Welcome to Al and Kai’s Faboo News

“Make Your Own Work” is a Wise and Repeated Refrain from Media Insiders. And They’re Right. So I Did. Here’s the Scoop,…

Trailer from the Pilot Episode: “Water”.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/al-and-kai-s-faboo-news-positive-news-for-kids#/

In February 2023 I happened to be chatting to a producer friend when the subject of things I’d “always fancied making” came up. My mind went back to a time, as a child, when I’d wished that there was a news chanel or newspaper that only concentrated on the stuff that was going right. After the enormous fuckups that were Brexit, Trump and COVID, the idea had been prickling me.

When the *CENSORED FOR SENSITIVE DISPOSITIONS* Andrew Tate came into my eyeline upon his arrest, the idea focused further.

So much of what we see in the media is focused on clickbait doom-mongering and endless wars that, as a father, I worry deeply about the effect this has on my children when I chat these through with my wife, and when they stumble across mentions of news stories elsewhere.

Seeing what Tate had done to his audience of largely adolescent young boys, who had lived through the turmoil of the last decade and soaked in the hopelessness of it all, I was – putting it mildly – livid.

We need to do better as a society. We needed to offer our children a little bloody hope.

I mentioned this and he instantly lit up at the idea I was pitching: a news show for children that told the reverse of the mainstream durge. A show that demonstrated that actually, if you scratch beneath the surface, a lot of things are going really, really well. His enthusiasm heartened me.

When rumblings that there would be a lull in opportunities began to appear, due to the breakdown in talks between SAG/AFTRA and US Studios, I designed and commissioned two puppets from the brilliant Joe Peek and set to planning.

In July 2023, Collette Knowles and I started shooting outside broadcast footage for a pilot.

Other work interfered a bit (Pooh 2) and there was a mountain of trial and error on the technical side of thing so it was September before the Pilot wrapped. Al and Kai’s Faboo News existed.

So what exactly is it?

Al – an excitable 10 year old Anteater – and his co-adopted sister Kai – a 5 year old Capybara – have roped in their TV Producer Dad and crafts-person “Mom” to help shoot their own TV show in their basement. Combined with crafts, storytelling, outside broadcasts and a heap of anarchic Muppet-style mishaps, they somehow get a new show on the road every week, bringing only positive news stories to life.

The 27 Minute Pilot was a test bed for the idea, which we then took to other creatives and, essentially, tried out on kids, to refine what was working and not working in the concept. Investment sprang up and fell away as inflation bit so we decided to Crowdfund the show.

Which is where we come to now.

And why I am going to point you back to this link, just launched, where you can watch the Pilot, see a scene we remounted based on feedback and see just what goes into making a show like this. And if you can, and you love the idea of the show as much as I do, join us in launching Series 1 by backing the show and picking up a perk.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/al-and-kai-s-faboo-news-positive-news-for-kids#/

Al and Kai will be having a sit down chinwag with Zippy from Rainbow at the May Fayre in Covent Garden, London, on the 12th of May so come along for that too.

And yes,… I’m still auditioning for other bits and bobs. Including a movie role I had to sign and NDA for,… so I can’t tell you about it. hum.

Updates will keep flooding in. Stay Frosty!

Tim

On the Red Carpet: Blood and Honey 2 Premiere!

Monday the 11th of March saw Collette Knowles and myself walking the Red Carpet in Leicester Square, London, for the World Premiere of Winnie The Pooh: Blood and Honey 2!

Winnie the Pooh:Blood and Honey 2 premiere, Prince Charles Cinema, London. Photo: Matt Crossick

While my part in the movie is a humble one, attending the premiere was never in question. While this is my second feature film appearance, it’s my first shot at a red carpet. Why didn’t I attend the premiere on The Rise (Wasteland)? You know what, it genuinely didn’t occur to me to approach them about it.

I was so green!

But I had so much fun making Pooh that I couldn’t resist attending and seeing the guys and gals again – especially the other two thirds of our “Three Amigos” casting, Jay Robertson and David Olapoju. I’d also get to be one of the first 300 people in the world to see the finished movie!

So, my hand enrobed in a full set of gothic ring claws and my beautiful partner showing me up beautifully at my side (she’s gorgeous!), I stepped out to the Prince Charles Cinema.

