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Don’t Blame the Koalas - Episode 1, Fate Steps In (2002)

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Original classification rating: G. This clip chosen to be G

Clip description

With the death of old Mrs Medlow (Eileen McEwan), Kate (Basia A’Hern) and her two brothers Mark (Shaun Loseby) and Chris (Henry Nixon) are now on their own at Wallaby Wildlife park. Kate tells Mark that Mrs Medlow has left the property to some English relatives.

Curator’s notes

by Annemaree O'Brien

The clip introduces the wildlife park setting with the wallpaper of exotic Australian animals and their intrinsic appeal for the required overseas market. We also meet the main Australian characters, including older brother Chris and the animal handler Vinnie, delightfully played by Anh Do. It sets up the potential conflict between the Australians and the unknown English relatives.

By speaking directly to the camera, both Kate and Mark establish themselves as lead characters, each creating a strong connection with the viewer and drawing them into their story.

The series’ use of special effects, such as the occasional talking bird, the daydream lighting for Mark’s soccer goal and dramatic use of enhanced sound effects, such as heartbeats and 'swoosh’ effects, are all evident in this clip.

The deathbed scene of Mrs Medlow is a bit of a surprise in a children’s series, but is handled well, and the use of silence except for the clock ticking is very atmospheric.

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australianscreen is produced by the National Film and Sound Archive. By using the website you agree to comply with the terms and conditions described elsewhere on this site. The NFSA may amend the 'Conditions of Use’ from time to time without notice.

All materials on the site, including but not limited to text, video clips, audio clips, designs, logos, illustrations and still images, are protected by the Copyright Laws of Australia and international conventions.

When you access australianscreen you agree that:

  • You may retrieve materials for information only.
  • You may download materials for your personal use or for non-commercial educational purposes, but you must not publish them elsewhere or redistribute clips in any way.
  • You may embed the clip for non-commercial educational purposes including for use on a school intranet site or a school resource catalogue.
  • The National Film and Sound Archive’s permission must be sought to amend any information in the materials, unless otherwise stated in notices throughout the Site.

All other rights reserved.

ANY UNAUTHORISED USE OF MATERIAL ON THIS SITE MAY RESULT IN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LIABILITY.

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