Image: You Can’t Ask That

YOU CAN’T ASK THATABC’s most successful format ever: new accolades and fresh seasons in production

THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN BEE CHALLENGEBuyers are buzzing about this uplifting new factual entertainment program

GET IT TOGETHER!A hi-jinks, action-packed competition format that puts *dysfunctional* families to the ultimate test

And more inside...

ABC COMMERCIAL NEW FOR MIPCOM 2019

THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN BEE CHALLENGE

PLAY SCHOOL Reaches an estimated 80% of all Australian pre-schoolers weeklyThis long running kids show has generated multiple spin off series, and brand extensions including live shows, FMCG, books, toys and apparel. A network schedule anchor that delivers loyal audiences, Play School also provides a lead in for new shows, and a launch pad for new talent.

With a strong core philosophy, reflecting a contemporary, modern and diverse society, the show remains a deeply relevant pre-school touchstone. Libbie Doherty, Head of Children’s Production said: ‘this year, we’re extending the Play School brand by producing unique digital content to amplify the Play School philosophy. We’ve identified key areas of focus and have collaborated with specialists to create a series of one-off Play School specials’. Recently, broadcast specials have generated a storm of positive community engagement.

GET IT TOGETHER! A new competition show changing families bad habits This delightful new family competition format sees the country’s messiest, most disorganised, most forgetful families put to the ultimate test, facing challenges designed to help them break their bad habits once and for all. With catch-up audiences building to a peak to see the finalists slug it out in the series finale, this highly entertaining program has recently been commissioned for a second season.

ADVICE TO MY 12-YEAR-OLD SELF Inspirational role models give the wisdom of hindsightWith two series now delivered, this appealing, cost-effective format ticks all boxes – gender, cultural and cross-generational – and has recently sold to the BBC. The series features inspirational and amazing people including prominent politicians, athletes, academics, activists, artists, and more who tell us what life was like for them when they were 12, what advice they would give their 12-year-old-self now, and how they use their influence and experience to change the world today for girls and boys all over the globe.

‘It’s so damn inspirational it ought to find an appreciative audience’ – The Age

OPTIONED3 TERRITORIES

LIFESTYLE

SHORT FORM & SCRIPTED& FACTUAL

ENTERTAINMENT

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

To date, two ‘Clinics’ have been produced: Skin Clinic and Allergy Clinic. Riding on the ratings success of the initial programs (one million+ people have tuned in; consistently in the top five downloaded programs), Teeth Clinic is currently in production, with further episodes expected.

Executive Producer Aiden Laverty credits the success of the format to the honest and practical information presented in the program ‘we’ve gathered participants via pop-up locations within the community, while investigating with the latest technology and science available’.

ABC Sales Manager Katherine McMillan believes the groundswell of interest in the format is due to the show’s accessible information. ‘Everyone is interested in wellness’ states McMillan, ‘we see everyday people come in off the street and learn how to combat their specific problem in very supportive environment – and with the help of approachable experts, the audience also gains practical take-outs.’

Tapping into the inexhaustible audience thirst for inspirational makeovers, the ABC’s primetime lifestyle formats Dream Gardens and Restoration Australia continue to go from strength to strength, delivering strong ratings performance (a 30% increase on timeslot averages, and an 18% plus share) and a third season commission – with announcements about additional seasons anticipated shortly.

ELEVATOR PITCH Science explained in two minutes

From the ground floor to penthouse, how much can you learn in one elevator ride? Perfectly suited to social and digital platforms, Elevator Pitch will tell you everything you need to know about some of the biggest ideas in science, physics and computer science told in two minutes. Executive Producer Aiden Laverty believes younger audiences enjoy embracing the science in digestible chunks. ‘This new format works’ said Laverty, ‘a race against time with an explainer, really works’. The format’s strength has been recognised through its win at Sydney Webfest in September, and via the ongoing commission of new episodes.

THE TWIST A new true crime social media format

This multi award nominated, fully animated Facebook-first series that brings to life some of the country’s most intriguing true crime stories, continues to garner a host of award nominations and wins, including Best Animation at the 2019 BANFF Rockie Awards and Best Web Series at the South Film & Arts Academy Festival.

SPICKS & SPECKSThe nation’s favourite music quiz show The multi award-winning, prime-time quiz show that’s highly entertaining, quirky and at times totally crazy, delivers a unique vibe and just the right mix of music and comedy, has already optioned in the US as Face the Music.

With audience appeal as broad as you can get, demand ensures that ongoing specials continue to be commissioned. A ratings juggernaut, the 2018 special attracted over 2.8 million viewers and achieved a 33% share, boding well for the 4x60’ mini-series due to broadcast later this year.

