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Top Pick Wednesday 19 August, 9:00pm or later on iview
Utopia New Series
Set inside the offices of the “Nation Building Authority”, a newly created government organisation responsible for overseeing major infrastructure projects, Utopia explores that moment when bureaucracy and grand dreams collide. It’s a tribute to those political leaders who have somehow managed to take a long-term vision and use it for short-term gain.
The award-winning series follows the working lives of a tight- knit team in charge of guiding big building schemes from announcement to unveiling. Constant shifts in priorities are the order of the day as the staff are asked to come up with plans for everything from new roads and rail lines to airports and high rise urban developments. In short, Utopia examines the forces that go into creating a very well-designed white elephant.
Featuring a stellar comic cast led by Rob Sitch, along with Celia Pacquola, Dave Lawson, Luke McGregor, Kitty Flanagan, Anthony Lehmann, Emma-Louise Wilson, Michelle Lim Davidson and Toby Truslove, Utopia is a series for anyone who has ever been frustrated by bureaucracy – and survived to laugh at the experience.
It’s a new year and Tony (Rob Sitch) is determined to focus on big things. Unfortunately, small things get in the way. Meanwhile, Nat’s (Celia Pacquola) attempts to assist a local community unleash a multi-billion dollar government initiative.
#utopia
Short synopsis It’s a new year and Tony is determined to focus on big things. Unfortunately, small things get in the way. Meanwhile, Nat’s attempts to assist a local community unleash a multi-billion dollar government initiative. CAST: Rob Sitch.
Production details Written and produced by Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner and Rob Sitch. Executive Producer: Michael Hirsh. Original casting by Jane Kennedy. Directed by Rob Sitch. ABC Commissioning Editors: Rick Kalowski and Brett Sleigh. A Working Dog Production in association with ABC TV.
Contact Kim Bassett on 03 9524 2580/0409 600 456 or [email protected]
For previews, more information and images visit the media portal.
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Top Pick Monday 17 August, 8:30pm or later on iview
Humans
Laura finds herself at odds with her family when she tries to take Anita back. But when Anita saves Toby from a near fatal road accident, Laura is begrudgingly forced to keep her. Do her family prefer Anita? Joe suggests Anita’s strange behaviour’ might be all in Laura’s head. Is she going mad or is there really something strange about this synth? Meanwhile Joe has to check Anita for damage after the accident and as he strips her down he can’t help but notice just how human – and attractive – Anita seems.
A pliant and fearful George appears to have submitted to Vera’s joyless routine – but all is not lost, as Odi and George stage a daring escape. Can they shake off Vera and be happy together again?
Pete and Karen investigate the murder at the brothel but Pete’s hot temper earns him a suspension – he’s stuck at home with simon. Karen is tasked with hunting down Niska and bringing her in quietly – but does she recognise the ‘killer synth’?
Niska meanwhile, is enjoying her first taste of freedom. But when she gets chatted up by a man, will he be her next victim?
#humans
Short synopsis Anita saves Toby’s life - but is there something strange about Anita? George breaks free and Pete is angry at the brothel murder cover-up. Niska is free – but has she found a second victim? CAST: Gemma Chan. William Hurt.
Production details Produced by Kudos in association with Matador Films. Directed by Sam Donovan. Kudos Executive Producers Jane Featherstone and Derek Wax. Produced by Chris Fry for Kudos. Produced by Henrik Widman and Lars Lundström for Matador Films. Written by Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley.
Contact Tracey Taylor on 03 9524 2313 / 0419 528 213 or [email protected]
For previews, more information and images visit the media portal.
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Top Pick Sunday 16 August, 5:30pm or later on iview
Peppa Pig: The Golden Boots ABC KIDS Special
For the first time on ABC KIDS, preschoolers' much-loved Peppa Pig debuts her brand new 15 minute special Peppa's Golden Boots, featuring all the favourite characters.
Peppa Pig loves jumping up and down in puddles wearing her special golden boots, even if Suzy does think they're just her ordinary yellow ones. Unfortunately, Mrs Duck also takes a liking to Peppa's boots and runs away with them!
With the help of her friends, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, George and Grampy Rabbit, Peppa must travel across land, sea, and even into space to track down the golden boots before the big puddle jump competition.
Peppa's Golden Boots will also be available on ABC iview.
