Guess who’s back, back again

So, the final task was for Bianca and Mark to put together pitches for their businesses and present them to a large room of experts and business leaders. Obviously they couldn’t do this by themselves, so we saw some of the failed candidates get one last chance to leave on a good note by helping the two finalists out.

James, Sarah, Daniel. The memories came flooding back.

Daniel helping out

So, Bianca selected Katie, Felipe, Lauren and Daniel to help her put together the pitch for her upmarket tights business. Daniel was his usual insightful self.

Over on Mark’s digital marketing presentation team, he assembled the crack team of Solomon, Sanjey, Sarah and… James. Oh, the humanity.

When coming up for the name of the agency, Solomon came up with some of his noted blue-sky thinking:

Mark settled on the catchy and clever name of “Climb Online”, but Sarah didn’t get it. She was seeing something else:

Meanwhile, Bianca had settled on “True Skin” as the name of her unique business that matched specific skin colours to the right pair of tights. She had Katie by her side at all times – and left the others to do the more mundane aspects of the task.

Shooting the videos 

Promotional videos needed to be made for the presentations – and this is where The Apprentice candidates come into their own on the cringeometer. Mark’s ClimbOnline video went literal and had actors as small business owners climbing a wall.

“As a dentist, I don’t know why I am climbing a wall talking about marketing” #theapprentice pic.twitter.com/YWAqUCC2hn

— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) December 21, 2014

The presentations

So, the fancy function hall was set up for Bianca and Mark to make their pitches.

Always be careful what you stand behind… #theapprentice pic.twitter.com/Mc0JLEwMPt

— The Apprentice (@bbcapprentice) December 21, 2014

With Mark looking like he would be nervous wreck during his presentation, he went off to prepare by himself – leaving comedy geniuses James and Solomon in charge of the pitch’s “entertainment”. They came up with dancers in these outfits pretending to climb up ladders. Remember, they took “ClimbOnline” very literally.

The endgame

Despite the fact that there was £250,000 on the line, the boardroom had a jaunty and comedic vibe. All the ex-candidates had no pressure on them so it just became a series of pre-prepared Sugar gags. Once the helpers had been thanked and dismissed it was down to Bianca vs Mark.

Sugar genuinely seemed to like both ideas. Bianca’s was more in line with what he is used to as a self-proclaimed “product man”. He chatted through the pros and cons of each idea and eventually declared that Mark and his digital advertising agency the winner of The Apprentice 2014.

Look at him there, all smiley:

Needless to say, the affable Australian was happy with the result.

Time to take things to the next level! #apprentice #winner #2014 pic.twitter.com/2gEPlu0LIy

— Mark Wright (@Mark_E_Wright) December 21, 2014

So, we have reached the end of another series of The Apprentice. Did the right candidate win in the end? Or is the business idea actually paramount and the first 10 weeks of the show almost irrelevant? I suppose all that matters is that contestants are still willing to put themselves through the wringer and get into petty arguments on screen for our viewing pleasure.

Once again, The Apprentice has certainly delivered us that.

The post The 11 most ridiculous moments from The Apprentice Final appeared first on The Aertv Blog.

Sunday, December 21st

Tomorrow Never Dies, RTE Two, 16:30

Kick things off with a cruise through the classic days of Pierce Brosnan-era James Bond. It’s not quite Christmas time at this stage, so 90s action movies are still acceptable viewing.

The Terminal, 17:55pm, BBC Two

For anyone travelling home or abroad around Christmas, this could be you. Note the expression of fear and bewilderment on Tom Hanks’ face above as he contemplates another hour in duty free because his flight has been delayed – again.

Tuesday, December 23rd

The King’s Speech, RTÉ One 9:35pm

This historical Royal drama won four Oscars and features Colin Firth in the leading role. Always a favourite.

Christmas Eve

Wall-E, BBC One, 11:00am

The futuristic and ridiculously deep Pixar animated comedy/sci-fi film is certainly worth a watch on the morning of Christmas Eve. Its critically-acclaimed take on robots in a waste-covered future Earth is as endearing as it is funny.

