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Updated regularly, have a read of what those coked-up IWT nutters are up to.
| 3 April 2009 |
Worker of the Season
Bribery, intimidation, stand over tactics and under the table deals. All are widely encouraged within the Popcorn office but had nothing to do with winning the Worker of the Season. Well, it had something to do with taking home the trophy but it was mostly the talent, will of the unpaid and Diva antics of Lara Freestone that won her the gold.
From recurring characters like Bree from ‘Home Shopping’ and Janelle from ‘Bogan Knows Best’ to rappers wife Kim and Simone Warne, Lara gave us improv gold, “You’d get in the Mercury” and physical comedy, those high kicks ‘neighbours at war’ ACT story. She was running the office in the Behind the Scenes storylines and that wasn’t easy with me constantly harassing her and in one fun filled episode sending her to a plastic surgeon to improve her physical appearance. There were also the unflattering pot shots of both Terrence Butler and 2 Drag Ladies and Aussie Salvadore making her tap out in the Full Nelson lock.
Lara was everywhere this series and deserved the win. Special mention goes to runner up Frank Csapo who also had a fantastic season.
Congratulations Lara.
Dan Stawanski
| 26 March 2009 |
The Final Episode
The last In Wollongong Tonight is this week so if you can’t see it I suggest going to a friend’s house in Sydney, moving to Sydney just so you can see the show, or stealing a Sydney TV and bringing it back to Wollongong so everyone can see The Greatest Show In The History Of Entertainment: Past, Present and Future, call time on its phenomenal run of hilarity so brilliant it made everybody who ever told a joke or tried to make someone laugh turn to the TV, shake their head knowingly and say ‘Oh that’s how it’s done.’ Seriously it made teachers, class clowns, dads, professional stand up comedians, legendary comedic actors and The 3 Stooges take notes (probably not entirely accurate).
Anyway, the rest of this season has seen us pull out every bit of comedy shtick we could compress into 25 minutes of AWESOMENESS and we go for broke in The Big One. It even has a musical number! Oh yes this episode puts every other television show final to shame because we’re going out with a bang, not Sopranos ‘to black’ style. Although The Sopranos is regarded as one of the greatest shows ever by anyone who has watched it and it’s the same deal with In Wollongong Tonight so maybe it would be fitting to just-
Black.
Dan Stawanski
| 14 March 2009 |
The Return
The return is upon us. For those of you who missed the announcement last episode, an old friend drops by this week. I hope you’ve got your related materials and set texts because Mr. GADROS is back. Going deeper this episode you’ll also find the last Boyfriend Interrogation and what happens when neighbours don’t take down their Christmas Decorations in the final A Currently Today. Ending segments: It’s a worrying trend.
There’s only a couple of episodes left so now’s the perfect time to start watching the show especially with a revealing Behind the Scenes story, our final letters segment and Mr Gadros. Yes it’s so big I have to mention it twice... well that and I can’t go into much detail about the other segments because it’s a show filled with surprises in Wollongong tonight.
There’s a heap of new production pics and the finish line is in sight for the Worker of the Season. Check out the closely run race and reasons for the points then let us know if you think we’re making the right calls (Not you Frank).
Dan Stawanski
| 28 February 2009 |
Moving On
We use episode 11 to establish our careers after IWT ends. First order of business: Get rid of the dead weight hangers on - Luke I’m talking to you. Second order of business: Get in on the Biopic rage. Milk, Capote, Walk the Line, Ray, Iron Man. They’re everywhere and since I’m not old enough to have one made about me yet, Popcorn settle on a sporting legend. If you read these updates you know I don’t exaggerate things so you can believe me when I say the trailer for the Greatest Australian Film Ever Made debuts in this episode. Suck on that ‘You And Your Stupid Mate.’
Speaking of moving on, Aussie Salvadore closes up shop, while Scott Sheppard tries to get his new merchandise into stores and the cast are sent to a Sexual Harassment in the Workplace seminar. How can that go wrong?
Check out our other career moves in the Side_Projects section and don’t forget there’s streaming video now available so there’s no excuse for not having seen the show. Judge us after you see an episode haters / friends / cast.
Dan Stawanski
| 27 February 2009 |
Kam Wrapped
A fitting end to Kamuran Musker’s IWT career as he wrapped his work with a reshoot after a no show the previous weekend. The hardest cast member to organise after Dan Auld, Kam briefly appeared in the first season as a member of boy band ‘The TyTins’ and didn’t really join the show until Episode 7 in Season 2 as a collector on Antiques Roadshow. Yes he played hard to get and was probably the King of Wasting Tape but when Kam was ‘On’ he really was ON. As evident by the fact that he picked up the Worker of the Week Award in the first and last episodes of his breakout season.
