Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Official Site Runs Ads For Seven
I just caught the official BB mobile site advertising The X Factor-- a Seven Network show. Surely they'd be all about Nine's shows, given that the domain used to redirect to a NineMSN page before the series started.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
A Slice of Ego for Ryan
Playing right up to Ryan's massive ego, BB is throwing Ryan a party for his 22nd birthday this week-- the icing on the birthday cake, a photo of the birthday boy himself. BB has posted two photos on Facebook and asked the fans to decide which photo to use. "Like" for topless Ryan, or "Post" for clothed Ryan.
At this time, 33 minutes in, the photo has attracted 4,714 Likes and only 673 Posts. Looks like topless Ryan it will be!
At this time, 33 minutes in, the photo has attracted 4,714 Likes and only 673 Posts. Looks like topless Ryan it will be!
Nom Noms, Week 1
Last night was the first Nominations night of BB9, and it was hilarious.
The serious look of the new Nominations Room was overshadowed by the HMs struggles with the soundproof Nominations Chamber, and the ridiculous ways they ensured no one could read their lips while nominating. Most awkwardly censored their own mouths with their hands. And Benjamin not closing the door properly and getting all sweaty and flustered had me in hysterics. BB: "Benjamin, take a breath."
Due to failing the Secrets Task, only female HMs could be nominated this week.
Big Brother's surprise new way to Nominate gave each HM 5 points to allocate any way they wish to any two other HMs. This allowed for more strategising, and higher score differences, as well as huge changes to the leaderboard throughout the live show.
It's not surprising that the three biggest female personalities are up for Eviction-- it's always been the downfall of the Nominations process. Charne scored 22 points, Estelle 14, and Layla 12.
This year the public Vote to Save their favourite Nominee, as is the way with most reality shows these days. Hopefully this means the biggest personality gets a reprieve.
But who will it be? Charne is fun and crazy. Estelle is forming close "friendships". While Layla stands out with her accent and strange take on things, perhaps she is offering the least to the dynamic, and should be the first to leave. After all, she is basically a plant by BB, plucked from the BB UK auditions.
The serious look of the new Nominations Room was overshadowed by the HMs struggles with the soundproof Nominations Chamber, and the ridiculous ways they ensured no one could read their lips while nominating. Most awkwardly censored their own mouths with their hands. And Benjamin not closing the door properly and getting all sweaty and flustered had me in hysterics. BB: "Benjamin, take a breath."
Due to failing the Secrets Task, only female HMs could be nominated this week.
Big Brother's surprise new way to Nominate gave each HM 5 points to allocate any way they wish to any two other HMs. This allowed for more strategising, and higher score differences, as well as huge changes to the leaderboard throughout the live show.
It's not surprising that the three biggest female personalities are up for Eviction-- it's always been the downfall of the Nominations process. Charne scored 22 points, Estelle 14, and Layla 12.
This year the public Vote to Save their favourite Nominee, as is the way with most reality shows these days. Hopefully this means the biggest personality gets a reprieve.
But who will it be? Charne is fun and crazy. Estelle is forming close "friendships". While Layla stands out with her accent and strange take on things, perhaps she is offering the least to the dynamic, and should be the first to leave. After all, she is basically a plant by BB, plucked from the BB UK auditions.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
GO! Repeats on Weekends
On Sunday, GO! will replay Tuesday-Friday's BB installments from 2:30pm before the new Daily Show at 6:00pm and Live Secrets Revealed show at 6:30 on Nine.
Next weekend, GO! will play repeats on Saturday of the first half of the week from 3:00pm to 6:30pm.
So many replays, and no additional content.
Next weekend, GO! will play repeats on Saturday of the first half of the week from 3:00pm to 6:30pm.
So many replays, and no additional content.
Mike Goldman Up For UpLate
Mike Goldman has been regularly retweeting his fans' pleas for him to return to host UpLate or Friday Night Live in 2012. He even replied to me:
@andrewm79
Keep your evenings free@mikeygold. Not long now til BB caves to pressure & puts u back in front of cameras on#UpLate.#BBAU@bbau9
Meanwhile on Twitter, Executive Producer Alex Mavroidakis tweeted:
To which he got my reply:
How long til they cave in to fan pressure? How low do the ratings need to go?@AlexMavroidakis Experiment successful. Now how about adding live stream or#UpLate with@mikeygold and make#BBAU fans happy too.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Ratings Update
The "Live Special" on Tuesday drew 1.327m viewers and was the second highest rating show of the night. It was against H&A (1.02m, 9th) and MasterChef Allstars (788,000, 13th).
The "Special" 1 hour Daily Show on Wednesday which saw the final two HMs enter the House late Tuesday night after the crowd had gone home, attracted 1.13m viewers, up against H&A (996,000) and MasterChef Allstars (751,000).
The "Special" 1 hour Daily Show on Wednesday which saw the final two HMs enter the House late Tuesday night after the crowd had gone home, attracted 1.13m viewers, up against H&A (996,000) and MasterChef Allstars (751,000).
One More Secret's Out
Ryan let slip pretty quickly after entering the House that he is afraid of birds after being prompted by the girls.
This takes us to two secrets now disclosed for sure, one on the inside of the House and one on the outside. Of course the magazine article about George having millions of dollars in property investments was spread around the internet before he'd even walked into the House.
Of course I have to wonder what if that's just a coincidence? What if several HMs share one or more of the secrets and the girls do guess correctly, but they are not THE secret of that HM? Did BB check that all the secrets chosen are unique to a single male HM?
This takes us to two secrets now disclosed for sure, one on the inside of the House and one on the outside. Of course the magazine article about George having millions of dollars in property investments was spread around the internet before he'd even walked into the House.
Of course I have to wonder what if that's just a coincidence? What if several HMs share one or more of the secrets and the girls do guess correctly, but they are not THE secret of that HM? Did BB check that all the secrets chosen are unique to a single male HM?
BB vs Diversity
We have now met the 14 HMs, but have we been delivered the cast we were promised?
15 years separates the youngest and oldest HMs, aged 18 and 33. That seems very undiverse. But, ignoring for now the rumor some of them were hired from talent agencies, they can only cast from those who audition, and I'm sure it would have been something like 19,000 auditionees between 18 and 33, and 1,000 older. So if they cast solely on personality, it's likely 14 were chosen from the younger age range.
Speaking of personality, while they might all have different jobs, beliefs and lifestyles, they are definitely all loud outgoing personalities. Even Bradley who would appear meek is very loud and bubbly. Charne is already complaining everyone talks over each other. I think it's a battle to be heard at the moment.
As far as diversity goes BB08 probably hit the mark more than any other season, with the grandma, the litte person, the UFO nut, Corey Worthington, and others, but then they were accused of stunt casting, and their band of HMs were labelled "freaks" by the media in the first week.
You just can't win!
15 years separates the youngest and oldest HMs, aged 18 and 33. That seems very undiverse. But, ignoring for now the rumor some of them were hired from talent agencies, they can only cast from those who audition, and I'm sure it would have been something like 19,000 auditionees between 18 and 33, and 1,000 older. So if they cast solely on personality, it's likely 14 were chosen from the younger age range.