Short synopsis In a feature-length special, Mrs Duck seems to have taken a liking to Peppa's golden boots and runs away with them! Can Peppa track down the golden boots before the big puddle jump competition?
Production details Peppa Pig © Astley Baker Davies Ltd / Entertainment One UK Ltd 2014
Contact Amy Reiha on (02) 8333 3874 / 0404 026 039 or [email protected]
For previews, more information and images visit the media portal.
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Top Pick Thursday 20 August, 8:30pm or later on iview
The Honourable Woman Series Premiere
As a young girl, Anglo-Israeli Nessa Stein (Maggie Gyllenhaal) witnessed the assassination of her father by the
armed wing of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation.
Now in her late thirties, the beautiful and influential Nessa, an independent entrepreneur and businesswoman, has worked tirelessly to use her position to get equality and peace in the Middle East, heading up the powerful Stein Foundation with her brother Ephra (Andrew Buchan).
Ennobled for her campaigning work, the newly made Baroness must fight forces that are conspiring against her as she awards a highly lucrative contract to a Palestinian businessman, who is subsequently killed.
Consequently, Nessa and her brother Ephra come under the renewed scrutiny of Whitehall and the secret intelligence agencies, both at home and abroad. As tensions increase, we see a glimpse of the terror that Nessa endured eight years previously, and what is yet to come, just as Kasim, the young son of Ephra’s nanny Atika (Lubna Azbal), is kidnapped.
From the corridors of governmental power to the sibling dynamic that bonds the Stein family’s private purpose, Whitehall and MI6, Washington and the CIA, The Palestinian Authority and a Gaza safe-house – the visual backdrop of Hugo Blick’s compelling drama is as stunning and refined as the story that drives it.
The Honourable Woman tells the story of one woman’s personal journey to right the wrongs conducted in a past life.
Short synopsis While campaigning for Middle East peace, businesswoman Nessa Stein must fight forces that are conspiring against her as she awards a highly lucrative contract to a Palestinian businessman. CAST: Maggie Gyllenhaal
Production details A Drama Republic and Eight Rooks production for BBC and Sundance TV; Writer/Director: Hugo Blick (The Shadow Line); Producers: Hugo Blick, Abi Bach (Small Island, Bullet Boy) Executive Producers: Greg Brenman, (Peaky Blinders, Ripper Street) Polly Hill.
Contact Kristine Way on 02 8333 3844 or 0419 969 282 or [email protected]
For previews, more information and images visit the media portal.
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Sunday 16 August, 8:30pm or later on iview
The Politician’s Husband FINAL
When Cabinet Minister Aiden Hoynes’ (David Tennant) career path comes to an abrupt halt, the power balance within his marriage is irrevocably shifted when his wife Freya’s (Emily Watson) political career starts to soar.
In tonight’s final episode Aiden (David Tennant) has to defend himself in an embarrassing sex scandal that threatens to derail any chance of a political comeback and further threatens his marriage.
As he wrestles both back from the brink, he discovers Freya (Emily Watson) has been less than honest about her whereabouts and the time she is spending with Bruce (Ed Stoppard).
In a gripping finale that sees him plot a brilliant comeback as well as Bruce's downfall (and his wife's), Aiden gambles everything with a shocking and surprising outcome.
Aiden Hoynes (David Tennant), Freya Gardner (Emily Watson) Bruce Babbish (Ed Stoppard), Joe Hoynes (Jack Shepherd), Marcus Brock (Roger Allam), Noah Hynes (Oscar Kennedy) and Ruby Hoynes (Lucy Hutchinson).
Short synopsis Aiden has to defend himself in an embarrassing sex scandal that threatens to derail any chance of a political comeback and further threatens his marriage. CAST: David Tennant, Emily Watson, Ed Stoppard, Joe Hoynes.
Production details A Daybreak Pictures production; Director: Simon Cellan Jones; Producer: Hal Vogel (The Promise, Endgame, The Trial Of Tony Blair); Executive Producer (BBC) Lucy Richer; Executive Producers for Daybreak Pictures: David Aukin (The Promise, Endgame, Hyde Park On Hudson), and Paula Milne.
Contact Kristine Way on 02 833 3844 or 0419 969 292 or [email protected]
For previews, more information and images visit the media portal.
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Monday 17 August, 4:25pm or later on iview
Little Lunch
Little Lunch is a 26 x 15’ mockumentary comedy series that takes place during fifteen highly significant minutes of a child’s life; that of snack time in the primary school playground.
