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Viewers stunned after Denise Drysdale booted from I'm a Celeb

<p>The first celebrity has been voted out of this year's <em>I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!</em></p> <p>Aussie TV legend Denis Drysdale became the first shock elimination of the 2024 series after arriving late in the jungle. </p> <p>While fans and campmates were shocked when Robert Irwin announced the star's name, she was more than happy to return to civilisation. </p> <p>“Oh, it was more than what I expected,” she told the show's hosts, Irwin and Julia Morris. </p> <p>When asked if she felt "bittersweet" about being the first celebrity booted out of the show, she admitted: “Can I say not so bitter?! It’s sweet! I’m sorry, I have to be – I have to be completely honest!”</p> <p>“It is s**t in there!” she continued. “It is s**t, it’s unbelievable! The dunnies, the dirt! Now I’m a clean person – there’s dirt upon dirt upon dirt upon dirt.”</p> <p> “But I’m so glad that I’ve done it. I’ve done it and I’m proud of myself. So I must say thank you to the Celebrity people for giving me the opportunity to prove to myself I can go in there and do it," she added. </p> <p>A few fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their shock at the decision. </p> <p>“What on earth?!”  wrote one. </p> <p>“People saved Callum over DENISE??” added another. </p> <p><em>Images: Network Ten</em></p>

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"Cringe worthy": Viewers left speechless after star attacks Elmo

<p>Viewers were left shocked after comedian Larry David unexpectedly attacked Elmo during their appearance on the latest episode of the <em>US Today show</em>.</p> <p>The 76-year-old was there to promote the final season of <em>Curb Your Enthusiasm</em>, while Elmo was in the studio alongside his dad Louie to talk about the importance of mental health resources. </p> <p>As the show was transitioning from segment to segment, David walked over to Elmo and smushed his face in before taking a swing at Elmo's dad. </p> <p>The attack caught the show's hosts Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Craig Melvin, off-guard and they began shouting at his ill-timed act. </p> <p>“Oh, my gosh, you love Elmo, don’t you?” Guthrie said to David as an equally shocked Melvin exclaimed, “Oh, my God!”</p> <p>While Elmo didn't seem too bothered by the encounter, the 76-year-old was lectured by muppet dad Louie for his strange act. </p> <p>“Ask permission before you touch people, Larry,” Louie said.</p> <p>“Get back on the couch and let’s talk about how you feel,” Elmo added.</p> <p>Guthrie also called out David's inappropriate act and said: “Larry, you’ve gone too far this time." </p> <p>Although the <em>Seinfeld </em>star was later on forced to apologise to the plush duo and Elmo accepted his apology, the situation left many viewers disgruntled, given the topic matter that Elmo was there to discuss. </p> <p>“Larry David ruined a beautiful story,” one person commented on a video of the segment shared to Instagram. </p> <p>“I felt like I was watching Will Smith all over again. Very sad.”</p> <p>“I must say, I was shocked – it was cringe worthy,” another person wrote. </p> <p>“I love Larry David, but he should have stayed seated until his own segment.”</p> <p>“Although you tried to play it off, Larry David totally messed it up … guess no one told him the theme of the segment” a third shocked viewer added.</p> <p><em>Image: US Today Show/ Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

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Genius Christmas hack divides viewers

<p>Christmas, a time when the kitchen becomes a battlefield and culinary warriors seek ingenious hacks to conquer the chaos!</p> <p>Thankfully, Janelle from @thedailynelly on Instagram, armed with the wisdom of her grandma, has unveiled a potato-cleaning strategy that has shaken the very foundations of traditional holiday prep.</p> <p>Enter "Grandma's best Thanksgiving secret" – a cryptic title that foreshadows a culinary revelation of epic proportions. And yes, we know it's for Thanksgiving – but we are just going to give some thanks and use it for Christmas prep anyway.</p> <p>Janelle took to Instagram to showcase her revolutionary potato-cleaning hack for her followers and – spoiler alert – it involves a dishwasher, and things are about to get wild.</p> <p>As Janelle stacks unwashed potatoes into the dishwasher, she confidently claims that this unorthodox method saves her both time and effort. The video unfolds like a suspenseful thriller, with the person behind the camera questioning her every move. "This is the best way to do it. It saves you so much time," Janelle declares with the conviction of someone who has cracked the Da Vinci Code of holiday cooking.</p> <p>In a daring move, she populates not only the top rack with filthy potatoes but also the lower shelf, even utilising the cutlery holder – because who needs spoons when you can have spuds? Janelle defends her potato-loading strategy, pointing out that traditional methods in a bowl are impractical when faced with three bags of potatoes. Practicality, meet pandemonium.</p> <p>Janelle also points out – a little redundantly, but to be honest you never really know the caliber of person watching Instagram videos – that it's crucial not to use any dishwashing tablets or soap in this peculiar cleaning ritual, because, you know, that would be weird. We wouldn't want our spuds to taste like lavender-scented detergent, now would we?</p> <p>The climax arrives when the four-minute rinse cycle is over – a pivotal moment in this culinary odyssey. Janelle gleefully showcases the now pristine potatoes, claiming victory over the tedious hand-washing process. "They're clean, you didn't have to hand wash them. I'm telling you – it saves time on Christmas when you're hosting a tonne of people," she declares triumphantly.</p> <p>However, the internet, ever the skeptic, has of course reacted with horror and disbelief. Some commenters expressed their disgust, labelling the dishwasher technique as "gross" and "nasty". </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cz7Af8oulYb/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cz7Af8oulYb/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Daily Nelly (@thedailynelly)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Concerns about dishwasher residue and the efficiency of the method compared to traditional hand washing also echo through the comments. The naysayers argue that the time spent stacking potatoes in the dishwasher outweighs the alleged time saved.</p> <p>In the end, @thedailynelly's dishwasher potato video has become something of a cautionary tale, a reminder that not all culinary shortcuts are created equal. But here at OverSixty we are firmly on Team Janelle. At least she is out there giving it a go, listening to her grandma, and sharing her wisdom with the world.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram / <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">@thedailynelly</span></em></p>

Food & Wine

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Matildas smash TV viewer records for the first time in a decade