Toy Story 3, BBC One, 6:25pm

“I’m not going to cry. I’m going to cry. I’m not going to cry.”

*everyone cries*

Hot Fuzz, RTÉ 2, 00:10am

One of the best comedies of the last decade, Hot Fuzz is the second installment in the Simon Pegg and Nick Frost penned ‘Three Flavoured Cornetto’ trilogy. Things get weird, but also very funny.

Christmas Day

Home Alone 2, 08:05am RTÉ One

What better way to start Christmas Day than with one of the quintessential modern classics. The second installment of the Home Alone series is arguably as loved as the first – and its shots of a snowy New York at Christmas are epic. It starts at 8am as well – so a bright and early start required.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. RTÉ 2, 09:55am

Another absolute classic for Christmas morning – the original, Johnny Depp-less version of the Roald Dahl tale still packs enough creepy and whimsical aspects into its story to match the more modern version.

Forrest Gump, TV3, 9:00pm

Everyone has seen it before, but that won’t stop you watching it after a long Christmas Day. It has all the right ingredients for everyone to enjoy.

In America, 3e, 10:15pm

Jim Sheridan’s semi-autobiographical drama about a young Irish family moving to New York is heartbreaking and emotional at times, as it charts the struggle of the characters with a subtlety that saw it nominated for three Academy Awards.

Argo, 10:40pm RTÉ One, 10:40pm

One of the big ticket premieres this Christmas, Argo tells the (mostly) true story of a CIA and Canadian embassy’s mission to extract six diplomats out of a hostile Iran. It’s gripping stuff, and Affleck’s direction keeps you on edge throughout.

The Big Lebowski, TG4, 11:10pm

One of the Coen Brothers’ cult classics, this could certainly be a popular favourite late on Christmas Day. Follow the exploits of unemployed slacker and bowling enthusiast “The Dude” as he gets caught up in some dodgy scenarios.

Stephen’s Day

Cool Runnings, BBC One, 11:30am

If it’s snowing outside on Stephen’s Day and you attempt to go down some hill on a cart fashioned out of a baking tray – you can relate to these guys. This is one of the classic winter sports comedies, partially based on the real Jamaican Bobsleigh team that actually did make the winter Olympics. Enjoy.

The Princess Bride, TV3, 5:00PM

Rob Reiner’s classic comedy fantasy is told in book style by a grandfather to his sick grandson. It’s hilarious, surreal and brilliant all in one.

Skyfall, 26th, 9:10pm RTÉ One

Another big-hitting premiere on RTÉ One, Skyfall is a modern James Bond classic – complete with its iconic Adele theme tune.

Wall Street, RTÉ One, 02:10am

If you’re coming in slightly tipsy from a Stephen’s Day night out, and want your fill of cynical 80s characters and cut-throat stock market ethics – then this is the movie for you. Michael Douglas is phenomenal as the ultra capitalist Gordon Gekko – who takes a young Charlie Sheen under his devilish wing and leads him astray down the avenue of dastardly riches.

December 27th

The Shawshank Redemption, TV3, 9:15pm

Another one you have seen before, but it still has to be watched again and again for the ending alone.

December 28th 

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, 3:45pm, RTÉ One

The second installment of the popular franchise sees Indie attempt to uncover a mystical stone for a tribe, leading to all sorts of violent shenanigans.

The Snapper, TV3, 9:00pm

Part of Roddy Doyle’s Barrytown trilogy of books, this feature focused on the Rabbitte family going through an unwanted pregnancy in the family. Fast, furious and funny in that inimitable Dublin manner.

Casino Royale, RTÉ One, 9:30pm

The first James Bond film to feature Daniel Craig in the title role, Casino Royale sent Bond flying into the 21st Century and re-energised the brand.

December 29th

The Dark Knight Rises, RTÉ Two, 9:00pm

Perhaps the worst of Christopher Nolan’s excellent Batman trilogy (seriously, what is Bane actually saying the whole time?) but it’s still a satisfactory ending to a modern day classic that has re-defined the style of superhero movies going forward.