Season 3 saw the emergence of Kam as Scott Sheppard and Garrett / Dr Reckless played big parts in the show. Sheppard was constantly getting himself into trouble and talking his way out of it - “Handshakes are for strangers.” “I’m being Scotty Sheppard about this.” He was interviewed by Payney and defended himself against being over rated by claiming “he’d never get in boat with Braith Anasta.” As Dr Reckless he played the arch nemesis to Common Sense Man with perfect comic book villain style. Ill conceived plans, kidnapping the girl, over the top acting. The ‘Dial a Wingman’ sketch shows some of his improv genius as there was multiple takes of his ‘saves’ including “there’s a urinal cake shaped like Jesus.” Season 4 has seen Kam feature as ex stripper and host of Gnome Means Gnome, Jake Durie and constantly pitching us ideas in the Popcorn office.
Thank you Kam.
Dan Stawanski
| 14 February 2009 |
Trent Wrapped
The man of a thousand impressions (possibly a slight exaggeration), Trent Boncompagni wrapped his IWT career with another dead on impersonation, that of ‘Tubby’ Taylor for a cricket based sketch (it was actually a reshoot the following week but I like my opening).
Trent was the first cast member to appear in a sketch shot for the show and was crowned the Worker of the Season for Series 3. This was largely in part to his two main characters. English teacher extraordinaire Mr. Gadros, who despite really only repeating the same gags, reappeared a number of times due to popular demand. His other important character was one that became a vital part of the show, Reporter Trent. He helped make ACT a featured segment in the show with his first ACT story ‘Is you child safe?’ along with the Finchy Brothers, Student/Teacher Relationships, Violence In The Media and Claus Christmas Crisis. Reporter Trent had a long running feud with ACT Host Dan which spilled over to News Active where the two became co-anchors.
Trent also helped Payney in the Steelers Crusade after getting the ‘Kogarah’ knocked out of him, tried to control Scott Sheppard as Walter ‘up the arse Vossy!’ He also dropped his pants and stuck a lampshade on his head (yes Trent was Captain Lampshade Man!) and stripped off to lead the Spartans.
Thank you Trent.
Dan Stawanski
| 6 February 2009 |
Farewells
As we hit the double figures of the last season IWT starts saying goodbye to some great segments and characters. This episode sees the final chapter in the history of Wollongong and a touching final Bogan Knows Best. Way Wollongong Was, you made us laugh, you made us think and got us some great YouTube comments. Trav and Trace, you gave us some great lines plus an all singing, all dancing Suz. You let me call her ‘my little chicko roll’ without being slapped.
Also this episode we have another studio guest! Man, ever since we won the Antenna everyone wants to get in on the studio segments. Also A Currently Today heads up an investigation into how to become a cab driver.
Speaking of farewells, I say goodbye to my last bit of dignity (Anna and Frank lose their sight) in the Behind the Scenes story. So long dignity I hardly knew ye.
Dan Stawanski
| 5 February 2009 |
Payney Wrapped
The winner of the first Worker of the Season in Series 1, Michael Payne, finished up on Sunday with, surprisingly enough, a cricket shoot for an upcoming segment. Payney started in the very first episode with his aggressive Sports Rant segment in which, over three seasons, he took shots at foreigners and other countries, made accusations about players and filled the rest of the segment with wild claims. All the while promoting excellence in sports with The Ranty and constantly talking about bringing back the Illawarra Steelers. A campaign that took Trent and himself all the way to Win Stadium with the excellent two part ‘Steelers Crusade.’ Possibly his favourite segment as it was the main reason he joined the show. Moving on from just the Rant, Payney and his journalistic integrity covered sports for News Active.
In Season Four he started ‘What’s Gay With Payney’ and broke into more sketches playing ‘Coups’ in Gnome Means Gnome and ‘Officer Emmany’ in the Playpen. Payney’s interviewed Ben Creagh, possibly incited a guy to get hit with pepper spray, played a crotchless Santa, intimidated young guys and has given us The Greatest Blooper Of All Time. Not bad for a guy who once told me he thought the show would last a couple of weeks then everyone would get bored with it.
Thank you Payney. Get a dog up ya.
Dan Stawanski
| 30 January 2009 |
Footy Fever
Back online this week after discovering my computer had more viruses than... some other computer with viruses, I don’t know. Anyway, an action packed episode this week as the new footy season draws near and we draw closer to stumbling over the line with our final ep which might be the show of the century or a fumbled certainty. Only time, and our viewers, will tell. Anyway kicking things off is the return of Wildcats star Scott Sheppard, we invite a future league Immortal back to IWT for another True Wollongong Story and let Payney give Super Coach Sir Wayne Bennett a call. Big mistake or smartest move ever? Another God also drops by (I’ll let you know who the real God is at the end the of the Dragons NRL campaign) as we go all Looney Tunes ACME on the news desk.
We haven’t forgotten the ladies (Do I ever?) as this week I convince one of the In Wollongong Tonight starlets to head to the plastic surgeon via tearing her to shreds about her physical features. All women like plastic surgery right? Send your answers to iwtonight@gmail.com with the subject line Lara Hates Dan And Wishes He Would Stop Harassing Her Because It’s Getting Really Annoying.
