“Very Proud!” Neighbours’ EP Jason Herbison On Saying Goodbye To Ramsay St
After 37 years, Neighbours is finally coming to an end, and here at B&T, we sat down with executive producer Jason Herbison to say goodbye.
“Neighbours should be there for one another That’s when good neighbours become good friends Neighbours.” If you are singing that line in your head, while reading it then I think that’s a pretty clear example of the cultural impact Neighbours has had on Australians.
It’s a show that has launched the careers of everyone from Guy Pearce, to Queen Kylie to Margot Robbie and Liam Hemsworth. It’s also been a series that has been on in the background of our lives for so many of us. Who doesn’t love Ramsay St?
After 37 glorious seasons, the show has featured 180,000 scenes, 100 kidnappings or hostage situations, 115 car crashes, 64 deaths, 39 weddings, 17 births and around 15 risen from the dead situations – aka it’s been a cracker of a run.
I catch up with Herbison in the middle of considerable chaos, Neighbours is having a final media lunch, and in between journos trying to get selfies on set – which speaks to the power of the show, even journos can’t resist a shot at Harolds Cafe. The stars and crew of the show are also catching up and some are even offering comment. There’s a buzzy, exciting vibe in the air and it isn’t just because there’s champagne. It also doesn’t hurt that Harold himself is wandering around.
I sit down with Herbison, in the set of the beloved and iconic cafe, which feels like a fitting way to have a final chat; after all, this is the place where all the action happened.
When I ask Herbison how he feels about the ending of such a beloved show, he is feeling mixed: “I’m very sad the show is ending, but very proud. It’s a huge celebration. Almost 9000 episodes! It should be shouted from the rooftops.”
“It’s bittersweet, I’m very proud, there are very few shows in the world that lasts this long. I’m sad that is ending, and I’m saying goodbye to co-workers, but I’m very proud and happy the show has gone on for so long,” he said.
Neighbours have also had a very longstanding relationship with broadcasting partner channel 10, who’s put on the media lunch today. It’s a relationship Herbison is very fond of, “They are wonderful broadcast partners, I think we can we’ve had a very warm and friendly relationship with them, which is very special.”
Herbison is also particularly proud of the stories that have been told on Neighbours, “We’ve told wonderful progressive stories, like our storyline with Georgie Stone, and I’ve received so many letters from people thanking us for telling that story.
Happy #transgenderdayofvisibility! The lovely Georgie Stone has a special message for you. #Neighbours @georgiestone16 pic.twitter.com/OspGeXyYeC
— Neighbours (@neighbours) March 30, 2021
“Sonia’s death was something I was also proud of. I had a sister pass from cancer, so it was very close to home to me, and I thought it was done beautifully,” Herbison explained.
So what does the ending have in store for us? After all, Herbison is the man who penned the final episode, where Kylie and Guy Pearce are set to return.
Herbison was tight-lipped but said: “I’m very proud of the finale, I wrote that and I was incredibly privileged to be able to write it.
“I had a very strong sense, of how I knew I wanted to end it, and I’ve kept that quite close. You can’t please everyone, but I hope people feel it is a fitting end.”
One thing is for sure. Neighbours really did become good friends to us all.
Latest News
EMG/Gravity Media Names New Managing Director
The makers of Australia's Got Talent has been a magnet for senior hires in recent times.
Opinion: Shark Tank’s Sabri Suby Slams Politicians Jumping On TikTok Ban Bandwagon
Are politicians actually scaremongering about TikTok or just fed up of you doom-scrolling in the work bogs?
TV Ratings: “Ivana Was Robbed” – Final Three Contestants Revealed On Australian Idol
B&T's unsure if these Idol contestants look extra young or whether we are as old as we feel.
Veridooh Snatches Prashand Menon From ScentreGroup
Out-of-home OOH) and digital media leader Prashand Menon (lead image) has joined OOH ad tech company Veridooh as group business director within NSW and QLD. Menon joins Veridooh from his most recent role as ScentreGroup’s group business director and brings with him more than 10 years of experience in Australian media. Previously, he held positions […]
Creative Content Studio OK COOL Answers APAC’s Call, Opening In Melbourne
Life set to get extra confusing for new agency staffers mistaking OK COOL for a pass-ag housemate text message.
Harry’s Cafe de Wheels & Hipages Launch New Pie To Fuel Tradies While On The Tools
The pies should apparently be better for tradies' health, apparently but won't be better for on-site ribbing.
Women Leading Tech’s Woman Of The Year Megan Dalla-Camina: What’s The True Cost Of Cutting DEI Spending?
Cutting DE&I spending might seem easy but you might change your mind when faced with Dalla-Camina's ire.
Thrive Introduces A Batch Of New Senior Leadership Roles
You could say that Thrive is set to thrive with these new hires. But that would be too obvious.
It’s Coming Home! Sponsors Make Subbuteo World Cup Finals Free
No idea what Subbuteo is? You clearly had a more exciting childhood than our editorial team.
Media Bigwigs Bet On Predictive Intelligence Platform Prophet In $5M Seed Funding
Prophet, profit, geddit? Must be laugh-a-minute in this startup's office.
