Akmal Saleh, the internationally renowned comedian, will join the voice cast of The Wild Adventures of Blinky Bill as Blinky’s best friend, Jacko the frill-necked lizard.
Produced by Sydney-based Flying Bark Productions, the CGI animated TV series is the latest incarnation of the iconic Aussie character following on from last year’s box office success, Blinky Bill the Movie.
The 52 x 11 minute episode of The Wild Adventures of Blinky Bill has been commissioned by Australia’s most watched television network, Seven for its broadcast channel, 7TWO. Produced in association with Telegael (Ireland) and Giant Wheel (India), the series is slated to air later this year.
Set a few years after the feature film, the television series sees a slightly older Blinky (voiced by Cam Ralph) taking on the role as defender of his outback home with his best friend, the wise-cracking and loveable Jacko (voiced by Akmal Saleh). Armed with a knack for mischief and an unstoppable imagination, Blinky and Jacko take on the outback, turning even the simplest challenges into epic adventures.
Akmal is one of Australia’s most respected and accomplished comedians. Performing since the early 1990s, his list of credits include movies, stand-up, TV appearances, Radio DJ, talk show host and he is a published author. He has appeared at festivals all around the world, including Adelaide Fringe Comedy Festival, Melbourne Comedy Festival, Montreal ‘Just For Laughs’ Festival, Vancouver Comedy Festival, New Zealand Comedy Festival, Sydney Comedy Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
“Following an incredibly successful theatrical release last year for Blinky Bill the Movie, we are excited to be announcing Akmal as the voice of Jacko for our new Blinky Bill television series. Akmal is without a doubt one of Australia’s most loved comedians and his impeccable comedic timing makes him a perfect fit for the voice of Blinky’s best mate. We are thrilled Akmal is joining us on this fresh new take of Blinky Bill, completing the comeback of Australia’s favourite koala,” said Flying Bark Productions, MD, Barbara Stephen.
True to its roots, the show will continue to embody a quintessentially Aussie spirit, expressed through wild adventures, mayhem and crazy escapades of Blinky and his crew of quirky animal friends.