AACTA has revealed the five finalists for the fifth annual Reg Grundy Award, designed to recognise innovative new unscripted television formats.
Concepts contending for the $50,000 prize include an adventurous lifestyle format fronted by Jamie Durie; a comedic fusion of physical and mental challenges; a show that brings the vivid imaginations of children to the screens with no holds barred; a revealing exploration of the working backpacker experience; and the return of ex KIIS FM radio host Mitch Churi in a new talk show.
The creative teams will now be mentored through the next stage of development by judging panel made up of Paul Hardy, who served as a consultant on Alone, 7 Year Switch, Bride and Prejudice, and Beauty and the Geek; Marion Farrelly, a producer and creator whose credits include Big Brother, Dancing with the Stars, The X Factor, The Celebrity Apprentice, and the ABC’s Q&A; media industry leader and former FremantleMedia Australia (FMA) and Asia Pacific CEO Ian Hogg; senior entertainment executive Sharon Wheeler; and Talk to the Animals and Wheel of Fortune host Steve Oemcke.
On January 23, there will be a final meeting of the judging panel where each finalist will have the opportunity to deliver a refined pitch, after which a recipient will be confirmed for the $50,000 prize.
The five finalists are as follows:
STORYTIME- Chris Huntly-Turner, Timothy Walker
In this heartwarming reality show, kids take the reins as writers, directors, and visionaries, crafting unpredictable films straight from their wildest imaginations, while a team of pros scrambles to bring their unfiltered dreams to life…under-budget. Its creativity, chaos, and cuteness rolled into one epic filmmaking adventure.
QUIZZICAL- Lincoln Russell
Quizzical is the ultimate fusion of brains and brawn. Three contestants battle it out across three exciting rounds, answering quiz questions by playing nostalgic, amusement-style games – no buttons or buzzers here. With every winning answer, players rack up cash for the growing jackpot. Only the top two advance to the fourth and final round, where they face a thrilling choice: play it safe or up the challenge to claim their jackpot.
BACKPACKERS – THE WHITSUNDAYS- Lynda Heys, Steve Turnbull
’Work Hard. Play Harder. Live the Dream’.
The Backpackers is an unscripted reality series that follows a group of young international travellers who take on seasonal jobs in Australia’s most iconic locations. Driven by visa requirements and the lure of adventure, they dive into the challenges of working, living, and falling in love far from home. Season One takes place in the Whitsundays, where the idyllic resort setting hides the pressures and dramas behind the scenes of this paradise.
THE MITCH CHURI CHAT SHOW- Mitch Churi
Each week beloved comedian Mitch Churi shares his velvet couch with the biggest names in entertainment from Hollywood & home while applying his signature wit and charm to the headlines of the week.
LIFE SWAP- Jamie Durie, Neville Poelina, Melanie Hogan
What happens when city slickers swap skyscrapers for red dirt and Wi-Fi for ancient wisdom? Life Swap is here to find out! With bush tucker fails and plenty of laughs, this heartwarming adventure proves nature has the best life hacks around. With Jamie Durie, Neville Poelina, and Melanie Hogan.
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