Australian writer-director Michael Jenkins, known for provocative Australia teen drama Heartbreak High, has died aged 77.
His management confirmed his death via through his partner, Amanda Robson. He had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020. His friend, Ian Barry, wrote in a tribute that he had passed away on March 4 with Robson and close family by his side.
The statement from Jenkins’ management said that his “contributions to the entertainment industry and his legacy as a film-maker and storyteller will be well remembered.”
Known for a gritty and frenetic style of directing, Jenkins was behind some of Australia’s most notable TV series, with his internationally-popular 1990s high school drama Heartbreak High was rebooted for Netflix in 2022. He had initially co-created the series, which helped launch the career of The Mentalist actor Simon Baker, with Ben Gannon for Network Ten in 1994.
He was also behind Blue Murder, the Australian series...
His management confirmed his death via through his partner, Amanda Robson. He had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020. His friend, Ian Barry, wrote in a tribute that he had passed away on March 4 with Robson and close family by his side.
The statement from Jenkins’ management said that his “contributions to the entertainment industry and his legacy as a film-maker and storyteller will be well remembered.”
Known for a gritty and frenetic style of directing, Jenkins was behind some of Australia’s most notable TV series, with his internationally-popular 1990s high school drama Heartbreak High was rebooted for Netflix in 2022. He had initially co-created the series, which helped launch the career of The Mentalist actor Simon Baker, with Ben Gannon for Network Ten in 1994.
He was also behind Blue Murder, the Australian series...
- 3/8/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Australia.s highest-rated TV drama series Packed To The Rafters is back to claim its crown.
The Seven series, which last year averaged 1.8 million viewers, returns next week with another 22 episodes.
It.s the nation.s favourite drama, having netted Best Australian Drama at the last three Logie Awards. Two weeks ago it also took out the Audience Choice Award for Best TV Program at the inaugural Aacta Awards.
Series producer Chris Martin-Jones, who occasionally sits in the director.s chair, puts the show's success down to it being so relatable. The drama focuses on the Rafter family . a family, which, like any, faces pressures of life and love while dealing with serious social issues.
.They can see the characters in their own lives. They can see the situation the character.s in,. Martin-Jones says from his Sydney office.
He says tackling serious issues such as abortion, drug abuse and...
The Seven series, which last year averaged 1.8 million viewers, returns next week with another 22 episodes.
It.s the nation.s favourite drama, having netted Best Australian Drama at the last three Logie Awards. Two weeks ago it also took out the Audience Choice Award for Best TV Program at the inaugural Aacta Awards.
Series producer Chris Martin-Jones, who occasionally sits in the director.s chair, puts the show's success down to it being so relatable. The drama focuses on the Rafter family . a family, which, like any, faces pressures of life and love while dealing with serious social issues.
.They can see the characters in their own lives. They can see the situation the character.s in,. Martin-Jones says from his Sydney office.
He says tackling serious issues such as abortion, drug abuse and...
- 2/8/2012
- by Sam Dallas
- IF.com.au
The Nine Network has created a new television drama designed to rival the Seven Network's award-winning show Packed to the Rafters. Tricky Business, a series about the Christie family who run a debt collection business in Wollongong, is scheduled to debut on screens this year. According to the Herald Sun, comedian Shane Bourne will play head of the family Jim Christie, while Debra Byrne has been cast as his wife Claire. Gigi Edgley has landed the role of daughter Kate, while Sophie Hensser will play Lily. Other cast members include former Home and Away actors Kip Gamblin and Lincoln Lewis, plus Antony Starr. Nine, who recently released an on-air promo for the show that shows the family standing by a pool (more)...
- 1/6/2012
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Channel Ten has announced a string of new, locally-produced programs for 2011 and 2012.
Looking to capture a youth market, chief programming officer David Mott said, “We are firmly focused on dominating in 18-49.”
Local light programming includes the much rumoured morning show to compete with Today and Sunrise. Simply called Breakfast, the program will be c0-hosted by 7Pm Project‘s Andrew Rochford. “Breakfast radio has taught me a great deal about how people want to start their day,” said Rochford. “They want the facts, but they want them in a light and entertaining way.” The show will run from 6am to 9am followed by a one hour news bulliten before The Circle begins at 11am.
Young Talent Time, the ’80s favourite that launched Danni Minogue, Tina Arena and Debbie Byrne will return in 2012. Co-produced by the show’s original creator, Johnny Young, it will be hosted by Rob Mills with a restructured,...
Looking to capture a youth market, chief programming officer David Mott said, “We are firmly focused on dominating in 18-49.”
Local light programming includes the much rumoured morning show to compete with Today and Sunrise. Simply called Breakfast, the program will be c0-hosted by 7Pm Project‘s Andrew Rochford. “Breakfast radio has taught me a great deal about how people want to start their day,” said Rochford. “They want the facts, but they want them in a light and entertaining way.” The show will run from 6am to 9am followed by a one hour news bulliten before The Circle begins at 11am.
Young Talent Time, the ’80s favourite that launched Danni Minogue, Tina Arena and Debbie Byrne will return in 2012. Co-produced by the show’s original creator, Johnny Young, it will be hosted by Rob Mills with a restructured,...
- 8/18/2011
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
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