The Firm, RTÉ One, 11:50pm

When John Grisham’s legal novels get turned into movies – they tend to be good watches, and this one is no different. A young Tom Cruise sticking it to the (legal) man is a pretty satisfying watch.

December 30th

The Adjustment Bureau, RTE Two, 9:00pm

Combining romance and, eh, science fiction, this Matt Damon and Emily Blunt romance faces some serious challenges from the secret rulers of society – The Adjustment Bureau. Engaging.

The Graduate, RTE One, 12:35am

The much parodied affair between older woman Anne Bancroft and young college graduate Dustin Hoffman provides the backdrop and drama for this surprisingly sharp and witty comedy.

New Year’s Eve

Superman, 7:00pm, RTÉ 2

The original Christopher Reeves Superman movie is actually compelling stuff. Ignore the sequels that followed it – and most incarnations of the character since – and watch this one with an open mind. Sure, you might have better things to be doing given it is New Year’s Eve, but this isn’t a bad pre-plan option.

Airplane!, 1:00am, RTÉ 2

Surely there is no better way to start 2015 than with one of the funniest movies of all time? Just one hour into the New Year, you won’t find much better on to be watching than this classic.

New Year’s Day

Django Unchained, RTE One, 9:20pm

Quentin Tarantino’s latest masterpiece, this slavery-set epic puts Jamie Foxx centre stage as Django. With support from Christoph Waltz and Leonardo DiCaprio adding to the drama, this film is a must watch if you haven’t already seen it.

L.A Confidential, 12:25am, RTÉ One

A stone-cold classic to wrap up your festive movie watching. This stellar cast of L.A cops dig into a conspiracy that goes all the way to the top. You can confuse people after by mysteriously saying “Rollo Tomassi” at inappropriate times.

The post Your guide to the essential movies on aertv this Christmas appeared first on The Aertv Blog.

Five begin the interview process. Look at them there:

Even though we were still trying to figure out exactly how Daniel has made it into the final five, he is there anyway. These are the five candidates that will face off against Sugar’s interrogators. Instead of a traditional task, the whole show will be them answering a barrage of questions about their proposed businesses. This is the first time we have heard a detailed explanation of each venture – and some of them were not good.

The interviewers: 

Each candidate will go through four separate interviews – each mercilessly examining every flaw in the business plans, and even in the characters themselves. It’s not pretty when one of them goes into ultra-cruel-mode on a young, unsuspecting candidate. But that’s why we’re here – the cringe-based enjoyment.

Financials are, eh, important to a business

First up we see 23 year old Solomon on his way to the interviews. He hasn’t included any financials in his business plan – which may prove detrimental to his chances of… securing financial investment. Call me a traditionalist, but investors like to know these things ahead of time.

That moment you realise you didn’t put any financial information in your business plan.

The interviews took a turn for the surreal

You know those “where do you see yourself in five years?” questions in interviews? Well, The Apprentice goes more for the hypothetical phone call angle. Here Mark tries to sell something that the caller doesn’t want to talk about. Slightly harsh, we felt.

Roisin eats food

Given her business revolves around ready-meals, obviously Roisin has some experience in the industry? Well, she does eat food.

This clip seemed like it was edited a little out of context, but the fact that Roisin has no experience might count against her. She has been the most impressive candidate so far, but the interviews are all about the business plan. She had a rough time of it from all.

Daniel’s business plan did not go well

Infamously tough interviewer Claude pulled no punches on Daniel.

We wish we could have had this on repeat all series for him (and James. Definitely James):

Solomon gets thrown out of his own interview

Things hadn’t been going great for Solomon, but he hit an all time low when Claude wouldn’t even speak to him about his business plan because of its amateur nature. In fairness, it was a few pages long, and most of that was filled with logos for the proposed business.

What made it worse is that Solomon tried to leave via the wrong door on the way out. Can’t get much worse than that:

Bianca started getting rattled

“I am so happy to be here.”

