guys’ can be discriminated against.
It wouldn’t shock me in the least if Catalyst is junked. I doubt it would fit into the new ABC regime.
So far in 2017 it looks like there will be less drama and a ton more niche crap. As someone in ABC’s new target demo I don’t think I’ve watched anything on ABC live since my mid teens and I only use IView Ripper. That’s your target audience ABC, one that doesn’t give two shits about you and no amount of makeovers will ever make you relevant to someone in their early twenties. It sad to see them chasing after a lost demographic. What a waste.
Would you like to live more ethically? Now’s your chance. Compass is looking for households to take part in an ethical living challenge as part of a brand new series in 2017.
If this sounds like you, please send an email to compass@abc.net.au and let us know a bit about yourselves.
Describe your household
• How many adults / children / pets are there?
• How old are you?
• Where do you live?
• How do you get to work / school etc?
Living ethically
• Why do you want to live more ethically?
• What would you like to change?
• At the moment do you do anything to live more ethically?
• What (if anything) stops you doing more?
ABC delivers ambitious, accessible & Australian programs for 2017
ABC Director of Television, Richard Finlayson, and Head of Programming and Digital, Rebecca Heap, today announced additional titles to be added to ABC’s impressive 2017 slate and has affirmed ABC’s commitment to ambitious, accessible and Australian programming.
Richard Finlayson said: “It’s with great pleasure we reveal another raft of world-class content today; programming that unequivocally confirms ABC as the home of Australian stories, conversations and the best creative talent. Our programs continue to not only entertain but tackle the things that matter, at home, in the community and to the nation.”
Major highlights unveiled today include outstanding drama (Pulse, The Easybeats), must-see comedy and entertainment (Get Krack!n’, Hannah Gadsby’s Nude, The Ex-PM, The Chinaboy Show), change-making factual event television (Brian Cox’s Stargazing Live in Australia, Craig Reucassel’s War on Waste, Todd Sampson’s Life on the Line, the Ian Thorpe hosted Bullied), and groundbreaking children’s programs (Mustangs FC, My Year 12 Life, Get Grubby TV and Joey’s Big Adventure).
###MAGICAL FAMILY MOMENTS & CHANGE-MAKING TELEVISION EVENTS
War on Waste
The exciting new three-part factual series War on Waste will turn the spotlight on the staggering amount of waste we produce as a nation, and how together we can do something about it. No stranger to confronting situations, presenter Craig Reucassel will take on the supermarkets, challenge Australians to go waste free, debunk recycling myths, and uncover some shocking truths about fashion waste. Most importantly he’ll take a critical look at household, retail and farming waste in Australia – and ask, what has changed in the Australian psyche, and in our consumer culture, that has led us to become among the most wasteful nations on Earth?
Cyberhate with Tara Moss
Co-programmed on ABC2 and ABC iview the week of Bullied will be the revealing program Cyberhate with Tara Moss. Author, journalist, and human rights advocate Tara Moss will take us on a tour to the darkest corners of the web to uncover the world of cyber violence. Through interviews, discussion, cutting edge science and Moss’s own story of dealing with online threats, anger and trolls, this series will investigate why fury is reshaping the online world.
FOR LOVERS OF LIFE
Compass
Compass returns at 6pm on March 4 in a new Saturday timeslot when Geraldine Doogue passes the baton to brand new Compass presenter Kumi Taguchi in an interview revealing why Kumi is the perfect person for the job.
But Geraldine is not stepping back completely and will continue to host specials throughout the year including Modern Prophets, an interview series with a refreshing perspective on key events in the religious and secular calendar and a powerful one-hour special exploring the potential outcomes of the Royal Commission.
###FOR DRAMA LOVERS
ABC delivers the best dramas on Australian television.
Previously announced dramas for 2017 include Newton’s Law, Seven Types of Ambiguity, The Warriors plus new seasons of the strikingly original Cleverman and Glitch and home grown favourites Janet King and The Doctor Blake Mysteries.
Joining them on ABC’s already impressive 2017 drama slate are the Australian medical drama Pulse, the two-part Easybeats mini-series The Easybeats.