<p>On Saturday night, many households around the nation joined together and held their breath as The Matildas took on France in an epic showdown for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.</p> <p>The game had an audience of millions around the country, as people watched the nail-biting event live and free on Channel 7 and 7plus to set all kinds of staggering TV records. </p> <p>Australia has been swept up in the fever of the Women's World Cup, with each game boasting more and more fans, with millions of people, including the not-so sports inclined, showing up in a display of solidarity for women's sport. </p> <p>Many accommodations were made for the match against France, the Channel 7 pushing their nightly news broadcast, and countless live streaming sites set up around the country for sports fans to gather together and watch the showdown in real time. </p> <p>As a result, Seven has revealed that the game delivered “the highest rating TV sport program of the past decade”.</p> <p>The last time the Matildas stepped out, for the 2-0 win over Denmark, their TV numbers eclipsed last year’s AFL and NRL grand finals, and all of this year’s State of Origin battles in rugby league and reality TV shows.</p> <p>Now, Seven’s “preliminary data” shows that the epic battle with France was watched by a whopping 7.2 million people (on both Seven and 7plus) with an estimated average audience during the game of 4.17 million.</p> <p>The game’s adjusted average audience of 4.17 million included a national broadcast audience of 3.69 million viewers on Seven (2.62 million in the capital cities) plus 472,000 viewers on 7plus.</p> <p>“It is the No.1 TV program of the year,” Seven said in a statement.</p> <p>“The 472,000 viewers on 7plus makes the Matildas v France game the biggest streaming event ever seen in Australia.”</p> <p>Overall, Seven’s coverage of the World Cup has now reached 11.9 million broadcast viewers plus another 2.3 million on 7plus.</p> <p>Seven’s Melbourne director and head of sport, Lewis Martin, said, “Australia partied yesterday as the Matildas did us proud. The nation gathered around the screens of Seven to cheer on our latest sporting heroes, in an amazing, shared experience that only Seven can deliver.</p> <p>“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 has brought Australia together in a way we haven’t seen for years."</p> <p>Australia beat France in the epic battle on Saturday, after The Matildas had the nation on the collective edge of their seats before dominating in a tense 7-6 penalty shootout. </p> <p>The Matildas will now take on England in the semi-finals on Wednesday night, in a match that is sure to break TV viewing records all over again. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

TV

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Furious Matt Shirvington shocks viewers with a passionate rant

<p>Matt Shirvington has shocked <em>Sunrise</em> viewers after launching into a passionate rant about a cause close to his heart. </p> <p>The <em>Sunrise</em> host, who has only recently taken over from Kochie, spoke directly to the audience about Aussie Olympic sprinter Peter Bol and his recent exoneration from a false positive drug test. </p> <p>Bol was provisionally suspended in January after news broke he had returned a positive A sample for synthetic EPO during an out-of-competition drug test. </p> <p>During the eight-month ordeal as Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) retested the samples, Bol continuously maintained his innocence.</p> <p>This week, SIA announced Bol's case had been closed after a subsequent independent analysis of his B Sample returned a false positive. </p> <p>Bol announced the good news with a message on social media on Tuesday. </p> <p>"I have been exonerated. It was a false positive like I have said all along! The news from Sport Integrity Australia today was a dream come true," he tweeted.</p> <p>After hearing the new of the exoneration, Matt Shirvington, who competed in the 2000 Olympics as a sprinter himself, shared his thoughts on Bol's unfortunate situation. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cvat5EMA8X3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cvat5EMA8X3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sunrise (@sunriseon7)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>On Wednesday morning, Shirvo took aim at the entire system that failed Peter Bol. </p> <p>"Peter's name has been dragged through the mud and we all know mud sticks. Now there are plenty of questions that need to be answered," he said. </p> <p>"Why did he test positive in the first place? Do testing protocols need to change? And the big one, who leaked the result of his A-sample before his B-sample had been revealed? And why?"</p> <p>"Peter Bol deserved better. He was let down at every level and a mere apology isn't going to cut it. The damage is done. Damage to his reputation, his mental health, his family, friends and fans. Damage to the sport that I and millions of fans love."</p> <p>"In the race to remove the stain from his reputation, Peter is left to play catch up due to a flawed system and an organisation that have let him and Australian sport down."</p> <p>Many viewers were left shocked by his passionate tirade, and praised him for sticking up for the Aussie athlete.</p> <p>One person said, "Well said Matt - straight from the heart," while another wrote online "So well said, Matt! Australia's still behind ya, Peter. So sorry you had to go through this."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Sunrise</em></p>

TV

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Sudden exit leaves Dancing With the Stars viewers stunned

<p>Fans of <em>Dancing With the Stars</em> were left in shock as celebrity chef Matt Preston made an unexpected decision to quit the show on Sunday night, creating a first in the series' history.</p> <p>After finding himself in the bottom two and facing a dance-off against former AFL star Gavin Wanganeen to secure his spot in the competition, the former <em>MasterChef</em> judge interrupted host Daryl Somers to drop a bombshell announcement.</p> <p>“I’ve loved everything about this, but my ankle is cooked,” Preston revealed to Somers and co-host Sonia Kruger.</p> <p>“I can’t dance again tonight so what I want to do is to concede and give the win to Gavin, who did brilliantly today and I’m so proud to be doing this for you, brother.”</p> <p>Somers, clearly taken aback, expressed that such a situation had never occurred before and invited the judges to share their thoughts on Preston's decision.</p> <p>“I mean, injuries happen and there’s nothing you can do about that,” Craig Revel Horwood said.</p> <p>“I’ve been a dancer all my life, if you’re injured you shouldn’t dance on an injury – so Matt, I think you’ve made the right decision. Sad to see you go, but Gavin, darling welcome, for you get another life on the show now.”</p> <p>“You’re absolutely doing the right thing and thank you for giving us determination and your courage, you’ve been wonderful,” Sharna Burgess agreed.</p> <p>“And I’m gonna give you a big hug after the show.”</p> <p>During a recent candid interview on the Stellar podcast "Something To Talk About," Preston shed light on his motivation for joining the dancing competition in the first place, explaining his desire to step far outside his comfort zone.</p> <p>“An opportunity like <em>Dancing</em> comes along and you go, ‘I don’t need to do it.’ And then you go, ‘Well, let’s have a crack,’” he said.</p> <p>“There’s one word that I keep hearing a lot from certain people of a certain age who’ve achieved a lot, and that’s the fear of ‘humiliation’. I think this is a really debilitating idea, this idea that your children are going to think less of you or your friends are going to joke about you.</p> <p>“Humiliation is just an anxiety that really has no place in the modern world.”</p> <p><em>Images: Channel 10</em></p>

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“Let him rest in peace”: Viewers slam Shane Warne miniseries

