‘The most fun you can have as an actor': ABC thriller warms up after chilly reception
Even for a Tasmanian, the remote northwest coast of the island state can be a land unto itself. Returning to Zeehan and Queenstown to reprise his role as loyal handyman Jeremiah in the second season of Marta Dusseldorp 's darkly comic thriller Bay of Fires, the Hobart-raised, New York City-based Toby Leonard Moore found himself re-adjusting to the pace.
'The first time I went walking in Queenstown, my one-kilometre split was three minutes slower than what I do in New York,' says Moore, who has appeared opposite Keanu Reeves in John Wick, Gary Oldman in Mank and Paul Giamatti in Billions. 'I just slowed right down.'
He also noticed a warmer reception from the locals. 'The first time, there was a sense that we were invading the town. But this time, since they'd all seen [the series], and a lot of locals were background actors, I think they felt more of a part of it.'
While shooting the first season, in which his character becomes a casual love interest for Dusseldorp's CEO on the run, Stella Heikkinen, Moore tried to get a meal at the pub. What transpired was like a scene from the script.
'I went to the bottle shop of a bar that I would later find out the crew referred to as 'The Punchy Pub',' he recalls. 'It was about 6.15pm. I said, 'Oh, g'day. Have you got a bistro out the back there?' And this lady said to me, 'Yep'. And I said, 'Great. And what time do you guys usually stop serving dinner?' And she looked me up and down. She said, 'Oh, about now, I reckon, mate'. And I said, 'Copy that, loud and clear'. Coming back [for the second season], all that had all gone away.'
Some sinister elements of the location remained, however.
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'The Gaiety Theatre in Zeehan feels like you're on a back lot at Paramount [Studios],' he says. 'It's epic, the facade. And there's a real history there. One day, we were shooting in a pub across the street. It must have been about 3 or 4 degrees outside. And we went into the pub and it felt 5 degrees colder inside. And I said, 'How the hell is it colder inside than outside?' And one of the crew said, 'Oh, that'll be the ghosts'. Tassie has a dark history. That's one of the things that attracted me to the show. In Tassie, they don't shy away from that.'
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The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Excel at spreadsheets. There's a competition for that?
Who truly excels at Excel? At the Microsoft Office Specialist World Championships, enthusiastic spreadsheeters compete to see who will be the global star of a computer program that many love to hate. Melbourne-based filmmaker Kristina Kraskov followed six teenagers on the road to the 2023 edition of the competition in Florida, for her first feature documentary, Spreadsheet Champions. It's been billed as a "heartwarming tale of formulas and friendship". It's certainly a quirky subject for a low-budget documentary and Kraskov says it's ultimately a lovely human story. "We find out what can happen when you just allow yourself to love what you love and you really go for your dreams, despite what everyone else thinks," she said. Spreadsheet Champions had its world premiere at SXSW in the US in March and will screen at the Melbourne International Film Festival in August. The filmmaker travelled the world to interview Excel national champions in the USA, Greece, Guatemala, Cameroon, Australia and Vietnam. For some of them, winning in the US equals life-changing offers of jobs, scholarships and better housing. Australia's entry, Queensland high school student Braydon, openly admits he didn't do much training before taking out the national titles. "I kind of just winged it, then won it," he said. His campaign for the global title involved a week of practice. The laid-back 17-year-old says he wouldn't describe himself as a nerd or a geek because he believes there's too much negativity about people who are good at technology and computers. "It's important to recognise that the people who call others "nerds" or "geeks" really just aren't able to do what they want with technology themselves," he said. So for those like Braydon who have the ability, what does it take to become global champion of the cells? As well as building spreadsheets, competitors were also tested on their ability to find data hidden in documents - and remember the dates of important program updates. While even an accountant might only use about 20 per cent of Excel's capabilities, those vying for spreadsheet glory also need to know almost everything the program can do, Kraskov explained. "They're solving different problems and they're being marked on speed and accuracy, so they have to be really fast. They can't make mistakes," she said. Kraskov, 31, has worked for various Australian television productions including Emergency (Nine), The Dog House Australia (Ten) and Dancing with the Stars (Seven). Experienced at capturing the action for these shows, she filmed Spreadsheet Champions with a two-person crew and gear that would fit in a backpack - only to discover the challenges of filming in tropical humidity in Vietnam. "I was a bit freaked out at how much my lens would fog up ... it was just me on the camera, so I had to not panic and get it done." The production received Screen Australia and VicScreen funding and support from the MIFF Premiere fund but the filming was self-financed. The full program for the Melbourne International Film Festival is out in July. Two dozen titles revealed so far include the Australian premiere of Julia Holter: The