I know it’s long but it’s worth it. Also worth it is Hostage, a night club in Crown Street Wollongong. They let us shoot there for free so here’s the plug.
Dan Stawanski
| 23 January 2009 |
Frank Wrapped
Another first season cast member wrapped last Saturday after keeping Pat and I enthralled with another True Wollongong Story. Who would have thought the guy who started as a crew member rather than cast would end up with two segments that featured mainly himself. Franky Csapo’s True Wollongong Stories and The Way Wollongong Was. Besides crewing, mainly on the boom, for many sketches, including Trav and Trace (His ears have never recovered) and 2 Drag Ladies (His eyes have never recovered) Frank has appeared in many great ACT stories- Flinchy Finchy, Claus Christmas Break up, Taxi School and Decorations Wars and is the only cast member to have sat in on the studio segments three times. As the Censor Man in Season One. Taking over hosting duties in Season Three and while waiting on Pat to settle a debt in Season Four.
Although he’s perhaps most proud of killing the Insane Frog with this beloved Volvo, we here at Pass the Popcorn thank Frank for his performance in The Way Wollongong Was- a segment that helped us take home two awards at short film festivals. Frank has come a long way, from his first appearance on IWT in S1 as a studio boom boy and the Hungarian News Reporter to cleaning up after Scott Sheppard and now finally interrogating young guys as an Overprotective Uncle in S4.
Thank you Frank.
Dan Stawanski
| 22 January 2009 |
We’re back 09!
After our holiday break In Wollongong Tonight returns to bring the funny in 2009. Speaking of a new year, did everyone make a resolution? Do people still make those? I did- it was to stop being so AWESOME and it has already been broken. On with the show!
Our studio segments have been a sausage fest for years now (Something I’ve been trying to change but that Pat seems to like) This week we bring change to the New Year with very special guest Suz McGavin taking up a spot on the Danstand. The only way to get her to sit next to me is writing it in a script. Sad? Pathetic? Genius? These are all good words. Speaking of good, my good work of getting a third blonde on the show is ruined when we get Suz and Anna to button up in a great ACT story but redeemed with a catfight. There’s also another boyfriend interrogation and we send off Gnome Means Gnome but did you read me: A catfight.
Check out the new production photos, a new cast survey question and, of course, the Worker of the Week. Did I mention there’s a catfight?
Dan Stawanski
| 6 January 2009 |
The Worker of the Season Race
Repeats again this week but fear not as it’s time for the end of year report card fans.
In Wollongong Tonight: Funny.
Host Pat: Wanker.
Suz: Still the favourite.
Not Suz: Still not sure of her name.
Mark: Useless.
Dan S: Awesome.
Now that’s over with onto the business of the show. The Worker of the Season is closer than I predicted at the start of the series, a surprise considering I have a hand in awarding these things every week. At just past the midway point it’s close between a first season vet who is physically bigger than me, a first season vet who I’ve known since primary school and who regularly fixes my computer and the pretty blonde. I wonder who’s going to win?
Did you get what you wanted from Santa this year? In the cast survey see what the IWTer’s wanted this year (and what they received).
Happy New Year,
Dan Stawanski
| 25 December 2008 |
Merry Christmas
Despite it being Christmas we here at IWT don’t feel in the spirit of giving, that’s why there’s no new episode this week. Some might say that this is a Christmas miracle, which would make you not much of a fan really. Hang on, if you’re not a fan of the show why are you looking at this website? Did you stumble onto it by mistake? Are you doing your one nice thing for Christmas by supporting community access? I don’t know but for those of you who did come here to be entertained and are now really upset that I said we’re on repeats, pull yourself together and fear not.
The In Wollongong Tonight website won’t let you down like our show probably does most weeks, oh no. In this update you’ll some last minute Christmas gifts with new home shopping merchandise. In the cast survey you can find out what your favourite cast member wants from Santa. You may as well get it for them because the producers aren’t going to. We hand out the They the Pass the Popcorn gift basket. With an IWT shirt, calendar (Payney is Mr. June) Season 2 DVD and a signed Host Pat headshot.
Have a Merry Christmas in Wollongong tonight.
Dan Stawanski
|18 December 2008 |
A Trip Down Memory Lane
A show for the ages this week with so many out of date references the term ‘cutting edge of comedy’ has never been more inappropriate. That’s why I won’t mention it now. See what I did there. COMEDY! This episode is from a simpler time. A time when people remembered Kochie won Father of the Year (No one remembered that then), when Michael Richards lost control at a comedy club (People kind of still remember that), and we finally get around to mentioning the ‘Table of Knowledge’ (People still remember that). It’s politics meets kebabs in the city that all of us, except Auldy, love. All this plus we rehash an old Trav and Trace storyline from two seasons ago (Suz has still got it) and if that wasn’t an old enough reference, how about taking a trip back to the early nineties to our primary school days and one of the earliest Pat / Frank feuds on record as we rip off, er... pay tribute to, the Murphy that’s still funny: Charlie.
