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The late Foxtel executive, who enjoyed a near 30-year career at the company up until his death in March 2023, and helped launch the careers of some of the country’s most esteemed stars, is the subject of a Foxtel Original feature The Great Entertainer, which will premiere at SXSW Sydney in October.
Foxtel announced Tuesday the doco would have its world premiere at the event on October 16, before it drops on Foxtel and BINGE on October 20 to coincide with the business’ 30th anniversary.
The documentary will celebrate Walsh’s legacy as a pioneer of Australian television, as well as his behind the scenes involvement in some of the biggest sporting and entertainment moments in Aussie history, including the iconic Tina Turner ‘Simply the Best’ campaign for the National Rugby League in the 90s.
“Brian was a visionary and the cultural heart of Foxtel for nearly three decades,” said Lana Greenhalgh, Director of Scripted Originals at Foxtel Group.
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“He continually set the bar for premium and bold Australian storytelling and created countless memorable moments that launched careers and put Australian sport and television on the world’s stage. This documentary celebrates his remarkable legacy and unwavering passion for bringing Australian stories to the screen globally.”
Walsh, who died in March 2023 aged 68, began his career in radio and later ended up at Network Ten, where he helped launch acclaimed series including Vietnam, The Bangkok Hilton and The Dirtwater Dynasty.
He’s been credited with the global success of Neighbours, playing a crucial role in helping Ten acquire and repackage the soap after it was dumped by Seven.
Walsh is also responsible for helping launch the careers of Aussie stars including Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Jason Donovan and Guy Pearce.
He was a key player in the debut of Foxtel in 1995, and went on to oversee all scripted and unscripted commissions for the network up until his death, including Wentworth, Gogglebox, Upright, Deadline Gallipoli, The Kettering Incident, The End, Colin From Accounts and The Twelve.
THE GREAT ENTERTAINER premieres on Foxtel’s Showcase on Monday 20 October at 8.30pm and will also be available to stream on BINGE. Rush tickets to the world premiere at SXSW Sydney are on sale now.
