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{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Endemol Australia
| name = Endemol Australia
| logo = Endemol-Games.png
| former_name = [[Hanna-Barbera Australia]] (1972–1983)<br />Taft-Hardie Group Pty. Ltd. (1983–1988)<br />Southern Star Group Pty, Ltd. (1988–2013)
| former_name = [[Hanna-Barbera Australia]] (1972–1983)<br />Taft-Hardie Group Pty. Ltd. (1983–1988)<br />Southern Star Group Pty, Ltd. (1988–2013)
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| parent = [[Taft Broadcasting]] (1972–1988)<br />Hamlyn Group (50%) (1974–1978)<br />[[James Hardie Industries]] (50%) (1978–1988)<br />Independent (1988–2004)<br />[[Southern Cross Broadcasting]] (2004–2007)<br />[[Fairfax Media]] (2007–2009)<br />[[Endemol]] (2009–2015)
| owner = [[Taft Broadcasting]] (1972–1988)<br />Hamlyn Group (50%) (1974–1978)<br />[[James Hardie Industries]] (50%) (1978–1988)<br />Independent (1988–2004)<br />[[Southern Cross Broadcasting]] (2004–2007)<br />[[Fairfax Media]] (2007–2009)<br />[[Endemol]] (2009–2015)
| parent = [[Hanna-Barbera]] (1972–1988)
| successor = [[Endemol Shine Australia]]
| successor = [[Endemol Shine Australia]]
| foundation = {{Start date|1972}}
| foundation = {{Start date and age|1972}}
| founder = [[Neil Balnaves]]
| founder = [[Kevin Weldon]] (as Hanna-Barbera Australia)<br />[[Neil Balnaves]] (as Southern Star Group Pty, Ltd.)
| defunct = 2015
| defunct = {{end date and age|2015}}
| location = [[Sydney]], [[New South Wales]]
| location = [[Sydney]], [[New South Wales]]
| key_people = Mark and Carl Fennessy (2016)
| key_people = Mark and Carl Fennessy (2016)
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| fate = Merged with [[Shine Australia]]
| fate = Merged with [[Shine Australia]]
| products =
| products =
| subsid = [[Endemol Southern Star]] (2000–2009)
| divisions =
}}
}}
'''Endemol Australia''', formerly known as '''Southern Star Group''', '''Southern Star Productions''', '''Southern Star/Hanna-Barbera Australia''' and '''Taft-Hardie Group Pty Ltd''', was Australia's largest independent television production and distribution group. On 26 July 2017, the company was merged with Shine Australia to form [[Endemol Shine Australia]].
'''Endemol Australia''', formerly known as '''Southern Star Group''', '''Southern Star Productions''', '''Southern Star/Hanna-Barbera Australia''' and '''Taft-Hardie Group Pty Ltd''', was Australia's largest independent television production and distribution group. On 26 July 2015, the company was merged with Shine Australia to form [[Endemol Shine Australia]].


== History ==
== History ==
[[File:SouthernStarGroup.svg|Southern Star logo used from 1989 to 2013]]
[[File:SouthernStarGroup.svg|thumb|Southern Star logo used from 1989 to 2013]]
The company began in 1972 as Hanna-Barbera Pty Ltd (Australia), an Australian division of [[Hanna-Barbera]]. In 1974, the Hamlyn Group's Australian division managed by [[Kevin Weldon]] acquired 50% of Hanna-Barbera Australia and appointed [[Neil Balnaves]] as managing director. In 1978, [[James Hardie Industries]] acquired the Hamlyn Group, and in 1979, Balnaves was promoted to managing director of the entire Hamlyn Group.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.endemolshine.com.au/?id=1510|title = Endemol Shine Australia}}</ref>
The company began in 1972 as Hanna-Barbera Pty Ltd (Australia), an Australian division of [[Hanna-Barbera]] (which was founded by [[Kevin Weldon]]). In 1974, the Hamlyn Group's Australian division managed by Kevin Weldon acquired 50% of Hanna-Barbera Australia and appointed [[Neil Balnaves]] as managing director. In 1978, [[James Hardie Industries]] acquired the Hamlyn Group, and in 1979, Balnaves was promoted to managing director of the entire Hamlyn Group.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.endemolshine.com.au/?id=1510|title = Endemol Shine Australia}}</ref>


