Leigh Sales’ New Show Revolutionizes Celebrity Interviews with Autistic Journalists
Leigh Sales, one of Australia's most esteemed interviewers, is breaking new ground with her latest project, The Assembly . This innovative ABC documentary series places 15 autistic journalism students at the forefront, guiding them as they conduct interviews with some of the country's biggest names. The show airs on Tuesdays at 8.30pm on ABC TV, and all episodes are now available for streaming.
The Assembly is a bold adaptation of the French series Les Rencontres du Papotin , known for its candid and unscripted interviews with high-profile figures such as French President Emmanuel Macron. The French version gained massive popularity for its refreshing approach, setting a high bar for this Australian adaptation. The format centers around neurodivergent trainees who, under the mentorship of Leigh Sales and with the support of Macquarie University lecturers, take on the roles of interviewers. This approach not only provides these students with valuable hands-on experience but also offers viewers a new perspective on celebrity interviews.
The show’s unique premise is designed to highlight the strengths and insights of autistic individuals. Each week, the students interview a new celebrity in an autism-friendly environment, ensuring that they can take breaks and manage any overwhelming moments. This setup has proven to be not only accommodating but also incredibly effective, bringing forth intriguing and deeply personal responses from the interviewees.
Also Read:- Kristin Chenoweth Shines in "The Queen of Versailles": A Modern Tale of Ambition and Extravagance
- Tommy Walsh Reflects on Ground Force Feud and Ongoing Cancer Battle
Leigh Sales, who agreed to host the show after being impressed by the French version, describes The Assembly as a response to her frustrations with the often predictable and overly polished nature of celebrity interviews. The format allows for more genuine interactions, where the usual media training and evasive tactics are put to the test by the students’ unorthodox questions. For example, Amanda Keller was taken aback by a particularly profound question from one of the students: “What is the last sound you want to hear before you die?” Such questions reveal the depth and authenticity that the show aims to capture.
Among the notable guests on The Assembly are actor Sam Neill, comedian Hamish Blake, AFL star Adam Goodes, singer Delta Goodrem, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The interviews are unfiltered, with no topic being off-limits, which adds a layer of vulnerability to the celebrities' appearances. Hamish Blake, reflecting on his experience, appreciated the lack of agenda in the questions, which he felt allowed for more honest and engaging dialogue.
The series has had a profound impact on the students involved. Dale, an 18-year-old from Sydney, initially had reservations about participating but found the experience transformative. His journey from nervousness to excitement illustrates the empowering effect the show has had on its participants. Each student, including Dale, is also offered a paid internship at the ABC, providing them with further opportunities to build their careers in journalism.
Leigh Sales’ vision for The Assembly goes beyond creating compelling television. It demonstrates that neurodiverse individuals can bring unique and valuable perspectives to the media industry. The show has effectively proven that a team comprised of diverse thinkers can produce highly engaging and entertaining content, challenging the traditional norms of television production.
The Assembly premiered on August 20, 2024, and has been well-received for its innovative approach and the authentic connections it fosters between its interviewees and the audience. For anyone interested in seeing how this fresh format plays out, tuning in to ABC TV or catching up on ABC iview will be a rewarding experience.
Read More:
0 Comments