Speaking of personality, while they might all have different jobs, beliefs and lifestyles, they are definitely all loud outgoing personalities. Even Bradley who would appear meek is very loud and bubbly. Charne is already complaining everyone talks over each other. I think it's a battle to be heard at the moment.
As far as diversity goes BB08 probably hit the mark more than any other season, with the grandma, the litte person, the UFO nut, Corey Worthington, and others, but then they were accused of stunt casting, and their band of HMs were labelled "freaks" by the media in the first week.
You just can't win!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Secrets Update
The girls' secret task to avoid nomination this week is to guess the male HMs' secrets. It's a fun play-along-at-home task, so here goes my guesses at this stage:
1. I have the IQ of a genius
Ray - he's a vet, might be smart enough
2. I have ornithophobia as the result of an emu attack
Bradley - he seems pretty easy to frighten
3. I have been fired from every job I have ever had
Josh - seems likely! ;)
4. I haven't had a girlfriend since I was 11
Benjamin - he is gay, so likely
5. I am a juvenile offender
Michael - there are rumours going around about him "entertaining" middle eastern men, who knows what else he's been up to
6. I have dated over 100 women
Ryan - he's a model, and full of himself enough to make this his secret
7. I am a multi-millionaire
George - this has been revealed, proven by a magazine article
Let's see how I go.
1. I have the IQ of a genius
Ray - he's a vet, might be smart enough
2. I have ornithophobia as the result of an emu attack
Bradley - he seems pretty easy to frighten
3. I have been fired from every job I have ever had
Josh - seems likely! ;)
4. I haven't had a girlfriend since I was 11
Benjamin - he is gay, so likely
5. I am a juvenile offender
Michael - there are rumours going around about him "entertaining" middle eastern men, who knows what else he's been up to
6. I have dated over 100 women
Ryan - he's a model, and full of himself enough to make this his secret
7. I am a multi-millionaire
George - this has been revealed, proven by a magazine article
Let's see how I go.
BB Hears Fans' Cries
2 days in and social media has already provided BB with enough outcries to make some fast changes.
Diary entries have gotten more detailed and more frequent now. About every 15 mins today to match their twitter updates.
Hourly video entries, labelled "live video", still run at about the 1 min 10 second mark. From 120 mins of footage (2 streams times 60 minutes) that's not much.
They have also launched a mobile friendly version of their site catered to the smaller touch screen. Excellent work on turning that around within a couple of days. Makes it much easier to do quick catch ups during the day.
Vast improvement in content today BB. How about longer video segments tomorrow? Thanks!
Diary entries have gotten more detailed and more frequent now. About every 15 mins today to match their twitter updates.
Hourly video entries, labelled "live video", still run at about the 1 min 10 second mark. From 120 mins of footage (2 streams times 60 minutes) that's not much.
They have also launched a mobile friendly version of their site catered to the smaller touch screen. Excellent work on turning that around within a couple of days. Makes it much easier to do quick catch ups during the day.
Vast improvement in content today BB. How about longer video segments tomorrow? Thanks!
HMs Get a Dance Task
I was sure after the Launch show we'd never hear of the Big Brother Shuffle again. Unfortunately, Task #1 for the HMs is "Dance like nobody is watching". I guess with a professional dancer as the host what could we expect?
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Launch Ratings
Four years ago Big Brother was cancelled (or not renewed) by Network Ten in favour of launching a new cooking show, MasterChef, in its timeslot seven nights a week in 2009. This blogger will admit that he thought the show destined to fail. Who knew it would go on to draw some of the biggest TV audiences of the years, run for at least four more years and spawn spin-offs of the Celebrity, Junior, and Allstars varieties? And who knew that four years later, MasterChef and Big Brother would run against each other in the same timeslot on different networks?
The Big Brother 2012 Launch show peaked at 2.1 million viewers last night-- an excellent figure in today's multi-channel world. The average for the 90 minute show was 1.61 million viewers. How those figures level out across tonight's first live special, regular Daily Shows and Evictions and Nominations is yet to be seen. Given Everybody Dance Now's dismal launch and follow-up show, I'd say BB has jumped the first ratings hurdle-- people are interested. Now to keep them that way.
More interestingly, MasterChef Allstars, which premiered right before the crazy ratings fortnight of The Olympics, only managed 702,000 viewers last night. That was down on Sunday night's figures against the final Olympic events of 779,000.
With MasterChef wrapping up this Sunday night, let's see how things shake out.
The Big Brother 2012 Launch show peaked at 2.1 million viewers last night-- an excellent figure in today's multi-channel world. The average for the 90 minute show was 1.61 million viewers. How those figures level out across tonight's first live special, regular Daily Shows and Evictions and Nominations is yet to be seen. Given Everybody Dance Now's dismal launch and follow-up show, I'd say BB has jumped the first ratings hurdle-- people are interested. Now to keep them that way.
More interestingly, MasterChef Allstars, which premiered right before the crazy ratings fortnight of The Olympics, only managed 702,000 viewers last night. That was down on Sunday night's figures against the final Olympic events of 779,000.
With MasterChef wrapping up this Sunday night, let's see how things shake out.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Launch Recap
The Launch show has now gone to air. Prerecording allowed it to be a very tightly edited fast paced show without waiting for the HMs to travel from the stage to the house. You could even tell during on stage interviews a lot of audience reaction was edited out too. Why have the audience there at all? Laughs were obviously shortened and some whole questions seemed to be chopped right out.
Yes, so they shuffled, but just a quick shuffle. Hopefully that will be the last of it. Sonia came out and threw straight to opening titles.
The theme music is yet another remix of the classic Aussie BB theme. The titles are the first in history to not feature a Dreamworld ride, because they have finally learned that it is filmed at a theme park but that is the extent of its connection to roller coasters (unless you count metaphorical ones). It's just animated circles and text eventually making up the BB logo. Pretty average really.
The house tour was prerecorded and very fast with Sonia barely able to get her commentary out before the vision moved on.
Housemates started flowing quickly and as mentioned the long trip between stage and house was edited out. I feel sory for the people in the live audience having to wait that out. As usual the first HM into the house felt he had to talk to himself as he wandered around. At this stage I'm sure the feeling of being filmed would be intense. As soon as they have company it seems to subside a bit and they start acting a bit more normally.
All the HMs seem very loud and outgoing.
BB's first twist was to let the 3 males into the house proper while keeping females in the Utility Room, currently know as the Palour. I can see this room being redecorated throughout the series to serve many different purposes as required. This plan seemed very similar to BB07 where females were allowed to watch the male HMs from the Diary Room. But the reasoning later became clear when BB gave the females the list of males' secrets and tasked them with matching the secret to the HM. If the girls win the task, only males can be nominated for the first eviction. If they fail, only females can be nominated. A great twist on the getting to know you task. I wonder though when the female secrets will come out.
After all the HMs were secured away we even got 3 segments of daily show with Mikey's narration. There were some funny and awkward moments as the HMs got to know each other. Some early visits to the Diary Room to bent their feelings to BB. And 2 of the girls even started figuring out the hidden door between the bedroom and secret bathroom. I wonder if they actually saw the leaked houseplans.
Housemates finally headed to bed after 1am. Sonia promised 2 new male HMs would enter the house tomorrow night, and this one will be LIVE!