In 1983, [[James Hardie Industries]] and Hanna-Barbera corporate parent [[Taft Broadcasting]] reorganised the division as Taft-Hardie Group Pty Ltd. In 1984, the company established a division in [[Los Angeles]] known as Southern Star Productions, headed by [[Buzz Potamkin]]. Programs produced by this division would be animated at Hanna-Barbera's studios in Sydney, and carried the name Southern Star/Hanna-Barbera Australia. It co-owned CIC Video's Australian video unit called '''CIC-Taft Video''' and launched a video label, THG Video, in 1984, then renamed to Taft Video in 1987. In 1987, it made a $42 million bid for Communications and Entertainment Limited, but it never realised.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1987-07-01 |title=Taft Hardie Venture Makes Big Bid For CEL; Oz Giant Looms |page=35 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>
In 1983, [[James Hardie Industries]] and Hanna-Barbera corporate parent [[Taft Broadcasting]] reorganised the division as Taft-Hardie Group Pty Ltd. In 1984, the company established a division in [[Los Angeles]] known as Southern Star Productions, founded and headed by [[Buzz Potamkin]]. Programs produced by this division would be animated at Hanna-Barbera's studios in Sydney, and carried the name Southern Star/Hanna-Barbera Australia. It co-owned CIC Video's Australian video unit called '''CIC-Taft Video''' and launched a video label, THG Video, in 1984, then renamed to Taft Video in 1987. In 1987, it made a $42 million bid for Communications and Entertainment Limited, but it never realised.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1987-07-01 |title=Taft Hardie Venture Makes Big Bid For CEL; Oz Giant Looms |page=35 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>


In 1988, Neil Balnaves led an A$11 million [[management buyout]] of Taft-Hardie, reorganising the company as Southern Star Group. The home video division was renamed to Southern Star Video in 1989. The Sydney animation facilities were also sold, while the Los Angeles division continued to operate until 1991 when it was sold to [[Turner Broadcasting System]].
In 1988, Neil Balnaves led an A$11 million [[management buyout]] of Taft-Hardie, reorganising the company as Southern Star Group. The home video division was renamed to Southern Star Video in 1989. The Sydney animation facilities were also sold, while the Los Angeles division continued to operate until 1991 when it was sold to [[Turner Broadcasting System]].

In January 2000, Endemol formed a joined venture with Southern Star Group called [[Endemol Southern Star]].


In April 2004, the company was acquired by [[Southern Cross Broadcasting]] and in 2007 by [[Fairfax Media]].
In April 2004, the company was acquired by [[Southern Cross Broadcasting]] and in 2007 by [[Fairfax Media]].


In January 2009, Endemol acquired Southern Star Factual from [[Fairfax Media]] in a transaction worth A$75 million,<ref>{{cite web|first=Alex |last=Prior |title=Southern Star: sold to Endemol (apart from some bits) |url=http://www.screenhub.com.au/news/shownewsarticleG.php?newsID=25119 |work=Screen Hub |date=21 January 2009 |access-date=31 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101022224/http://www.screenhub.com.au/news/shownewsarticleG.php?newsID=25119 |archive-date=1 January 2014 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Nick|last=Tabakoff|title=Berlusconi to own Fairfax's TV producer|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/media/berlusconi-to-own-fairfaxs-producer/story-e6frg996-1111118619348|work=[[The Australian]]|date=21 January 2009|access-date=31 December 2013}}</ref> forming a division known as [[Endemol Southern Star]].
In January 2009, Endemol acquired Southern Star Factual from [[Fairfax Media]] in a transaction worth A$75 million,<ref>{{cite web|first=Alex |last=Prior |title=Southern Star: sold to Endemol (apart from some bits) |url=http://www.screenhub.com.au/news/shownewsarticleG.php?newsID=25119 |work=Screen Hub |date=21 January 2009 |access-date=31 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101022224/http://www.screenhub.com.au/news/shownewsarticleG.php?newsID=25119 |archive-date=1 January 2014 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Nick|last=Tabakoff|title=Berlusconi to own Fairfax's TV producer|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/media/berlusconi-to-own-fairfaxs-producer/story-e6frg996-1111118619348|work=[[The Australian]]|date=21 January 2009|access-date=31 December 2013}}</ref> effective shuttering Endemol Southern Star.

