Mark Fennessy and Melissa Maclean
Leading creator of premium content HELIUM is producing the groundbreaking new factual series "The Assembly" for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). The title (6x1hr) follows autistic student journalists as they prepare and interview six of the nation’s biggest names including the Prime Minister.
One of Australia’s most renowned interviewers, Leigh Sales will closely mentor and prepare the students as they learn their craft, research their interviewee of the week and discover how to get underneath spin and soundbites to discover the real person behind the public persona, culminating in an interview which promises to be disarming, fresh and engaging.
With the students all undertaking a specifically designed journalism course delivered by Macquarie University, which is the first of its kind in Australia, "The Assembly" is being made with full support in place for the student journalists in partnership with: Aspect – Australia’s largest service for people on the autism spectrum, and Bus Stop Films - Australia’s leading social enterprise supporting people with disabilities in film-making.
"The Assembly" is being produced by HELIUM Pictures for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, with production funding from Screen NSW. Executive produced by showrunner Melissa Maclean, executive produced by Therese Hegarty, HELIUM’s Mark Fennessy and ABC Commissioning Editor, Factual TV Julie Hanna, HELIUM has developed "The Assembly" for an Australian audience from a format created by Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache, originally produced by KIOSCO.TV & QUAD+TEN, and distributed by CAN’T STOP Media.
Leigh Sales says, “'The Assembly' is as honest and authentic as it gets. The student journalists don’t give the guests any chance to hide behind spin or obfuscation and it’s so beautiful to see our interviewees embrace a new kind of interview. I’m looking forward to passing on my knowledge and experience to this inquisitive group and helping them explore new possibilities for themselves.”
Julie Hanna, ABC Commissioning Editor, Factual TV says, “Once in a while a ground-breaking idea comes along that encapsulates the importance of diversity in Australian media. We’re incredibly proud to bring this genuine series to audiences as six extraordinary Australians are interviewed by the autistic student journalists.”
Mark Fennessy, HELIUM Chief Creative Officer says, “It is a great privilege to acknowledge the value and genuine talent of autistic people – to include diverse voices and hear fresh perspectives in conversations of national interest. 'The Assembly' promises to be truly compelling, ground-breaking television. With no subject out of bounds, our audiences can expect interviews filled with delight, chaos and revelation.”
Melissa Maclean, Showrunner and Executive Producer says, “This is a hugely entertaining and informative interview series, where no question is out of bounds and no subject is off the table. There is fantastic energy and optimism from everyone involved bringing a great joy to an inclusive workplace. Journalism will benefit from the diverse voices of autistic people.”
Kyas Hepworth, Head of Screen NSW says, “It’s wonderful to see this group of student journalists embark on an exciting journey to expand their skills and deliver such engaging interviews. We are thrilled to support HELIUM and the entire creative team bringing this series to the ABC and highlighting the importance of inclusivity in all workplaces.”