Police on New York's Staten Island say they're confident they've apprehended the elusive "Ninja Burglar," who they claim has confessed to more than 100 residential break-ins since his arrest on Wednesday. A statement supplied to People by Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon's office suggests Wednesday's collar abruptly ended 46-year-old Robert Costanzo's infamous crime spree, which spanned 10 years and three separate states. Costanzo, a convicted rapist who claims to have victimized five women, has been formally charged with committing three burglaries while dressed entirely in black. He'd also conceal his face during the burglaries, and described himself to one victim as a "ninja.
- 4/21/2016
- by Chris Harris, @chrisharrisment
- PEOPLE.com
Police on New York's Staten Island say they're confident they've apprehended the elusive "Ninja Burglar," who they claim has confessed to more than 100 residential break-ins since his arrest on Wednesday. A statement supplied to People by Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon's office suggests Wednesday's collar abruptly ended 46-year-old Robert Costanzo's infamous crime spree, which spanned 10 years and three separate states. Costanzo, a convicted rapist who claims to have victimized five women, has been formally charged with committing three burglaries while dressed entirely in black. He'd also conceal his face during the burglaries, and described himself to one victim as a "ninja.
- 4/21/2016
- by Chris Harris, @chrisharrisment
- PEOPLE.com
A young boy with Williams syndrome got the thrill of a lifetime when his older brother took him on a helicopter ride for the first time. In a video that has garnered over 116,000 YouTube views, vlogger and pilot Michael McMahon is seen soaring over the Irish countryside with his ecstatic younger brother, Robbie. "My brother Robbie has Williams syndrome and I had the honor of taking him flying, which was a massive thing for Robbie," Michael captions the video. Williams syndrome, a genetic condition that affects 1 in 10,000 people worldwide, is present at birth and is characterized by medical problems, developmental delays and learning disabilities.
- 4/20/2016
- by Rose Minutaglio, @RoseMinutaglio
- PEOPLE.com
On Wednesday morning, New York real estate heir alleged murderer Robert Durst pleaded guilty to a single gun charge in federal court in New Orleans. Lead prosecutor Michael McMahon confirms to People that Durst faces 85 months in prison. The 72-year-old has been in custody in Louisiana since his arrest in March, and initially pleaded not guilty to the charge. As a convicted felon, Durst is legally barred from carrying a gun. But law enforcement officials recovered a handgun from Durst's hotel room while executing an arrest warrant on March 14. Durst, who is being held without bail, also faces murder charges in Los Angeles,...
- 2/3/2016
- by Chris Harris, @chrisharrisment
- PEOPLE.com
On Wednesday morning, New York real estate heir alleged murderer Robert Durst pleaded guilty to a single gun charge in federal court in New Orleans. Lead prosecutor Michael McMahon confirms to People that Durst faces 85 months in prison. The 72-year-old has been in custody in Louisiana since his arrest in March, and initially pleaded not guilty to the charge. As a convicted felon, Durst is legally barred from carrying a gun. But law enforcement officials recovered a handgun from Durst's hotel room while executing an arrest warrant on March 14. Durst, who is being held without bail, also faces murder charges in Los Angeles,...
- 2/3/2016
- by Chris Harris, @chrisharrisment
- PEOPLE.com
Matchbox Pictures has won the Production Business of the Year award at the 15th annual Screen Producers Australia Awards.
The awards, were hosted by television and radio presenter James Mathison at Melbourne.s Palladium at Crown during the 30th Screen Forever Conference.
For a full list of awards, see below.
Matchbox Pictures was founded by Australian producers Tony Ayres, Penny Chapman, Helen Bowden, Michael McMahon and Helen Panckhurst in 2008.
It was acquired by NBC Universal in 2014..
Matchbox specialises in television drama, children.s programming, factual and entertainment content, animation and feature films for the domestic and international marketplace..