Southern Star Productions's founder Buzz Potamkin died from [[pancreatic cancer]] on 22 April 2012.<ref name="VarietyObit">{{Cite news |last=Variety Staff |date=May 8, 2012 |title=Marshall 'Buzz' Potamkin Dies at 66 |work=Variety.com |publisher=Reed Elsevier |url=https://variety.com/2012/film/news/marshall-buzz-potamkin-dies-at-66-1118053691/ |url-status=live |access-date=9 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612040832/http://variety.com/2012/film/news/marshall-buzz-potamkin-dies-at-66-1118053691/ |archive-date=12 June 2015}}</ref>


On 11 December 2013, Southern Star announced it would rebrand as Endemol Australia, completing the rollout by February 2014. The change was brought about by [[CEO|Chief Executive Officer]], Janeen Faithfull.<ref name=rebrand>{{cite web|title=Southern Star Entertainment to become Endemol Australia| date=27 December 2013 |website= Endemol Distribution| url=http://www.endemoldistribution.com/content/readnews.aspx?id=1763 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227011833/http://www.endemoldistribution.com/content/readnews.aspx?id=1763 | archive-date=27 December 2013 | url-status=dead | access-date=27 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Nancy|last=Tartaglione|title=Australia's Southern Star Names TV Industry Vet Janeen Faithfull To CEO Post|url=https://www.deadline.com/2012/02/australias-southern-star-names-tv-industry-vet-janeen-faithfull-to-ceo-post/|work=Deadline|date=22 February 2012|access-date=31 December 2013}}</ref>
On 11 December 2013, Southern Star announced it would rebrand as Endemol Australia, completing the rollout by February 2014. The change was brought about by [[CEO|Chief Executive Officer]], Janeen Faithfull.<ref name=rebrand>{{cite web|title=Southern Star Entertainment to become Endemol Australia| date=27 December 2013 |website= Endemol Distribution| url=http://www.endemoldistribution.com/content/readnews.aspx?id=1763 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227011833/http://www.endemoldistribution.com/content/readnews.aspx?id=1763 | archive-date=27 December 2013 | url-status=dead | access-date=27 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Nancy|last=Tartaglione|title=Australia's Southern Star Names TV Industry Vet Janeen Faithfull To CEO Post|url=https://www.deadline.com/2012/02/australias-southern-star-names-tv-industry-vet-janeen-faithfull-to-ceo-post/|work=Deadline|date=22 February 2012|access-date=31 December 2013}}</ref>


On 15 November 2016, Mark and Carl Fennessy were appointed joint CEOs of Endemol Australia as well as its parent company, [[Endemol Shine Australia]].<ref>[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/endemol-shine-names-fennessy-brothers-798769 Endemol shine names Fennessy brothers as Joint Heads of Australian Unit, 15 November 2016, hollywoodreporter.com]</ref>
On 15 November 2016, Mark and Carl Fennessy were appointed joint CEOs of Endemol Australia as well as its parent company, [[Endemol Shine Australia]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bulbeck |first=Pip |date=2015-05-28 |title=Endemol Shine Names Fennessy Brothers as Joint Heads of Australian Unit |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/endemol-shine-names-fennessy-brothers-798769/ |access-date=2023-07-08 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref>