Hugged Piglet. Hugged Tigger. Hugged Christopher Robin. And it’s not often you get to say that! What a strange industry this is! Winnie the Pooh even tried to knife me. Happy days.

And the movie itself? You’re going to have to watch it to find out! I know what it was like but I’m taking it to my grave. Scott knows people. People with flaming chainsaws.

If you live in the USA, the movie is opening in theatres nationwide over three nights from the 26th of March to the 28th. Tickets can be bought in advance from Fathom Events by Clicking Here.

Screenings are also taking place in Australia, New Zealand and many other nations, worldwide, at around the same time so check your local listings to see where you can see Pooh, Tigger, Owl and Piglet as you’ve never seen them.

It was a blast!

Next time: Let’s have a serious talk about Anteaters and Capybaras presenting the news,…

Pooh and Trailers,…

The PR machine on Blood and Honey 2 is kicking into high gear at the team prep for its upcoming release. And with PR comes,… the first full trailer!

Enjoy the carnage!

Quite the Year! 2023 in Tim Austin.

What an interesting year it’s been.

In April I was down in London auditioning for the central Lead role in “The Murder Retrial” – a 3 part primetime miniseries for Channel 4. It was an absolutely terrific show to pitch for and I was extremely proud of the work I put together for it. I came a hair’s width from landing the part but, alas, it was not to be.

I did wonder whether that would be my last major audition for the year – lead roles don’t drop into “jobbing” actor’s inboxes often. Indeed, much of my year has been filled with commercial auditions and day-player pitches, which are the bread and butter of acting.

Then, in August, came an unexpected email from my agent: to tape for the Lead in Peter Pan: Neverland Nightmare – an internationally theatrically-released horror movie. Yes, me as an older Peter Pan being an utter meanie on big screens all over the world.

I taped strong and the director loved what I did (I had a very flattering chat with him after – wonderful chap). Sadly, again, it wasn’t to be. It did lead to a straight offer of a small role in Pan’s sister-production, Winnie The Pooh: Blood and Honey 2, which I filmed in September.

Expect to see me on screens from Tokyo to New Jersey, Paris, Sydney and beyond in early 2024. I hope to bring news from the Red Carpet soon.

There was an odd pause in auditions across the summer as productions dialled down due to the SAG/Aftra and Writers’ strikes in the USA. The industry is still gearing back up and there’s a feel of expectation for early next year when many on-hold script-level productions finally go before cameras.

This lul in activity drew me back into producing my own work.

In February I was having a long chat with a producer when I casually mentioned a kids’ show I’d had bubbling away in the back of my mind – a part-puppetry entertainment TV idea. I asked them if they thought there might be an audience for it and they were blazingly enthusiastic.

When it became clear that there would be a dry patch, I did what every single actor should do in that position: I sat down and thought what I could produce myself, and that conversation popped up in my mind. I commissioned two puppets and set to work.

Using equipment I already had to hand for taping, voice work and green screen presentation, I co-created a 28 minute long Pilot for the show which has been doing “the rounds” and collecting feedback for the last few months.

The show hasn’t yet gone into series production but there are plans for 2024. Watch this space!

(Also: I’ve not really spoken about the show here yet! I know! But it’s kinda a proprietary idea and I don’t want to let cats out of bags too early, before things really kick into gear. Patience, dear reader. Patience!)

We’re a long, long way from production so I remain a free-agent, working actor looking for work. It’s something that remains a possibility, as are other projects with Rough Magic Theatre which are currently on the back burner.

As ever, there’s been plenty of work from long-time partners to keep my bank balance from imploding – work in medical roleplay and chasing Dinosaurs around the country, as well as the work I do as a Copywriter and Public Speaking Coach.

I’ve also closed out the year with a slew of commercial castings, many of which are still to report back.

What will 2024 bring?

Come back in a few short weeks and find out,…

2024 Showreel Ahoy!

As ever, when one has a new clip that shows a different side and adds to your range, it goes into (or should go into) your showreel.

Now that Bits Of Your Life is out, I’ve a new clip to add and add it I have!

Enjoy 🙂

Not For Broadcast: Bits Of Your Life

I can (finally) announce that I filmed a comedy character scene in the newly-released DLC “Bits Of Your Life” for the monster hit, multi-award winning videogame “Not For Broadcast”!

