Connie Zillotti has the best job ever, according to her kids. She is Production Manager for children’s TV in Brisbane and works on 10 Shake’s Shake Takes.
Connie was one of few lucky staff members who won a trip to farewell the Neighbours set. Like many of us, she has watched Neighbours since she was a child, so this set visit was extremely special to her.
So, what is the ultimate Neighbours fan’s favourite moment over 37 years? Find out here…
What is your role at Paramount ANZ? And what does that role involve?
My role at Paramount is Production Manager in our small Shake Takes team.
Being such a small team, I’m across most of the production life cycle including scheduling, budgeting, editing, and working directly with kids. Every day is something different and new.
My children think I have the best job ever because I get to play with Nintendo, Lego, and PAW Patrol merch (thanks Consumer Products!). From puppy shoots to fire stations – we have covered it all on Shake Takes.
What is your career highlight at Paramount ANZ?
My career highlight at Paramount would have to be working on Outback 8. It was a co-production with CBBC (a British free-to-air children’s television channel owned and operated by the BBC).
Outback 8 was shot out at Longreach where we filmed four Aussie and four British children learning the skills to become Jillaroos and Jackaroos in an effort to be able to participate in a final muster of 200 head of cattle.
We all learnt skills in horse riding, sheep shearing, pregnancy testing of cattle, bush survival skills, camping, and mustering.
You recently won a trip to the Neighbours set. What did that mean to you, and what did it feel like being on set?
The Neighbours set trip was a whirlwind day!
I had a blast telling my friends and kids that I was heading off to Erinsborough.
I’ve watched Neighbours since I was a child. When I worked in the UK, I would watch every episode at my desk – it was that lovely little piece of home. My British friends knew that at 1:40pm, it was business time.
It still makes me laugh that all my colleagues knew not to talk to me at this time. I did eventually convert the team to become Neighbours fans.
The Paramount ANZ Publicity team did such a great job of creating the Neighbours farewell lunch. It was decorated so beautifully from the moment you walked into the Freemantle doors.
At the lunch, I got a selfie with Harold and Toadie. I told Toadie that it always bothered me that he was a Bomber supporter. We heard from producers and cast in a beautiful tribute to the show.
After lunch we did a set tour. I keep telling everyone here at TVQ about the backyard sets and the working swimming pool!
Who is your favourite Neighbours character?
My favourite Neighbours character would have to be Susan Kennedy.
She is the ultimate TV mum and dream principle. Firm, but fair.
She has had the best storylines –dealing with tightarse Karl, amnesia, miscarriage, being kidnapped, and losing all her money!
What has been your favourite Neighbours moment ever?
Ohhh, have a few of these.
I loved the Toadie and Sonya episode – when the entire episode was shot with just the two of them.
Paul has had some great ones, like when Jim Robinsons return from the dead with a Christmas warning. And the wives episode including Gail, the twins, Rebecca, Lynn – all warning Terese she will turn out just like all of Paul’s ex-wives! So many!!
I’m going to miss hearing the opening theme song. I might have to add it to my playlist 😊