<p dir="ltr">Viewers have slammed Channel Nine’s upcoming miniseries on Shane Warne, calling the “major drama” two-part event “embarrassing and disgraceful”. </p> <p dir="ltr">The first promo ads for the miniseries aired during the first State of Origin game on Wednesday night, with the trailer showing actor Alex William depicting the late Australian cricketer.</p> <p dir="ltr">The trailer was not well received by fans, with many saying it is “too soon” to be making a series about his life and death.</p> <p dir="ltr">Warmie died in March 2022 of a suspected heart attack while on holiday in Thailand. </p> <p dir="ltr">Just six months after his passing, the Nine Network confirmed the miniseries was in production, however, they did not disclose at the time that production began just three weeks after his death. </p> <p dir="ltr">The series, called <em>Warnie</em>, is set to air over two nights later this year. </p> <p dir="ltr">After the first trailer aired, many fans took to Twitter to express their disappointment over the show. </p> <p dir="ltr">One disgruntled viewer wrote, “Are Channel Nine taking the piss with the Warnie mini series. That promo was s***house, embarrassing and disgraceful. Let him rest in peace.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Another wrote, “Does anyone else think it’s too soon for a Warnie show on? He hasn’t even been gone for 15 months, and already the show seems filmed and ready to release.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“How quickly after his passing did someone go ‘yep it’s time to make a show on his life?’”</p> <p dir="ltr">A third person put it simply: “On the YeahNah scale the Warnie TV drama series look like a massive nah.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The miniseries was filmed in the late cricketer's hometown of Melbourne, and tells a dramatised version of Warnie's remarkable sporting career and rise to fame.</p> <p dir="ltr">Shane's eldest daughter Brooke, 24, previously called Nine's announcement of a telemovie based on her father “<a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/shane-warne-s-daughter-blasts-channel-nine-for-disrespect">beyond disrespectful</a>”, as he spent 23 years as a commentator for the network's cricket coverage.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Do any of you have any respect for dad? Or his family?” she wrote on Instagram.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He did so much for Channel Nine and now you want to dramatise his life and our family's life six months after he passed away? You are beyond disrespectful.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Nine</em></p>

TV

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“Heartbreaking”: Jimmy Barnes’ emotional tribute to Jock Zonfrillo leaves viewers sobbing

<p dir="ltr">Jimmy Barnes has left viewers sobbing after his emotional tribute to Jock Zonfrillo on <em>The Sunday Project</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The rock legend performed a moving rendition of The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond, accompanied by bagpipes, for fellow Scot Jock Zonfrillo.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>The Sunday Project</em> posted a tweet of the tribute with the caption: “The last time Jimmy Barnes sang the traditional Scottish song 'The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond' was with his fellow Scot Jock Zonfrillo.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Tonight, he sings it in tribute to his great mate.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m still recovering from that whole tribute, simply beautiful and gut wrenchingly sad 😢,” wrote one user in response to the post.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Beautiful, heartbreaking tribute ending with Jimmy Barnes and Loch Lomond. And the tears flowed … 😭” wrote another.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was keeping it together until the bagpipes. Now I'm a mess. Nothing but love to the ones that he loved and that loved him. Going to miss you Jock Zonfrillo,” commented a third.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Oh my! Tears rolling. Vale Jock . Love to fellow MasterChef fans. Hugs to his family,” wrote a fourth.</p> <p dir="ltr">“'F***ing hell. Now Jimmy Barnes is making me cry again,” another user tweeted.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Scottish-Australian chef <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/shattered-hearts-culinary-world-mourns-tragic-death-of-jock-zonfrillo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passed away</a> on Monday, May 1, his sudden death shocking the culinary and entertainment world.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Network 10, The Project</em></p>

Music

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Interactive cinema: how films could alter plotlines in real time by responding to viewers’ emotions