CommsDeclare Brands Shell Energy An “Olympic Gaslighter” & Urges Agencies Not To Pitch For Creative Account
And we thought the gaslight Olympics took place in the Coogee Bay Hotel smoking area!
AFL Wins Battle With Warner Bros. As New AFL Team Is Revealed
There hasn't been this much wrangling over a cartoon animal since, well, ever!
BBC Podcasts Go Global With Amazon Music
Ironically, BBC podcasts unlikely to be available in the Amazon given the lack of signal.
Johnson & Johnson’s Former Consumer Healthcare Arm Reviews Creative
J&J inspired by Scottish term for knowledge 'ken' in its rebrand; nothing says 'wise' like a shot of Listerine.
Kat & Co Transforms Into THE WORLD OF Experiential Agency
After more than twelve years of producing experiences for some of the world’s most innovative brands, including Hermes, Van Cleef & Arpels, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co, Kat & Co has quietly metamorphosed into THE WORLD OF. THE WORLD OF is an experiential agency at the juncture of culture, technology and the human condition. […]
Adobe Brings Firefly Generative AI Into Substance 3D Workflows
Still unclear of what generative AI actually is? Steer clear of this story.
Clemenger BBDO Introduces Saucy Campaign With Declan Cleary & Lee Kum Kee
When we heard this was a saucy campaign, we thought it be the barbecue and ketchup showdown we'd been waiting for.
Gawk Acquires 40 Billboard Locations From Transad
Gawk makes it move out of VIC into NSW with acquisition. Has promised to stop going on about Melbourne nightlife.
All About Attribution: Commission Factory Releases New eBook
Ever wanted to dive deep into channel attribution? Consider this the perfect springboard.
SMG Studio Launches Risk: Global Domination X Dune Part Two
Through a licensing agreement with Legendary Entertainment, SMG Studio inked the rights to adapt Dune: Part Two into a game based on Risk: Global Domination, Hasbro’s interactive board game. Inspired by Denis Villeneuve’s cinematic masterpiece, Dune: Part Two, this new digital adaptation, RISK: Global Domination X Dune: Part Two, is poised to captivate players from […]
RMIT Study Reveals That 73% Of Employees Don’t Believe Gen AI Is Relevant
Noticing staff switching off when you tell them about gen AI? Understand why here.
Australian Eggs Launches Egg-citing New Campaign Via Connecting Plots
How do you like your eggs in the morning? We usually skip them and go straight for the darts and whisky.
Future Lions 2024 Invites Young People To Be Heard With Spotify
Future Lions, of course, is the AKQA-backed student initiative at Cannes Lions, not a feeder for the rugby team.
QMS: Taylor Swift, Lunar New Year & Mardi Gras Were Boon For OOH Market
Taylor Swift, Lunar New Year and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival have had a dramatic impact on the number of people moving in and around Sydney over the past month, drawing big crowds into the heart of the city and its surrounding suburbs. New data from digital outdoor company QMS reveals a […]
Legend John McEnroe Joins Pepperstone’s Team Of Global Tennis Ambassadors
Despite the deal, McEnroe remains confused about difference between above- and below-the-line marketing.
LinkedIn Launches New Thought Leader Ads For Companies To Promote Member Posts
Though LinkedIn couldn't get any more insufferable? You thought wrong.
Latrell Mitchell Smacked On Wrist After Dropping Multiple F-Bombs In Post-Match Triple M Interview
Andrew Abdo has confirmed he is not angry... just disappointed.
TV Ratings: “When You Do Love Yourself, You’re Amazing” – Is This MAFS Most Heart-breaking Split?
Hold the press. MAFS groom and bride actually shown to be nice people.
Opinion: The Only Drag Marketers Should Be Worried About
Thought Transactional Drag was a lifeless club night in Newtown? Read this and you'll think again.
AWARD School Welcomes Class Of 2024
It's best to think of AWARD School like Survivor but with pitch decks instead of swimwear.
Interest In Motorsports Reaches New Heights As Formula 1 Grand Prix Revenue Expected To Surpass $100 Million
Need to get a dull sports client some quick results? Rustle up a Netflix series and watch the dollars roll in.
Chair Rob Murray To Depart As SCA Considers ARN’s Latest Takeover Bid
Struggling to make heads or tails of the SCA & ARN saga? Add this to your woes.
Adland Legend John Singleton Separates From Seventh Wife
Singo calls it quits with seventh wife as his race with Rupert Murdoch to become the most-married man continues.
ACCC Eyes Search Competition, Citing ‘Decreasing’ Quality & Rise In Generative AI
The only decline in search quality we notice is when B&T doesn't appear at the top of Google.
“Imagine A Career Above The Clouds”: Royal Australian Air Force Launches New Campaign Via VML
Don't worry about the forthcoming war with China - at least you'll get a bird's-eye view of the apocalypse.
MKTG Launches PR & Talent Division Realigning Business Structure
Dentsu‘s MKTG Sports and Entertainment has unveiled a significant evolution, including the launch of a specialised PR and Talent Marketing division, investment in expanding its Creative Services group, and a centralised approach to brand and rights holder servicing with increased production capabilities and a strengthened in-stadium sports presentation team. Lead Image: MKTG CD Ross Allen; […]