I actually filmed the scene almost a year back but it’s a game with a tremendous amount of post-production so it’s only now hit the online shops.

I won’t give away too much (play the game, guys!) except to say that I play a guest on the classic talk show “Petey”, alongside future co-Prime Minister (and fascist) Peter Clement. It does not go,… entirely according to plan.

A blink-and-you-miss-it moment from the interview pops up at the very start of the game’s trailer, which I’ve embedded below.

Enjoy!

I’ll be back with even more news soon, including Anteaters, Capybara and a Man In the Field. Confused? It’ll all make sense very soon,…

Blood and Honey 2 – Joining the Hunt for a Killer Pooh.

Joining the Cast for The Horror Sequel,…

I can now announce that I’ve joined the cast for the sequel to one of this year’s breakout hit Feature Films, “Winnie The Pooh: Blood and Honey.”

The sequel, “Blood and Honey 2”, will have a worldwide cinema release in 2024, making it my second full Feature casting and a tremendously exciting project.

I can’t tell you anything about the film itself (obviously) except to say that, alongside my good self and the rest of the fantastic cast, we’re joined in the bloodbath by the simply gorgeous Simon Callow. I can also say that every conversation I’ve had with the production crew in advance of filming has been bubbling with excitement and a hearty British sense of humour – just like the film itself.

How much I’ll be able to share as I go onto location,.. well, probably not much, But there will be a blast of excitement when the film, and myself, hits red carpets next year!

Look out for more info soon!

T

Living Life on The Cusp,…

I am very aware that I’ve not discussed my writing endeavours in a long while. There is a lot going on on that side of things but I am protecting a couple of projects until they can be fully secured.

I can say this: that I have been working hard for many months to develop an online show for children. Fully scripted with elements of storytelling. We are currently running the tech for a Pilot episode – perfecting the look and getting it to a reliable quality. I’m hopeful that I can introduce you to it in September,…. though something has popped up to delay it by a week or two,….

The Cusp,…. Crossed.

Early in August, I auditioned for the lead role in a feature film. It is heartening and humbling to be in contention for my second lead role in a major production at this point in my screen career.

I don’t think it breaks any confidence to say that I didn’t get it. However,…

I was subsequently offered a guest role in another major feature from the same Producer, off the back of my previous audition.

No, I can’t say what until my casting is announced. You’ll find out when everyone else does. What I can say is that I’ve just signed the paperwork and filming starts soon, here in the UK.

I’ll let you know as soon as the full cast press release lands.

Oh, I’m a tease.

There’s so much more to say about a dozen other auditions, projects and thoughts but, for now, I’ll leave you hanging like the tease you now all know me to be.

I’ll see you soon.

In the multiplex.

Tim x

Breakout TV Role,…

So Near,…

Photo by Martin Lopez on Pexels.com

Well it has been a newsworthy start to the year! Let me catch you up on some details and then head into the main headline.

First up, in January I was seen for The Dukes Theatre’s nationally recognised Play In The Park (This year: “Around The World in 80 Days”) I pitched for the bad guy and had a lot of fun with it, sneering and stabbing a cane at Fogg’s feet. In the end, they went with someone else but it’s always fun to work with the terrific Sarah Punshon – even if just for an audition.

A lovely afternoon and wonderful feedback.

Jobs that would have taken me to Alton Towers, the Caribbean, Edinburgh and beyond zipped into my audition inbox. Some have, sadly, clashed with other work, others have been taped with gusto. A good mix of Theatre, TV, Film and Adverts!

I’m still waiting to hear back on three of those jobs but, while we wait, let’s talk about the headline news.

When Channel 4 Come Calling,…

In early March I got a call from my agent to ask for my availability across the whole of May – apparently, Channel 4 wanted to know. This piqued my curiosity as it’s rare to have a month set aside for any TV unless it’s something big. A month on set is far more than is needed for a guest role or day player so I was being sounded out for something more.

Now, the show itself hasn’t yet been officially announced and there are a lot of legal bits and bobs to observe so I’m not going into any specifics on the project or the part. What I can say is, however, that I was being approached for the lead role – on a prime time miniseries for network TV.

Which is kinda mind-blowing.

I’ve auditioned for a good chunk of TV over the years but my first small screen role has eluded me. To have a Casting Director ask to see me for a lead role on TV without any TV on my CV is virtually unheard of. But here it was: a tape request in my inbox.