<p>Most films offer exactly the same viewing experience. You sit down, the film starts, the plot unfolds and you follow what’s happening on screen until the story concludes. It’s a linear experience. My new film, <a href="http://www.albinomosquito.com/before-we-disappear/">Before We Disappear</a> – about a pair of climate activists who seek revenge on corporate perpetrators of global warming – seeks to alter that viewing experience.</p> <p>What makes my film different is that it adapts the story to fit the viewer’s emotional response. Through the use of a computer camera and software, the film effectively watches the audience as they view footage of climate disasters. Viewers are implicitly asked to choose a side.</p> <p>I chose to use this technology to make a film about the climate crisis to get people to really think about what they are willing to sacrifice for a survivable future.</p> <p>Storytelling has always been interactive: traditional oral storytellers would interact and respond to their listeners. For almost a century, film directors have been <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interactive_cinema">experimenting with interactivity</a> – the past decade has seen an explosion of interactive content.</p> <p>Streaming services give viewers the opportunity to choose their own adventure. However, letting the viewer control the action has long posed a challenge: it’s at odds with narrative immersion, where the viewer is drawn into the world created by the story.</p> <p>One of the most prominent recent experiments in interactive film, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Mirror:_Bandersnatch">Netflix’s Bandersnatch</a>, clearly illustrates this. Here the action stops to ask the user what to do next – breaking the flow of the story and actively involving the viewer. Solving this issue of breaking the immersive experience remains a key question for artists exploring interactive film.</p> <p>The films I create and direct take a different route, leveraging non-conscious control to influence a film as the audience watches. My previous <a href="http://braincontrolledmovie.co.uk/">brain-controlled</a> films, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7853742/">The Moment (2018)</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8072006/">The Disadvantages of Time Travel (2014)</a>, used brain computer interfaces (BCIs). These systems use computers to <a href="https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/980302/scanners-exploring-the-control-of-adaptive-films-using-brain-computer-interaction">analyse electrical signals from the brain</a>, allowing people to effectively control a device with their minds.</p> <p>Using this data from the brain, audiences <a href="https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/index.php/output/1468705/from-directors-cut-to-users-cut-to-watch-a-brain-controlled-film-is-to-edit-it">create a non-conscious edit</a> of the film in real time – reinforcing the films’ respective stories of science-fiction dystopia and a wandering, daydreaming mind.</p> <p>However, the BCI interface requires specialised equipment. For Before We Disappear, I wanted to use a technology more readily available to audiences, that could allow films to be shared over the internet.</p> <h2>Controlling the narrative</h2> <p>Before We Disappear uses an ordinary computer camera to read emotional cues and instruct the real-time edit of the film. To make this work, we needed a good understanding of how people react to films.</p> <p>We ran several <a href="https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3290607.3312814">studies</a> <a href="https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3290605.3300378">exploring the emotions</a> filmmakers intend to evoke and how viewers visually present emotion when watching. By using computer vision and machine learning techniques from our partner <a href="https://www.blueskeye.com/">BlueSkeye AI</a>, we analysed viewers’ facial emotions and reactions to film clips and developed several algorithms to leverage that data to control a narrative.</p> <p>While we observed that audiences tend not to extensively emote when watching a film, BlueSkeye’s face and emotion analysis tools are sensitive enough to pick up enough small variations and emotional cues to adapt the film to viewer reactions.</p> <p>The analysis software measures facial muscle movement along with the strength of emotional arousal – essentially how emotional a viewer feels in a particular moment. The software also evaluates the positivity or negativity of the emotion – something we call “<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00261/full">valence</a>”.</p> <p>We are experimenting with various algorithms where this arousal and valence data contributes to real-time edit decisions, which causes the story to reconfigure itself. The first scene acts as a baseline, which the next scene is measured against. Depending on the response, the narrative will become one of around 500 possible edits. In Before We Disappear, I use a non-linear narrative which offers the audience different endings and emotional journeys.</p> <h2>Emotional journey</h2> <p>I see interactive technology as a way of expanding the filmmaker’s toolkit, to further tell a story and allow the film to adapt to an individual viewer, challenging and distributing the power of the director.</p> <p>However, emotional responses could be misused or have unforeseen consequences. It is not hard to imagine an online system showing only content eliciting positive emotions from the user. This could be used to create an echo chamber – where people only see content that matches the preferences they already have.</p> <p>Or it could be used for propaganda. We saw in the Cambridge Analytica scandal how <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facebook%E2%80%93Cambridge_Analytica_data_scandal">large amounts of personal information</a> were collected from Facebook and used for political advertising.</p> <p>Our <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348325526_Brain-controlled_cinematic_interactions">research</a> aims to generate conversation about how users’ emotion data can be used responsibly with informed consent, while allowing users to control their own personal information. In our system, the data is analysed on the users’ device, rather than, say, the cloud.</p> <h2>Big business, big responsibility</h2> <p>Non-conscious interaction is big business. Platforms such as <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/algorithms-take-over-youtube-s-recommendations-highlight-human-problem-n867596">TikTok</a> and <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/algorithms-take-over-youtube-s-recommendations-highlight-human-problem-n867596">YouTube</a> use analysis of users’ past interactions on the platforms to influence the new content they see there. Users are not always aware of what personal information is being created or stored, nor can they influence what algorithms will present to them next.</p> <p>It’s important to create a system where audiences’ data is not stored. Video of the viewer or facial expression data should not be uploaded or analysed anywhere but on the player device. We plan to release the film as an interactive app, incorporating an awareness of potential abuse of the user’s data, and safeguarding any personal data on the device used to watch it.</p> <p>Adaptive films offer an alternative to traditional “choose-your-own-adventure” storytelling. When the story can change based on the audiences’ unconscious responses rather than intentional interaction, their focus can be kept in the story.</p> <p>This means they can enjoy a more personalised experience of the film. Turns out the old traditions of storytelling may still have much to teach us in the 21st century.</p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/interactive-cinema-how-films-could-alter-plotlines-in-real-time-by-responding-to-viewers-emotions-200145" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Movies

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Viewers respond to Allison Langdon's big debut

<p dir="ltr">Allison Langdon has been praised following her debut in the <em>A Current Affair</em> hosting chair, after a moving display of empathy towards a survivor of domestic abuse.</p> <p dir="ltr">In Ally’s debut interview, she sat down with Kimbarlie O’Reilly, who was abused by her ex-boyfriend Jake Frecker, who has just been released from jail after serving four years of a six year sentence.</p> <p dir="ltr">“A thousand different things go through my head about the next few years and what’s going to happen. Like, how long do I have left to live,” Ms O’Reilly told Langdon about the depth of her fear of what her ex might be capable of.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms O’Reilly then detailed the abuse she suffered at the hands of her ex-partner, explaining how she would be locked outside of her house for hours at a time, verbally berated and physically assaulted.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m still struggling every day. I have panic attacks; I have nightmares; I don’t sleep; I have anxiety and PTSD and I didn’t have any of this before,” Ms O’Reilly told Langdon.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">"How long do I have left to live?"</p> <p>TONIGHT on A Current Affair, Ally Langdon sits down with a woman who is lucky to be alive after being beaten by her then-boyfriend.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9ACA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9ACA</a> | Watch LIVE 7pm <a href="https://t.co/gBxPP8xnN3">pic.twitter.com/gBxPP8xnN3</a></p> <p>— A Current Affair (@ACurrentAffair9) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACurrentAffair9/status/1619940282698457088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“He’ll be angry at me for what’s happened and it’ll be my fault still. And he won’t be satisfied until he gets his revenge.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ally’s next question proved too much for Ms O’Reilly, as she asked, “Do you feel safe right now?”</p> <p dir="ltr">“No. Not at all. Not at all. Sorry,” said Ms O’Reilly, welling up.</p> <p dir="ltr">Langdon then comforted Ms O’Reilly. “Don’t apologise. This is really hard to talk about,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Do you need a moment?” said Langdon, leaning into Ms O’Reilly and helping her off the set.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You’re strong; you’re brave, and you’re a fighter,” said Langdon when Ms O’Reilly returned.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Yeah, I’m definitely my parents’ daughter,” replied Ms O’Reilly.</p> <p dir="ltr">“As hard as it is, I’m never gonna stop. I have this responsibility to talk, to be loud, and shine a light on the injustice on women.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ally’s compassion won her praise online, with viewers in awe of her empathy and kindness towards Ms O’Reilly.</p> <p dir="ltr">One viewer wrote online, “What a debut for Ally Langdon [A Current Affair] ontonight. Leading with the issue of domestic violence &amp; giving it the spotlight it needs.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“More to come tomorrow night too…. If this is the direction she is taking the show, I reckon I might watch more often.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Another viewer said, “Stellar Job tonight Ally.. Welcome to <em>A Current Affair</em>.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: A Current Affair</em></p>

TV

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Viewers slam Kath and Kim for “false advertising”