Passion of Joan of Arc, the US composer's live score of the classic 1928 French silent film that will be performed at the Melbourne Recital Centre. There's also the world premiere of When the World Came Flooding In, an immersive installation and virtual reality documentary about life following a natural disaster. Spreadsheet Champions screens on August 12 and 22 at the Australian Centre for Moving Image and the Melbourne International Film Festival runs August 7-24. Who truly excels at Excel? At the Microsoft Office Specialist World Championships, enthusiastic spreadsheeters compete to see who will be the global star of a computer program that many love to hate. Melbourne-based filmmaker Kristina Kraskov followed six teenagers on the road to the 2023 edition of the competition in Florida, for her first feature documentary, Spreadsheet Champions. It's been billed as a "heartwarming tale of formulas and friendship". It's certainly a quirky subject for a low-budget documentary and Kraskov says it's ultimately a lovely human story. "We find out what can happen when you just allow yourself to love what you love and you really go for your dreams, despite what everyone else thinks," she said. Spreadsheet Champions had its world premiere at SXSW in the US in March and will screen at the Melbourne International Film Festival in August. The filmmaker travelled the world to interview Excel national champions in the USA, Greece, Guatemala, Cameroon, Australia and Vietnam. For some of them, winning in the US equals life-changing offers of jobs, scholarships and better housing. Australia's entry, Queensland high school student Braydon, openly admits he didn't do much training before taking out the national titles. "I kind of just winged it, then won it," he said. His campaign for the global title involved a week of practice. The laid-back 17-year-old says he wouldn't describe himself as a nerd or a geek because he believes there's too much negativity about people who are good at technology and computers. "It's important to recognise that the people who call others "nerds" or "geeks" really just aren't able to do what they want with technology themselves," he said. So for those like Braydon who have the ability, what does it take to become global champion of the cells? As well as building spreadsheets, competitors were also tested on their ability to find data hidden in documents - and remember the dates of important program updates. While even an accountant might only use about 20 per cent of Excel's capabilities, those vying for spreadsheet glory also need to know almost everything the program can do, Kraskov explained. "They're solving different problems and they're being marked on speed and accuracy, so they have to be really fast. They can't make mistakes," she said. Kraskov, 31, has worked for various Australian television productions including Emergency (Nine), The Dog House Australia (Ten) and Dancing with the Stars (Seven). Experienced at capturing the action for these shows, she filmed Spreadsheet Champions with a two-person crew and gear that would fit in a backpack - only to discover the challenges of filming in tropical humidity in Vietnam. "I was a bit freaked out at how much my lens would fog up ... it was just me on the camera, so I had to not panic and get it done." The production received Screen Australia and VicScreen funding and support from the MIFF Premiere fund but the filming was self-financed. The full program for the Melbourne International Film Festival is out in July. Two dozen titles revealed so far include the Australian premiere of Julia Holter: The Passion of Joan of Arc, the US composer's live score of the classic 1928 French silent film that will be performed at the Melbourne Recital Centre. There's also the world premiere of When the World Came Flooding In, an immersive installation and virtual reality documentary about life following a natural disaster. Spreadsheet Champions screens on August 12 and 22 at the Australian Centre for Moving Image and the Melbourne International Film Festival runs August 7-24. Who truly excels at Excel? At the Microsoft Office Specialist World Championships, enthusiastic spreadsheeters compete to see who will be the global star of a computer program that many love to hate. Melbourne-based filmmaker Kristina Kraskov followed six teenagers on the road to the 2023 edition of the competition in Florida, for her first feature documentary, Spreadsheet Champions. It's been billed as a "heartwarming tale of formulas and friendship". It's certainly a quirky subject for a low-budget documentary and Kraskov says it's ultimately a lovely human story. "We find out what can happen when you just allow yourself to love what you love and you really go for your dreams, despite what everyone else thinks," she said. Spreadsheet Champions had its world premiere at SXSW in the US in March and will screen at the Melbourne International Film Festival in August. The filmmaker travelled the world to interview Excel national champions in the USA, Greece, Guatemala, Cameroon, Australia and Vietnam. For some of them, winning in the US equals life-changing offers of jobs, scholarships and better housing. Australia's entry, Queensland high school student Braydon, openly admits he didn't do much training before taking out the national titles. "I kind of just winged it, then won it," he said. His campaign for the global title involved a week of practice. The laid-back 17-year-old says he wouldn't describe himself as a nerd or a geek because he believes there's too much negativity about people who are good at technology and computers. "It's important to recognise