ABC series Headliners follows musician and advocate for inclusion Elly-May Barnes, as she leads the quest to create two bands made up entirely of musicians with disabilities.
Tim Rogers and Ella Hooper serve as the band leaders who guide the groups, while Barnes’ dad Jimmy Barnes offers inspiration and support.
Over seven weeks, they transform a group of musicians into two bands set to play on the main stage at one of Australia’s most iconic music festivals, Mundi Mundi Bash in Broken Hill. Delta Goodrem and Ben Gillies also share their vast experience and offer sage advice on performing in front of large crowds during two special master classes.
Narrated by Adam Hills, Headliners is an Endemol Shine Australia production backed by major production investment from the ABC in association with Screen Australia and financed with support from Screen NSW. It was developed and produced in association with the ABC with Screen NSW assisting development and supporting post, digital, and visual effects.
The creative team features Endemol Shine Australia content director Tara McWilliams, executive producer Penny McWhirter, series producer Kate Paul, post executive producer Kate Feely, ABC head of screen Jen Collins, ABC head of factual Susie Jones, and ABC commissioning editor Kalita Corrigan. International sales are being handled by Banijay Rights.
Headliners will premiere Tuesday, November 19 at 8.00pm on ABC TV with all episodes available to stream on ABC iview.