Southern Star Group's founder Neil Balnaves died in a boating accident on 21 February 2022.<ref name=limelight>{{cite web | last=Litson | first=Jo | title=Neil Balnaves has died | website=Limelight | date=23 February 2022 | url=https://limelightmagazine.com.au/news/neil-balnaves-has-died/ | access-date=27 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Ciccarelli | first=Raffaella | title=Former television executive Neil Balnaves dies in boating accident | website=[[Nine News|9News]] | date=22 February 2022 | url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/neil-balnaves-dead-television-executive-and-philanthropist-dies-in-boating-accident/074b1343-ee92-48ab-9a71-43127a76fac4 | access-date=27 April 2022}}</ref>


Hanna-Barbera Pty Ltd (Australia)'s founder Kevin Weldon passed away peacefully 'content to have lived a full, lucky and blessed life', surrounded by family and loved ones, in November 2023.
The company's popular shows for kids are ''[[Bananas in Pyjamas]]'' (for ABC), ''[[The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky]]'' (for ABC and Five (UK)), ''[[Child's Farm]]'', ''[[Ketchup: Cats Who Cook]]'' (for NHK), ''[[Gordon the Garden Gnome]]'' (for BBC, ABC and Cartoon Network), ''[[Faireez]]'' (For Ten), ''[[Classic Tales]]'' (for ABC) and ''[[The Toothbrush Family]]'' (for Ten and Nine).{{citation needed|date=April 2022}}


== Programs ==
== Programs ==
=== Prime-time drama ===
=== Prime-time drama ===

⚫
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
==== As Hanna-Barbera Pty Ltd / Taft-Hardie Group Pty Ltd ====
==== As Hanna-Barbera Pty Ltd / Taft-Hardie Group Pty Ltd ====
* ''[[Deadline (1982 film)|Deadline]]'' (1982, TV movie)
* ''[[Deadline (1982 film)|Deadline]]'' (1982, TV movie)
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* ''[[The Last Frontier (miniseries)|The Last Frontier]]'' (1986, TV miniseries)
* ''[[The Last Frontier (miniseries)|The Last Frontier]]'' (1986, TV miniseries)
* ''[[Shark's Paradise]]'' (1986, TV movie)
* ''[[Shark's Paradise]]'' (1986, TV movie)

⚫
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}


==== As Southern Star ====
==== As Southern Star ====
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* ''[[Return to Eden]]''
* ''[[Return to Eden]]''
* ''[[Love My Way]]''
* ''[[Love My Way]]''
* ''[[The Surgeon]]''
* ''[[The Surgeon (TV series)|The Surgeon]]''
* ''[[Blue Heelers]]''
* ''[[Blue Heelers]]''
* ''[[The Secret Life of Us]]''
* ''[[The Secret Life of Us]]''
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* ''[[McLeod's Daughters]]'' (2001–2009)
* ''[[McLeod's Daughters]]'' (2001–2009)
* ''[[City Homicide]]''
* ''[[City Homicide]]''
* ''[[Echo Point (TV series)|Echo Point]]''
* ''[[Echo Point]]''
* ''[[The Beautiful Lie (TV series)|The Beautiful Lie]]''
* ''[[The Beautiful Lie (TV series)|The Beautiful Lie]]''
* ''[[Cody (TV series)|Cody]]''
* ''[[Cody (TV series)|Cody]]''
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* ''[[On the Beach (2000 film)|On the Beach]]''
* ''[[On the Beach (2000 film)|On the Beach]]''
* ''[[Joh's Jury]]''
* ''[[Joh's Jury]]''
* ''[[Dripping in Chocolate]]''
* ''Dripping in Chocolate''
* ''[[Hard Knox]]''
* ''Hard Knox''
* ''[[Do or Die (TV series)|Do or Die]]''
* ''Do or Die''
* ''[[Police State (1989 film)|Police State]]''
* ''[[Police State (1989 film)|Police State]]''
* ''[[The Last Frontier (miniseries)|The Last Frontier]]''
* ''[[The Last Frontier (miniseries)|The Last Frontier]]''
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* ''[[Bad Cop, Bad Cop]]''
* ''[[Bad Cop, Bad Cop]]''
* ''[[The Bob Morrison Show]]''
* ''[[The Bob Morrison Show]]''
* ''[[Dayne's World]]''
* ''Dayne's World''
* ''[[Legally Brown]]''
* ''[[Legally Brown]]''
* ''[[You Have Been Watching (Australian TV program)|You Have Been Watching]]''
* ''[[You Have Been Watching (Australian TV program)|You Have Been Watching]]''
* ''[[Con's Bewdiful Holiday Videos]]''
* ''Con's Bewdiful Holiday Videos''