Diary updates have been going on all day with names blanked out, so hopefully now the secrecy will be lifted and we can follow what's going on all day tomorrow.
Yes, so they shuffled, but just a quick shuffle. Hopefully that will be the last of it. Sonia came out and threw straight to opening titles.
The theme music is yet another remix of the classic Aussie BB theme. The titles are the first in history to not feature a Dreamworld ride, because they have finally learned that it is filmed at a theme park but that is the extent of its connection to roller coasters (unless you count metaphorical ones). It's just animated circles and text eventually making up the BB logo. Pretty average really.
The house tour was prerecorded and very fast with Sonia barely able to get her commentary out before the vision moved on.
Housemates started flowing quickly and as mentioned the long trip between stage and house was edited out. I feel sory for the people in the live audience having to wait that out. As usual the first HM into the house felt he had to talk to himself as he wandered around. At this stage I'm sure the feeling of being filmed would be intense. As soon as they have company it seems to subside a bit and they start acting a bit more normally.
All the HMs seem very loud and outgoing.
BB's first twist was to let the 3 males into the house proper while keeping females in the Utility Room, currently know as the Palour. I can see this room being redecorated throughout the series to serve many different purposes as required. This plan seemed very similar to BB07 where females were allowed to watch the male HMs from the Diary Room. But the reasoning later became clear when BB gave the females the list of males' secrets and tasked them with matching the secret to the HM. If the girls win the task, only males can be nominated for the first eviction. If they fail, only females can be nominated. A great twist on the getting to know you task. I wonder though when the female secrets will come out.
After all the HMs were secured away we even got 3 segments of daily show with Mikey's narration. There were some funny and awkward moments as the HMs got to know each other. Some early visits to the Diary Room to bent their feelings to BB. And 2 of the girls even started figuring out the hidden door between the bedroom and secret bathroom. I wonder if they actually saw the leaked houseplans.
Housemates finally headed to bed after 1am. Sonia promised 2 new male HMs would enter the house tomorrow night, and this one will be LIVE!
Diary updates have been going on all day with names blanked out, so hopefully now the secrecy will be lifted and we can follow what's going on all day tomorrow.
Cartoon HMs Nominated?
BB seems to be doing some live testing on the Official Site. I just grabbed this screen cap that shows a couple of cartoon characters up for Nomination!
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Secret Men's Business
The female HMs have been given the task of matching male HMs to their secrets. They are only allowed to discuss this task when BB let's them use a secret room called The Parlour. (Probably the Utility Room from the house plans.)
The only thing is, they have only met 3 male HMs. The other 4 will enter the House live on Tuesday night.
The secrets are:
Has the IQ of a genius
Scared of birds after being attacked by an emu
Fired from every job he's had
Has not had a girlfriend since he was 11
Was a juvenile offender
Has dated over 100 women
Is a multi-millionaire
The only thing is, they have only met 3 male HMs. The other 4 will enter the House live on Tuesday night.
The secrets are:
Has the IQ of a genius
Scared of birds after being attacked by an emu
Fired from every job he's had
Has not had a girlfriend since he was 11
Was a juvenile offender
Has dated over 100 women
Is a multi-millionaire
The First Ten
The first ten HMs have now been introduced to the live audience.
Michael
Sarah
Angie
Zoe
Laia
Josh
Charne
Estelle
Stacey
Bradley
The males entered the House via a new giant eye door in the backyard where the FNL doors used to be. Females were placed in a Secret Room and allowed to watch the males wander the House on a screen. (Bit of a giveaway of camera angles and such.) This seems like a bit of a copy of BB07 where HMs were separated and allowed to watch each other before being mixed.
Those in the Secret Room were also given a task regarding the HM secrets before being allowed into the actual House.
With 7 females and 3 males now in the House could we be seeing 4 new males enter on Tuesday night?
Michael
Sarah
Angie
Zoe
Laia
Josh
Charne
Estelle
Stacey
Bradley
The males entered the House via a new giant eye door in the backyard where the FNL doors used to be. Females were placed in a Secret Room and allowed to watch the males wander the House on a screen. (Bit of a giveaway of camera angles and such.) This seems like a bit of a copy of BB07 where HMs were separated and allowed to watch each other before being mixed.
Those in the Secret Room were also given a task regarding the HM secrets before being allowed into the actual House.
With 7 females and 3 males now in the House could we be seeing 4 new males enter on Tuesday night?
The New Stage
Thanks to BBBA forum members, here's an early snap of the new BB stage at the Dreamworld Amphitheatre.
Cracks in the Official Site Already
The Official Site has just started its Live Updates from the House and I'm already seeing issues. Refreshing the page several times shows me different "versions" of the page each time. It looks as if stories aren't copying across to all servers in any hurry. Since they have taken away live video streams this year, the live updates are the only way to keep up with what's happening in the House so if this latency continues it could be a big fail for fans.
It Begins!
Taping of the Launch show has begun at Dreamworld Studios.
Photos out of the stage show a stripped back look with one huge screen to the left, and a giant neon eye on a black backdrop that opens up with a staircase coming down from the iris to the stage.
Photos out of the stage show a stripped back look with one huge screen to the left, and a giant neon eye on a black backdrop that opens up with a staircase coming down from the iris to the stage.
Prize Money
First reports from the live launch show say the prize money will be $50,000 this year. Surely this is a starting off point that HMs will be able to increase throughout the series. Possibly by guessing each others' secrets.
It's Day 0!
The Launch show doesn't screen until tomorrow night, but today is Day 0 in the BB House, with (some) HMs entering tonight. Dreamworld will host the taping of the Launch tonight in front of a live audience. (They do seem to be having trouble getting a Tuesday night audience for their next live show though. They never had that problem in the old days. Are people skeptical about the new series?)
The Official Website begins blogging updates from the House tonight, so will be giving away some spoilers before the premiere. They already have a few preview stories on their page. In 2008 updates and streaming did not start until after the Launch had aired, meaning fans missed a day of the show.
I'm not sure if I should read the spoilers or not.
The Official Website begins blogging updates from the House tonight, so will be giving away some spoilers before the premiere. They already have a few preview stories on their page. In 2008 updates and streaming did not start until after the Launch had aired, meaning fans missed a day of the show.
I'm not sure if I should read the spoilers or not.
House Photos Revealed
Photos of the 2012 House have been shared with News Limited newspapers today.
The photos show the kitchen, outside and in, represent the "past"-- a 1960s weatherboard house exterior with tiled roof, letterbox, rocking chair, and even a TV antenna (though there will be no TV in the House!), and inside plenty of 1960s decor including wallpaper, laminex dining tables and retro chairs, and vinyl records for placemats (though in the 60s they probably would have been listening to their records, not eating off them!).
The backyard is "present"-- a huge swimming pool and spa, al fresco dining area, gym, and an entire wall made of plants.
Inside the main House is definitely "future"-- an orange and gold living room, a purple bedroom, and a green bathroom.
There seems to be more bedding in the bedroom than what was on the original plans. The bathroom has changed a bit too, with additional basins added and the showers facing into the room, instead of towards the back wall.
Still unseen are the Diary Room, Nominees Room, Secret Bathroom, Sin Bin, Utility Room, and of course the Rewards Space.
