AACTA Reg Grundy Award Finalists Announced
AACTA Reg Grundy Award Returns with $50,000 Prize
The AACTA Reg Grundy Award is back for its fifth year, offering a combined $50,000 prize to the individual or team with the best pitch for a new and innovative unscripted format. As the largest prize of its kind globally, this initiative from the Australian Academy, in partnership with Grundy Media, is dedicated to fostering fresh creative thinking in screen entertainment and fast-tracking the development of groundbreaking productions.
Selecting a winner will be no easy task, with an outstanding Top 5 that continues the tradition of innovation and an audience first approach celebrated by the Reg Grundy Award. From an adventurous lifestyle format fronted by Jamie Durie, to the hilarious fusing of physical and mental challenges; a show that brings the vivid imaginations of children to the screens with no holds barred, to a revealing exploration of the working backpacker experience, and the return of ex KIIS FM radio host Mitch Churi in a new talk show, this year’s finalists are an eclectic and exciting mix. The judging panel, composed of experts behind some of the industry’s most celebrated programs, brings invaluable insight and expertise to this initiative. The judging panel, who will now mentor these finalists through the next stage of development includes:
Paul Hardy, a consultant on Alone, 7 Year Switch, Bride and Prejudice, and Beauty and the Geek, has also contributed to global formats like Come Dine With Me, Popstars, Star Academy, Place in the Sun (UK), and Watch What Happens Live (US). Marion Farrelly, a visionary creator behind some of the world’s most-watched TV shows, has amassed over eight billion views with a resume that includes Big Brother, Dancing with the Stars, The X Factor, The Celebrity Apprentice, and co-creating Q&A for the ABC. Ian Hogg, an awarded media industry leader, most recently served as Regional CEO for Australia and Asia Pacific at Fremantle and was a member of its Global Operating Board. Sharon Wheeler is an Award-winning Senior Entertainment Executive, who has created more than 30 original series and Executive Produced over 2,000 hours of unscripted programming. Her hit original formats include: MTV’s Singled Out, Fox’s Extreme-Dating, The Last Resort, Trivial Pursuit: America Plays, Judge Alex and Reunion Tour. Rounding out the panel is Steve Oemcke, host of numerous television programs, including the ratings juggernaut Talk to the Animals and Australia’s longest-running game show, Wheel of Fortune.
The top 5 finalists are:
STORYTIME- Chris Huntly-Turner, Timothy Walker
In this heartwarming reality show, kids take the reins as writers, directors, and visionaries, crafting unpredictable films straight from their wildest imaginations, while a team of pros scrambles to bring their unfiltered dreams to life...under-budget! Its creativity, chaos, and cuteness rolled into one epic filmmaking adventure!
QUIZZICAL- Lincoln Russell
Quizzical is the ultimate fusion of brains and brawn! Three contestants battle it out across three exciting rounds, answering quiz questions by playing nostalgic, amusement-style games – no buttons or buzzers here. With every winning answer, players rack up cash for the growing jackpot. Only the top two advance to the fourth and final round, where they face a thrilling choice: play it safe or up the challenge to claim their jackpot!
BACKPACKERS – THE WHITSUNDAYS- Lynda Heys, Steve Turnbull
’Work Hard. Play Harder. Live the Dream’.
The Backpackers is an unscripted reality series that follows a group of young international travellers who take on seasonal jobs in Australia’s most iconic locations. Driven by visa requirements and the lure of adventure, they dive into the challenges of working, living, and falling in love far from home. Season One takes place in the Whitsundays, where the idyllic resort setting hides the pressures and dramas behind the scenes of this paradise.
THE MITCH CHURI CHAT SHOW- Mitch Churi
Each week beloved comedian Mitch Churi shares his velvet couch with the biggest names in entertainment from Hollywood & home while applying his signature wit and charm to the headlines of the week.
LIFE SWAP- Jamie Durie, Neville Poelina, Melanie Hogan
What happens when city slickers swap skyscrapers for red dirt and Wi-Fi for ancient wisdom? Life Swap is here to find out! With bush tucker fails and plenty of laughs, this heartwarming adventure proves nature has the best life hacks around. With Jamie Durie, Neville Poelina and Melanie Hogan.
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