Good things from the ABC and some good upcoming films…..
iView Arts channel
Art, fashion, books, film, photography, music….
http://iview.abc.net.au/channel/abcarts
iView Arts programs include:
Bookish
“A short-form digital complement to The Book Club – where books, reading culture and storytelling collide online”. Videos are 3 to 7 minutes.
http://iview.abc.net.au/collection/bookish-new-from-abc-arts
The Word
Poetry from writers and performers from diverse backgrounds. Videos are 3 to 10 minutes.
http://iview.abc.net.au/programs/word/IV1609H012S00
Meet the mavericks
Featuring iconic artists, performers, thinkers, cultural leaders and all round troublemakers. It pairs guests from different generations and fields who have aspects of their work in common eg. Tim Minchin and Phillip Adams; Ben Quilty and Warwick Thornton.
http://iview.abc.net.au/programs/meet-the-mavericks/AC1519H001S00
The critics
Examines screen culture from feature films to web series and video art. Videos are 10 minutes.
http://iview.abc.net.au/collection/the-critics
Anh’s brush with fame
8 part series from Wed 24 Aug on ABC. Comedian and artist Anh Do paints a portrait of a well-known person whilst getting to know them and learning about their life and formative years. The celebrities also share personal photos and videos. First up is Magda Szubanski, followed by Jimmy Barnes, Amanda Keller, Dr Charlie Teo, Kyle Sandilands, Craig McLachlan, Kate Ceberano and Anthony Mundine. Anh was a finalist in the 2014 Archibald Prize.
https://tv.press.abc.net.au/comedian-anh-do-paints-aussie-celebs-in-new-abc-series
ABC3 becomes ABC ME on 19 Sept
“The complete digital and broadcast service designed to reflect and celebrate the lives, interests and diversity of young Australians”. The channel is aimed at school-aged children and will have quality short and long form Australian and international content, with a new app that can be personalised. New programs include News to me (weekly pop culture review show); Prisoner zero (sci-fi action animation) and This is me (short documentary series). Returning programs include the acclaimed Nowhere boys, Little lunch and Behind the news. There will also be new strands that will allow children to share their ideas and opinions. ABC ME will be on Channel 23 free to air.
https://tv.press.abc.net.au/strictly-embargoed-media-release-abc3-becomes-abc-me
Good shows on the ABC for the remainder of the year…..
Man up – Looks at the disconnectedness of Australian men, mental health problems and suicide.
Jane Caro’s Compass series explores family relationships.
When TV was awesome – Short ABC archival gems get a comedy-mash-up makeover. Satirical, irreverent and shareable.
You can’t ask that – excellent insights into the lives of marginalised Australians who answer anonymous questions.
Looking forward to Upper middle bogan (series 3)….such a good show!
http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2016/08/abc-upcoming-highlights.html
Some good films….
Miss Peregrine’s home for peculiar children
Directed by Tim Burton. Based on the bestselling dark fantasy/horror young adult novel by Ransom Riggs, which was illustrated with unusual vintage photos of children. Following a family tragedy, 16 year old Jacob discovers clues to a mystery that spans different worlds and times, leading him to an abandoned orphanage on an island, inhabited by a variety of children with unusual traits and powers. Starring Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, Judi Dench and Samuel L. Jackson. Rated PG. Opens Sept 2016.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1935859/
Book: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9460487-miss-peregrine-s-home-for-peculiar-children
Pete’s dragon
The adventures of an orphaned boy who is rescued after an accident by a giant green dragon who lives in a forest. Remake of the 1977 film musical. Stars Bryce Dallas Howard , Oakes Fegley and Robert Redford. “The elemental friendship between boy and beast and a lovely affirmation of family, community, and the preciousness of the natural world” (Tobias). Out now.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2788732/
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/petes-dragon-2016
Fantastic beasts and where to find them
Prequel to the Harry Potter series, set in New York in 1926; the first in a film trilogy. Based on the book by J.K.Rowling/Newt Scamander (an approved textbook at Hogwarts). Follows the adventures of writer and introverted wizard Newt Scamander in New York’s secret community of witches and wizards. When Newt visits New York for a conference, a misplaced magical case leads to the escape of some fantastic beasts and an increase in violence, fear and tension between magical and non magical peoples. Directed by David Yates (who directed Harry Potter 5,6,7,and 8). Stars Eddie Redmayne and Colin Farrell. Opens 18 November.
http://www.fantasticbeasts.com/
https://www.pottermore.com/fantastic-beasts
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3183660/
A monster calls
Based on the acclaimed book by Patrick Ness (a very moving, sad but wonderful story). An ancient yew tree helps a boy cope with his mother’s terminal illness and face the truth about an incident in his past. Stars Felicity Jones, Sigourney Weaver and Liam Neeson as the voice of the monster. The trailer looks excellent. Opens Jan 2017.