The photos show the kitchen, outside and in, represent the "past"-- a 1960s weatherboard house exterior with tiled roof, letterbox, rocking chair, and even a TV antenna (though there will be no TV in the House!), and inside plenty of 1960s decor including wallpaper, laminex dining tables and retro chairs, and vinyl records for placemats (though in the 60s they probably would have been listening to their records, not eating off them!).
The backyard is "present"-- a huge swimming pool and spa, al fresco dining area, gym, and an entire wall made of plants.
Inside the main House is definitely "future"-- an orange and gold living room, a purple bedroom, and a green bathroom.
There seems to be more bedding in the bedroom than what was on the original plans. The bathroom has changed a bit too, with additional basins added and the showers facing into the room, instead of towards the back wall.
Still unseen are the Diary Room, Nominees Room, Secret Bathroom, Sin Bin, Utility Room, and of course the Rewards Space.
Monday, August 6, 2012
House Plans Leaked: Follow-Up
Although any potential HMs surely would have seen the leaked House plans by now, I am personally happy to discuss some of the more secretive looking things on the leaked houseplans now that all HMs are in lockdown.
Nom(inee)'s Room
Past the Diary Room door is a ramp leading to a "Nom's Room" which I am guessing is a Nominees' Room. The room has double doors leading in, and a single door leading out into the camera run at about the point where the red eviction door from BB08 is. The room also has a shower and toilet, so it is likely nominated HMs could be held here for some time. Perhaps we'll see a "3 HMs go in, 2 come out" type scenario on Eviction night.
Hidden Bathroom
At the back of the bedroom is a wall labeled "Secret Door", behind which is an air lock and a room labeled "Ex Bathrm". Extra bathroom? It shows a bath, a proper shower with a door, two basins, and a toilet. Unlike other toilets in the house, this one is in a bigger room, rather than being more shielded from cameras. Instructions on the plans stated "Walls (between the Ex Bathrm and Bedroom) to be Sound Proofed". Leads us to wonder who will be using the private bathroom, and if the sound proofing is for the benefit of sleeping HMs, or because it will be used in secret.
Utility Room
At the back of the Lounge Room is a section labeled "Moveable Wall (something)" leading to a room labeled "Utility Room", again with its own shower and toilet, so long stays may be expected. This could be used as a holding area for HMs during maintenance or task set-ups, but seems to have no furnishing. It could also be used for the various weekly tasks.
Sin Bin
The Lounge Room looks onto a small room with "Switchable Glass Partition" called the "Sin Bin". There is a door leading in, and a door into the camera run for "Tasks" to be loaded into the room. This looks like another attempt at BB06's Punishment Room where HMs are isolated to do tedious tasks as punishment while their HMs watch them. In 06 it never went overly well with HMs often using it as a method of getting extra attention.
Rewards Space
Probably the most interesting area of the House is the Rewards Space. Previous series have had Rewards Rooms. BB08 has the Holiday House which was a Lanai (sheltered outdoor area) and separate garden and pool. This year the Holiday House has been turned into a separate indoor living area including a Bathroom with bath, shower, basin and toilet, a "Revolving TV", seating areas, presumably a bed will be in there, an a Dumb Waiter, probably for delivery of food. This room then steps out into the old Holiday House Garden which will be completely decked along with the existing Pool, plus a Sauna. The outdoor area has been reshaped like the bow of a ship and a note on the plans calls for "Scenic Cloth" at the ship's bow, so it looks like they are going to make it look like the Rewards Area is at sea. With no Friday Night Games scheduled this year, who knows what HMs will have to do to get access to the Rewards Area, but it looks like it will be worth it.
Now for more detail on the rooms mentioned in the previous post:
Bedroom
Yes, of course there is a bedroom, but the point to note is that the plan shows 5 double-beds (or single beds pushed together) and 2 single beds, totaling 12 sleeping spaces. It has now been revealed that 14 HMs will enter on Launch Night. Will 2 go without beds? Will 2 be evicted before even getting to the bedroom? Will 2 immediately get access to the Rewards Space?
Bathroom
The bathroom looks to be set up like a gym locker room with 6 shower heads in a single row (similar to BB08's showers), and what looks like a change area. A new feature now seen before in a BB House is the inclusion of wardrobes between the Bathroom and Bedroom. BB08 had lockers that could be accessed 2-ways. Other houses have just had hanging areas inside the bedrooms.
Backyard
The pool and spa this year are enormous and take up the whole centre of the backyard. The plans also show "Extent of Original Pool" as a dotted line, proving BB03/04's pool had just been filled in for later seasons and still existed when they built this one (as we saw in the Nearmap photos). There is also a 360-degree Camera Pole actually in the pool. Should make for some interesting camera angles.
The "Wash Tubs" area also back, so more hand-washed laundry for HMs this year. Yuck.
Kitchen
The Kitchen is once again detached from the House, as in BB03/04. It will now be in the area originally built in BB05 for the extra Logan twin to live in, and later was the White Room in BB06, the Rewards Room in BB07 and the Aeroplane Simulator in BB08.
There is nothing really special about the Kitchen itself, other than we now know this is what is inside the 70s Weatherboard House we saw in the original sneak peak photos. Rumour has it each room will be decorated in the style of a different era, so this sets the expectations for the interior of the Kitchen. Maybe think browns, oranges and greens?
So that's it based on the plans. Can't wait to get a look at the finished product though. Only a week to go!
Nom(inee)'s Room
Past the Diary Room door is a ramp leading to a "Nom's Room" which I am guessing is a Nominees' Room. The room has double doors leading in, and a single door leading out into the camera run at about the point where the red eviction door from BB08 is. The room also has a shower and toilet, so it is likely nominated HMs could be held here for some time. Perhaps we'll see a "3 HMs go in, 2 come out" type scenario on Eviction night.
Hidden Bathroom
At the back of the bedroom is a wall labeled "Secret Door", behind which is an air lock and a room labeled "Ex Bathrm". Extra bathroom? It shows a bath, a proper shower with a door, two basins, and a toilet. Unlike other toilets in the house, this one is in a bigger room, rather than being more shielded from cameras. Instructions on the plans stated "Walls (between the Ex Bathrm and Bedroom) to be Sound Proofed". Leads us to wonder who will be using the private bathroom, and if the sound proofing is for the benefit of sleeping HMs, or because it will be used in secret.
Utility Room
At the back of the Lounge Room is a section labeled "Moveable Wall (something)" leading to a room labeled "Utility Room", again with its own shower and toilet, so long stays may be expected. This could be used as a holding area for HMs during maintenance or task set-ups, but seems to have no furnishing. It could also be used for the various weekly tasks.
Sin Bin
The Lounge Room looks onto a small room with "Switchable Glass Partition" called the "Sin Bin". There is a door leading in, and a door into the camera run for "Tasks" to be loaded into the room. This looks like another attempt at BB06's Punishment Room where HMs are isolated to do tedious tasks as punishment while their HMs watch them. In 06 it never went overly well with HMs often using it as a method of getting extra attention.