that the people who call others "nerds" or "geeks" really just aren't able to do what they want with technology themselves," he said. So for those like Braydon who have the ability, what does it take to become global champion of the cells? As well as building spreadsheets, competitors were also tested on their ability to find data hidden in documents - and remember the dates of important program updates. While even an accountant might only use about 20 per cent of Excel's capabilities, those vying for spreadsheet glory also need to know almost everything the program can do, Kraskov explained. "They're solving different problems and they're being marked on speed and accuracy, so they have to be really fast. They can't make mistakes," she said. Kraskov, 31, has worked for various Australian television productions including Emergency (Nine), The Dog House Australia (Ten) and Dancing with the Stars (Seven). Experienced at capturing the action for these shows, she filmed Spreadsheet Champions with a two-person crew and gear that would fit in a backpack - only to discover the challenges of filming in tropical humidity in Vietnam. "I was a bit freaked out at how much my lens would fog up ... it was just me on the camera, so I had to not panic and get it done." The production received Screen Australia and VicScreen funding and support from the MIFF Premiere fund but the filming was self-financed. The full program for the Melbourne International Film Festival is out in July. Two dozen titles revealed so far include the Australian premiere of Julia Holter: The Passion of Joan of Arc, the US composer's live score of the classic 1928 French silent film that will be performed at the Melbourne Recital Centre. There's also the world premiere of When the World Came Flooding In, an immersive installation and virtual reality documentary about life following a natural disaster. Spreadsheet Champions screens on August 12 and 22 at the Australian Centre for Moving Image and the Melbourne International Film Festival runs August 7-24. Who truly excels at Excel? At the Microsoft Office Specialist World Championships, enthusiastic spreadsheeters compete to see who will be the global star of a computer program that many love to hate. Melbourne-based filmmaker Kristina Kraskov followed six teenagers on the road to the 2023 edition of the competition in Florida, for her first feature documentary, Spreadsheet Champions. It's been billed as a "heartwarming tale of formulas and friendship". It's certainly a quirky subject for a low-budget documentary and Kraskov says it's ultimately a lovely human story. "We find out what can happen when you just allow yourself to love what you love and you really go for your dreams, despite what everyone else thinks," she said. Spreadsheet Champions had its world premiere at SXSW in the US in March and will screen at the Melbourne International Film Festival in August. The filmmaker travelled the world to interview Excel national champions in the USA, Greece, Guatemala, Cameroon, Australia and Vietnam. For some of them, winning in the US equals life-changing offers of jobs, scholarships and better housing. Australia's entry, Queensland high school student Braydon, openly admits he didn't do much training before taking out the national titles. "I kind of just winged it, then won it," he said. His campaign for the global title involved a week of practice. The laid-back 17-year-old says he wouldn't describe himself as a nerd or a geek because he believes there's too much negativity about people who are good at technology and computers. "It's important to recognise that the people who call others "nerds" or "geeks" really just aren't able to do what they want with technology themselves," he said. So for those like Braydon who have the ability, what does it take to become global champion of the cells? As well as building spreadsheets, competitors were also tested on their ability to find data hidden in documents - and remember the dates of important program updates. While even an accountant might only use about 20 per cent of Excel's capabilities, those vying for spreadsheet glory also need to know almost everything the program can do, Kraskov explained. "They're solving different problems and they're being marked on speed and accuracy, so they have to be really fast. They can't make mistakes," she said. Kraskov, 31, has worked for various Australian television productions including Emergency (Nine), The Dog House Australia (Ten) and Dancing with the Stars (Seven). Experienced at capturing the action for these shows, she filmed Spreadsheet Champions with a two-person crew and gear that would fit in a backpack - only to discover the challenges of filming in tropical humidity in Vietnam. "I was a bit freaked out at how much my lens would fog up ... it was just me on the camera, so I had to not panic and get it done." The production received Screen Australia and VicScreen funding and support from the MIFF Premiere fund but the filming was self-financed. The full program for the Melbourne International Film Festival is out in July. Two dozen titles revealed so far include the Australian premiere of Julia Holter: The Passion of Joan of Arc, the US composer's live score of the classic 1928 French silent film that will be performed at the Melbourne Recital Centre. There's also the world premiere of When the World Came Flooding In, an immersive installation and virtual reality documentary about life following a natural disaster. Spreadsheet Champions screens on August 12 and 22 at the Australian Centre for Moving Image and the Melbourne International Film Festival runs August 7-24.