Bianca’s business plan for tights was actually being received well in her first couple of interviews. Then the interviewers started digging down into her character and why she is so professional. It got to the point that she was almost being berated for not being more emotional and “fun” whilst working. The interviewers will do anything to break you, and sure enough Bianca started crying at one point. Seriously, nobody will come through this process intact.

So, to the boardroom

Given how badly the interview had went for Solomon, there was no surprise to see him swiftly booted out of the boardroom at Sugar’s first opportunity. Despite being a very smart guy, Solomon had sailed through the process on good will, hardly ever being brought back into the boardroom and often not contributing to many successful tasks.

He will always have that interview with Claude to look back on though:

Ready-meal to go

By all accounts, Irish candidate Roisin had been the most impressive throughout the competition. She had the joint best win record when it came to tasks, and she had been the creative force behind many of the best ideas. Now, when she had to pitch her business, it just didn’t work for her. Roisin’s low calorie ready meals were just not innovative enough for Sugar and his crack team of interviewers to get behind. It was tough to see someone so talented go before Daniel, but that’s how the game works sometimes:

Three left, only two spots available in the final 

Daniel remains. Anyone who has watched the show for the whole series now looks on as one of its worst candidates is a breath away from making it into the final week. He’s up against Bianca and Mark. Hold your breath.

And the finalists are… Mark and Bianca. Goodbye Daniel!

This was a tough week for all involved – we saw three candidates fired and the grand final is next week. Who will win? Bianca’s hosiery business or Mark’s digital marketing company?

At this stage, it feels like we just watched 11 weeks of meaningless tasks given that Sugar just picked the finalists on the merit of their respective business plans. Still, it was all fun and games while it lasted.

Now, to try and predict a winner…

The post The 11 most ridiculous moments from The Apprentice Interviews appeared first on The Aertv Blog.

There are the two feuding families that Red Rock will be based on:

On one side, the Hennessys, a local dynasty, whose name is above half the businesses in town. On the other side, the Kielys, who have turned petty crime into a cottage industry.

TV3

TV3

And, of course, the Gardai who will be trying to keep these families two apart:

TV3

The post Watch: The trailer to TV3’s new soap Red Rock appeared first on The Aertv Blog.

Here is Apple’s festive sales pitch for 2014 – and it’s delightfully nostalgic and musical. Be prepared for some tears:

OK. Who started chopping onions in here? Stop that, now.

This follows on from the annual John Lewis feels-fest and the World War I themed Sainsbury’s effort. Companies are really starting to nail this Christmas ad phenomenon – and we’ll be there to lap it up every time, especially when it is this good.

The Apple Christmas ad had me in tears…shhh don’t tell anyone

— Bob Barlow (@osgood9) December 14, 2014

Man… did anyone just see that Apple ad? Tears.

— Adam Kemp (@Adam_WK) December 14, 2014

We feel you guys.

The post Apple’s Christmas ad is here – and it might cause some tears appeared first on The Aertv Blog.

The teams

First up, Daniel was switched with Sanjey – finally breaking up the long-running feud with Mark. This was a nice game-changer and mixed things up well.

On Tenacity, Katie was elected Project Manager and would be up against Irish contestant Roisin over on Summit. Two of the favourites to win the competition clashing – and with both of their business ideas revolving around food, this task would be crucial to their chances.

The ideas

Ah yes, premium desserts. Here Solomon struggles with the concept of chamomile tea. Caramel?

Summit eventually go with a range of tea-infused cheesecakes named “Tea Pot”. Clever.

Tenacity, on the other hand, go with a range of trifles. Here’s the design dreamed up by Mark and Sanjey, whilst Katie was in the kitchen brewing up some major saffron to give the trifle that unique flavour. Will it work?