Rewards Space
Probably the most interesting area of the House is the Rewards Space. Previous series have had Rewards Rooms. BB08 has the Holiday House which was a Lanai (sheltered outdoor area) and separate garden and pool. This year the Holiday House has been turned into a separate indoor living area including a Bathroom with bath, shower, basin and toilet, a "Revolving TV", seating areas, presumably a bed will be in there, an a Dumb Waiter, probably for delivery of food. This room then steps out into the old Holiday House Garden which will be completely decked along with the existing Pool, plus a Sauna. The outdoor area has been reshaped like the bow of a ship and a note on the plans calls for "Scenic Cloth" at the ship's bow, so it looks like they are going to make it look like the Rewards Area is at sea. With no Friday Night Games scheduled this year, who knows what HMs will have to do to get access to the Rewards Area, but it looks like it will be worth it.
Now for more detail on the rooms mentioned in the previous post:
Bedroom
Yes, of course there is a bedroom, but the point to note is that the plan shows 5 double-beds (or single beds pushed together) and 2 single beds, totaling 12 sleeping spaces. It has now been revealed that 14 HMs will enter on Launch Night. Will 2 go without beds? Will 2 be evicted before even getting to the bedroom? Will 2 immediately get access to the Rewards Space?
Bathroom
The bathroom looks to be set up like a gym locker room with 6 shower heads in a single row (similar to BB08's showers), and what looks like a change area. A new feature now seen before in a BB House is the inclusion of wardrobes between the Bathroom and Bedroom. BB08 had lockers that could be accessed 2-ways. Other houses have just had hanging areas inside the bedrooms.
Backyard
The pool and spa this year are enormous and take up the whole centre of the backyard. The plans also show "Extent of Original Pool" as a dotted line, proving BB03/04's pool had just been filled in for later seasons and still existed when they built this one (as we saw in the Nearmap photos). There is also a 360-degree Camera Pole actually in the pool. Should make for some interesting camera angles.
The "Wash Tubs" area also back, so more hand-washed laundry for HMs this year. Yuck.
Kitchen
The Kitchen is once again detached from the House, as in BB03/04. It will now be in the area originally built in BB05 for the extra Logan twin to live in, and later was the White Room in BB06, the Rewards Room in BB07 and the Aeroplane Simulator in BB08.
There is nothing really special about the Kitchen itself, other than we now know this is what is inside the 70s Weatherboard House we saw in the original sneak peak photos. Rumour has it each room will be decorated in the style of a different era, so this sets the expectations for the interior of the Kitchen. Maybe think browns, oranges and greens?
So that's it based on the plans. Can't wait to get a look at the finished product though. Only a week to go!
So Much For Diversity
In an interview with the Executive Producer of this year's BB, Alex Mavroidakis says HMs are now in lockdown, and range in age from late teens to late 30s. Hang on. With no upper age limit for applicants we still ended up with an age spread of only 20 years?
We have had HMs in their 40s in the past, and don't forget BB08 winner Terri who was a 52 year old grandmother, and cohabitant Terrence who was 51.
But I guess BB is a young person's game. You have to leave your life for 3 months and sever contact with all family and friends. It is likely there just weren't enough applicants to choose from in the older age range.
At least we won't be in for another 05 season in which everyone was single and under 30. SOME diversity is better than none.
We have had HMs in their 40s in the past, and don't forget BB08 winner Terri who was a 52 year old grandmother, and cohabitant Terrence who was 51.
But I guess BB is a young person's game. You have to leave your life for 3 months and sever contact with all family and friends. It is likely there just weren't enough applicants to choose from in the older age range.
At least we won't be in for another 05 season in which everyone was single and under 30. SOME diversity is better than none.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Sunday, July 29, 2012
BB is Always Watching-- but are we?
Just over two weeks out from Launch, and not a word has been said yet about a 24x7 live stream online.
A leaked official website template shows no placeholder for a live stream. In fact, it looks like we'll be fed highlight videos edited by SSE instead.
Back in 2001-02 we had fixed webcams inside the House, and visible to HMs, streaming limited blocks of live footage to viewers over dial-up internet. From 2003 onward we have always had live streaming available, sometimes at a cost via a premium content package, and sometimes for free. We have seen the stream go on delay to avoid streaming something live that violates the MA rating. We've seen streams constantly being cut while HMs discussed taboo topics or while BB just wanted to keep us from knowing what was going on. But the live streams have always been there.
Times have changed since 2008. Social media has taken off and everyone is multi-screening as they watch TV shows. A website or app with live streaming, or a live TV channel, and a way for fans to chat, post and respond with each other in real time would surely be the way for Nine to go to ensure a non-stop audience and advertising revenue.
From 2003-07 we even had up to two and a half hours of live footage screened on Channel Ten at night, and that was in the days before digital TV and multi-channels. Now that each network can broadcast at least four different programs at once, Nine has declined to bring back Up Late.
For some reason it looks like the fans will only see the footage the network wants us to see, and think of the Housemates what they want us to think. Big Brother indeed!
A leaked official website template shows no placeholder for a live stream. In fact, it looks like we'll be fed highlight videos edited by SSE instead.
Back in 2001-02 we had fixed webcams inside the House, and visible to HMs, streaming limited blocks of live footage to viewers over dial-up internet. From 2003 onward we have always had live streaming available, sometimes at a cost via a premium content package, and sometimes for free. We have seen the stream go on delay to avoid streaming something live that violates the MA rating. We've seen streams constantly being cut while HMs discussed taboo topics or while BB just wanted to keep us from knowing what was going on. But the live streams have always been there.
Times have changed since 2008. Social media has taken off and everyone is multi-screening as they watch TV shows. A website or app with live streaming, or a live TV channel, and a way for fans to chat, post and respond with each other in real time would surely be the way for Nine to go to ensure a non-stop audience and advertising revenue.
From 2003-07 we even had up to two and a half hours of live footage screened on Channel Ten at night, and that was in the days before digital TV and multi-channels. Now that each network can broadcast at least four different programs at once, Nine has declined to bring back Up Late.
For some reason it looks like the fans will only see the footage the network wants us to see, and think of the Housemates what they want us to think. Big Brother indeed!
Saturday, July 28, 2012
New Ad In Time For Olympics
And, we're shuffling again!
The new teaser ad filmed in Sydney a few weeks ago with a casting call going out to the general public to come along and shuffle has hit TV in time for the Olympics. The ad depicts more everyday nobodies falling under Sonia's Pied Piper-like spell and dancing off into the street to be selected by BB as a HM, while Nine newsreaders from around the country report on the mysterious event. We even see the PM herself, Julia Gillard, getting swept up in the madness!
So another ad, another dance-off. I don't mind the ads themselves since they are catchy and funny. It's just all the supporting "shuffle"-related gimmicks that I'm getting sick of. I can already picture the official merchandise this year will have "Big Brother Shuffle" logos. And is it not a certainty that Kruges is going to dance live on stage with her flashmob on Launch Night? Puh-lease!
But once the series begins these ads should end. Just over two weeks to go now until we're right back into it!
The new teaser ad filmed in Sydney a few weeks ago with a casting call going out to the general public to come along and shuffle has hit TV in time for the Olympics. The ad depicts more everyday nobodies falling under Sonia's Pied Piper-like spell and dancing off into the street to be selected by BB as a HM, while Nine newsreaders from around the country report on the mysterious event. We even see the PM herself, Julia Gillard, getting swept up in the madness!