Occasionally the children are joined by Mrs Gonsha, their much-loved teacher, with an enormously generous spirit and a tendency to nod off in class…
Little Lunch tackles the big issues in the playground. Who gets to go on the monkey bars? Who gets to join whose club? Who gets Mrs Gonsha off the top of the slide pole when she gets stuck? Little Lunch tells stories that may seem small to adults, but loom large for kids. It uses observational humour to explore themes, which govern children: fear, anxiety, friendship, loyalty, trust and abandonment. (Actually those themes govern adults too, which explains why parents will also love this series.)
During a very windy little lunch, Mrs Gonsha insists the wildly behaving class comes inside to do some yoga. Debra-Jo is horrified at the thought of exercise during playtime but Mrs Gonsha is determined to get the children to calm down and be tranquil. The yoga works and before long the class is quiet and relaxed. Maybe too relaxed, as Mrs Gonsha discovers after she falls asleep.
CAST: Olivia Deeble, Madison Lu, Faith Seci, Joshua Sitch, Flynn Curry, Oisin O’Leary and Heidi Arena.
#littlelunchabc3
Short synopsis During a very windy little lunch, Mrs Gonsha insists the class comes inside and does yoga, much to Debra-Jo’s horror. CAST: Faith Seci, Flynn Curry, Madison Lu, Oisin O’Leary, Joshua Sitch, Olivia Deeble.
Production details A Gristmill Production in association with ABC3, Australian Children’s Television Foundation, Screen Australia and Film Victoria. Produced by Robyn Butler and Wayne Hope. Executive Producers Robyn Butler, Wayne Hope and Geoff Porz. ACTF Executive Producer Bernadette O’Mahony. ABC Executive Producer Simon Hopkinson.
Contact Tracey Taylor on 03 9524 2313 / 0419 528 213 or [email protected]
For previews, more information and images visit the media portal.
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Tuesday 18 August, 8:30pm or later on iview
Kevin McCloud’s Escape To The Wild: Belize
Kevin McCloud travels to the beguiling jungle of Central America to meet a remarkable British family who left their jobs to live a simple life in the rainforests of Belize.
The Atkinsons are a family of five from London who have created a new life in one of the world’s wildest places. Initially, Kevin can’t fathom why anyone would want to live in such a place. One reason being is that Belize has more species of snakes than any other country on Earth, shocking news for the usually urbane McCloud who clearly has a snake phobia.
However, Kevin is determined to understand the family’s motivation for choosing to build a home in this dangerous but beautiful place. In his attempt, he becomes far more than an observer. He works up a sweat assisting the family in building their home, he suffers in the heat, is attacked by swarms of biting insects, and shares his mud hut for the duration of his stay with a large scorpion.
Despite his obvious early discomfort, Kevin starts to appreciate the beauty of the family’s simple jungle life, one without mains water and electricity. He understands that leaving the rat race is brave and surprisingly hard work. It is a tough but richly rewarding life – one which brought the Atkinson family together.
#escapetothewild
Short synopsis Kevin travels to the rainforests of Belize in Central America, one of the world’s wildest places, to meet the Atkinson family who have made a jungle house from rubbish.
Production details Produced by Optomen. Executive Producers: Sue Murphy and Patrick Furlong.
Contact Kim Bassett on 03 9524 2580/0409 600 456 or [email protected]
For previews, more information and images visit the media portal.
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Tuesday 18 August, 9:20pm or later on iview
Sperm Donors Anonymous
Myf, Michael, Jeff and Ross were conceived in the 1970s using anonymous donor sperm. All four grew up thinking their biological father was their dad, only to discover in adulthood they were donor-conceived. Sharing a desire to uncover the truth about their donor father and their genetic heritage, their search for answers is hampered by old promises to donors that they would remain anonymous.
And it is not only donor-conceived children who experience ramifications from the use of anonymous sperm donations. Sperm donors, like Ian, are interested in their biological offspring and open to contact. Knowing he has fathered seven children, Ian is haunted by the likelihood he will never meet them. Also deeply affected is Myf’s dad, Simon, the father who raised her. Simon speaks about the hurt that secrecy caused him as the kids were growing up.
Sperm Donors Anonymous lifts the lid on donor anonymity, looks at the effects on the donor-conceived, their families, and on the sperm donors themselves - and shows what is possible when the truth is told. It examines a significant moral dilemma for our time, an era where new fertility technologies lead the way in creating babies. And most importantly, it allows Myf, Jeff, Michael and Ross to share their struggles and joys as they each grapple with a whole new identity.