Solomon was a key player in the “Tea Pot” branding, but he seems to have this expression at all times:

So, the task is to pitch to three retailers and whichever team gets the biggest total order wins. Simple, right? No. Not when you have Daniel on your team who insists on pitching in during the presentation. Roisin explicitly said that he would not be involved and could only speak if he had something useful to add. Daniel just kept talking:

ROISIN: ‘How about we see who can be quiet the longest? Daniel, you go first…’ #TheApprentice

— The Sunday People (@thesundaypeople) December 10, 2014

Meanwhile, Tenacity were having a very difficult time pitching themselves. “Prize stallion” Mark absolutely fluffed his lines in front of the biggest retailer. The best salesman so far could barely get a word out as he spluttered and coughed his way through one of the worst pitches in the history of The Apprentice.

There are nerves and then there is the inability to speak English. Mark was edging towards the latter:

Hi, ahem, I’m Mark, ahem, don’t leave your stallions, ahem, in the stable, ahem, I’M ahem THE STALLION. #mark #theapprentice

— Emer Kenny (@MissEmerKenny) December 10, 2014

The Boardroom

The sales of each team were revealed in a painfully slow manner, but it certainly added to the drama on show. Eventually, Team Summit’s Tea Pot won out comfortably – as was expected. So, Tenacity were back in the boardroom, with Katie, Mark and Sanjey all potentially on the chopping block.

First up, Mark’s presentation:

Nick was quick to stick the boot in:

This was a different boardroom though. Gone were the days of the petty arguments about what had just occurred on the task. Sugar got straight down to an interrogation about the viability of the businesses that they are pitching – and we found out that Sanjey wants to start a social network for people who use the gym, and Katie has an idea for a chain of healthy restaurants.

Both were fired. Sugar just didn’t think they were viable. Wait, what was the point of ten weeks’ worth of tasks then, if it all comes down to a Dragons Den-type scenario at the end?

If Lord Sugar doesn’t like your business idea, is there any point doing (or even winning) the weekly tasks at all? #theapprentice

— Katy Brown (@PrimarkToPrada) December 11, 2014

Five remain. Onwards to next week.

The post The 8 most ridiculous moments from The Apprentice Episode 10 appeared first on The Aertv Blog.

We want everybody to be able to see what’s happening at the protests on Aertv. So tune in from 1pm today and watch it happen, live.

You can watch all the action right here.

The post Aertv to live stream ‘Right 2 Water’ National Assembly from the Dáil today appeared first on The Aertv Blog.

Cutting between interviews with alumni, current students, professors and epic shots of the city centre campus, this video tells the story of the Dublin University in a unique way.

Check it out:

Those long, ranging shots from a drone camera are particularly interesting and show the grounds of the university in a completely different way than you’re used to seeing them.

Now, it’s up to other Universities to step up and match it.

More drones, please.

The post Trinity College uses drones and time-lapse filming in epic new promotional video appeared first on The Aertv Blog.

Feeling nostalgic for 2014 cinema already? Here’s your chance to relive it all. Youtube user The Sleepy Skunk has slaved over a hot computer screen to bring you this mashup from all the year’s trailers. It’s very good:

You can even check out which movie featured where in the clip. Any they missed out on? Probably not. This is pretty comprehensive stuff.

The post All of 2014’s best movies in one brilliant mashup appeared first on The Aertv Blog.

Tonight at 9:35pm on RTÉ One, ‘Through the Roof: Rental Crisis’ looks at the problem facing many around the country as the supply of properties on the market is low and the demand is rocketing upwards.

With over 500,000 households renting across Ireland, the documentary title of ‘rental crisis’ is not hyperbole – as all the stats point to an increasingly difficult situation for those seeking a place to live, especially in the capital.

According to RTÉ, tonight’s programme is investigating the issue at exactly the right moment:

Through the Roof is a timely, observational documentary that aims to balance the experience of both landlords and tenants during Dublin’s busy 2014 autumn rental season. It’s a snapshot of the city’s private rental sector amid a critical housing and homelessness crisis. Characters and stories from both sides find pressures, conflicts and challenges in the everyday of renting or letting: from desperate tenants searching for a home or facing possible eviction, to landlords under severe financial pressures.

Anyone searching around with the thousands of others for a place will just be like this, through gritted teeth:

The post New RTÉ documentary tackles Ireland’s rental crisis – and it airs tonight appeared first on The Aertv Blog.