AACTA has announced the five finalists for the fifth annual Reg Grundy Award, which aims to recognize innovative new unscripted television formats.
The concept, which will compete for a $50,000 prize, includes an adventurous lifestyle format led by Jamie Durie. A work that combines physical and mental challenges in a comedic way. A show that brings children’s vivid imaginations to the screen without any restrictions. A quest to uncover the experiences of working backpackers. And former KIIS FM radio host Mitch Thulli is returning to the new talk show.
The creative team will now be guided in the next stages of development by a judging panel made up of Paul Hardy, who served as a consultant on Alone, 7 Year Switch, Bride and Prejudice, and Beauty and the Geek. will receive. Marion Farrelly, producer and creator whose credits include Big Brother, Dancing with the Stars, The X Factor, Celebrity Apprentice and ABC’s Q&A. Ian Hogg, media industry leader and former Fremantle Media Australia (FMA) and Asia Pacific CEO; senior entertainment executive Sharon Wheeler; And talk to Steve Oemke, host of Animals and the Wheel of Fortune.
The five finalists are as follows.
Storytime – Chris Huntley Turner, Timothy Walker
In this heartwarming reality show, kids take the reins as writers, directors, and visionaries, crafting unpredictable films directly from their wildest imaginations, while a team of professionals bring their dreams to life unfiltered on a budget. I will strive to make it a reality. All that creativity, chaos, and cuteness combined into one epic filmmaking adventure.
Suspicious – Lincoln Russell
Quizzical is the ultimate combination of brains and brawn. Three contestants battle it out in three exciting rounds, playing nostalgic amusement-style games and answering quiz questions. There are no buttons or buzzers here. With each correct answer, players build up cash to increase the jackpot. Only the top two will advance to the fourth and final round, where they will face a thrilling choice. Play it safe or rise to the challenge to win the jackpot.
Backpackers – Whitsundays – Linda Hayes, Steve Turnbull
“Good luck.” Play harder. Let’s live the dream.”
The Backpackers is an unscripted reality series that follows a group of young international travelers taking 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 1 takes place in the Whitsunday Islands. There, the idyllic resort environment hides the pressures and drama behind the scenes of this paradise.
THE MITCH CHURI CHAT SHOW – Mitch Churi
Each week, beloved comedian Mitch Thulli brings his signature wit and charm to the week’s headlines, sharing a velvet couch with some of the biggest names in Hollywood and national entertainment. .
Exchange of Life – Jamie Dury, Neville Poelina, Melanie Horgan
What happens when city slickers trade skyscrapers for red dirt and Wi-Fi for ancient wisdom? Life Swap is here to find out! Bush tucker missteps and lots of laughs This heartwarming adventure proves that nature has the best life hacks. Starring Jamie Dury, Neville Poelina, and Melanie Hogan.