Most recently, Matchbox has produced the popular reality television series Real Housewives of Melbourne, feature film Ali.s Wedding, Lally Katz.s comedy mini-series Stories I Want To Tell You In Person for the ABC, and the youth television drama series Nowhere Boys for ABC Television, which was honoured with the Screen...
The awards, were hosted by television and radio presenter James Mathison at Melbourne.s Palladium at Crown during the 30th Screen Forever Conference.
For a full list of awards, see below.
Matchbox Pictures was founded by Australian producers Tony Ayres, Penny Chapman, Helen Bowden, Michael McMahon and Helen Panckhurst in 2008.
It was acquired by NBC Universal in 2014..
Matchbox specialises in television drama, children.s programming, factual and entertainment content, animation and feature films for the domestic and international marketplace..
Most recently, Matchbox has produced the popular reality television series Real Housewives of Melbourne, feature film Ali.s Wedding, Lally Katz.s comedy mini-series Stories I Want To Tell You In Person for the ABC, and the youth television drama series Nowhere Boys for ABC Television, which was honoured with the Screen...
- 11/24/2015
- by Inside Film Correspondent
- IF.com.au
EOne will test the potential for a limited theatrical launch followed quickly by home entertainment release with Kriv Stenders. Kill Me Three Times.
The comedic thriller, which stars Simon Pegg, Alice Braga, Luke Hemsworth, Teresa Palmer, Callan Mulvey and Sullivan Stapleton, will have Q&A screenings in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth next month and will be available on digital platforms and on DVD and Blu-ray on September 9.
Separately the distributor has confirmed Tony Ayres. Cut Snake will have a conventional cinema release starting on September 24. EOne MD Troy Lum described the Kill Me Three Times strategy as direct-to-consumer, observing. .This style of release reflects eOne's desire to drive unique ways to connect films with audiences in a shifting landscape, while allowing the film to be presented to the widest possible audience across the country.. Stenders (who recently wrapped Blue Dog) and producer Tania Chambers will support the release via a...
The comedic thriller, which stars Simon Pegg, Alice Braga, Luke Hemsworth, Teresa Palmer, Callan Mulvey and Sullivan Stapleton, will have Q&A screenings in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth next month and will be available on digital platforms and on DVD and Blu-ray on September 9.
Separately the distributor has confirmed Tony Ayres. Cut Snake will have a conventional cinema release starting on September 24. EOne MD Troy Lum described the Kill Me Three Times strategy as direct-to-consumer, observing. .This style of release reflects eOne's desire to drive unique ways to connect films with audiences in a shifting landscape, while allowing the film to be presented to the widest possible audience across the country.. Stenders (who recently wrapped Blue Dog) and producer Tania Chambers will support the release via a...
- 7/14/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Essential 11 Television is producing a pilot for a home renovation series in Los Angeles for the Us network Hgtv while three other shows are premiering in the Us this month.
Three Dads and A House features La.s Re-Inhabit, a boutique firm which specialises in restoring dilapidated structures while retaining their original character.
Based in La and Toronto, Essential 11 is a factual entertainment co-venture between Essential Media and Entertainment, Canada.s 11 Television and Primitive Entertainment.
Launching this week on the Diy Network are BackFlip, a 4-part series in which restoration expert Brett Waterman transforms a poorly renovated Palm Springs villa into a historically-accurate dream home; and Texas Flip .n Move, a nine-part series about three family businesses in Fort Worth which compete against each other to locate, move, renovate and sell homes for the highest price.
Fool.s Gold, an eight-part docu-comedy that debuted on Discovery Canada, will have its...
Three Dads and A House features La.s Re-Inhabit, a boutique firm which specialises in restoring dilapidated structures while retaining their original character.
Based in La and Toronto, Essential 11 is a factual entertainment co-venture between Essential Media and Entertainment, Canada.s 11 Television and Primitive Entertainment.
