Matt Batten

@GCS_Pottsy Such an amazing show, I’m going to try and see what happened to all the episodes, they have to be somewhere

@mattbatten0 Watched the pilot of this last year and was a bit sad I couldn't see any more of it. The cast is really amazing, particularly knowing what they all end up going on to do and that set is very impressive.

Unpopular opinion… but I loved Arcade 📺 It only ran for around 50 episodes before being axed, but at the time it was a huge production. Rupert Murdoch reportedly spent over $1 million on the set at the Channel 10 studios in Sydney — massive money for Australian TV back then. It had that big, ambitious feel… something different. Didn’t last long, but for those who watched it — it definitely left an impression. Did you watch Arcade or is this one people forget?

Who remembers the giant chocolate egg at Westfield Southland in 1978? 🍫🥚 Back then, Southland held the Guinness World Record for the biggest chocolate egg in the world. Standing at 3.1 metres high with a 7.6cm thick wall of solid chocolate… it was absolutely massive. It might not have been the prettiest thing ever made 😂 Even ABC reporter Yvonne Cooks seemed a bit underwhelmed at the time — joking about the size of the rabbit needed to deliver it. This footage aired on ABC News on 16 March 1978, capturing one of those classic, quirky Melbourne moments. Different era. Big ideas. And a shopping centre doing something unforgettable. Who remembers seeing this in person?

Always breaking the biggest news

@GadSaad @nikitabier @GadSaad @nikitabier I find it quick to upload long form videos, this is a 4K 120 min interview that I’m uploading now..taken 13 mins so far…

I have spent several hours trying to upload a 50-minute lecture on this platform to no avail. @nikitabier, please resolve this issue that has plagued this platform for a long time. We should be able to upload videos much more quickly and without error messages.

@mattpott74 They were doing promo everywhere at the time

@mattbatten0 Neighbours was filmed in Melbourne yet this is for Sydney. Typical.

When Network 10 backed Neighbours — a show that should still be on our screens today. Who remembers the “Nominate a Neighbour” competition back in the 80s? In this ad, a young Guy Pearce and David Clencie turn up to a lucky fan’s house to deliver a brand new NEC TV. Different era. Real connection with the audience. And a show that truly felt part of everyday Australian life. Pure nostalgia. Who remembers this competition?

Before the rebrand begins, I’m dropping all the Talking Prisoner interviews — starting with Coral’s Soapbox today 🎙️ Who’s excited?

@landofthe80s Iconic

@newmrpford So sorry for your loss Pete 😞

If you follow me you’d know I don’t post private things-other than occasional dog related things. So sad to report yesterday I said goodbye to my old girl Lily (yes named after Lily Munster!) That’s her in the middle. She was 18 & a sweetheart so nothing but gratitude from me.

@newmrpford @sam_sandoz Wiki who 🤣

@sam_sandoz @mattbatten0 Ha! You probably wrote most of it. Nobody with half a brain pays any attention to Wikipedia. Zero cred.

When it comes to entertainment news in Australia, Pete Ford is in a league of his own. Honest, experienced and connected. If you want the real story — this is where you get it.

The Playfair family have just advised me of the passing of the beautiful and incredibly talented Wendy Playfair, who has died peacefully at the age of 99. Wendy enjoyed a remarkable career that spanned many decades across Australian theatre, television and radio. She was a highly respected performer who contributed enormously to the Australian performing arts industry. Many fans will fondly remember Wendy for her role as Minnie Donovan, the formidable “Top Dog” of Wentworth Detention Centre in the iconic Australian television series Prisoner. Her portrayal of Minnie Donovan remains one of the memorable characters in the show’s history. Beyond television, Wendy was also highly respected for her extensive work in radio drama, performing in many radio plays throughout her career and bringing countless characters to life through her voice and storytelling. A few years ago, I had the great privilege of sitting down with Wendy for an interview on my podcast Talking Prisoner. It was an absolute honour to spend time with such a gracious, intelligent and elegant woman who shared wonderful stories about her life and career in the industry. Wendy was deeply respected by her peers and loved by audiences. Her contribution to Australian entertainment will never be forgotten. On behalf of myself and the entire Talking Prisoner community, we send our deepest condolences to Wendy’s family, friends and the many fans who admired her work. Wendy Playfair leaves behind a truly extraordinary legacy. Matt Batten Agent/Producer

@tonytardio Hi @tonytardio how can I contact you to come on my podcast

Buddy speak English

Rest in peace Dennis Cometti. As a child of the 80s going to VFL Park to watch the footy, you always remember Dennis on the radio or on TV calling the game. Dennis John Cometti was more than just a commentator. Over a remarkable 51-year career, his smooth voice, dry humour and lightning-quick wit made him one of the most beloved voices in Australian sport. He had a way of describing the game that no one else could — clever one-liners, perfectly timed humour, and a deep understanding of Australian rules football. For many of us growing up, Dennis Cometti’s voice was the soundtrack to the footy. A true legend of the game. Thank you for the memories Dennis

@newmrpford Yes please, I will dm you

@mattbatten0 Thank you! Lunch before i leave town

Kyle & Jackie O are finished. All official. All my intel was 100% correct. Shout out to the folks who felt a need to go online and tell me I was a liar & imbecile!

@tarunlochib @nikitabier Been happening for years…

These big accounts Copy & Paste Each other's content and get Paid by X. What are your thoughts on this @nikitabier

Who’s excited for the next chapter of Wentworth? Danielle Cormack has just announced that Wentworth: The Next Chapter is coming soon… and fans are already buzzing. If it captures even a fraction of what made the original series so powerful, we’re in for something special. Are you excited to return to Wentworth? And which character are you hoping to see again?

Yesterday I attended Patsy King’s funeral — a beautiful and deeply moving send-off for a true legend. Patsy was loved, respected, and admired by so many, and it was incredibly special to see her life and legacy honoured in such a heartfelt way. For those who weren’t able to attend in person, here is an online link to view the service.