creativity/machine

Josh and I spent the last week on a research trip in Canberra at the ScreenSound archives, trawling through the history of Australian television’s representations of its own history (you know, “birthday” specials and the like). Which basically meant a week of sitting like little headphoned mushrooms in solitary audition booths, getting square eyes and writer’s cramp, so I don’t feel at all guilty that I selfishly snaffled up all the Young Talent Time and Countdown specials I could find. In other highlights: I have to say I cannot get enough of that moment when the gay guy in No. 96 whimpers, panic-stricken, to Abigail’s heaving bosom, “But I…I thought you knew! I’m - I’m - a HOMMosexxsssual!!!!!!!!!”. My heart broke afresh every time I saw Molly’s vision go dark as her anguished husband ran as fast as his legs could carry him to her side - alas, seconds too late. And of course I marvelled, awestruck, at the mousse-and-perm splendour of Scott and Charlene’s wedding day. But really, our week wasn’t quite as glamorous as all that, not when you include all the “technological sublime” stories about the erection of transmission towers, late 70s “computer graphics emulation machines” and all the cream pies thrown at or by Graham Kennedy and Bert Newton. So very, very many cream pies.

What are your favourite moments?