<p dir="ltr">Viewers have been left disappointed with the reboot of <em>Kath and Kim</em> after months of promoting the return of the Aussie show. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Kath &amp; Kim: Our Effluent Life</em> aired on Channel 7 on November 20 with fans gearing up for the show’s exciting 20th anniversary. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, within minutes of the show airing, social media was flooded with messages of “disappointment” because only 10 minutes of new footage was aired. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Well this is disappointing. I thought it was a new episode #KathandKim,” someone wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">“This episode is like watching the bonus content you get when you buy a special edition DVD from Sanity #kathandkim #oureffluentlife,” another commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Anyone else feeling cheated that we're not getting a whole new episode,” another wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 20th anniversary reboot, which showed never-before-seen bloopers and moments from the previous seasons, went on for 74 minutes.</p> <p dir="ltr">There were special appearances from Kylie Minogue, Michael Bublé, Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting, Eric Bana, Mick Molloy, Tony Martin, Richard E Grant, Barry Humphries, and Julia Gillard.</p> <p dir="ltr">Channel 7 did make it clear however that the show will only include around 10 minutes of new footage.</p> <p dir="ltr">Avid fans defended the screening, pointing out that it was evident from the beginning that the 20th anniversary episode would not be something new. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The only people complaining about #kathandkim are the ones who chose not to read anything about it prior to tonight. It was never advertised as a new episode. It was always going to be a celebration of the show’s history,” someone pointed out. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I feel like I'm the only person in Australia who picked up this was going to be a greatest hits/behind the scenes special, not a brand new episode #kathandkim,” another wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">“If you are one of the morons complaining about the #kathandkim retrospective, if you had half a brain you'd be dangerous. It was always promoted and advertised as a retrospective, it's not their problem you're dumb,” someone else commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite all the anger, 786,000 Aussies tuned in to watch the show. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Channel 7</em></p>

TV

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Bridesmaid "horrifies" viewers with "cringe" wedding speech

<p>A "horrifying" wedding speech has gone viral online, as a bridesmaid delivered an "awkward" toast to her friend and her new husband. </p> <p>The video, which was originally posted on TikTok, has racked up hundreds of thousands of views, shows a bridesmaid named Shannon standing in front of the congregation to toast the newlyweds. </p> <p>In what should have been an emotional, wholesome speech, it instead got off to a bad start when she appeared to forget how long she's known the bride for. </p> <p>“Hi, I’m Shannon, I’ve known Tracy for...oh god...” she started, before a voice off-camera suggests it’s been nine years.</p> <p>“I don’t quite know Anthony that well,” the woman continued, alluding to the groom.</p> <p>“But Tracy talks about you non-stop. She’d be like ‘Oh, Anthony this, Anthony that’, and I’m like, ‘I don’t care’.”</p> <p>Shannon's fake eye-roll didn't get a laugh from the crowd, as she insisted, "Just kidding!"</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">What…the hell…did I just watch? <a href="https://t.co/smfqexmcsz">pic.twitter.com/smfqexmcsz</a></p> <p>— chris evans (@notcapnamerica) <a href="https://twitter.com/notcapnamerica/status/1585151254464196608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>She continued, “You guys are so cute together.”</p> <p>After telling the groom he’d “better take care of my girl”, Shannon turned to the crowd and said, “I’m not gonna be racist, guys, I’m just saying.”</p> <p>“You guys are outstepping the stereotype and I love it."</p> <p>“You guys, I swear, I love Black people. You guys. Are. The. Best.”</p> <p>Shannon went on to say, “My own daughter’s great-aunt is like, the best woman” before concluding, “You guys are amazing, I love you.”</p> <p>As the video made the rounds online, viewers couldn't believe what they were watching. </p> <p>“What…the hell…did I just watch?” one person asked.</p> <p>“I actually gasped out loud! What in the actual hell??” another weighed in.</p> <div> <p>“Wtaf?! I thought you were just sharing a cringy public speaking clip and that was bad enough, but...then...it took a turn,” another wrote.</p> <p><em>Image credits: TikTok</em></p> </div>

Relationships

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Kiwi journalist hits back at viewer’s complaints about her Māori tattoo

<p dir="ltr">A popular New Zealand newsreader has hit back at an irate viewer who has repeatedly complained about her traditional Māori face tattoo, asking him to keep his comments for “another lifetime”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Oriini Kaipara made headlines in 2021 when she became the first person to bear a moko kauae - a traditional Māori tattoo that covers a woman’s lips and chin - while anchoring a prime-time news broadcast in New Zealand.</p> <p dir="ltr">While many viewers have applauded Ms Kaipara, others were less kind, with one repeat objector prompting her to take to Instagram to respond on Thursday, saying she had “had enough” of his complaints.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Today I had enough. I responded. I never do that. I broke my own code and hit the send button,” the Newshub presenter shared with followers in a since-deleted post.</p> <p dir="ltr">The viewer, identified only as David, had written to the entire newsroom to complain about Ms Kaipara’s tattoo, which he mislabelled as a “moku” and said was “offensive” and “a bad look”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We continue to object strongly to you using Māori TV presenter with a moku, which is offensive and aggressive looking. A bad look,” he wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">David also objected to the use of te reo Māori during broadcasts, despite the fact that the Māori language features in most Kiwi TV broadcasts.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She also bursts into Māori language which we do not understand. Stop it now,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">On Instagram, Ms Kaipara shared her full response to him.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Thank you for all your complaints against me and my ‘moku’. I do find them very difficult to take seriously, given there is no breach of broadcast standards,” she wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If I may, I’d like to correct you on one thing – it is moko not ‘moku’. A simple, helpful pronunciation guide of ‘Maw-Caw’ will help you articulate the word correctly.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I gather your complaints stem from a place of preference on how one must look on-screen, according to you. Moko and people with them are not threatening, nor do they deserve such discrimination, harassment or prejudice.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Moko are ancient cultural markings unique to the indigenous people of Aotearoa, myself included. We mean no harm or ill intent, nor do we deserve to be treated with such disregard. Please refrain from complaining further, and restrain your cultural ignorance and bias for another lifetime, preferably in the 1800s.”</p> <p dir="ltr">She ended her message with, “Nga mihi matakuikui o te wa,” a polite te reo Māori farewell, and signed off as “the lady with the moko kauwae who speaks Māori but MOSTLY English on TV”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Speaking to the <em><a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/newshubs-oriini-kaiparas-response-to-viewers-complaint-about-her-offensive-moko-kauae/LWLE2VNRPXM2GJTQ73Z3FNME74/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NZ Herald</a></em> after, Ms Kaipara said the viewer had been “relentless” in his complaints.</p> <p dir="ltr">“These types of complaints are being sent by a minority,” she told the publication, adding that she receives plenty of “lovely and thoughtful” messages from viewers.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The fact that my existence triggers some people is testament to why we need more Māori advocates in key roles across every sector.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Kaipara, who is of Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Rangitihi and Ngāi Tūhoe descent, has previously said she got her moko in 2019 to remind herself of her identity as a Māori woman.</p> <p dir="ltr">“When I doubt myself, and I see my reflection in the mirror, I’m not just looking at myself,” she explained.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m looking at my grandmother and my mother, and my daughters, and those to come after me, as well as all the other women and Maori girls out there. It empowers me.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-d248cbbc-7fff-de3f-a32a-984cc801f082"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @oriinz (Instagram)</em></p>

