New local variety show to feature Katy Perry, The Veronicas, 360

While the Seven Network is rumoured to be prepping a prime time variety show in a competitive format for 2015, a pilot episode has been posted on YouTube for talk show Spilt Milk.

Producers of the show,including its host Michael O’Neill, have teamed up with Southern Cross Austereo’s B105 and the Today Network to announce the show'slive performers during the respective Breakfast slots. O’Neill said SCA will have exclusive rights to play the song after it has been performed on Spilt Milk, before the track is made available on iTunes.

Spilt Milk has been working with Premiere Artist Agency and The Harbor Agency to lock in two acts per show, who will perform a mash-up on their tracks. According to the pitch sent to TMN, acts involved include Missy Higgins with Pete Murray, The Veronicas with Katy Perry and a performance by Marcia Hines with rapper 360.

O’Neill has also said the show has partnered with “a leading channel in Australia.”

The show will feature sponsored segments and games that feature advertisers. Sponsors include Red Bull, Trade Secret and Toyota.

Filmed at Brisbane’s Family Nightclub on October 7, the pilot features Sophie Kasaei from Geordie Shore and Taylor Glockner from Neighbors. Kasaei spoke about her racist encounter on the MTV reality show where she used the n-word and was removed from the show.

TMN spoke to O’Neill about the show’s partnership alliances, its performers and why the show will remain unedited.

The government has just pushed through a big funding cut to SBS and ABC, is this a good time to launch a variety show?
With news of funding being cut right across the television industry it could be risky to start a new program, however Spilt Milk will be a sponsored show offering companies a new way of advertising during the show. How we do this is by our segments that will change each week and can be tailored to each sponsor, this will guaranteethat their product will reach the intended audience and not be fast forwarded during an advert break.

If you’re thinking ‘great I'll be watching ads during the show’ you’re very wrong! As I mentioned it's incorporated in the show as a fun part of the show, and with this power we can relax on cuts being made as it won't really affect us if it was to happen as we have so much "people power" behind us.

What were the biggest considerations when brainstorming ideas for the show? Was it the target demographic? What shows rated well?
With anything "new" it's so important to offer something different; as variety shows aren't new it's the content that becomes even more so vital to success. The utmost important thing to me with this show is to allow talked about celebs to come and have their say on any issue they may be facing.

It's all too common now for media to blow everything out of proportion, so Spilt Milk will remain unedited and raw to maintain this and gain a trust with our viewers. Next comes interaction with our audience at home and in the live audience, when attending the audience of Spilt Milk anyone at any time could be a part of the show, including at home! We do need to keep in mind though that despite the fact Spilt Milk is for everyone we do however engage a slight female lean, making segments such as "I Took Your Stuff" perfect to take a bride-to-be's wedding dress and give her the option to put it in a wood chipper.

What have your learned from now defunct national variety TV shows like Rove, Hey Hey It’s Saturday and The Glass House?
Nothing like Spilt Milk is in production on our home ground; entertainment along with pop culture is becoming more in demand with the demographic and interest changing in the Australian audience. Australian TV in my eyes has gone stale with no new local talent appearing on our screens and all programs based around tragic world events to find ratings, Rove Live lead a strong life with 10 years of production and always entertained audience in a new manner at its time.

The show’s partnerships with Southern Cross Austereo give it a heavy presence in the radio market, why was that important?
Joining with a radio network is almost crucial to keep Spilt Milk in audience minds after the weeks show is aired, also allowing everyone and anyone to pump those tunes no matter what the road trip is ahead. But one thing is for sure, Spilt Milk will be right there with them.

This also creates a different dimension by taking away a visual of the show. So even if you don’t like the show you’re more than likely going to listen to your favourite artist.

How do you decide who performs on the show?
With such a flexible show this means anything could happen, and that depends on who will be in the country at the time of filming if they are international, but also sneaking some performers under the radar and into the country, but you will have to wait and see for that one! This is very important to maintain a world audience even if they don't fully get the Australian humour.

What prompted you to pair Marcia Hines and 360?
Different artists performing together live is a huge draw card for the show because of the way they come together. Artists teaming up with each other isn't new but when it comes to a performance by Marcia Hines and rapper 360, that gets your attention. The concept is created to keep the audience once again guessing on who will hit the stage.

How did you get US talent manager Marki Costello on board?
To be honest I literally waited till 3am Australian time and called LA which Marki Costello's office is located, I spoke to her lovely staff and as I explained my idea for the show they quickly forwarded me through to her directly. I then sent the script of the skit I wished to do and Marki was on board…..this really gave me confidence that I was on the right track to producing a great show. I was shocked it was so easy but if you have a great idea it's not going to be missed.

What network will it air on and when is the official launch date?
Now I have reached a global interest and alliance with Spilt Milk from LA to the UK, the real risk is if my own country will back me on what could be the biggest show to ever be produced in Australia.I have had amazing feedback from a leading channel in Australia but as for a network that's yet to be finalised.