So another ad, another dance-off. I don't mind the ads themselves since they are catchy and funny. It's just all the supporting "shuffle"-related gimmicks that I'm getting sick of. I can already picture the official merchandise this year will have "Big Brother Shuffle" logos. And is it not a certainty that Kruges is going to dance live on stage with her flashmob on Launch Night? Puh-lease!
But once the series begins these ads should end. Just over two weeks to go now until we're right back into it!
Monday, July 16, 2012
The Shire: Life After Big Brother Rejection
Big Brother's ads so far have teased that the vacuous fame whores we've seen in the series before will not make the Housemate cut under Nine's watch.
Fear not bimbos and himbos. There's always The Shire.
We are 30 minutes into the first episode and I'm sure I've already seen the 6 rejected Housemates from the BB teasers in some incarnation. Let's hope BB sticks to his promises and gives us some better humans than this show does this year!
Fear not bimbos and himbos. There's always The Shire.
We are 30 minutes into the first episode and I'm sure I've already seen the 6 rejected Housemates from the BB teasers in some incarnation. Let's hope BB sticks to his promises and gives us some better humans than this show does this year!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
House Plans Leaked
This year Big Brother are having trouble keeping plans under wraps. Behind Big Brother came through with two huge leaks this week. The template for the Official Website, and the blueprints for the House itself!
I'm not sure I agree with the decision to publish the plans though, as it contains spoilers that Housemates could learn before being locked down, including secret rooms.
In general, the plans show a very oddly laid out house. Basically nothing remains from the previous series. Once again the kitchen has been placed at the far end of the backyard, like BB03-04, completely detached from the main House building. There is an outdoor gym, a barbecue and outdoor meals area, and a huge pool and hottub in the centre of the yard. The airport-looking structure in the preview photos is a new grand entrance to the House building that enters into a lounge room. The Diary Room is down a hallway to the right. Straight ahead leads to a bathroom and wardrobe area which leads through to a bedroom with bedding for 12 Housemates.
It seems very strange having to walk through the bathroom to get to the bedroom, but I'm sure all will make sense by the time we see the inside of the House.
The plans contain several other rooms and features which I may or may not discuss here in future. I'm sure anyone who wants to see the plans have by now anyway....
I'm not sure I agree with the decision to publish the plans though, as it contains spoilers that Housemates could learn before being locked down, including secret rooms.
In general, the plans show a very oddly laid out house. Basically nothing remains from the previous series. Once again the kitchen has been placed at the far end of the backyard, like BB03-04, completely detached from the main House building. There is an outdoor gym, a barbecue and outdoor meals area, and a huge pool and hottub in the centre of the yard. The airport-looking structure in the preview photos is a new grand entrance to the House building that enters into a lounge room. The Diary Room is down a hallway to the right. Straight ahead leads to a bathroom and wardrobe area which leads through to a bedroom with bedding for 12 Housemates.
It seems very strange having to walk through the bathroom to get to the bedroom, but I'm sure all will make sense by the time we see the inside of the House.
The plans contain several other rooms and features which I may or may not discuss here in future. I'm sure anyone who wants to see the plans have by now anyway....
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Time to Shuffle Off
The original BB teaser ad was clever and entertaining, and introduced us to the Housemate flashmob and what we now know as The Big Brother Shuffle. Having a host who is a professional dancer has its benefits it seems. But has the catchy Shuffle been overused already?
After the ad took off and was well received by fans, Sonia Kruger's Mornings co-host David Campbell was quick to satirise the dance on their show, ending with Sonia and her flashmob doing a reprise.
Then there was the Block / BB crossover ad where Kruges started dancing, again.
Now a social media competition asking fans to submit a video of themselves doing their own Shuffle to win launch night tickets. And as a follow up, an instructional video teaching fans how to do the official version of the jig.
I say, we are now officially shuffled out! It's time to hang it up before we're sick if it before the show starts.
Somehow though, I see a dance based weekly task coming up, and maybe even a live BB Shuffle in the Launch show.
Enough!!!
After the ad took off and was well received by fans, Sonia Kruger's Mornings co-host David Campbell was quick to satirise the dance on their show, ending with Sonia and her flashmob doing a reprise.
Then there was the Block / BB crossover ad where Kruges started dancing, again.
Now a social media competition asking fans to submit a video of themselves doing their own Shuffle to win launch night tickets. And as a follow up, an instructional video teaching fans how to do the official version of the jig.
I say, we are now officially shuffled out! It's time to hang it up before we're sick if it before the show starts.
Somehow though, I see a dance based weekly task coming up, and maybe even a live BB Shuffle in the Launch show.
Enough!!!
Monday, July 9, 2012
House Sneak Peak
The official Big Brother Facebook page has just released 7 photos of the BB House renovations. Based on these photos and the latest Nearmap aerial photo of the site, here are some observations:
- Some of the garden has been planted with tropical plants against dark grey garden walls.
- It looks as if the House interior has been extended into the south-east corner of the former garden area. The structure looks like an airport with a high rounded roof and tall windows. Timber studs attached to the old structure make it look like a new false wall will be mounted to the building.
- The old White Room / Aeroplane Simulator entry area has been converted into the exterior of a weatherboard house with eaves, guttering, and a tiled roof. The Holiday House Lanai area seems to have been walled in with the same eaves overhanging. This whole area could have been converted into a separate indoor House area. The Holiday House Garden area has been extended to the south, and the entire area decked around the existing pool from BB08. This could be a "backyard" for the Weatherboard House.
- There will be a pool with a round spa on one side. From the aerials, this could be in the location of the BB03/04 pool in the middle of the yard which has been dug up again.
- There is an interior photo of a modern-looking curved, slatted ceiling and wall.
- There is an interior photo of an empty corner (big help, guys!) and some sheets of small, white, square tiles on the floor that could be for a bathroom or kitchen area.
- The Friday Night Live Arena has been removed, and the north-east camera run looks like it is being rebuilt.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Goldman Heard, Not Seen
Its now been officially announced that Mike Goldman will be back on BB this year, as revealed on his website credits. The Age have now confirmed in an interview that he will narrate the series but will have no on screen presence this season.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
New TV Spots
Nine are using the huge ratings expected for another of its reality shows, The Block, to launch new TV advertising for BB.
The original "You'll be surprised" teaser ad launched alongside The Voice finale episode. Now during The Block we've seen two new spots.
The first suggests finalisation of casting and features people looking to the sky and out of office windows to a huge eye logo with the voiceover "This is Big Brother. It has been decided that there will be Housemates from Melbourne in the Big Brother house".
The other features Scott Cam and Sonia Kruger announcing a new house coming to 7:00. The red Block house logo changes to blue to match the previous BB ads and they promise to turn the Big Brother house "upside down". Sonia then starts inexplicably doing the Big Brother Shuffle. (Ok, she can dance already!) Who knows if the upside down concept could possibly be literal in some way.
The original "You'll be surprised" teaser ad launched alongside The Voice finale episode. Now during The Block we've seen two new spots.
The first suggests finalisation of casting and features people looking to the sky and out of office windows to a huge eye logo with the voiceover "This is Big Brother. It has been decided that there will be Housemates from Melbourne in the Big Brother house".
