Latest news with #Fauna
The Age
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
A right royalty battle: Why some actors get repeatedly shafted
Training thoroughbreds proved a lucrative vocation for Gai Waterhouse, but she'd be hard-pressed to find a pony that can deliver as enduring a return as her 1978 appearance on cult UK TV series Doctor Who. For nearly half a century, Waterhouse has received an annual royalty payment from Doctor Who 's owner, the BBC. Last month, it was $225.57. 'In another lifetime, I acted in London,' she explains. 'I'm still receiving royalties. Isn't it incredible?' At 23, she starred as an animal pelt-wearing hunter named Presta, opposite the fourth doctor, Tom Baker. Last year, the BBC estimated the show made £100 million annually in licensing, merchandising deals and broadcast sales. However, Waterhouse is a rarity; back then, 'residuals' weren't common for actors. From 1968 to 1970, Sydney actor Tony Bonner, now 81, played the dashing helicopter pilot Jerry King on Skippy, another hugely successful TV series that screened in more than 100 countries. Bonner launched an ambitious court case in 2008 for a share of royalties, suing the production company, Fauna, for $750,000 in the NSW Supreme Court. But Bonner's claim failed after Justice Ian Gzell found Bonner had been paid $140 a week in accordance with his contract and was not entitled to any further share of Skippy 's profits, having assigned all rights to Fauna. 'While my case wasn't a success, I do feel it helped other actors coming through,' Bonner tells me. 'Knowledge is power.' TV historian Andrew Mercado says up until the 1980s, only a few actors 'had the foresight to demand a contract that would pay them for repeats past the initial two runs … they didn't think of VHS and box sets, let alone streaming.' In 2017, Rowena Wallace, once one of the highest-paid actors in the country for her role as 'Pat the rat' in the '80s soap Sons and Daughters, revealed on national TV that she was so poor she couldn't feed herself after paying for her pet's dog food. Her co-star, the late Leila Hayes, waged a lengthy but unsuccessful battle with the show's producer, the late multimillionaire media mogul Reg Grundy, over residuals. Loading In 2013, Colette Mann, who played inmate Doreen in Grundy's Prisoner and was also the actors' union rep on set, revealed she went to court to get a residuals deal for the cast, which only came into effect after Prisoner had ended; it resulted in modest payments. But Val Lehman, who played Bea Smith and was one of the show's top stars, negotiated her own contract that included ongoing royalties, including DVD sales. Like Gai Waterhouse's Presta, Queen Bea's life of crime is still reaping dividends, it seems.
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
A right royalty battle: Why some actors get repeatedly shafted
Training thoroughbreds proved a lucrative vocation for Gai Waterhouse, but she'd be hard-pressed to find a pony that can deliver as enduring a return as her 1978 appearance on cult UK TV series Doctor Who. For nearly half a century, Waterhouse has received an annual royalty payment from Doctor Who 's owner, the BBC. Last month, it was $225.57. 'In another lifetime, I acted in London,' she explains. 'I'm still receiving royalties. Isn't it incredible?' At 23, she starred as an animal pelt-wearing hunter named Presta, opposite the fourth doctor, Tom Baker. Last year, the BBC estimated the show made £100 million annually in licensing, merchandising deals and broadcast sales. However, Waterhouse is a rarity; back then, 'residuals' weren't common for actors. From 1968 to 1970, Sydney actor Tony Bonner, now 81, played the dashing helicopter pilot Jerry King on Skippy, another hugely successful TV series that screened in more than 100 countries. Bonner launched an ambitious court case in 2008 for a share of royalties, suing the production company, Fauna, for $750,000 in the NSW Supreme Court. But Bonner's claim failed after Justice Ian Gzell found Bonner had been paid $140 a week in accordance with his contract and was not entitled to any further share of Skippy 's profits, having assigned all rights to Fauna. 'While my case wasn't a success, I do feel it helped other actors coming through,' Bonner tells me. 'Knowledge is power.' TV historian Andrew Mercado says up until the 1980s, only a few actors 'had the foresight to demand a contract that would pay them for repeats past the initial two runs … they didn't think of VHS and box sets, let alone streaming.' In 2017, Rowena Wallace, once one of the highest-paid actors in the country for her role as 'Pat the rat' in the '80s soap Sons and Daughters, revealed on national TV that she was so poor she couldn't feed herself after paying for her pet's dog food. Her co-star, the late Leila Hayes, waged a lengthy but unsuccessful battle with the show's producer, the late multimillionaire media mogul Reg Grundy, over residuals. Loading In 2013, Colette Mann, who played inmate Doreen in Grundy's Prisoner and was also the actors' union rep on set, revealed she went to court to get a residuals deal for the cast, which only came into effect after Prisoner had ended; it resulted in modest payments. But Val Lehman, who played Bea Smith and was one of the show's top stars, negotiated her own contract that included ongoing royalties, including DVD sales. Like Gai Waterhouse's Presta, Queen Bea's life of crime is still reaping dividends, it seems.