Get back to the red jumpsuit Eddie. What have you done for me lately?
Also in this update: There’s a new leader in the fight for Worker of the Season, another cast survey question, film terms and new production pics.
Dan Stawanski
| 15 December 2008 |
Lara Wrapped?
Another cast member has all but done her time on IWT. Lara Freestone finished up with a storyline scene which included a toast to her and, of course, my arm around her. It seems like only two years ago we met Lara, the first cast member we didn’t know before filming, throwing her in the deep end on the first day with a series of Home Shopping sketches in which she played the always professional presenter Bree. From that day on Lara was a mainstay in IWT sketches. TNT’s wife Kim, nosey reporter Jennifer Love Interest, Trace’s best friend Janelle, Amanda the floor manager. You can see her practically running the Popcorn office in the Behind the Scenes segments. More often than not Lara’s been in scenes with me and we’ve had our fair share of encounters. Wrestled each other on two separate occasions (The scores are tied), I’ve elbowed her in the head, ripped her hair (Unintentional) Spat gum at her (Intentional) and both Pat and I caused her mental anguish in 2 Drag Ladies.
We here at IWT are going to miss her countless ‘Are you ready for me yet?’ messages, signalling her intent to arrive to the shoot. There was just a real diva like quality about her, probably because she had been an extra on network TV. Lara always read the script before turning up on set, often had her own copy with her lines highlighted and was willing to do whatever we needed without complaint which made her great to work with. In Wollongong Tonight might not be the last time we see her in a Pass the Popcorn Production.
Thank you Lara.
Dan Stawanski
| 11 December 2008 |
Half Time Entertainment
Last week I mentioned that we were heading into a mid season form slump. Did you really believe that we, multi award winners, would let that happen? No. That’s why we kick off this episode by bringing the cast into the sheds for a half time critical analysis. Also this week Dan Auld goes character actor deep as he essays both party animal Boof Brixxxell AND Gerald from Gnome Means Gnome. Home Shopping returns in time for Christmas and you find out how we’d deal with you stalking us if the situation ever arose (Hint: Hilariously?) All this and we once again see how far we can get our cast to go in the name of comedy with a charity hot on the heels of Movember but with that extra bit of IWT awesomeness. Speaking of the month that boys like to prove they’re men, can you spot the sketch that was shot in November?
Also in this update be sure to check out the latest question in our cast survey and the new t shirts arriving in time for the holiday season, including the one I asked to be made last week (Cough, I want the Panel Van shirt for Christmas Pat, Cough)
Think that was subtle enough?
Dan Stawanski
| 5 December 2008 |
A Massive Show
There’s plenty going on in Wollongong tonight (or at least Friday night) as we close in on a mid season form slump. That doesn’t happen this week though as a Pat’s Ego Sized show kicks off with the Host having a Steven Colbert rant attack and completely taking over the opening segment. There’s also another debut as Jay Bonnor steps into the limelight as Bogan Knows Best extends the family, we finally find a reason for Auldy to do a jig on camera and there’s a timely ACT story in which Jane wears an ‘Animal House’ shirt and Anna wears a ‘Three Stooges’ shirt. Man, if Suz wore a Socceroos jersey I would have lost my freaking mind. There’s also a not so timely Joey Johns reference. Anyway, all this plus Pat and I debate the eternally soul searching, moral struggle ‘is it cool to date your friends sister?’ Send us your thoughts.
Also in this update, we start a new feature with the ‘cast survey.’ So now you can get the opinion of your favourite IWT cast members. It’s a way for you all to connect with the stars of community access without having to actually meet us. Enjoy.
Dan Stawanski
| 27 November 2008 |
Classic Comedy
After technical difficulties last week, we return with Episode 4 - In Wollongong Tonight: A New Hope.
A new hope of what exactly? Better acting? Funnier jokes? New cast members? Or that the only Luke in our cast defeats the Empire and appears on screen this week (Hint: He doesn’t) What does happen is that we send you back to the Playpen, see the return of two loved IWT characters and take unprovoked shots at some really smug guys on a glorified prank show. Plus we cross another ‘to do’ off the laugh list when Pat steps up to the plate to deliver Comedy Classic Bit #763: Spew gag. It’s the height of comedy as you know it.
Speaking of the height of comedy, in this update we’ve got new articles from Trav AND Trace and Scott Sheppard and if you haven’t done so already, check out the thought provoking new production photos from the last few of episodes.
I know, I know. Two Star Wars references in three weeks. Ladies form an orderly queue (Oh and an ‘Office’ reference).