News.com.au
15 hours ago
- News.com.au
Wild scenes as thousands strip off for icy nude swim at end of Dark Mofo
At sunrise on the shortest day of the year, thousands of naked bodies surged into Hobart's icy River Derwent, baring all to farewell one of Australia's most daring festivals. The annual Nude Solstice Swim marked the end of Dark Mofo 2025, with 3,000 people shedding their clothes for the final 'cleansing' ritual. When the swim was first proposed in 2013, police threatened to arrest participants, sparking controversy around the provocative event. Since then, it has become an officially sanctioned and wildly popular highlight of the festival, selling out every year as thousands embrace the daring winter tradition. Wrapped in towels and donning matching red swim caps, swimmers gathered in the dark before sprinting into the water to the sound of drums as the first rays of daylight hit the horizon on Saturday morning. With the mercury dropping to 10 degrees at 7.42am, many only dipped in briefly, but dozens lingered on the pontoon taking in the sunrise over the hill. After a cancelled 2024 festival, Dark Mofo Artistic Director Chris Twite said organisers had worked hard to rebuild the provocative event. 'This morning, after two years of hard work, it was tremendous to see 3,000 courageous souls gathered once more on the shore of the Derwent to brave the freezing waters for the Nude Solstice Swim to cleanse us and bring this year's Dark Mofo to a close,' he said. 'The response in 2025 has been incredible. The streets of Hobart have come alive with locals and visitors celebrating winter and Dark Mofo again.' The 2025 program was the first full-scale edition of the festival since the pandemic and drew massive crowds, with more than 480,000 entries and $4.6 million generated at the box office. Dark Mofo's Executive Director Melissa Edwards praised the overwhelming support behind the festival's return. 'We could not be more thankful for the ways that everyone has come together to return Dark Mofo to Tasmania this year,' she said.
News.com.au
15 hours ago
- News.com.au
Hailey Bieber ditches her wedding ring as Justin Bieber divorce rumours loom
Hailey Bieber fuelled rumours that she and husband Justin Bieber are headed for divorce after she was spotted without her wedding ring while out and about in New York City. The model was photographed going ring-less on Thursday as she stepped out on two separate occasions — the first being for breakfast at The Commerce Inn in the West Village. Photos obtained by Page Six reveal she wore a khaki trench coat and sunglasses for the outing, but made sure to leave her $US500,000 jewellery piece at home. Hailey, 28, was later seen that evening with models Camila Morrone and Suki Waterhouse as they headed for a girls' night out at Chez Fifi on the Upper East Side. For her second look, the billionaire babe looked chic in a black leather coat and matching high-neck top with wide-leg jeans. A rep for Hailey did not immediately respond to Page Six's request for comment. Divorce rumours have followed the couple for some time. However, the speculation appeared to be reignited earlier this year after Hailey unfollowed Justin, 31, on Instagram in March. The Rhode Skin founder claimed the unfollowing happened because of a glitch that took place when Justin deactivated and reactivated his account. Hailey addressed the incessant divorce speculation that has plagued the famous pair since their 2018 wedding in her Vogue interview last month, calling out 'bitches' who won't 'move on.' 'Well, I thought seven years in it would've [died down] already, and it hasn't,' she said. 'You would think after having a child, people would maybe move on, chill out a little bit, but no,' the first-time mom, who welcomed son Jack Blues with Justin last August, added. 'So I guess these bitches are going to be mad.' The couple also continues to face added scrutiny as many have expressed their concern for the 'Beauty and a Beat' singer's wellbeing after he was seen acting erratically and recreationally smoking marijuana on several occasions. In April, a source confirmed to Page Six that Justin is 'going through a hard time' and that Hailey was worried for him. 'Hailey is doing her best to be there for him, but there's only so much she can do,' the source said at the time. 'Hailey loves Justin with all her heart, but that doesn't necessarily mean she's happy.'