Short synopsis A cautionary and inspiring tale about the effects of anonymous sperm donation on donor-conceived children, their families and on the sperm donors themselves.
Production details 1 x 60 minutes. A Sensible Films production. Director Lucy Paplinska. Producer Lisa Horler. Executive Producer John Moore. ABC Commissioning Editor Andrea Ulbrick.
Contact Rachel Fergus on 02 8333 5085 or [email protected]
For previews, more information and images visit the media portal.
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Wednesday 19 August, 8:00pm or later on iview
How Not To Behave
Gretel Killeen and Matt Okine host the new 15 part comedy entertainment series HOW NOT TO BEHAVE, produced by Screentime, a Banijay Group company, for ABC TV.
In which parts of a change room is it okay to walk around naked? What’s the tooth fairy’s going rate? Is it ever okay to pick up at a funeral? Should you discipline other people’s kids, dump a partner by text, or have the in-laws on Skype while your partner is giving birth?
From dinner parties to supermarkets, the workplace to the gym, Gretel Killeen and Matt Okine will escort you through the unwritten rules and necessities of modern society.
Each episode tests the boundaries of a familiar theme providing a ‘how-to’ guide for all of us, offering solutions to our social shortcomings once and for all.
Part comedy, part social anthropology... HOW NOT TO BEHAVE is like Seinfeld meets Attenborough.
HOW NOT TO BEHAVE is a Screentime, a Banijay Group company, production for ABC TV, executive produced by Sophia Mogford (Hamish & Andy’s Gap Year) and Screentime’s Jennifer Collins (Stop Laughing…this is serious), with ABC TV executive producer Sophia Zachariou (The Checkout).
#HowNotToBehave
Short synopsis Gretel and Matt look at the dos and don'ts of devices at the dinner table and teach us how to politely commandeer someone's Wi-Fi. Plus, comedian Tom Ballard joins the hosts to talk about the pros and cons of technology.
Production details Produced by Screentime, a Banijay Group, for ABC TV.
Contact Amy Reiha on (02) 8333 3874 / 0404 026 039 or [email protected]
For previews, more information and images visit the media portal.
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Wednesday 19 August, 8:45pm or later on iview
Extreme Brat Camp
This documentary explores the controversial issue of the aggressive behavioural modification and confrontational methods youth rehabilitation camps employ. With exclusive access to several facilities across the US, we hear from the people who run them, the families that send their children away, and the children themselves.
Teen camps have become a staple of America's youth rehabilitation system. The scale is vast: every year an estimated 5,000 children are sent to one of 1,000 or more centres dotted across the country. These camps are recommended by teen psychologists, or are sought out by parents, often at considerable expense. Not infrequently, children are forcibly removed, on the request of the parents, from their home and taken to a programme, sometimes hundreds of miles away, by a professional transporter.
Short synopsis With exclusive access to several facilities across the US, this documentary explores the controversial issue of the aggressive behavioural modification and confrontational methods youth rehabilitation camps in America employ.
Production details 1 x 47’A Brook Lapping production for Channel 4. Distributed by BBC Worldwide
Contact Amy Reiha on (02) 8333 3874 / 0404 026 039 or [email protected]
For previews, more information and images visit the media portal.
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Wednesday 19 August, 9:30pm or later on iview
America’s Fugitive Family
After a run in with the law 14-years-ago John Joe Gray skipped bail and took his family to a remote compound, cutting themselves off from the outside world and telling police to bring body bags if they were going to try and come and get him.
With John Joe still wanted by the police, the family remains armed and ready for a shoot out. Fearing a blood bath, the police haven’t dared enter.
Forced to live without electricity or running water, children have been born on the fortified compound and are brought up without a formal education. The family never leaves and strangers aren’t allowed to enter – until now. With exclusive access, won over two years, this documentary tells the incredible story of how the Gray family survives off the land and learns how they’re prepared to die rather than see John Joe stand trial.
But are they a misunderstood God-fearing family wishing to live in peace? Or are they dangerously paranoid and unable to function in the outside world
Short synopsis Refugees from the law, the Gray family have holed themselves up in a remote Texas compound, are heavily armed and are at odds with the police.