Dan Stawanski
| 14 November 2008 |
Frank A Standout
So even though Lara can’t wait to read what I say about her, this update isn’t about the blonde that isn’t Suz or Not Suz, oh no. This blog, as well as Episode 3, belongs to Franky Csapo. He’s got a storyline based around him in this week’s episode and he’s the first cast member to write an article for the website. So either he’s trying really hard to impress his office crush Trent or he wants the Worker of the Season title. Either way he’s the standard bearer this week. In other non Frank related episode 3 news, I get in my first SNL reference with the return of a special Religious man, Home Shopping is back and we find a vehicle for Dan Auld's created-and-aborted season three party host, Boof Brixxxell. So if Lara wants me to mention her in these blogs she has to find more to do around the Popcorn office or she can just sit there and look pretty, which was the main reason we hired her in the first place. If this was her job description to begin with, why do I have a problem with it? I don’t. I’m just filling the update.
Dan Stawanski
| 6 November 2008 |
Behind the Scenes
After the thunderous response from the first episode we have decided to grace you with our presence once again this week. Episode Two sees the return of some old favourites, an out of date movie send up starring three shirtless cast members (make you want to watch?) and, following on from last week’s letter, the debut of behind the scenes of In Wollongong Tonight so you get to see us and the cast in our natural environment: In our fake offices, in front of a camera.
Be amazed at how much work goes into manufacturing the Gold that is an IWT episode in the week leading up to the show. Shake your head at our attempt at plot in a comedy sketch show. Marvel at the fact that we get to say these things to our friends who aren’t getting paid and have no reason to turn up every week except for the chance to win Worker of the Week. Speaking of the most converted prize in the Pass the Popcorn office (Not ‘the favourite’ tag that permanently belongs to Suz) without giving too much away let’s just say new cast member Anna Kelly earns it... I just gave it away didn’t I?
Dan Stawanski
| 29 October 2008 |
The Countdown is on!
In the words of Kevin Smith “There’s only one return, and it ain’t of the King, it’s of the Jedi.” While he may be right, Smith should know there’s another return worth mentioning. We’re only days away from the event that will CHANGE THE FACE OF TELEVISION FOREVER! On October 31 everything will be different. Food will taste better. Colours will be brighter. The air will be fresher. People will become more attractive - except Frank, he’s as good as he’s going to get (feel free to choose if you take that as a compliment or insult). On Friday night, In Wollongong Tonight Season Four hits the picture box. Feeding your need for all things IWT, in this update we have an article from Dr. Reckless, more merchandise and on Thursday the Worker of the Week is plastered on the interweb - so get those WOTW tips in to those office comps. Speaking of the website - how does everyone like it? Answer now using Force like telepathic powers or the more traditional contact us page.
Oh and if you think our egos have deflated since last season re-read this blog. There’s no change in the size of our heads. Things like that never change. The show will still be hilarious, Pat will still be a Logie-less wanker, Payney will still be aggressive, Trent and Dan Auld still won’t like each other and I’ll still strike out with Lara and Suz. Yep, some things will never change.
Dan Stawanski
| 24 September 2008 |
Website Relaunch!
The wait is over! More highly anticipated than The Dark Knight Versus Indiana Jones During The Clone Wars is the NEW IN WOLLONGONG TONIGHT website. That’s right we’ve fired the monkey running the last site and hired IWT’s own Frank in his place (It remains to be seen if this was a good move).
With all new features like our side projects - including other TV shows and clothing range, all new bios - so you can check out your favourite cast member (let’s face it, it’s Suz) and guest columnists plus production photos and the Worker of the Week, this new website is sure to find its way into your hearts and favourites folder.
In other news: We’re getting very close to finishing the new season and the Season Three DVD will be out soon, until then please accept the comedy substitute that is the NEW IN WOLLONGONG TONIGHT website and keep checking back here for regular updates.
Dan Stawanski
| 12 August 2008 |
Suz Returns!
You know how I said Suz had wrapped her work on IWT, well last Sunday SUZ RETURNED! Proving that just like in the world of pro wrestling you never completely retire from what you love. Either that or, to misquote Michael Corleone ‘just when you think you’re out... they pull you back in.’ To put Suz and her replacement Anna in the same scene together was an opportunity that we couldn’t pass up (and we were short on cast) A cameo from an old IWTeam member was something new for us and Suz picked up like she had never left. Hung- over, not having read the script! I kid. I kid. She read the script when she got to the set (In fairness I called her to step in that morning).
What a thrill it must have been for newcomer Anna to share the screen with a first season vet. Going so far as to be hung-over and reading the script when she got to set too. Professionalism thy name is community access.
Just as Anna and Lara were in a race to be crowned favourite due to a willingness rarely seen in the unpaid, Suz comes back. How this will change the Popcorn office, we’ll have to wait and see although at a guess it will stay the same happy family it always is because it was only a cameo appearance.
Dan Stawanski
| 17 June 2008 |
New Cast Member
So last Sunday was the first official day for our newest cast member Anna (Besides a couple of 1 liners on the odd day) and what an introduction to the Hollywood Machine that is Pass the Popcorn it was. Two scenes set in ‘my office.’ On the casting couch no less and you all know what that means. Uncomfortable situations for all! She was great by the way, and it wasn’t easy with my arm around her and staring a few centimetres from her face. Anna would have been working on IWT from the first season had someone bothered to tell us she could act. I hope Sunday didn’t scare her off. Please be our friend.