Launching this week on the Diy Network are BackFlip, a 4-part series in which restoration expert Brett Waterman transforms a poorly renovated Palm Springs villa into a historically-accurate dream home; and Texas Flip .n Move, a nine-part series about three family businesses in Fort Worth which compete against each other to locate, move, renovate and sell homes for the highest price.
Fool.s Gold, an eight-part docu-comedy that debuted on Discovery Canada, will have its...
- 1/8/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Wayne Blair, Rachel Perkins, Greg McLean, Cameron and Colin Cairnes get green lights for new Australian films, including a new feature starring Kevin Bacon.
The directors of two of Australia’s biggest hits of the last five years, Rachel Perkins (Bran Nue Dae) and Wayne Blair (The Sapphires) have had new films financed in Screen Australia’s last funding round for the year.
Six films in all got a green light: another is Jungle from Wolf Creek director Greg McLean, who recently made his first Us film, 6 Miranda Drive, and has cast Kevin Bacon in this cinematic recreation of the true story of Yossi Ghinsberg managing to survive in the Amazon rainforest.
Perkins will direct the adaptation of the extremely popular book Jasper Jones in Western Australia next year. No cast are yet attached to the coming-of-age murder mystery written by Shaun Grant who was thrust into the limelight when the film of his debut script [link=tt...
The directors of two of Australia’s biggest hits of the last five years, Rachel Perkins (Bran Nue Dae) and Wayne Blair (The Sapphires) have had new films financed in Screen Australia’s last funding round for the year.
Six films in all got a green light: another is Jungle from Wolf Creek director Greg McLean, who recently made his first Us film, 6 Miranda Drive, and has cast Kevin Bacon in this cinematic recreation of the true story of Yossi Ghinsberg managing to survive in the Amazon rainforest.
Perkins will direct the adaptation of the extremely popular book Jasper Jones in Western Australia next year. No cast are yet attached to the coming-of-age murder mystery written by Shaun Grant who was thrust into the limelight when the film of his debut script [link=tt...
- 11/27/2014
- by Sandy.George@me.com (Sandy George)
- ScreenDaily
Screen Australia announced today it will invest nearly $10.7 million in 11 television and film projects which will trigger production worth almost $59 million.
In one of the most hotly contested funding rounds, six features succeeded. They include Wayne Blair.s romantic comedy Ali.s Wedding; Joe Cinque.s Consolation, a thriller about a troubled law student who tries to kill her boyfriend, from director Sotiris Dounoukos, whose A Single Body won best short at the Toronto International Film Festival, and Cameron and Colin Cairnes. horror movie Scare Campaign.
The other three are Taboo, the narrative feature debut of documentary filmmakers Bentley Dean and Martin Butler; Rachel Perkins. murder mystery Jasper Jones, based on the novel and play by Craig Silvey, adapted by Shaun Grant;. and Greg Mclean.s true-life thriller Jungle.
The TV projects are Shine Australia.s Peter Allen: Not the Boy Next Door for the Seven Network; a Jack...
In one of the most hotly contested funding rounds, six features succeeded. They include Wayne Blair.s romantic comedy Ali.s Wedding; Joe Cinque.s Consolation, a thriller about a troubled law student who tries to kill her boyfriend, from director Sotiris Dounoukos, whose A Single Body won best short at the Toronto International Film Festival, and Cameron and Colin Cairnes. horror movie Scare Campaign.
The other three are Taboo, the narrative feature debut of documentary filmmakers Bentley Dean and Martin Butler; Rachel Perkins. murder mystery Jasper Jones, based on the novel and play by Craig Silvey, adapted by Shaun Grant;. and Greg Mclean.s true-life thriller Jungle.
The TV projects are Shine Australia.s Peter Allen: Not the Boy Next Door for the Seven Network; a Jack...
- 11/26/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Sam Worthington, Hugh Dancy, Rachel Griffiths, Bryan Brown and Ewen Leslie are just some of the names that make up the impressive Deadline Gallipoli cast.
Foxtel made the casting announcement this morning as the mini-series starts production in South Australia.
