Guest post: Inside The Apprentice Australia
Tonight sees the launch of The Apprentice Australia. And the marketing industry has one of their own to cheer on in the shape of former Interbrand staffer Lynton Pipkorn. Here he reveals a little of what is to come
It’s already been pilloried to post by the skeptics but they probably haven’t as much as seen a frame on tape. Myself, I am a little more confident, but then again I should declare my interest. I have witnessed the casting and production unfolding as one of 12 candidates competing for the final prize of a six-figure business development position with Mark Bouris’ financial services firm Yellow Brick Road.
And what an intense and fascinating ride it was as far as the total TV production experience is concerned.
After a 15 page application process, two stage audition, a group casting challenge, screen test, panel interview by the EPs, work history assessment, academic performance check, work and character references and finally a psychological assessment later, I got the call to pack my bags to compete to be The Apprentice.
I loved the UK version of The Apprentice.
Most of all I liked the uber-arrogance and self-delusion of the British contestants, and the smarminess of the candidates in front of “Sir Alan, y’majesty'”
For me, the Australian version will be most interesting in terms of observing the effects of the different working cultures between Australia and Britain.
Tall Poppy Syndrome for example …
At times, the British version was a masterclass in cut-throat competition and dog-eat-dog behaviour. Exceptional individual performance was very much encouraged, and usually publicly rewarded. Tall Poppies welcome here!
But what about Australia?
Isn’t the working culture here in the major cities much more egalitarian, more about being a “quiet achiever” and trying not to stand out too much? So I look forward to watching the Australian candidates being “un-Australian”!
As for Mark Bouris, Sir Alan will be a hard act to follow. As the old geezer once said, “I’ve written books on advertising. Cheque books”.
Wow,
This guy is sexy and his writing style is simply brilliant. I am in love with him already.
Pierre
and the show has tanked after one episode…will they move it to GO
Tanked is a understatement. All falls down to casting and the people from Femantle Media not getting it right.
I agree with Rob, casting is everything. If you like the cast and characters, you like the show.
Bit unfortunate really – timeslot-wise putting it in up against Flash Forward was always a poor move (bold but still poor).
On top of that I agree, casting is key – a few interesting ones and a lot of unfortunately very boring to watch people plus not enough happening in the first ep to really pull you in.
Still think Lynton is hot though..
“I have witnessed the casting and production unfolding as one of 12 candidates competing for the final prize of a six-figure business development position with Mark Bouris’ financial services firm Yellow Brick Road.”
Would that be the same Yellow Brick Road that “posted a net loss of $2.5 million in the year to the end of June 2008 and had a net asset deficiency of $1.17 million on March 31 this year.”
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/bu.....5777932997
Clue: the answer is “yes”.
well thats an unfortunate failure…
Huge apprentice fan but this series blows harder than the ghays posting in this thread. LOL how bad is Mark Bouris and his advisors. Especially the woman. The Apprentice is supposed to be full of Dynamic people not massive losers who are obviously failures in life. Dont bother airing anymore eps cos even the seasoned Apprentice fans are turning this off!
Bill Posters will be Prosecuted
I saw the re-run last night while I was in bed eating ice cream. My god Lynton is sexy
Lynton didn’t last long did he!!
First bloke to go, and with him the hopes of the entire marketing and media community eh?!
He was leading a team that ended up losing a “brand” challenge … but didn’t this guy previously work for Interbrand?!
Sugarism of the day: “I was born in Hackney. When you’re born in Hackney and you do well in life, you move to Chigwell”