Post by sezzarucchi on May 6, 2009 9:27:43 GMT 10
Morning all,
Has anyone else seen this article? www.tvtonight.com.au/2009/05/micallef-in-his-own-skin.html
Micallef in his own skin
By David Knox on May 6, 2009
Shaun Micallef doesn’t mind that his new show, Talkin’ ‘Bout My Generation, may have to iron out a few wrinkles along the way.
“I like wrinkles,” he told TV Tonight. “It’s something that gives character. I like being 47 years old and having a face that looks like it’s laughed a bit. I’m very comfortable with that. I think the natural drape or fold of a particular show for a particular night with a particular audience and a particular guest is extraordinarily valuable. Having it tightened and exact is slick and easy but a little less interesting to watch.
“I always compare a photograph of the Mona Lisa with the actual Mona Lisa and think you’ll probably have more fun looking at the actual Mona Lisa.”
Micallef has carved out a unique role in Australian television as writer, performer, comedian, presenter and sometime actor. More importantly, he’s a name that commands respect for his discerning choices.
He’s also a name that is already being whispered about as a returning Logies host, following criticism of Gretel Killeen. Micallef, who hosted the 2001 Logies, says Killeen should be commended for agreeing to the role and taking risks.
“For many years on Channel Nine they’ve tried to avoid having an actual host. They’ve had three people do it, or many people do it, sharing the blame or responsibility, however you want to look at it, over a number of people. I’m not sure what the solution is, if indeed it needs solving.
“I gotta take off my hat to anyone who just accepts it and takes risks. I’d be hypocritical if I didn’t dip my lid to anyone who didn’t take a risk. Nothing ventured…
“I like taking risks myself. I commend people for jumping off the cliff and seeing what happens. I just think that makes television interesting when it can be a little bit formulaic.”
With Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation (a title even he says he’s coming to terms with), the show represents a more regular role on commercial television.
“I like to think I’ve never officially left it. Even when I was doing radio I was doing Thank God You’re Here and contributing to the drama slate on Channel TEN with Blackjack. But in terms of fronting a show it’s been a while.”
His last regular on-air role was on SBS’ NEWStopia, a project that Micallef, TEN and SBS were all agreeable to continuing this year. But when schedules conflicted it had to be shelved, bumping SBS plans for a newer 8:30pm slot, including with a live audience.
“NEWStopia is not on this year because of a clash, and I’m hopeful that we can have it back next year,” he hinted.
“One of the things I wanted to talk to them about was a series on Inspektor Herring. I think it would be an exciting thing to do and they could run it after Inspector Rex. I reckon that would work really well.
“I loved that show, and I loved working with the cast and the writers and it’s sort of where I live in terms of me doing exactly what my sense of humour is. Generation is a different part of me, the performer part that sometimes doesn’t need a script.”
Micallef also wants to do more work with NEWStopia performer, and Silver Logie winner Kat Stewart. Both are toying with a new comedy series.
“Kat and I are talking about a grown up sketch show with the two of us in it,” he said. “We keep talking about Mike Nichols and Elaine May. We like the idea of a male and female sketch duo.
“It would be sketches that are character based. It wouldn’t be sketches with a comic premise with punchlines and that sort of stuff. It would be a comic journey. Kat’s such a funny character actress. It’s more like Fry and Laurie, just with a girl playing Laurie.”
Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation airs 7:30pm Tuesdays on TEN.
Lots of interesting tidbits right there - the whispers of doing a return hosting job of the Logies next year, the possible return of Newstopia next year, a series of Inspektor Herring...
Has anyone else seen this article? www.tvtonight.com.au/2009/05/micallef-in-his-own-skin.html
Micallef in his own skin
By David Knox on May 6, 2009
Shaun Micallef doesn’t mind that his new show, Talkin’ ‘Bout My Generation, may have to iron out a few wrinkles along the way.
“I like wrinkles,” he told TV Tonight. “It’s something that gives character. I like being 47 years old and having a face that looks like it’s laughed a bit. I’m very comfortable with that. I think the natural drape or fold of a particular show for a particular night with a particular audience and a particular guest is extraordinarily valuable. Having it tightened and exact is slick and easy but a little less interesting to watch.
“I always compare a photograph of the Mona Lisa with the actual Mona Lisa and think you’ll probably have more fun looking at the actual Mona Lisa.”
Micallef has carved out a unique role in Australian television as writer, performer, comedian, presenter and sometime actor. More importantly, he’s a name that commands respect for his discerning choices.
He’s also a name that is already being whispered about as a returning Logies host, following criticism of Gretel Killeen. Micallef, who hosted the 2001 Logies, says Killeen should be commended for agreeing to the role and taking risks.
“For many years on Channel Nine they’ve tried to avoid having an actual host. They’ve had three people do it, or many people do it, sharing the blame or responsibility, however you want to look at it, over a number of people. I’m not sure what the solution is, if indeed it needs solving.
“I gotta take off my hat to anyone who just accepts it and takes risks. I’d be hypocritical if I didn’t dip my lid to anyone who didn’t take a risk. Nothing ventured…
“I like taking risks myself. I commend people for jumping off the cliff and seeing what happens. I just think that makes television interesting when it can be a little bit formulaic.”
With Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation (a title even he says he’s coming to terms with), the show represents a more regular role on commercial television.
“I like to think I’ve never officially left it. Even when I was doing radio I was doing Thank God You’re Here and contributing to the drama slate on Channel TEN with Blackjack. But in terms of fronting a show it’s been a while.”
His last regular on-air role was on SBS’ NEWStopia, a project that Micallef, TEN and SBS were all agreeable to continuing this year. But when schedules conflicted it had to be shelved, bumping SBS plans for a newer 8:30pm slot, including with a live audience.
“NEWStopia is not on this year because of a clash, and I’m hopeful that we can have it back next year,” he hinted.
“One of the things I wanted to talk to them about was a series on Inspektor Herring. I think it would be an exciting thing to do and they could run it after Inspector Rex. I reckon that would work really well.
“I loved that show, and I loved working with the cast and the writers and it’s sort of where I live in terms of me doing exactly what my sense of humour is. Generation is a different part of me, the performer part that sometimes doesn’t need a script.”
Micallef also wants to do more work with NEWStopia performer, and Silver Logie winner Kat Stewart. Both are toying with a new comedy series.
“Kat and I are talking about a grown up sketch show with the two of us in it,” he said. “We keep talking about Mike Nichols and Elaine May. We like the idea of a male and female sketch duo.
“It would be sketches that are character based. It wouldn’t be sketches with a comic premise with punchlines and that sort of stuff. It would be a comic journey. Kat’s such a funny character actress. It’s more like Fry and Laurie, just with a girl playing Laurie.”
Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation airs 7:30pm Tuesdays on TEN.
Lots of interesting tidbits right there - the whispers of doing a return hosting job of the Logies next year, the possible return of Newstopia next year, a series of Inspektor Herring...
