ABC1 Jillaroo School Looking for Applicants

Are you an “ordinary” person looking to do something totally different? In fact not just different but something so extraordinary it could change the direction of your entire life? The producers of a new documentary series for ABC1 are looking for everyday Australians who would like to take part in a four week training course with a legendary horse-master and learn to be a jillaroo.

South Australia’s Bill Willoughby is an experienced horse master who has trained jackeroos and jillaroos all his life. Bill’s reputation in the industry has led to his training of cast and crew across a stunning array of film and television – from McLeod’s Daughters to The Lighthorsemen.

His course will give students enough training and practical experience to secure their own jobs working on the land. Jillaroo School will be a 6 x 30 minute series, following the journeys of the women selected for this exciting and challenging course. It is the third series to be green-lit from the ABC TV/SAFC FACTory Initiative – aimed at developing new factual programs for ABC1 prime time.

Karina Holden, ABC TV’s Acting Head of Factual, said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for someone to shake up their life and try something totally different. Jillaroo School is about a real issue in rural Australia today. The shortage of skilled workers on the land means this documentary series will give women the chance to step up to the saddle and show the men they can hack it!”

Richard Harris, CEO of SAFC, said: “We’re excited to see another South Australian production company, Cineum, producing compelling and adventurous television for ABC TV. Jillaroo School will not only showcase South Australia’s rural beauty and outback lifestyle but will again bring the talents of our crews to our national television screens.”

Cineum producer Jennifer Jones commented: “Girls have fallen in love with ponies for centuries, some have dreamt of a life on the land, but very few have actually had the opportunity to pursue it. Jillaroo School will give Australian women from all walks of the life the opportunity to discover if they can handle a real live cattle station.”

APPLICANTS
Applicants may come from all walks of life but do need to be interested in a new challenge. You might want a career change, be searching for a new lease on life or simply want to step out of your comfort zone and prove to yourself that you can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it.

A few examples of the kinds of people we are hoping to attract:

• You might be sick of being cooped up in an office and staring at a computer.
• You want to be physically challenged, but you may never have met a horse in your life!
• You’re a passionate horsewoman who has always longed for a career with animals, but never knew how to break into the industry.
• You’re an amateur horse rider looking to turn your passion into a career.
• You’re a young person who has made some bad decisions and are desperate for an opportunity to prove that you can contribute to society.
• You’re an older adult at a crossroad in your life and are searching for new meaning. Perhaps your spouse has died or children have left home.

DATES OF FILMING / AVAILABILITY
The course will be held over a four week period between February and March 2013. However, all selected participants need to be available for two days of shooting in late January/early February 2012.

HOW TO APPLY
If you are passionate about life on the land, searching for a new career or simply looking for a new challenge, then we want to hear from you! Applying is easy – just log onto www.abc.net.au/tv/programs/jillaroo.htm, follow the prompts and you’re away!

For further information:
Cineum producers Kristian Moliere and Jennifer Jones will be the main spokespersons for Jillaroo School. In addition, director Colin Thrupp is available to undertake any publicity activities or events.
Jennifer Jones: 0414 660234 or jennifer@cineum.com.au
Kristian Moliere: 0416 162011