Speaking of uncomfortable situations, featured cast member Jane took a bullet for the IWTeam as she was guest number two on The Couch. Where once again I inappropriately hit on and had my arm around one of Pat's sisters. Another apologetic moment brought to you by the idea of having studio characters. By the way, Pat and Mark were crew for the shoot. It reminds me of the time Suz, as Trace, danced for Pat while her boyfriend sat just out of frame.
All this plus the Socceroos qualified from their group stage and a I had scene in which I got to make a Saturday Night Live reference from the mid to late seventies that probably no one will get. Good day.
Jane, Anna you were great and I apologise,
Dan Stawanski
| 26 May 2008 |
Suz Wrapped
A sad little blog this week (No emoticons. Ever) as irreplaceable, long suffering...err... serving cast member Suzanne McGavin wrapped her work on IWT yesterday. Suz was brought onto IWT to sex up the show's image in the first season, coming aboard after turning up to talk to Pat, Trent and myself at a 21st at the exact moment we were casting for the shoot the next day - the ACT 'child safety' sketch for long time fans- and won the Season 2 'Worker of the Season.' This was mainly due to her unforgettable turn as Trace Monaro.
Suz finished yesterday with 'Trav and Trace and a commentary track that she had poorly prepared for. Not that we cared. She was blonde and willing enough to have my arm around her for a good portion of the show, and that made her the favourite. A position that's now vacant in the Popcorn office. Hopefully this will create some healthy competition amongst Lara, Jane, Frank and newest cast member Anna, who will be debuting in the fourth season. So actually Suz is replaceable and my opening sentence is rubbish.
We here at In Wollongong Tonight hope Suz and boyfriend Freddo (not sure of his real name) have a great European trip and we hope we can still use Freddo's place as a filming location while he's away.
Thanks Suz.
Dan Stawanski
| 23 April 2008 |
Funnybone 500 Win
Egomania is Running Wild! It's another win for In Wollongong Tonight as we walked away with 'Best New Talent' at the Funnybone 500 short film festival last night.
At least Pat did anyway, as his name was the only one read out. He claims he wrote all the names on the entry form and that it was a mistake but he's a glory hound so I don't know what to believe. Actually I do. I believe the misspelled winners envelope with Best New Talent 'The Way Woolongong Was' written on it.
Because I know you care, the night went like this. Pat and I caught the Pass the Popcorn Train from Gongland, a Dan Auld cameo at Central station later and we were drinking $5 VB's while dissecting the laughs other films were getting. The celebration was a crazy one man. While waiting for our chauffer driven Barina (Because winners don't ride private trains) we had an ice cream from a Mister Whippy van parked outside the theatre. 'Cause that's how we roll. Muthafuck'n Hardcore!
Yeah I just killed Popcorn's street cred. So what?
Dan Stawanski
| 17 April 2008 |
Funnybone 500
Last blog I asked 'Who can stop the IWT juggernaut?' Well that question may be answered on Tuesday 22nd April, 7:30pm at The Factory Theatre, Enmore. The Funnybone 500 short film festival brings you a Grand Final of 20 short comedy films. That's right only COMEDY films under 3 minutes, so now our beloved 'The Way Wollongong Was' is up against 19 other laugh filled shorts in Sydney on a night that also features stand up comedians and bands.
People will come to this event expecting to laugh and have a good time. Talk about The Unstoppable Force (In Wollongong Tonight) versus The Immovable Object (Comedy Competition) and we don't even have a home ground advantage so possibly no one will care about a chapter from the history of the greatest city on the planet. If we manage to score in any catagory expect Egomania to be Running Wild!
If you want to come to a film festival that probably won't have black and white, message filled, pretentious, art house films in it, then check out www.funnybone500.com.au for more details.
Dan Stawanski
| 2 April 2008 |
Short Sited Win
The red carpet was rolled out. The VIP passes handed over to the nominees and their entourage wanting to bask in the gold ticket, reserved seating glory. Fifteen shorts were shown and when it was all said and done, when the dust had settled and the smoke had cleared ’The Way Wollongong Was’ walked away with Best Local Film at Short Sited 12. Well the actual film didn’t as that would have been cause for concern. Rather Pat, Frank and myself accepted the prize pack before celebrating by drinking VBs crammed into our friend's car. Just like real Hollywood big shots! Frank, the star of the short, took the passenger seat leaving Pat, myself and ’General Goodtimes’ in the back.
So chalk up another win for IWT and Pass the Popcorn then wait for someone to erase it. Then you go back and etch it in stone because who uses chalk these days anyway? An even better question is who can stop the IWT juggernaut? The best question though is why do I use all these rhetorical questions?