{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}


=== Children's ===
=== Kids & family ===
==== As Hanna-Barbera Pty Ltd / Taft-Hardie Group Pty Ltd ====
==== As Hanna-Barbera Pty Ltd / Taft-Hardie Group Pty Ltd ====
* ''[[Famous Classic Tales]]'' (1970–1983)
* ''[[Famous Classic Tales]]'' (1970–1983)
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* ''[[Tracey McBean]]''
* ''[[Tracey McBean]]''
* ''[[Cake Business!]]''
* ''[[Cake Business!]]''
* ''[[The Missed Christmas Presents (TV)|The Missed Christmas Presents]]''
* ''[[The Missed Christmas Presents (TV series)|The Missed Christmas Presents]]''
* ''[[The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky]]''
* ''[[The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky]]''
* ''[[Magic Mountain (TV series)|Magic Mountain]]''
* ''[[Magic Mountain (TV series)|Magic Mountain]]''
* ''[[Snobs (TV series)|Snobs]]''
* ''[[Snobs (TV series)|Snobs]]''
* ''[[Bananas in Pyjamas]]'' (co-production with [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]])
* ''[[Bananas in Pyjamas]]'' (co-production with [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]])
* ''[[Faireez]]''
* ''Faireez''
* ''[[Ketchup: Cats Who Cook]]''
* ''[[Ketchup: Cats Who Cook]]''
* ''[[Time Masters (game show)|Time Masters]]''
* ''[[Time Masters (game show)|Time Masters]]''
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* ''[[Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue]]'' (TV special)
* ''[[Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue]]'' (TV special)
* ''[[Fox's Peter Pan & the Pirates]]'' (co-production with [[TMS Entertainment]] and [[Fox Kids|Fox Children's Productions]], distributed by [[20th Television]])
* ''[[Fox's Peter Pan & the Pirates]]'' (co-production with [[TMS Entertainment]] and [[Fox Kids|Fox Children's Productions]], distributed by [[20th Television]])
* ''[[Mad Scientist (film)|Mad Scientist]]''
* ''Mad Scientist''
* ''[[Hi-5 (Australian TV series)|Hi-5]]'' (co-production with [[Nine Network]])
* ''[[Hi-5 (Australian TV series)|Hi-5]]'' (co-production with [[Nine Network]])
* ''[[Elly & Jools]]''
* ''[[Elly & Jools]]''
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* ''[[Don't Blame Me (TV series)|Don't Blame The Koalas]]''
* ''[[Don't Blame Me (TV series)|Don't Blame The Koalas]]''
* ''[[Pig's Breakfast]]''
* ''[[Pig's Breakfast]]''
* ''[[In Your Dreams (TV series)|In Your Dreams]]''
* ''[[In Your Dreams (2013 TV series)|In Your Dreams]]''
* ''[[Outriders (TV series)|Outriders]]''
* ''[[Outriders (TV series)|Outriders]]''
* ''[[Sea Princesses]]''
* ''[[Sea Princesses]]''
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* ''[[High Flyers (Australian TV series)|High Flyers]]''
* ''[[High Flyers (Australian TV series)|High Flyers]]''
* ''[[All for Kids]]''
* ''[[All for Kids]]''
* ''[[Hairy Legs]]''
* ''Hairy Legs''
* ''[[Classic Tales]]''
* ''Classic Tales''
* ''[[Sumo Mouse]]''
* ''Sumo Mouse''
* ''[[Snake Tales (TV series)|Snake Tales]]''
* ''[[Snake Tales (TV series)|Snake Tales]]''
* ''[[Skippy the Bush Kangaroo]]''
* ''[[Skippy the Bush Kangaroo]]''
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* ''[[No Leave, No Life]]'' – (2009–2012)
* ''[[No Leave, No Life]]'' – (2009–2012)
* ''[[Beauty and the Geek Australia]]'' – (2010–2011)
* ''[[Beauty and the Geek Australia]]'' – (2010–2011)
* ''[[Drug Lords]]'' – (2010)
* ''Drug Lords'' – (2010)
* ''[[Real Prison Breaks]]'' – (2010–2011)
* ''[[Real Prison Breaks]]'' – (2010–2011)
* ''[[Strictly Speaking (TV series)|Strictly Speaking]]'' – (2010)
* ''[[Strictly Speaking (TV series)|Strictly Speaking]]'' – (2010)
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{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}