The other features Scott Cam and Sonia Kruger announcing a new house coming to 7:00. The red Block house logo changes to blue to match the previous BB ads and they promise to turn the Big Brother house "upside down". Sonia then starts inexplicably doing the Big Brother Shuffle. (Ok, she can dance already!) Who knows if the upside down concept could possibly be literal in some way.
Season Tag Line: "Think again."
The official BB Facebook page has been revealing print ads recently. The ads feature the characters from the TV teaser ad covered with a red "REJECTED" stamp and the tag line "Think you know Big Brother? Think again."
Obviously the focus for this season is casting over any other gimmick or twist. We could get a true back to basics season this year which would be fantastic. Let's hope they are looking at a good age spread of HMs this year too.
Obviously the focus for this season is casting over any other gimmick or twist. We could get a true back to basics season this year which would be fantastic. Let's hope they are looking at a good age spread of HMs this year too.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Mike Goldman's Website Confirms Return
Mike Goldman's official website has been updated to list "2012 Big Brother" in his credits. This confirms the series' former voice artist, warmup guy and host to be returning for the new season. In what capacity he will be involved is still unknown.
Mike narrated Daily Shows for all eight previous seasons, was the crowd warmup guy for most of the series' live audience shows, hosted Big Brother UpLate from 2003-2007, co-hosted Friday Night Live with Ryan and Bree from 2005-2008, and even co-hosted a Live Eviction show with Jackie O in 2008 when Kyle Sandilands was unwell.
Mike was always more in touch with the show and the fans than Gretel, and his return in any capacity will be welcome.
Mike narrated Daily Shows for all eight previous seasons, was the crowd warmup guy for most of the series' live audience shows, hosted Big Brother UpLate from 2003-2007, co-hosted Friday Night Live with Ryan and Bree from 2005-2008, and even co-hosted a Live Eviction show with Jackie O in 2008 when Kyle Sandilands was unwell.
Mike was always more in touch with the show and the fans than Gretel, and his return in any capacity will be welcome.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
The Ratings Test
Channel Nine's The Block is currently keeping Big Brother's timeslot
warm, or is that HOT?
The Block is enjoying nightly ratings of around 1.5 million Mon-Thu,
around 1.1m Fridays for The Block Unlocked, and almost 2m for its Sunday
Room Reveal show. The Block has already been renewed for a 2013 season,
and rumour is possibly two seasons next year.
Once The Block finishes next week, it gets replaced by Nine staple The
Big Bang Theory repeats at 7pm until The Olympic Games begin three weeks
later.
The question is, can Big Brother sustain this kind of audience? It will
be very interesting to see what the Opening Night ratings look like,
followed by what the "curiosity factor", as well as production, format,
and casting, do to subsequent nights and weeks. Can the BB experiment
work for Nine and get renewed for another season?
warm, or is that HOT?
The Block is enjoying nightly ratings of around 1.5 million Mon-Thu,
around 1.1m Fridays for The Block Unlocked, and almost 2m for its Sunday
Room Reveal show. The Block has already been renewed for a 2013 season,
and rumour is possibly two seasons next year.
Once The Block finishes next week, it gets replaced by Nine staple The
Big Bang Theory repeats at 7pm until The Olympic Games begin three weeks
later.
The question is, can Big Brother sustain this kind of audience? It will
be very interesting to see what the Opening Night ratings look like,
followed by what the "curiosity factor", as well as production, format,
and casting, do to subsequent nights and weeks. Can the BB experiment
work for Nine and get renewed for another season?
Friday, June 22, 2012
David Spoofs BB Flashmob Ad
David Campbell has spoofed Sonia Kruger's Big Brother flashmob TV ad on their show Mornings, but wait for 2:20 when Sonia shows him how it's really done.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
8 Weeks To Go!
Big Brother 2012 will launch Monday August 13 at 7:00pm. This is the day after the Olympic Closing Ceremony.
Hopefully Channel Nine will opt for a live launch show this year rather than prerecording the night before, and basically losing a day for the audience that wants to follow the show live.
Hopefully Channel Nine will opt for a live launch show this year rather than prerecording the night before, and basically losing a day for the audience that wants to follow the show live.
New Promo Premieres... We'll Be Surprised
I just caught the premiere of the new Big Brother ad during The Voice Finale. The ad promises "You'll be surprised who's in the Big Brother House... and who won't be".
Featuring "everyday" people, dressed in their respective stereotypical work attires, who suddenly start dancing in the street to LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem", the makeshift flash mob make their way to a common location. Three himbos approach the group as a transparent blue forcefield forms around them preventing the shirtless men from entering. As the barrier takes the shape of 4 walls and a roof, three bimbos also race to get in before faceplanting into the wall.
At this point we realise that the everyday people are securely locked inside the Big Brother House and their vacuous counterparts are safely outside its walls. A very interesting metaphor, variations of which have been promised before.
The execution of this is yet to be seen of course. Let's not forget BB08 did an extremely good job of picking diverse and interesting Housemates, who were then accused by the media of being exploited as a "freak show".
Another interesting point to note is the Big Brother voice at the end of the ad is that of Leon Murray, who was the hero voice of BB in 2008. Presumably he will be back at the helm for 2012-- yet more of the old.
Featuring "everyday" people, dressed in their respective stereotypical work attires, who suddenly start dancing in the street to LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem", the makeshift flash mob make their way to a common location. Three himbos approach the group as a transparent blue forcefield forms around them preventing the shirtless men from entering. As the barrier takes the shape of 4 walls and a roof, three bimbos also race to get in before faceplanting into the wall.
At this point we realise that the everyday people are securely locked inside the Big Brother House and their vacuous counterparts are safely outside its walls. A very interesting metaphor, variations of which have been promised before.
The execution of this is yet to be seen of course. Let's not forget BB08 did an extremely good job of picking diverse and interesting Housemates, who were then accused by the media of being exploited as a "freak show".
Another interesting point to note is the Big Brother voice at the end of the ad is that of Leon Murray, who was the hero voice of BB in 2008. Presumably he will be back at the helm for 2012-- yet more of the old.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Dreamworld World Pass Offers BB Exclusives
Dreamworld's latest TV commercial promoting its World Pass ticket promises "Big Brother Exclusives" to passholders. The pass sells for $109.99 online and allows unlimited access to Dreamworld and WhiteWater World for up to 13 months until 30th June 2013. You also get unlimited access to Skypoint Observation Deck, and discounted DW/WWW entry for friends. There is also a 10% discount offered on merchandise, which should include Big Brother merchandise sold from the Dreamworld stores.
I have my pass already from my Gold Coast holiday last week. I'm looking forward to finding out what offers will be made available. Perhaps pre-Eviction drinks and nibbles and premium seating like they used to do with the Gold Eviction tickets.
GO! Spinoff is Not UpLate / Uncut
In an interview with TV Tonight this week, Nine's Director of Programming and Production, Andrew Blackwell, revealed more details on the Big Brother 2012 "adults only" spinoff show slated to air on GO! at 9pm.
Putting together his various quotes, it looks as if there will be a PG-rated Daily Show on Nine at 7pm that "your kids are fine to watch", and a separate MA-rated Daily Show on GO! at 9pm that will contain "some adult content, but not nudity. I mean adult debate, adult discussion that you wouldn’t play in a PG slot."