Now we get to add the egotastic ’multi award winners’ to our names. We’re So Money!
Dan Stawanski
| 26 May 2008 |
Short Sited
In Wollongong Tonight: Not just on community access anymore.
If you read the papers you’ll know by now that ’The Way Wollongong Was’ has been selected in the Short Sited film festival. Don’t believe the papers? Check out www.shortsited.org to confirm. Don’t believe the Internet? Then you’re a fool because everything on the Internet is true. This is a fact. If you still don’t believe then you had better come along to the Event Of The Year on Saturday night at the Uni Hall and throw your support behind our little history film. Don’t go voting for some other film in the competition that doesn’t have Frank Csapo II as the star just because that movie may be better than ours. That’s not how this business works! Plus that would make Frank angry and you wouldn’t like him when he’s angry.
Speaking of Frank, he, along with some of the IWT cast, will be stylin’ and profilin’ Wooo! At the event so if you’ve ever wanted to meet your community access heroes this is your chance. Even though most of you reading this probably know us therefore making the chance to meet us not that big of a deal.
What is a big deal is that fact that we’re in Short Sited and we want YOU (yes you reading the screen) there.
Dan Stawanski
| 6 February 2008 |
Advice
There hasn't been an update for a while because we've just been filming every week and not much else has been happening. But when has having nothing to talk about stopped anyone from writing about it on the Internet?
At the moment we've shot or partly shot most of the main sketches for the new season with a couple of big ones left to go. One of these, an outdoor backyard makeover show, has been proving a hassle not only with the weather but also getting a lot of the cast together. The shoot has been cancelled twice already. Another sketch that required a lot of set up for a minimum amount of actual filming was shot last week after being cancelled twice previously when a nameless cast member known only as Kam pulled out both times after we had already set up. This set up included getting the Danstand couch into the garage/studio from upstairs. A word of advice for anyone wanting to produce a community TV show, wait until all of your unpaid cast member friends turn up before carrying a couch downstairs. Some more advice for those of you not asking for it: Don't make a prop something essential to another person. 'English Reporter' wears Trent's glasses. Trent goes away for the weekend. He takes his glasses with him. We can't shoot any 'English Reporter' sketches. That's just selfish on Trent's part. Doesn't he know who we are? What does he need those glasses for anyway? To see? Well la dee frick'n da.
Dan Stawanski
| 22 November 2007 |
References
We should have a new website launching soon but until then myspace it is for another filming update.
This season is shaping up to be awesome but we're heading in a different comedy direction. We've recently been shooting a much more unrealistic ACT News Active - there are some weirder headlines and weekly guest weather reporters. As well as 'Celebridential' a new entertainment news segment that is full of Dan Auld randomness and his new character Boof Brixxxell. We've also finished six episodes in the studio and we've already had two studio guests. Again Suz, I am so sorry. Admit it though, you enjoyed co hosting. Why am I even apologising to you on here? You don't read this.
We've also been throwing in more references to keep ourselves entertained. We're wrestling fans. Throw some references in. I'm a Three Stooges fan. Worked out a Stooges bit. Pat is a Pat fan. He gets a couple of studio rants for more TV time. This is what happens when you produce a show. You can add things to entertain yourself. It's fun, you should try it. Just don't try and go head to head with IWT 'cause we'll open a can of the arse whoop on you... see another reference (That's for you Auldy).
Dan Stawanski
| 12 October 2007 |
Filming Problems
So we're six weeks into filming the new season and everyone's getting back into the swing of giving up their Sundays. We've also got some new equipment so we look somewhat professional when going out on location. Unfortunately we're using the same gags and cast so not everything has improved.
We have also already ran into some problems this early in. Uni exams and new jobs are cutting into shooting time. Not to mention the egos and pressure that comes with being award winners. The ladies are already sick of me and I've had to apologise to Mrs. Williamson after a certain sketch. Pat wants an autocue installed in the studio and Dan nearly broke his own take record not to mention the fact that he has a new rival to his 'How many takes was that?' Crown in the form of none other than General Goodtimes himself.
Why do we do this? Some say we enjoy it. Some say it's to entertain others. It's actually the accolades. It damn sure ain't the money.
Dan Stawanski
| 6 July 2007 |
Season 4
We've been living off the Antenna win publicity for weeks now. The newspaper, radio and TV interviews - seriously, IWTs very own Host Pat represented on Channel 10's State Focus. Don't worry if you missed the 8:30am Sunday airing, I'm sure it'll turn up on our show sometime, or at the very least the DVD.
With all this media attention we seemed to forget we had a show to film. Luckily one of our fans mentioned it in passing and we decided it was time. So with our heads finally deflating after the swelling that can only be caused by being interviewed then handed free beer in a Green Room at an awards ceremony, production on In Wollongong Tonight Season 4 officially got under way this past week.
