TV facing Melbourne challenges
The Masked Singer just one of many shows to now contend with Stage 3 restrictions in Melbourne.
- Published by David Knox
- on
- Filed under Coronavirus, News
The Masked Singer is due to film in Melbourne in coming weeks, but now faces the added complication of a Melbourne metro lockdown and border closure with NSW.
That’s enough to test any experienced producer, let alone one that needs to keep info under wraps.
Lindsay Lohan is not expected to appear in person (but could be on satellite from the US), while the show is likely to have a stronger field of celebrities given many performers have been out of work.
10 yesterday confirmed the new characters that will feature this season: The Dragonfly, The Hammerhead, The Kitten, The Wizard, The Frillneck, The Sloth, The Cactus, The Goldfish, The Bushranger, The Queen, The Puppet and The Echidna -at least they will be masked!
Whilst Television can continue in Melbourne, newly-won freedoms will also need to revert to Stage 3 restrictions from midnight.
Productions currently underway in Melbourne include:
Neighbours,
Wentworth,
Five Bedrooms,
The Weekly with Charlie Pickering,
The Chase,
The Front Bar,
Have You Been Paying Attention?,
The Project,
Insiders,
Offsiders,
Q&A (also Sydney),
Junior MasterChef,
News (7, 9, 10, ABC)
News Breakfast,
Yet to recommence:
Clickbait,
The Real Housewives of Melbourne,
Hot Seat,
Update:
“Neighbours will continue under its current production model adopted when Stage 3 restrictions were first introduced in Victoria,” a Fremantle spokesperson said.
“The strict health and safety measures we have adhered to for the past 11 weeks will be maintained, ensuring the well-being of our cast and crew remains intact.” –Daily Mail
18 Responses
There’s a report out today that Lindsay has been forced to step down from her role due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and the show may be forced to halt due to the lockdown in Melbourne.
Jackie O and Osher live in Sydney whereas Dannii and Dave live in Melbourne, travelling between both places would mean isolation for either pair — but then Osher needs to be in Sydney for his Bachelor commitments.
No doubt we’ll see a delay, but for how long.
Perhaps they should bring it back to Sydney, record it somewhere west or even at Carriageworks (now that has a new lease) and keep Dave and Dannii in Sydney for a few weeks.
Anyone who went to a recording last year will remember that they filmed this show mainly Thursday to Sunday…could work for the guys who do radio.
Rumour is Urzila Carlson might replace Lindsay.
I think we’ve all had enough of masks this year.
No Lindsay thank you, and keep the Singers Microphone level up, above the backing track too please
I can’t wait for the next season of The Masked Singer, but I’m curious as to whether there is going to be a live audience there.
Time to move all productions such as The Masked Singer outside of Melbourne. After our disgraceful effort in letting a ‘second wave’ escape, we have no right to deserve productions in Melbourne at this current time!
Arguably still a first wave, but your proposal would create further delays (especially with border closures). Premier said work can continue under S3.
Masked Singer will have to be delayed won’t it? How will Jackie O get to Melbourne?? Or would she appear remotely? And quite possibly some of the singers aren’t from Melbourne.
My understanding is the border is closed coming into NSW not coming into Vic. Same question for Osher, some crew and probably some artists.
Most of Sydney’s sound stages and production sites had been taken over by overseas movie studios.
David why have you only listed FTA shows? Doesn’t Fox Footy produce out of Melbourne?
I didn’t only list FTA, but yes add FOX Footy panels.
Ah yes sorry, missed Wentworth – and I was sure I checked twice!
Also Clickbait.
Is it safe to say there will be no international names on this season, unless they are already based or in Australia currently (Zac Efron perhaps?).
You can never say never in TV.
This is a format where the singer could perform from anywhere in the World!
After watching our season, the UK season and three US seasons; I’d be curious to know if there are any formatting changing for this years season of TMS. TEN is obviously very confident this show will go ahead, let’s hope there’s no delays or major changes to the production.
@David – Do you know if other audience based shows like The Voice has seen a decrease in viewers or if there’s been feedback on how well the shows have faired since being audience-less?