Technology

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Bluey was edited for American viewers – but global audiences deserve to see all of us

<p>Beloved children’s program Bluey has received some backlash.</p> <p>Not due to the program, but to Disney’s decision to make edits to various episodes for the US market.</p> <p>Dubbed “<a href="https://mouthsofmums.com.au/7-things-disney-apparently-censored-in-bluey-season-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">censorship</a>” by some publications, the changes to the third season, released in America on Disney+ this month, include Bandit not being hit in a sensitive area, a conversation about getting a vasectomy replaced with “getting dog teeth removed”, the horse Buttermilk no longer stands next to poo on screen and Aunt Trix is no longer seen on the toilet during a video call.</p> <p>One episode, Family Meeting, where Bluey accuses dad Bandit of farting in her face, was removed entirely – although due to the backlash it appears this decision has been <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/streaming/bluey-episode-banned-on-disney-in-the-us-for-bizarre-reason/news-story/b5877d7134a6b217234398eb7892d4da" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rescinded</a>.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Parents who watch Bluey on Disney… there’s an extra episode via CBBC which Disney doesn’t allow to be on their platforms! It’s called Dad Baby!!! <a href="https://t.co/JMeCMYvtz4">pic.twitter.com/JMeCMYvtz4</a></p> <p>— Kirstie 🤍 (@kirstieandco) <a href="https://twitter.com/kirstieandco/status/1560526183741243392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>Episodes in previous seasons have also been <a href="https://twitter.com/blueymoments/status/1261872704237551618" target="_blank" rel="noopener">edited</a> or <a href="https://blueypedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dad_Baby" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unavailable</a> to stream on Disney+.</p> <p>This decision by Disney comes at a time when there has been a fundamental shift, both in the way audiences consume content and how content is distributed. Through global streaming services, content previously produced for a local market now has a greater opportunity to reach a global audience.</p> <p><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/01/arts/television/bluey-cartoon-dog-australia.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The New York Times</a> has said Bluey “could rival The Wiggles as Australia’s most popular children’s cultural export”.</p> <p>But can screen content truly be considered a cultural export if it is re-edited to reflect cultural aspects of the market it is being distributed in?</p> <h2>Content for global audience</h2> <p>Australian media content being changed for the US market is not a new phenomena.</p> <p>More than 40 years ago, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079501/alternateversions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mad Max</a> was dubbed with American accents for the US market.</p> <p>More recently, Australian television shows like <a href="https://www.vulture.com/2011/06/watch_the_original_australian.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wilfred</a> (2011), <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-30/american-version-kath-and-kim-tv-remakes/100689218" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kath &amp; Kim</a> (2009) and <a href="https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/the-slap/the-slap-australia-explained/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Slap</a> (2015) have been reproduced for a US market.</p> <p>Since these Americanised series premiered, there has been a shift in the commissioning of media. Content distributors no longer solely rely on local broadcasters: they now are able to go direct to a global audience through streaming services.</p> <p>Since the start of 2022, Netflix has commissioned content <a href="https://www.ampereanalysis.com/press/release/dl/netflix-looks-to-international-commissions-for-growth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">from 44 territories</a>, Warner Bros commissioned work across 27 territories for HBO Max and Discovery+, Disney 23 and Amazon 21.</p> <p>These streaming platforms aren’t looking for local hits: they’re looking for global hits, from anywhere. It’s not just about making the next Stranger Things, it’s <a href="https://www.screendaily.com/news/netflix-commissions-originals-from-a-record-28-international-markets/5173422.article" target="_blank" rel="noopener">about making</a> the next Money Heist – the Netflix hit from Spain – or the next South Korean juggernaut Squid Game.</p> <h2>A question of quotas</h2> <p>In 2021, the federal government removed the quota requiring local children’s programming on Australian commercial television. This has resulted in a significant <a href="https://tvtonight.com.au/2022/08/2021-content-quotas-soaps-deliver-but-kids-tv-in-freefall.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">decline</a> in the broadcast of children’s content.</p> <p>We have seen <a href="https://www.acma.gov.au/spending-subscription-video-demand-providers-2020-21" target="_blank" rel="noopener">increased investment</a> of Australian content by streaming services. Together, Amazon Prime, Disney, Netflix and Stan spent A$178.9 million in the 2020–21 financial year, including children’s television. This is up more than $25 million in the <a href="https://www.acma.gov.au/spending-subscription-video-demand-providers-2019-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">previous year</a>.</p> <p>Earlier this year, <a href="https://about.netflix.com/en/news/netflix-has-a-new-development-funding-initiative-with-the-australian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Netflix launched</a> a partnership with the Australian Children’s Television Foundation to fund the development of original Australian children’s series. Disney has <a href="https://mumbrella.com.au/disney-releases-first-wave-of-local-content-commissions-with-9-australian-originals-737567" target="_blank" rel="noopener">also announced</a> its planned investment in local Australian children’s content.</p> <p>This increase by streaming service is yet to fill the shortfall by commercial television.</p> <h2>But is it Australian?</h2> <p>In June, the <a href="https://makeitaustralian.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Make It Australian</a> campaign was launched at the Sydney Film Festival. The campaign calls for Australian stories to be “told on Australian screens by us, to us, about us”.</p> <p>At the campaign launch, arts minister Tony Burke said international and commercial success for Australian films is “wonderful, but that is a bonus.”</p> <p>The “first objective” for Australian films, he said:</p> <blockquote> <p>is to make sure our stories are told so that we know better ourselves; we know better each other and the world has a better way of knowing us.</p> </blockquote> <p>It is the last point that Tony Burke makes, about the world “knowing us”, that is less considered in the ongoing local screen content debate. Indeed, Australian content is being <a href="https://www.acma.gov.au/spending-subscription-video-demand-providers-2020-21" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shown to a global audience</a>.</p> <p>But what happens when Australian content is edited with these international audiences in mind? Edits like those Disney made to Bluey not only impact the humour and the narrative, but also impact the cultural representation within the program.</p> <p>Increased investment by streaming services will provide opportunities for Australian local content to be successful locally and globally. But for Australian television and films to be true cultural exports, the world should be seeing the version of ourselves we are seeing, too.</p> <p>The success of this relies on not only focusing on content production and local distribution, but including strategies that allow Australian content to remain free from localised edits, so it can truly reflect an Australian cultural export.</p> <p><strong>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/bluey-was-edited-for-american-viewers-but-global-audiences-deserve-to-see-all-of-us-188982" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</strong></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

