The future of Anh’s Brush With Fame is up in the air with sources telling TV Blackbox the comedian and artist is refusing to sign on for another series.
The news comes after a controversial season of the popular program, in which it was revealed Do paints the pictures ahead of time using photographs as his inspiration.
In fact, TV Blackbox co-editor Kevin Perry revealed a photo from 7 years prior was used for his portrait of celebrity chef Kylie Kwong after viewers noticed the glasses in the painting did not match the ones Kwong was wearing for the sitting.
Recently, Andrew Hornery reported in the SMH that Do has help with his portraits from art tutor Paul Ryan. When contacted, Ryan confirmed to the publication he was paid by Do to help bring the portraits to life in the initial stages, saying:
“Yes it’s true, but Anh is a bit cagey about revealing how it all comes together, he doesn’t like me talking about it”
Our sources also say the social media backlash this year to the process and finished artworks has prompted Do to walk away from the successful series. Production workers on the show are said to now be looking for other work.
When contacted by TV Blackbox, the ABC confirmed no deal was in place for another series, with a spokesperson telling us:
We’re still in discussion with Screentime and we’re yet to lock in the next series of Anh Do’s Brush with Fame.
By all accounts, they should not hold their breath.
One might suppose the moral of this story is that if a deserving co-worker requests a “consultant’s credit”, it would be wise to grant that request.
I had no idea about the ‘here’s one I prepared earlier’ stuff! Ha! Is this why he sends the person outside after awhile? So he can replace some canvas he’s been slopping paint onto, with the actual one done earlier?! That’s HILARIOUS.