No pressure.

Reading the casting brief helped me to see what it was about me specifically had caught their attention – I was ticking a couple of boxes. My job was to demonstrate that I was worth their interest.

I read the sides, made my choices, polished my accent and taped one of my most confident dramatic auditions. I felt good, I felt right for the part: I was more than happy with the work I put on screen.

Turns out so were they.

A few days later news came through that they wanted to see me for it – I had a recall.

Down to London, new sides to learn – directors and producers to persuade.

I could feel the character – something in my bones connected with the part – but I was aware that there were other ways to approach it. I took my run at it, my instinct as an actor leading me, but also kept alternative ideas bubbling away.

When it came to my time in the room I presented 4 takes – my take, two alternatives from Director’s notes and one from the Producer. I’d prepped, I was ready.

I gave it my very best shot and the feedback couldn’t have been more complimentary. I practically danced away from Spotlight Studios that day,… But I knew the biggest hurdle was out of my control.

I had no TV credits,… and the producers higher up at Channel 4 had to give their perspective. It was between me an another and it was more than likely my compatriot had more TV experience.

I was a risk. An unknown. Frankly, a Nobody on the grand stage.

Producers have a lot of money riding on projects like this. They have to trust that the person they hang a show on is going to work out. Thats entirely logical and perfectly understandable.

I’d done my bit to persuade them but I knew that I was pushing uphill. I had to trust that my work would be enough to overcome their concern. Would it be enough?

Sadly, A week later the news came through that they’d “gone in another direction” (a sweet way of letting us actors down gently). But I’d got so close.

I could get upset or moan or get depressed. Certainly, I wasn’t the happiest bunny the next day. But what is the good of that? Moping gets you nowhere and you need a thick hide as an actor!

I learned from the experience. I was proud of my work. I know that I’d proven to the creatives in the room that I COULD lead a major TV miniseries. That kind of recognition and self-belief is priceless.

With renewed confidence in my ability, I reached out to Casting Directors and met with my Agent.

This is just the start.

I don’t have the TV credits to land a lead? Okay – I redouble my efforts to get them. No use being proud or big headed about it: I need guests roles and day player parts. I need time in front of cameras at TV speed so that’s what I’m going to do.

A Lead role might not land again for me for years but I’m damn sure going to be ready for it when it does.

Subscribe and follow me on all the socials (@timaustin2k on Twitter and tim_john_austin on Instagram) to see what happens next,…

Stay frosty,

T x

All Change! New Headshots, New Showreel! New Scenes!

Well it’s been a hell of a year – and it’s not over yet!

First up: New Showreel and Headshots ahoy!

I loved doing these new scenes and it’s taken me AGES to edit them into my reel in a way that I’m satisfied with. That’s mainly “Hunted”s fault.

With new material available older material was shown the door. “A Life Like Mine” has a comedy replacement so that goes. “Date Night”,… well, while I love the scene I don’t look nearly that thin any more so: gone. But I wanted to keep “Hunted” – the car scene.

My difficulty was one of quality: the age of the clip is reflected in the quality of the image: a grainy 720p in an old TV aspect ratio. I initially removed it entirely but found that my Showreel felt hollow and 2D without it so I went hunting for the original DVD. Happily, I still had it.

Ripping the footage fresh, the scene impressed me – it’s a good performance! But the quality was still iffy. Enter an online AI tool called Aimages which I used to repair the image, fish out smudged detail and upscale the 720p footage to shiny new 1080p!

I still look like that (plus a beard and ‘tache) and it’s another “type” for the reel so back in it goes!

….

News!

Since we last spoke I’ve been springing up and down to London for an audition and callback on dishwashing tablet commercial (there’s a story – and something of a rant – about that,… for another time).

I’ve also taped an audition for Sky1’s thriller “Cobra” and was recalled for another Commercial down in Media City.

Discussions continue on further developing and touring “Seven Songs of Love” in 2023.

We’ve also been chatting to our producer about funding for “The Secret Keeper”, though that has to wait for the BFI’s next funding round in March. Fingers crossed there!

Will there be anything else to report before Christmas? Well, things tend to tail off as we race to Yuletide so it may be 2023 before I have anything more to announce. Let’s see, shall we?

Stay frosty!

Tim x