The first sketch filmed was an intensely challenging, Shakespearean-like satire on the changing environmental landscape and social impact of the conflict in the Middle East. Not really. It was just Trav and Trace in their new reality show 'Bogan Knows Best' which some people have likened to many great Shakespearean comedies… if old Will had made his characters swear, argue about the footy and sing a rendition of Justin Timberlake's Sexy Back.
Dan Stawanski
| 13 June 2007 |
Antenna Award Win
In the immortal words of the Ghostbusters 'We came, we saw, we kicked its arse.'
In Wollongong Tonight won the Best Comedy Program at the Antenna Awards!
The glass statue of what we think is supposed to be an antenna will now be taking pride of place on the Pass the Popcorn mantlepiece behind the glass case we've had specially made to keep the cast from touching it.
The win was the second upset for us in as many weeks but that's cool because everyone likes the underdog. Maybe not the shows we beat - I'm talking to you Sketchmen - but everyone else. Since there was only the two of us and no one knew who we were, if we hadn't have won it would have been a long night at the after party as we would have been ignored, but as it turned out we were beating away congratulatory well wishers with the pointy end of the award. Not really, we loved the attention! Hamish and Andy were at the awards and we did want to meet them but apparently they left early, obviously jealous of the attention being taken away from them. You'd think they would have congratulated the Best Comedy winners?
The award was for the entire show so thanks to all the cast, crew and any random hangers that have helped us over the past three seasons. Who's coming back for Season 4?
Dan Stawanski
| 4 June 2007 |
Melbourne
This Friday night. BMW Edge Federation Square. The Best Comedy Program is coming home with us.
The IWT line up for the Melbourne trip is looking very depleted with a number of the cast not being able to make it.
Trent Boncompagni and Frank Csapo (Uni exams)
Dan Auld (Overseas)
Suzanne McGavin (Suspended - striking)
Mark Williamson (Hamstring)
Lara O' Neill (Won't go away for a weekend with Dan S)
Payney - (Hates Pat)
So it's just Pat and I going to the show. It's not like we need the cast anyway. After all we recently won the regional pitching competition by ourselves and now move on to the Showdown in Sydney. Actually it wasn't just us, some of the cast were there in spirit (And in the sketches we showed) Tucker the wonder Chihuahua made an appearance and won over the judges with his charmingly aggressive nature and Steelers bandanna.
I'll see you In Melbourne Tonight… wait that sounds familiar.
Dan Stawanski
| 18 May 2007 |
Viewers Choice Award
We're trying to get the little comedy show that could a Viewer's Choice Antenna Award.
Please vote and tell, plead or aggressively order your friends to do the same. It's simple to vote in the Viewer's Choice category. Just email the title of the program you wish to vote for to c31viewerschoice@pkf.com.au
Some of us are going to the award show and we don't want to look like chumps just sitting there. We want to go up on stage and bring Wollongong to the world, or at least the television audience. Help us out.
If you're reading this you either know us or are a fan (We don't get many people who are both) so vote. If you've stumbled onto the page, help us out and vote In Wollongong Tonight for the 2007 Antenna Award Viewer's Choice Award.
Come on, I know you're thinking about it and you're already surfing the net so why not fire this email off before checking your own inbox for the tenth time today, searching for that funny clip you saw on Youtube, pimping your myspace page, debating Venom versus Sandman or God forbid getting back to work.
It's one vote per email so our 'spam the vote until we win' system didn't work. It's up to you IWT fans.
Dan Stawanski
| 9 May 2007 |
Antenna Award Nomination
It's an honour just to be nominated.
We never thought we would be here.
Just to be considered amongst the rest of these nominees.
We had nothing prepared.
The nominations for the 2007 Antenna Awards are in - it's Community Television's Night of Nights - and In Wollongong Tonight has picked up a nom for BEST COMEDY PROGRAM!
We just want to let our loyal fans know that this most prestigious nomination will not be going to our already ego-riffic heads and it truly was a team effort. Thanks to the entire cast and crew for their hard, unpaid work; it's their nomination just as much as ours….
But mostly ours. Check out the link at http://www.c31.org.au/antennas/antennas_nominations.php
And the good news just keeps coming with Host Pat failing to pick up a nom for Best Male Presenter. I guess that coffee cup he bought himself is wrong.
Dan Stawanski
| 5 April 2007 |
Season 2 Repeats
Hello to all the Danstand fans, Pat heads and people who want to see Trent,
We have recently found out that TVS have been airing season 2 of IWT. We don't know what episode the series is up to either; luckily for viewers every single second of every single show is 100% pure fried gold sandwich. Except for scenes with Frank. They're only 91% gold.
If you have just started watching the show and it's midway through the season why not buy the DVD! It's only $15 for 3 discs and will get you up to date with all the characters and segments of IWT plus there's a heap of extras. Just head over to www.iwt.net.au
To any first time viewers, hope you're enjoying the show. To any returning fans - see our show does stand the test of time. It's still funny after all these weeks.... we think. What do we know? We haven't watched the second season since recording the commentary tracks.
Dan Stawanski