=== Factual ===
=== Factual & Documentary ===
* ''[[Animal Emergency]]''
* ''[[Animal Emergency]]''
* ''[[Animal Lifeline]]''
* ''Animal Lifeline''
* ''[[Animals Did It First]]''
* ''Animals Did It First''
* ''[[At the Zoo (TV series)|At the Zoo]]''
* ''At the Zoo''
* ''[[Crash Test Mummies & Daddies]]''
* ''Crash Test Mummies & Daddies''
* ''[[Elephants Empire]]''
* ''Elephants Empire''
* ''[[Forensic Investigators]]''
* ''[[Forensic Investigators]]''
* ''[[Last Chance Surgery]]''
* ''[[Last Chance Surgery]]''
* ''[[Next Wave (TV Series)|Next Wave]]''
* ''[[Next Wave (TV series)|Next Wave]]''
* ''[[Saving Africa's Witch Children]]''
* ''[[Saving Africa's Witch Children]]''
* ''[[Secret China]]''
* ''Secret China''
* ''[[Secret Nature]]''
* ''Secret Nature''
* ''[[Wild China (TV series)|Wild China]]''
* ''Wild China''
* ''[[Wild Orphans]]''
* ''Wild Orphans''
* ''[[Meerkat Manor]]''
* ''Meerkat Manor''
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}


Line 229: Line 238:


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{bcdb |Other_Studios/S/Southern_Star/|Southern Star}}


{{Endemol Shine Group}}
{{Endemol Shine Group}}

Revision as of 00:44, 22 August 2024

Endemol Australia
FormerlyHanna-Barbera Australia (1972–1983)
Taft-Hardie Group Pty. Ltd. (1983–1988)
Southern Star Group Pty, Ltd. (1988–2013)
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustrieAnimation
Television production
Gegründet1972; 52 years ago (1972)
GründerKevin Weldon (as Hanna-Barbera Australia)
Neil Balnaves (as Southern Star Group Pty, Ltd.)
Defunct2015; 9 years ago (2015)
FateMerged with Shine Australia
SuccessorEndemol Shine Australia
HauptsitzSydney, New South Wales
Key people
Mark and Carl Fennessy (2016)
OwnerTaft Broadcasting (1972–1988)
Hamlyn Group (50%) (1974–1978)
James Hardie Industries (50%) (1978–1988)
Independent (1988–2004)
Southern Cross Broadcasting (2004–2007)
Fairfax Media (2007–2009)
Endemol (2009–2015)
ParentHanna-Barbera (1972–1988)
SubsidiariesEndemol Southern Star (2000–2009)

Endemol Australia, formerly known as Southern Star Group, Southern Star Productions, Southern Star/Hanna-Barbera Australia and Taft-Hardie Group Pty Ltd, was Australia's largest independent television production and distribution group. On 26 July 2015, the company was merged with Shine Australia to form Endemol Shine Australia.