Sydney Morning Herald
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Opposing housing may be reasonable, objecting to a puppet show is not
Every now and then, objections to planning in Sydney are rational: building mass housing in suburbs with no schools or other infrastructure, for example. But also every now and then, a groundswell of objection rises that beggars belief. Paddington is really giving NIMBYs a bad name. Six months ago, its residents were up in arms about the installation of a toilet aimed at preventing Allianz Stadium patrons from relieving themselves in front gardens. Now it's a puppet show that features Fauna, a puppet representing trees in a 'good vibes' tale about the environment which aims to relieve anxiety in children about the climate crisis and is set to take place in the sunken Paddington Reservoir Gardens. As urban affairs reporter David Barwell writes, various objections to the puppet show – part of Sydney's Out and About festival in September – have been made with concerns ranging from light and noise to urination, defecation and crime. One objector worries the puppet show for 200 people could damage the heritage value of the gardens. Another says the show could lead to severe impacts 'on surrounding residents due to excessive noise, both from crowds and performances'. 'This proposal is excessive in the extreme,' she wrote.
Scotsman
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Scotsman
Glamping on wheels: The 10 most unique campervans you can rent today
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Quirky campers unveils their most extraordinary mobile accommodations Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... From wooden-clad beauties to bohemian-inspired wanderers, the latest collection of handcrafted campervans from Quirky Campers offers holidaymakers the chance to experience the open road in unparalleled style and comfort. Gone are the days of basic white panel vans with fold-out beds. Today's campervan enthusiasts are seeking vehicles with personality, craftsmanship and Instagram-worthy interiors that rival boutique hotels. These mobile homes combine the freedom of the road with luxurious touches that make roughing it anything but rough. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "For the love of adventure, our world and its amazing humans. We exist to achieve planet-positive travel, promote creativity and connect people curious about a different way of living; enabling us all to take the leap to a sustainable future," states the Quirky Campers mission. Here's a look at ten of the most extraordinary campervans available to rent today: 1. Splinter: Woodland Hideaway on Wheels Camper Interior This Mercedes Sprinter van features a stunning wood-effect wrap on the exterior, allowing stealth camping while turning heads during the day. Step inside and you're transported to a cabin in the forest, complete with a wood-burning stove and a luxurious copper waterfall shower. "Splinter was amazing! Had so much fun travelling around Ireland. Very warm and comfortable, especially with the fire blazing away," shared recent renters Annie and Joe. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Standout features include a king-size bed, fully swivelling front seats, and solar power to keep devices charged while off-grid. 2. Fauna: Fairytale Escape Fauna This whimsical Nissan campervan looks like it's been plucked straight from a storybook, featuring beautiful interior craftsmanship and romantic décor. The pet-friendly vehicle sleeps two adults and includes a compact diesel heater to warm the entire space within minutes. As one traveller put it, "We spent 5 incredible days in Kevin and Claire's van. Everything was perfect, we had a great time. It was a fantastic vacation." 3. Shaka: Wooden Wonderland Shaka Newly listed in December 2024, this LDV Convoy conversion is truly one-of-a-kind. With stunning wood-carved walls, stained glass windows, and cosy interior details, Shaka turns heads wherever it goes. Built by owner Guy, who spent two years hand-carving every detail, this family-friendly camper sleeps up to five people. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The off-grid electrical setup includes three solar panels and a 300ah lithium-ion battery, making it perfect for extended adventures away from campsites. Roma Inspired by traditional Romany caravans, Roma features a beautifully designed interior with arched stripes of ash, handmade velvet curtains, and vibrant cushions. What makes this Mercedes Sprinter unique is its practical layout – two full-size fixed double bunk beds sleep up to four adults with no need to convert seating areas at night. "We had a lovely time with Roma. Surprisingly easy to drive (my first time ever driving a van!) and so comfy and fun inside. The beds were amazing, so much storage, the little kitchen had everything we needed. I'm now a convert to van life!" raved Liz, a recent renter. 5. Selkie: Mythical Journey Selkie Named after the legendary seal-people of Celtic and Nordic legends, this colourful Volkswagen Crafter sleeps four comfortably with a full-size double bed and two interconnecting berths for children. Located near Three Cliffs Bay (voted the UK's most beautiful beach), it's perfectly positioned for Welsh adventures. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A recent traveller shared: "We had such a glorious weekend staying in Selkie. The kids loved their sleeping pods and we were surprised with how long and comfortable our double bed was." Robin This innovative Citroen Relay can seat an astonishing seven people and sleep six, making it perfect for larger families. The clever interior design includes two children's bunk beds that appear "as if out of nowhere" and a flexible seating arrangement that can accommodate up to ten people when parked. "We had a wonderful stay in Robin! We were slightly apprehensive about our first camp with our 2yo but he was super comfortable in Robin (slept 12hrs!)," wrote Sophie in her March 2025 review. 7. Elton: Retro Rockstar Elton This 70s-inspired VW Transporter brings flower power into the 2020s with its eye-catching exterior design and bright yellow cabinetry. Named after Sir Elton John (with a nod to his lyrics "how wonderful life is now you're in the world"), this automatic campervan sleeps four and includes modern luxuries like a diesel heater, solar power, and outdoor shower. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "As first-time campervan renters, we couldn't have asked for a better experience," commented Karla and Zamar in their review. "The van, Elton, itself was in excellent condition, driving and handling beautifully throughout our trip and comes with all the bells and whistles." Roman This unique Ford Ranger conversion combines the practicality of a 4x4 truck with camping comfort. Featuring an iKamper roof tent that sleeps 3-4 people and a pull-out kitchen, Roman is designed for off-grid adventures. The vehicle comes with both solar power and an external hot shower, perfect for rinsing off after outdoor explorations. 9. Zog: Compact Charmer Zog | Quirky Campers This wood-clad LDV Convoy began life as a scout van before being transformed into a cosy mobile home. With a comfortable double bed that can be extended to accommodate a child, Zog offers both style and practicality in a compact package. "We had an absolutely wonderful few days in Zog, I would recommend it to anyone. Zog drove like a dream, and has been thoughtfully (and stylishly) kitted out with everything you could need for a trip away - including a very comfy bed!" shared Elsa and Joe. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 10. Ola: Scandinavian Simplicity Ola This Ford Transit embraces minimalist design principles with its clean, Scandinavian-inspired interior. Originally a church minibus, Ola has been transformed with neutral tones, ample storage, and functional design elements. The fixed double bed at the rear allows occupants to open the back doors and enjoy morning coffee with a view. Lindsay Berresford, co-founder of Quirky Campers, commented: "What makes these campervans special isn't just their unique designs, but the stories behind them. Many are passion projects, lovingly built by their owners who are now sharing their creations with fellow adventurers. From professional carpenters to DIY enthusiasts, these vans represent creativity, sustainability, and the joy of slow travel." All campervans can be booked through Quirky Campers, with prices varying by season and location. Most vehicles include essentials like cooking equipment, bedding, and off-grid power solutions, allowing travellers to enjoy the comforts of home while exploring remote locations. For more information, click here
Scotsman
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Scotsman
Glamping on wheels: The 10 most unique campervans you can rent today
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Quirky campers unveils their most extraordinary mobile accommodations Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... From wooden-clad beauties to bohemian-inspired wanderers, the latest collection of handcrafted campervans from Quirky Campers offers holidaymakers the chance to experience the open road in unparalleled style and comfort. Gone are the days of basic white panel vans with fold-out beds. Today's campervan enthusiasts are seeking vehicles with personality, craftsmanship and Instagram-worthy interiors that rival boutique hotels. These mobile homes combine the freedom of the road with luxurious touches that make roughing it anything but rough. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "For the love of adventure, our world and its amazing humans. We exist to achieve planet-positive travel, promote creativity and connect people curious about a different way of living; enabling us all to take the leap to a sustainable future," states the Quirky Campers mission. Here's a look at ten of the most extraordinary campervans available to rent today: 1. Splinter: Woodland Hideaway on Wheels Camper Interior This Mercedes Sprinter van features a stunning wood-effect wrap on the exterior, allowing stealth camping while turning heads during the day. Step inside and you're transported to a cabin in the forest, complete with a wood-burning stove and a luxurious copper waterfall shower. "Splinter was amazing! Had so much fun travelling around Ireland. Very warm and comfortable, especially with the fire blazing away," shared recent renters Annie and Joe. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Standout features include a king-size bed, fully swivelling front seats, and solar power to keep devices charged while off-grid. 2. Fauna: Fairytale Escape Fauna This whimsical Nissan campervan looks like it's been plucked straight from a storybook, featuring beautiful interior craftsmanship and romantic décor. The pet-friendly vehicle sleeps two adults and includes a compact diesel heater to warm the entire space within minutes. As one traveller put it, "We spent 5 incredible days in Kevin and Claire's van. Everything was perfect, we had a great time. It was a fantastic vacation." 3. Shaka: Wooden Wonderland Shaka Newly listed in December 2024, this LDV Convoy conversion is truly one-of-a-kind. With stunning wood-carved walls, stained glass windows, and cosy interior details, Shaka turns heads wherever it goes. Built by owner Guy, who spent two years hand-carving every detail, this family-friendly camper sleeps up to five people. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The off-grid electrical setup includes three solar panels and a 300ah lithium-ion battery, making it perfect for extended adventures away from campsites. Roma Inspired by traditional Romany caravans, Roma features a beautifully designed interior with arched stripes of ash, handmade velvet curtains, and vibrant cushions. What makes this Mercedes Sprinter unique is its practical layout – two full-size fixed double bunk beds sleep up to four adults with no need to convert seating areas at night. "We had a lovely time with Roma. Surprisingly easy to drive (my first time ever driving a van!) and so comfy and fun inside. The beds were amazing, so much storage, the little kitchen had everything we needed. I'm now a convert to van life!" raved Liz, a recent renter. 5. Selkie: Mythical Journey Selkie Named after the legendary seal-people of Celtic and Nordic legends, this colourful Volkswagen Crafter sleeps four comfortably with a full-size double bed and two interconnecting berths for children. Located near Three Cliffs Bay (voted the UK's most beautiful beach), it's perfectly positioned for Welsh adventures. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A recent traveller shared: "We had such a glorious weekend staying in Selkie. The kids loved their sleeping pods and we were surprised with how long and comfortable our double bed was." Robin This innovative Citroen Relay can seat an astonishing seven people and sleep six, making it perfect for larger families. The clever interior design includes two children's bunk beds that appear "as if out of nowhere" and a flexible seating arrangement that can accommodate up to ten people when parked. "We had a wonderful stay in Robin! We were slightly apprehensive about our first camp with our 2yo but he was super comfortable in Robin (slept 12hrs!)," wrote Sophie in her March 2025 review. 7. Elton: Retro Rockstar Elton This 70s-inspired VW Transporter brings flower power into the 2020s with its eye-catching exterior design and bright yellow cabinetry. Named after Sir Elton John (with a nod to his lyrics "how wonderful life is now you're in the world"), this automatic campervan sleeps four and includes modern luxuries like a diesel heater, solar power, and outdoor shower. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "As first-time campervan renters, we couldn't have asked for a better experience," commented Karla and Zamar in their review. "The van, Elton, itself was in excellent condition, driving and handling beautifully throughout our trip and comes with all the bells and whistles." Roman This unique Ford Ranger conversion combines the practicality of a 4x4 truck with camping comfort. Featuring an iKamper roof tent that sleeps 3-4 people and a pull-out kitchen, Roman is designed for off-grid adventures. The vehicle comes with both solar power and an external hot shower, perfect for rinsing off after outdoor explorations. 9. Zog: Compact Charmer Zog | Quirky Campers This wood-clad LDV Convoy began life as a scout van before being transformed into a cosy mobile home. With a comfortable double bed that can be extended to accommodate a child, Zog offers both style and practicality in a compact package. "We had an absolutely wonderful few days in Zog, I would recommend it to anyone. Zog drove like a dream, and has been thoughtfully (and stylishly) kitted out with everything you could need for a trip away - including a very comfy bed!" shared Elsa and Joe. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 10. Ola: Scandinavian Simplicity Ola This Ford Transit embraces minimalist design principles with its clean, Scandinavian-inspired interior. Originally a church minibus, Ola has been transformed with neutral tones, ample storage, and functional design elements. The fixed double bed at the rear allows occupants to open the back doors and enjoy morning coffee with a view. Lindsay Berresford, co-founder of Quirky Campers, commented: "What makes these campervans special isn't just their unique designs, but the stories behind them. Many are passion projects, lovingly built by their owners who are now sharing their creations with fellow adventurers. From professional carpenters to DIY enthusiasts, these vans represent creativity, sustainability, and the joy of slow travel." All campervans can be booked through Quirky Campers, with prices varying by season and location. Most vehicles include essentials like cooking equipment, bedding, and off-grid power solutions, allowing travellers to enjoy the comforts of home while exploring remote locations.