TV

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“I’M NOT CRYING, YOU’RE CRYING”: Viewers react to Neighbours finale

<p>Politicians, TV presenters and fans alike have swamped social media after the final episode of Neighbours aired in Australia.</p> <p>The long-running soap finished up after a 37-year run on TV screens and people couldn't help but share their thoughts on how things ended for the folks of Erinsborough.</p> <p>Among those to pay tribute to the iconic Aussie series on Twitter were the likes of Bill Shorten, TV presenter Sarah Harris and even Victoria Police who commended their local Erinsborough colleagues for a job well done.</p> <p>"Kidnappings, plane crashes, tornados, multiple (!!) people returning from the dead, murders, arson, explosions. For 37 years the Erinsborough police have been responding to crime, after disaster, after mystery on Ramsay Street, but today that all ends," read a message from the Victoria Police's official Twitter account.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kidnappings, plane crashes, tornados, multiple (!!) people returning from the dead, murders, arson, explosions. For 37 years the Erinsborough police have been responding to crime, after disaster, after mystery on Ramsay Street, but today that all ends. <a href="https://t.co/4uwAhvc7Lz">pic.twitter.com/4uwAhvc7Lz</a></p> <p>— Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/VictoriaPolice/status/1552480371937124352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>Bill Shorten called the show an “Aussie TV institution” and praised the consistent efforts Neighbours went to for those with disabilities.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Neighbours finale is the ultimate throwback. Every face is as familiar as our own neighbours, but also showing inclusive TV for people with disability. Brilliant. Congrats to everyone who has been part of the Aussie TV institution. What will I watch now! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CelebratingNeighbours?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CelebratingNeighbours</a> <a href="https://t.co/im69t6Cz5d">pic.twitter.com/im69t6Cz5d</a></p> <p>— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/billshortenmp/status/1552599274352824322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>Meanwhile, Sarah Harris posted a simple yet emotional response to the show ending, revealing she shed a tear watching the nostalgic episode.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">I'M NOT CRYING YOU'RE CRYING 😭😭😭😭😭 <a href="https://twitter.com/neighbours?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@neighbours</a> </p> <p>Thank you 🙏🏻</p> <p>— Sarah Harris 🌮 (@SarahHarris) <a href="https://twitter.com/SarahHarris/status/1552611144627417091?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>The finale saw an entire host of famous faces including Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Guy Pearce and Margot Robbie among the long list of famous alumni returning to Ramsay Street to say goodbye, in an episode that wrapped up with a big joyous street party.</p> <p>To mark the end of an era, the show's beloved Susan Kennedy (played by Jackie Woodburne) walked down Ramsay Street reflecting on the past.</p> <p>The camera floated up and gave the audience one last aerial view of the neighbours together on the street. The simple but heart-warning ending won over viewers everywhere with many saying it was “pretty perfect”.</p> <p>Another said: "Having Susan/Jackie narrate the end was chef's kiss perfect given the heavy lifting she's done for 28 years. Chuck her a Logie please".</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">So pleased the finale focused on Mike and Plain Jane Superbrain reconnecting, and the nods to years gone by. Having Susan/Jackie narrate the end was chef’s kiss perfect given the heavy lifting she’s done for 28 years. Chuck her a Logie please <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Neighbours?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Neighbours</a></p> <p>— Leith (@LeithMarshall) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeithMarshall/status/1552615534868324352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>"After 37 years, I loved the way that ended. Not ashamed to admit tears, but smiling..... Thank you @neighbours," another person tweeted.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">I'm not great at letting things go. After 37 years, I loved the way that ended. Not ashamed to admit tears, but smiling..... Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/neighbours?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@neighbours</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/scottmaj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@scottmaj</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/alanfletcher?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@alanfletcher</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/takayahonda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@takayahonda</a> and everyone involved ❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NeighboursFinale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NeighboursFinale</a></p> <p>— Andrew Peters (@PeeWeePeters) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeeWeePeters/status/1552655772341108736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>Referring to the finale storyline where everyone on Ramsay Street had their houses up for sale briefly, one person joked: "Next season of The Block should be contestants renovating all the houses on Ramsay St."</p> <p>Other fans similarly expressed how upset they were, with posts simply saying "gutted" and others "really, really sad".</p> <p><em>Image: Fremantle Media</em></p>

TV

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Holy renovation: unique church conversion wows viewers

<p>A true one-of-a-kind church conversion is now for sale in the bright inner-Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy. The asking price sits between $5.7 million to $6.2 million.</p> <p>Situated in the heart of the cosmopolitan locale, just minutes away from some of Melbourne's most desirable bars, restaurants and cafes, this property is a unique offering.</p> <p>Part of a boutique living complex that utilises the structure and the grounds of a gorgeous bluestone church, the residence spans multiple levels.</p> <p>Boasting three bedrooms, three bathrooms, one off-street parking space on title and a total footprint of 443-square-metres, space, this property is a once in a life time find.</p> <p>Occupying the entire top floor of the church and benefitting from stunning beamed, vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows, the living, dining and kitchen area is minimalistic, tasteful and bright.</p> <p>However, best of all is that one entire side of the church's tiled roof has been replaced with large glass panels, creating a mesmerising window feature that soaks up and bathes the space in natural light.</p> <p>Walking through an aperture in the creative window display leads occupants to an expansive outdoor timber deck that provides sweeping views across rooftops toward Melbourne's CBD.</p> <p>While the architecturally designed space is unquestionably the abode's crowning glory, it doesn’t stop there with the rest of the stylish pad ensconced in solid wood panelling throughout.</p> <p>Other benefits include a generous master suite that occupies the entire first floor, an elevated loft and plenty of storage space.</p> <p><em>Images: Domain</em></p>

Real Estate

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"Show the viewers!" Rod Stewart outs Richard Wilkins