History

Southern Star logo used from 1989 to 2013

The company began in 1972 as Hanna-Barbera Pty Ltd (Australia), an Australian division of Hanna-Barbera (which was founded by Kevin Weldon). In 1974, the Hamlyn Group's Australian division managed by Kevin Weldon acquired 50% of Hanna-Barbera Australia and appointed Neil Balnaves as managing director. In 1978, James Hardie Industries acquired the Hamlyn Group, and in 1979, Balnaves was promoted to managing director of the entire Hamlyn Group.[1]

In 1983, James Hardie Industries and Hanna-Barbera corporate parent Taft Broadcasting reorganised the division as Taft-Hardie Group Pty Ltd. In 1984, the company established a division in Los Angeles known as Southern Star Productions, founded and headed by Buzz Potamkin. Programs produced by this division would be animated at Hanna-Barbera's studios in Sydney, and carried the name Southern Star/Hanna-Barbera Australia. It co-owned CIC Video's Australian video unit called CIC-Taft Video and launched a video label, THG Video, in 1984, then renamed to Taft Video in 1987. In 1987, it made a $42 million bid for Communications and Entertainment Limited, but it never realised.[2]

In 1988, Neil Balnaves led an A$11 million management buyout of Taft-Hardie, reorganising the company as Southern Star Group. The home video division was renamed to Southern Star Video in 1989. The Sydney animation facilities were also sold, while the Los Angeles division continued to operate until 1991 when it was sold to Turner Broadcasting System.

In January 2000, Endemol formed a joined venture with Southern Star Group called Endemol Southern Star.

In April 2004, the company was acquired by Southern Cross Broadcasting and in 2007 by Fairfax Media.

In January 2009, Endemol acquired Southern Star Factual from Fairfax Media in a transaction worth A$75 million,[3][4] effective shuttering Endemol Southern Star.

Southern Star Productions's founder Buzz Potamkin died from pancreatic cancer on 22 April 2012.[5]

On 11 December 2013, Southern Star announced it would rebrand as Endemol Australia, completing the rollout by February 2014. The change was brought about by Chief Executive Officer, Janeen Faithfull.[6][7]

On 15 November 2016, Mark and Carl Fennessy were appointed joint CEOs of Endemol Australia as well as its parent company, Endemol Shine Australia.[8]

Southern Star Group's founder Neil Balnaves died in a boating accident on 21 February 2022.[9][10]

Hanna-Barbera Pty Ltd (Australia)'s founder Kevin Weldon passed away peacefully 'content to have lived a full, lucky and blessed life', surrounded by family and loved ones, in November 2023.

Programs

Prime-time drama

As Hanna-Barbera Pty Ltd / Taft-Hardie Group Pty Ltd

As Southern Star

Comedy

Kids & family

As Hanna-Barbera Pty Ltd / Taft-Hardie Group Pty Ltd

As Southern Star

Films

See also

References

  1. ^ "Endemol Shine Australia".
  2. ^ "Taft Hardie Venture Makes Big Bid For CEL; Oz Giant Looms". Variety. 1 July 1987. p. 35.
  3. ^ Prior, Alex (21 January 2009). "Southern Star: sold to Endemol (apart from some bits)". Screen Hub. Archived from the original on 1 January 2014. Retrieved 31 December 2013.
  4. ^ Tabakoff, Nick (21 January 2009). "Berlusconi to own Fairfax's TV producer". The Australian. Retrieved 31 December 2013.
  5. ^ Variety Staff (8 May 2012). "Marshall 'Buzz' Potamkin Dies at 66". Variety.com. Reed Elsevier. Archived from the original on 12 June 2015. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  6. ^ "Southern Star Entertainment to become Endemol Australia". Endemol Distribution. 27 December 2013. Archived from the original on 27 December 2013. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
  7. ^ Tartaglione, Nancy (22 February 2012). "Australia's Southern Star Names TV Industry Vet Janeen Faithfull To CEO Post". Deadline. Retrieved 31 December 2013.
  8. ^ Bulbeck, Pip (28 May 2015). "Endemol Shine Names Fennessy Brothers as Joint Heads of Australian Unit". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 8 July 2023.
  9. ^ Litson, Jo (23 February 2022). "Neil Balnaves has died". Limelight. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
  10. ^ Ciccarelli, Raffaella (22 February 2022). "Former television executive Neil Balnaves dies in boating accident". 9News. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
  11. ^ "Fred's little league". The Sydney Morning Herald. Sydney NSW. 15 May 1978. p. 25.
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