TWENTYSOMETHING Hilarious cult hit comedyOn premiere broadcast, the series attracted, amongst others, a best comedy series nomination at the AACTA Awards, and has recently been optioned in the US. This evergreen tale of two twentysomething housemates in search of their big break is filled with massive highs, heart breaking lows and plenty of drinks in between.

THE CLINIC

ABC audiences showed exceptional engagement and hunger for more information on the humble bee via social channels after watching The Great Australian Bee Challenge. The broadcaster’s Facebook page counted over 1 million views of the program’s video highlights, and the show’s host also achieved the largest numbers recorded for any Facebook live Q&A session to date, while Instagram reached above 265,000 views. The series also performed well in primetime over the broadcast period.

‘This is one of my favourite shows of 2019’ said Executive Producer Aiden Laverty, ‘it’s entertaining, positive, accessible – and provides audiences who want to become amateur beekeepers with the information and inspiration to make a start’.

After the program’s premiere broadcast, buyers were quick to appreciate the program’s potential – the format is now currently optioned in the UK, Netherlands, Belgium and is being finalised in France.

ABC Sales Manager, Katherine McMillan said ‘there has been enthusiastic interest around this format, due to the growing awareness of bees’ importance to the ecosystem and the current threat to bee populations, and what this means for both the environment and the food bowl. Families are keen to do their bit to make a difference, and this clearly resonates with audiences’.

‘While novice families volunteer to establish and maintain a hive each in friendly competition with each other, the host strikes out to explore the wonderful world of bees. And wonderful it is.’ – Sydney Morning Herald

Restoration Australia

Art Time

The Twist

Content Sales abc.contentsales@abc.net.au

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Funny, moving, life-changing; the unique format taking the world by storm

You Can’t Ask That is an innovative, original format offering audiences an intimate, very personal glimpse into the lives of people we rarely get to hear from. The 10 international versions of the show already broadcast or in production, are a testament to the power and flexibility of the format – now the ABC’s most successful ever.

Nominations just announced for the TBI Content Innovation Awards (Format of the Year) and the MIPCOM Diversify TV Excellence Awards (Representation of LGBTQ+ Non-Scripted) also speak to the international recognition the program is commanding.

The ABC has recently announced its commission of series five of this much-loved show. Michael Carrington, ABC Director Entertainment & Specialist, said: ‘diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the ABC’s commitment to telling distinctive Australian stories for audiences here and around the world. You Can’t Ask That give a voice to people whose views, stories and perspectives aren’t often seen or heard, promoting acceptance and inclusion for some of our most misunderstood or marginalised community members’.

‘The success of the format continues to grow with a new deal being finalised for the Poland and Asian markets (Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong)’ said ABC Commercial Sales Manager, Katherine McMillan, ‘You Can’t Ask That can’t be ignored, it’s a stand out program that attracts younger and elusive audiences, and is incredibly cost effective to make’.

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS• 2019 Nominee

Content Innovation Awards: Entertainment Format of The Year

• 2019 Nominee MIPCOM Diversify TV Excellence Awards: Representation of LGBTQ+ Non-Scripted

• 2019 Winner Australian Walkley Awards: Media Diversity

• 2019 Winner Israeli Television Academy Awards: Best Factual Series

• 2018 Winner Spanish AcademiaTV Iris Jury Awards: Best Program

• 2017 Winner European Broadcast Union Rose d’Or: Reality & Factual Entertainment

• ‘The blunt, unflinching, much loved show turns inappropriate questions into heart-warming tv’ – The Guardian

• ‘Everyone i know, everyone I don’t know, needs to see this’ – The Huffington Post

• ‘The most diverse television program in Australian history’ – The Guardian

FACEBOOKBinged it already! – Sarah Evans

An amazing and illuminating show on a real societal issue – David Fredericks

Absolutely amazing show!! What a brave people talking about these subjects on tv – Missa Vrswijk

This is one of the best shows on TV. Should be mandatory viewing – Deborah Mesman

TWITTERThe frank bravery of the participants is astounding to me @Michael Downing

#YouCantAskThat is the most incredible television @Emily Smith

Programs like #YouCantAskThat are helping to shift the narrative @Lulabele

How can this be a heart-warming gut-wrencher? @Joan Evatt

Anyone else reduced to a blubbering mess by #YouCantAskThat? @Elysse Morgan

I love this show. This is an important conversation. Please don’t miss #YouCantAskThat? @MackDog

To date: Australia, France, Italy, Spain, Norway, Israel (Hebrew & Arabic), The Netherlands, Canada (English & French)

AWARDS & NOMINATIONS12

OF MANY REASONS TO WATCH

3

SOCIAL MEDIA VIEWS100 MILLION

INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTIONS10

YOU CAN’TASK THAT