Production details America’s Fugitive Family is a Firecracker Films production for Channel 4
Contact Bridget Stenhouse on (02) 8333 3847 or [email protected]
For previews, more information and images visit the media portal.
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Thursday 20 August, 9:30pm or later on iview
Catastrophe Series Premiere
A six-part comedy following the travails of schoolteacher Sharon Morris (Sharon Horgan) and Boston ad executive Rob Norris (Rob Delaney), who embark on a wild affair that they both know will end when he heads back to the US.
But just as Rob settles back into life in the States, he receives a phone call from Sharon to tell him she’s pregnant.
Rob returns to London to help out, but they quickly learn that Sharon's pregnancy is just the first of many problems they’ll encounter, and that it may be a good idea to fall in love.
Ashley Jensen and Mark Bonnar co-star.
Short synopsis A one week stand between London schoolteacher Sharon and Boston ad executive Rob leads to an accidental pregnancy. Rob returns to the UK to figure things out. CAST: Sharon Horgan, Rob Delaney.
Production details Writers: Sharon Horgan, Rob Delany; Director Ben Taylor; Producers: Jack Bales, Adam Tandy; Executive Producers: Sharon Horgan, Rob Delany, Jon Thoday, Richard Allen-Turner.
Contact Kristine Way on 02 833 3844 or 0419 969 282 or [email protected]
For previews, more information and images visit the media portal.
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Saturday 22 August, 7:30pm or later on iview
Last Tango In Halifax
Sally Wainwright's heart-warming Bafta-winning drama continues, packed with shocks and surprises as it continues the compelling story of childhood sweethearts, reunited after nearly 60 years apart, as they and their families negotiate the highs and lows of life and relationships.
In this episode, Alan (Derek Jacobi) finally lets Celia (Anne Reid) into his secret about Gary (Rupert Graves), but is saddened when she takes it out on her daughter Caroline (Sarah Lancashire) - and on her wedding of all days.
Gillian (Nicola Walker) is left humiliated at work by an unexpected visit from Robbie's (Dean Andrews) other half Cheryl (Rachel Leskovac), who reveals she knows the pair are sleeping together.
Cheryl makes a scene, which results in Gillian losing her job.
Short synopsis Alan finally lets Celia into his secret about Gary but is saddened when she takes it out on her daughter Caroline - and on her wedding of all days. CAST: Derek Jacobi, Anne Reid, Sarah Lancaster, Nicola Walker, Rupert Graves.
Production details A Red Production Company Production for BBC; Producer: Karen Lewis (Happy Valley, Unforgiven, Exile); Director: Nigel Cole (Ep 1); Writer: Sally Wainwright.
Contact Kristine Way on 02 8333 3844 or 0419 969 282 or [email protected]
For previews, more information and images visit the media portal.
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Marketing Contacts
Sydney
Chris Chamberlin (02) 8333 2154 / 0404 075 749 7pm News, ABC News 24, 7.30, Q&A, Foreign Correspondent, Media Watch, ABC News Breakfast, Lateline, Insiders, The Drum
Rachel Fergus (02) 8333 5085 / 0416 263 194 Four Corners, The Chaser’s Media Circus, No Excuses! With Sarah Ferguson, Mental As
Amy Reiha (02) 8333 3874 / 0404 026 039 Nowhere Boys, Ready For This, How Not To Behave
Bridget Stenhouse (02) 8333 3847 / 0419 846 333 Compass, Cleverman, Opening Shot, ABC2, Louis Theroux
Kris Way (02) 8333 3844 / 0419 969 282 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery, Restoration Australia
Melbourne
Kim Bassett (03) 9524 2580 / 0409 600 456 Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Utopia
Yasmin Kentera (03) 9524 2629/ 0418 813 071 The Doctor Blake Mysteries, Glitch, Sammy J and Randy, iview
Tracey Taylor (03) 9524 2313 / 0419 528 213 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering, Humans, The Beautiful Lie, Please Like Me, The EX PM, Little Lunch, Studio 3
Publicity Lead Dylan Brookes (02) 8333 3852 / 0412 467 313
Programming Tania Caggegi Anna Bruter Enquiries: (ABC & ABC News 24) (ABC3 & ABC2) (02) 8333 4633 (02) 8333 3843
Media Portal: Mary Fraser (02) 8333 3848
Find publicity images and press kits for highlighted and ongoing programs at: http://abc.net.au/tvpublicity
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