###THE ENTERTAINERS
2017 will also see the return of award-winning comedies Shaun Micallef’s Mad As Hell and Utopia, plus comedian Anne Edmonds’ original noir comedy The Edge of the Bush and new autobiographical comedy Ronny Chieng: International Student, which has just gone into production this week for ABC in Australia and Comedy Central in the US.
Back too is the team at The Checkout, Shaun Micallef in The Ex-PM and we’re serving up even more of the Katering Show girls in Get Krack!n’.
The Checkout resumes its unwavering mission to make the Australian Consumer Law sexy, expose the ways we’re all being ripped off and give us the tools to fix it.
ABC will also continue to offer snappy, bite-sized servings of ambitious and innovative entertainment exactly when you want it, with must-see ABC iview exclusives Pop-Ability and The Chinaboy Show.
Pop-Ability
The Sisters of Invention are the world’s first pop girl group with disabilities. Determined to challenge society’s pre-conceived ideas about who can be a pop star, the group are getting ready to release an ambitious music video to accompany their debut album. But can they break free of the tough reality of living with a disability? This is an unforgettable series exclusive to ABC iview.
The Chinaboy Show
John Luc’s The Chinaboy Show is the first ABC sketch comedy written from the perspective of a Vietnamese–Chinese Australian. Front and centre of this series is online sensation John Luc (AKA Mychonny), whose content has enjoyed more than 300 million views, easily making him one of Australia’s most loved YouTube stars.
###For Young Viewers
ABC continues to deliver new shows for young children and teens that they can watch at times and on devices that best suit them.
Must-see shows this year for young viewers include Mustangs FC, Get Grubby TV, My Year 12 Life and Joey’s Big Adventure.
Mustangs FC
Mustangs FC is a goal-kicking comedy drama about girls who abandon the sidelines and start their football club’s first all-girls team. Against the odds, they’ll stand united and overcome any challenges the club, the boys, or the opposition can throw at them. All while wrestling with what it means to be a friend; a sister; a daughter; a girlfriend.
Get Grubby TV
Get Grubby TV takes the Australian Emmy award-winning animated TV series, dirtgirlworld, and reimagines the story to reveal the real place and the real characters…unreal! Having invented the ‘costavator’, dirtgirl and scrapboy have also gained a new friend, Costa the Garden Gnome (Costa Georgiadis from Gardening Australia), and together they are travelling across Australia to new places and getting grubby… big time!
Joey’s Big Adventure
Play School’s brand new toy Joey will jump into a big adventure to explore the world of baby animals. Joey will join Play School presenter’s Miranda, Luke, and Rachel as they introduce pre-schoolers to the wonderful world of wildlife. They’ll meet and uncover facts about a range of baby animals, from hatching Gentoo Penguin chicks in their snow enclosure to a litter of adorable six week old puppies. With a beautiful catchy song to accompany each episode, Joey’s Big Adventure will provide insights into the animal kingdom with plenty of giggles along the way.
ABC has commissioned what is billed as a ground-breaking documentary series examining the threats to the country’s national and personal security. Keeping Australia Safe is a 6-part series produced by ITV Studios Australia and filmed over one continuous 48-hour period. The producers deployed 200 cameras around Australia and overseas during the two days, involving 30 institutions.
They once did a great job of bringing all their brands under one umbrella. Can’t help thinking that making all these logos so different, actually damages their brand. I think the ABC logo and ABC iview are the only good ones they have.
Seven is very successful by keeping it’s 7 logo prominent in each of its mutichannel logos. Nine brought all their brands together by adding the 9 balls logo in front of them all.
So why did the ABC head in the opposite direction? Crazy!
Disagree. Brands should have their own personality, rather than just a different splash of colour. The Channel Nine ones look horrendously bland and lifeless.
Maybe the ABC KIDS logo could be tweaked so there’s the “Apple, Bee, Carrot” motif and “(ABC lissajous) KIDS” for consistency with the others but aside from that, the ABC’s current branding strategy is fine IMO.
If any Australian TV network’s branding is all over the place and needs a major reorganisation, it’s Ten/WIN!