Running times for the two Daily Shows are not mentioned.
He also says "We're not planning an UpLate", presumably ruling out any chance of live streaming from the House on TV this year. There has also been no confirmation so far of any live streaming on the show's official website this year. It could be a big mistake not to offer this just for the sake of family friendly censorship.
Putting together his various quotes, it looks as if there will be a PG-rated Daily Show on Nine at 7pm that "your kids are fine to watch", and a separate MA-rated Daily Show on GO! at 9pm that will contain "some adult content, but not nudity. I mean adult debate, adult discussion that you wouldn’t play in a PG slot."
Running times for the two Daily Shows are not mentioned.
He also says "We're not planning an UpLate", presumably ruling out any chance of live streaming from the House on TV this year. There has also been no confirmation so far of any live streaming on the show's official website this year. It could be a big mistake not to offer this just for the sake of family friendly censorship.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Adults Only show for GO! at 9pm
The Nine Network have announced this week that in addition to a family friendly Daily Show stripped at 7pm, they would also produce a 9pm Adults Only program to air on digital channel GO! (99).
There are no specifics on this program yet. Are we in for:
- an uncensored version of 7pm's Daily Show?
- a different Daily Show covering the day's risque storylines? (Will there be enough material?)
- a hosted talk-style/clip show?
- an UpLate (live streaming) show?
- something else completely?
At least we know Nine will be making use of the new multi-channel environment to deliver more content. A dedicated streaming channel could be a fair way off though! (I believe no new commercial licenses will be issued anyway until analogue is completely shut off in December 2013.)
Monday, June 11, 2012
Use of Old House Site Confirmed
I was on the Gold Coast last week and went to Dreamworld. I managed to score myself the rightmost seat on the Giant Drop ride twice. From the very top you can see over the trees to the Big Brother Studio and House. I can confirm that there were bobcats driving around the backyard of the House site used for all 8 previous seasons of Big Brother. The FNL Arena area is basically gone. The big double doors at the north end of the compound were either open or removed and the bobcats were driving in and out through the opening. On my second ride it was evident that it was only destruction work going on, removing what is still standing from the 2008 season. There is no external construction going on as yet.
There were also cars parked around the amphitheatre/studio area though it was impossible to see if anything had been done to the stage yet. From the bus on the way in I could see some of the blue seating was lying to one side of the back of the amphitheatre. There were trucks coming and going through the separate BB security checkpoint.
There were also cars parked around the amphitheatre/studio area though it was impossible to see if anything had been done to the stage yet. From the bus on the way in I could see some of the blue seating was lying to one side of the back of the amphitheatre. There were trucks coming and going through the separate BB security checkpoint.
I also did the train ride around Dreamworld and on the tour they refer to the area as you pass through as "Big Brother Territory". The train driver mentions the House is down the path to the right and the stage is up the path to the left, and that both are being refurbished at the moment for the new season to start "later in the year". It is not possible to see either from the train.
It is pretty much confirmed now that the "old" House site will again be used in 2012, despite the land having been sold off to the delayed shopping centre development.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Logo Revealed
Today, along with the announcement of Housemate audition details, the new Big Brother 2012 logo was revealed.
Set against a pink and yellow background, the white and blue eye shape contains a stylised camera lens for the iris. The BIG BROTHER title below is written in 2 shades of blue, one resembling the blue of the Channel 9 logo, and the other darker.
The Australian Big Brother logo has changed several times over the years, however this is the first time the design has not been based on the original 2001 logo in any way, and the first time the logo has been more of a stylised eye than a realistic one.
The 2001-02 logo was a pair of realistic eyes and eyebrows in black against a white background. In 2003-04 the left eye, or the right half of the logo, was removed, and the single eye was set inside a round cornered box. For 2005-07 the same right eye shape was used but was made up of small squares, which the opening titles showed we're tiny cubes, and the pupil was shaped like a map of Australia. For 2008 the eyebrow was removed and the white of the eye was replaced with blue and white stripes.
Celebrity Big Brother for Charity in 2002 was the only series to not use the eye logo in its titles, though it was seen in signs in the amphitheatre left over from the 2002 season.
Set against a pink and yellow background, the white and blue eye shape contains a stylised camera lens for the iris. The BIG BROTHER title below is written in 2 shades of blue, one resembling the blue of the Channel 9 logo, and the other darker.
The Australian Big Brother logo has changed several times over the years, however this is the first time the design has not been based on the original 2001 logo in any way, and the first time the logo has been more of a stylised eye than a realistic one.
The 2001-02 logo was a pair of realistic eyes and eyebrows in black against a white background. In 2003-04 the left eye, or the right half of the logo, was removed, and the single eye was set inside a round cornered box. For 2005-07 the same right eye shape was used but was made up of small squares, which the opening titles showed we're tiny cubes, and the pupil was shaped like a map of Australia. For 2008 the eyebrow was removed and the white of the eye was replaced with blue and white stripes.
Celebrity Big Brother for Charity in 2002 was the only series to not use the eye logo in its titles, though it was seen in signs in the amphitheatre left over from the 2002 season.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Big Brother Back to Dreamworld
Rumour has it, again from TV Tonight, that Dreamworld are preparing to once again host Big Brother Australia in 2012. Dreamworld has hosted every season of the show for Endemol/Southern Star and the TEN Network from 2001-2008, plus Celebrity Big Brother for Charity in 2002, and the spin-off series Friday Night Games in 2006.
Dreamworld's Amphitheatre was an existing structure before Big Brother. Just a short walk from the former Blue Lagoon pools and waterslides attraction, it was used to host partially covered live stage shows and corporate events. The venue was revamped for Big Brother's inaugural season in 2001, becoming a control room for the entire Big Brother House, production offices, a gift shop, a tourist attraction, a TV set, and an Outside Broadcast facility for up to three consecutive live events (two 24x7 streams recorded from inside the House and broadcast on the web, and a live studio show airing on the TEN Network).
The Big Brother House was purpose-built for the series amidst bushland, though only 250 metres from the back of the Amphitheatre. The outer shell of the House has remained basically unchanged through the 8 seasons. It is an approximately 55 x 30 metre compound, roughly half covered to form the "house" and half uncovered to form the "backyard". Interior walls and rooms can be pulled down and rebuilt between seasons (or during seasons, see 2003!). The structure has occasionally been added to-- a higher wall was added to the back of the house in 2003 to better hide Dreamworld's Tower of Terror from sight, an open-air Friday Night Live Arena was built onto the north side of the house in 2005, then rebuilt more professionally with canvas roofing in 2006, and the Holiday House and Lanai with a second pool were added to the west side of the house in 2008.
The area where the House stands is currently slated for redevelopment into a shopping complex, though ongoing delays have prevented it from yet being touched. It is unknown whether the same House shell will be used for the 2012 season, as it will be needed late in the year (August-November). The latest overhead photos from Nearmap show the House is still standing and in neat condition. The FNL Arena roofing has been removed in the late half of 2010. Other options would be to build a new House closer to the highway or behind Whitewater World, but either of these would reduce the secluded feeling of the Housemates with the operational noises of the two theme parks so nearby.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)