<p>Image: <em>Today Show </em></p> <p>It's no secret that comfort has taken massive precedence over propriety during the pandemic as many of us continue to work from home. Office dress codes are virtually a thing of the past and tracksuit pants have become perfectly acceptable for a meeting – as long as they remain discreetly out of sight.</p> <p>But Today show host Richard Wilkins wasn’t so lucky with keeping his super casual fashion choice under wraps during a recent video interview with iconic rocker, Sir Rod Stewart.</p> <p>The 67-year-old entertainment reporter appeared slick and camera-ready from the waist up, wearing a black jacket and dress shirt to chat with the “Da Ya Think I’m sexy?” singer.</p> <p>But his lower half was telling a very different story. Instead of matching trousers, Richard was sporting a pair of classic Okanui boardies.</p> <p>Viewers got a good look at the Today show star’s beach-ready outfit when Sir Rod, 76, called him out mid-chat.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845929/01richardwilkins_nine-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/965705b3c81643bfba6f26bfa3301584" /></p> <p>“Well, I have to tell the listeners, I’m looking at Richard and he has got a pair of shorts on and you’re only seeing the top half of him,” the Brit legend revealed.</p> <p>“Come on, Richard. Show the viewers your shorts,” he added with a smile.</p> <p>Richard gave a nervous chuckle then obliged, standing up to reveal his navy and white boardies, much to Rod’s delight.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845928/richardwilkins_nine.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ed9457ad956c4465b05de37ca0b41eff" /></p> <p>Elsewhere in the interview, Rod talked about his new album, The Tears of Hercules, his 32nd release to date which includes a heartfelt tribute to his late father in the song, “Touchline”.</p> <p>Rod, who was knighted in 2016, recently rubbed shoulders with the likes of Prince William and Kate Middleton at the Royal Variety performance in London.</p> <p>He has also raised eyebrows in the past for his elite level obsession with model railways – even building <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/property/real-estate/rod-stewart-s-hidden-track-inside-his-beverly-hill...">this beauty</a> in one of his homes.</p>

TV

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Why The Voice viewers are not happy with the new format

<p>Fans of the popular singing competition show The Voice are up in arms over the show's new format. </p> <p>In previous seasons, the popular Battle rounds would take place after the blind auditions. </p> <p>The Battle rounds would see two singers from the same team face off against each other, before the judges were forced to pick one singer to stay. </p> <p>But now, the Battle rounds have been scratched, and replaced with The Cut segment, which is much more brutal and rushed. </p> <p>In the new segment, the judges must cut acts to bring their teams down to only five members.</p> <p>Tuesday night's episode saw the coaches get rid of a huge percentage of their teams, <span>namely Rita Ora, who had turned around for 14 different acts during the blind auditions. </span></p> <p><span>The coaches were forced to make a series of tough decisions, one which saw Rita cut Jessica Mauboy's niece Saraya from her team. </span></p> <p><span>The next episode will see the teams of five go up against each other, with the winners heading through to the live shows. </span><span></span></p> <p><span>Unsurprisingly, viewers were not impressed with the new format, as they hardly get to see the artists perform.</span></p> <p><span>“This format doesn’t allow for us to connect with the contestants. Couldn’t care less who wins when people are dumped after a 10 second sound bite,” one viewer wrote on social media.</span></p> <p>“This whole cut experience was so sh***y, they got rid of so many people who we had all grown to love and we barely had time to see them go,” another commented.</p> <p>“The ‘cut’ was grossly unfair and terrible TV. So disappointing for viewers,” another said, with a different user adding, “Silly format, lost interest quickly”.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty Images</em></p>

Music

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Alert viewers spot Cabinet Minister's serious health condition on live TV

<p>NSW Cabinet Minister Victor Dominello made an urgent discovery about his own health after a number of concerned viewers alerted him to a major issue.</p> <p>The viewers noticed his "droopy eye" during the NSW State COVID-19 press conference on Wednesday so the Customer Service Minister sought medical advice and was diagnosed with Bell's palsy on Wednesday afternoon.</p> <p>The minister later posted on his Facebook account, saying he’d received this diagnosis at the Royal North Shore Hospital. Bell's palsy is a condition which causes a sudden weakness or paralysis in one side of the face.</p> <p>“At this morning’s press conference, a number of people commented on my droopy eye,” he wrote in his post.</p> <p>“Some people thought I was winking at the cameraman. Some thought I had a stroke.</p> <p><strong>“I have actually been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy.”</strong></p> <p>Minister Dominello continued in his post: “About 48 hours ago - I felt a pain in my skull behind my right ear. This morning I woke up with pins and needles on the right side of my tongue. But I did not notice any droopiness around my eye.</p> <p>I only took it more seriously this afternoon - after a number of people sent me a screenshot of the press conference and others contacted my office prompting me to seek urgent medical advice.</p> <p>Thanks to everyone who reached out .</p> <p>The reason I am posting is because hopefully it will remind people to look after their health.</p> <p>We are focussed on Covid but there are plenty of other health problems going on.</p> <p>If you have any health concerns - please get them looked after.</p> <p>Ps - thanks to staff at Royal North Shore - we are blessed to live in a country with this health system ”</p> <p>Bell’s Palsy is caused by inflammation or damage to the facial nerve which are thought to be linked to viral infections. It can be treated with oral steroids or antiviral medicine with complete recovery usually taking several months.</p> <p>Other symptoms include difficulty making facial expressions, drooping of one side of the mouth, difficulty eating, drooling, pain or sensitivity on the affected side of the body. Patients can also experience headaches and loss of taste.</p> <p>Anyone who develops these symptoms should seek medical treatment immediately.</p> <p><em>Photo: Facebook</em></p>

Caring

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An Italian museum’s innovative way of tracking viewer interactions

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Art researchers in Italy have discovered a new way to help more accurately curate popular museum exhibitions. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Working with the Italian national agency for new technologies, the Istituzione Bologna Musei in Bologna has installed 14 small cameras that use artificial intelligence (AI) to study the reactions of viewers. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The cameras pick up facial expressions, posture and positioning of those who pass through the gallery on a daily basis. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The data collected by these cameras is then used to draw broader conclusions about future exhibits and specific artworks. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Researcher Riccardo Scipinotti came up with the initiative, referred to as ShareArt, to record how long visitors look at art, the paths they take through galleries, where their eyes are drawn to on particular canvases.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All of these factors make up each piece of art’s “attraction value”, as well as analysing which exhibits are the most popular. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The ShareArt technology has the potential to revolutionise the museum and art world, as the data shared from the AI could determine placement of certain works in a gallery, how works are lit or hung, or how works are displayed in relation to one another.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The team of researchers began to roll out ShareArt in early July as COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in Italy, and has already started to yield interesting results. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The technology is also fitted to detect if museum-goers are flouting making-wearing rules.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The AI device is programmed to flash red if a visitor is wearing their mask incorrectly, or not wearing one at all. </span></p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em><br /><br /></p>

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