Other cast members are Jessica De Gouw, Anna Torv, James Fraser, Charles Dance and newcomer 2013 Nida graduate Joel Jackson.
John Bell of Bell Shakespeare will also be returning to television for the first time in more than 20 years.
The mini-series, directed by Michael Rymer (Hannibal), looks at the Gallipoli legend from the point of view of four war correspondents Charles Bean, Ellis Ashmead-Bartlett, Phillip Schuler and Keith Murdoch.
Joel Jackson stars as Bean, Hugh Dancy as Bartlett, Ewen Leslie as Murdoch, and Sam Worthington as Schuler. Charles Dance plays Hamilton, the Commander of the Gallipoli campaign, Bryan Brown plays General Bridges and John Bell plays Lord Kitchener.
"This is a...
Foxtel made the casting announcement this morning as the mini-series starts production in South Australia.
Other cast members are Jessica De Gouw, Anna Torv, James Fraser, Charles Dance and newcomer 2013 Nida graduate Joel Jackson.
John Bell of Bell Shakespeare will also be returning to television for the first time in more than 20 years.
The mini-series, directed by Michael Rymer (Hannibal), looks at the Gallipoli legend from the point of view of four war correspondents Charles Bean, Ellis Ashmead-Bartlett, Phillip Schuler and Keith Murdoch.
Joel Jackson stars as Bean, Hugh Dancy as Bartlett, Ewen Leslie as Murdoch, and Sam Worthington as Schuler. Charles Dance plays Hamilton, the Commander of the Gallipoli campaign, Bryan Brown plays General Bridges and John Bell plays Lord Kitchener.
"This is a...
- 6/16/2014
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Sam Worthington, Hugh Dancy, Rachel Griffiths, Bryan Brown and Ewen Leslie are just some of the names that make up the impressive Deadline Gallipoli cast.
Foxtel made the casting announcement this morning as the mini-series starts production in South Australia.
Other cast members are Jessica De Gouw, Anna Torv, James Fraser, Charles Dance and newcomer 2013 Nida graduate Joel Jackson.
John Bell of Bell Shakespeare will also be returning to television for the first time in more than 20 years.
The mini-series, directed by Michael Rymer (Hannibal), looks at the Gallipoli legend from the point of view of four war correspondents Charles Bean, Ellis Ashmead-Bartlett, Phillip Schuler and Keith Murdoch.
Joel Jackson stars as Bean, Hugh Dancy as Bartlett, Ewen Leslie as Murdoch, and Sam Worthington as Schuler. Charles Dance plays Hamilton, the Commander of the Gallipoli campaign, Bryan Brown plays General Bridges and John Bell plays Lord Kitchener.
"This is a...
Foxtel made the casting announcement this morning as the mini-series starts production in South Australia.
Other cast members are Jessica De Gouw, Anna Torv, James Fraser, Charles Dance and newcomer 2013 Nida graduate Joel Jackson.
John Bell of Bell Shakespeare will also be returning to television for the first time in more than 20 years.
The mini-series, directed by Michael Rymer (Hannibal), looks at the Gallipoli legend from the point of view of four war correspondents Charles Bean, Ellis Ashmead-Bartlett, Phillip Schuler and Keith Murdoch.
Joel Jackson stars as Bean, Hugh Dancy as Bartlett, Ewen Leslie as Murdoch, and Sam Worthington as Schuler. Charles Dance plays Hamilton, the Commander of the Gallipoli campaign, Bryan Brown plays General Bridges and John Bell plays Lord Kitchener.
"This is a...
- 6/16/2014
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Two major miniseries on Gallipoli both aim to start shooting by the middle of next year.
Casting is underway for the eight-hour opus Gallipoli, produced by Southern Star Entertainment for the Nine Network, which will re-enact 10 months in the Australian forces'. WW1 campaign in Turkey.
Sam Worthington is highly likely to play a lead role in The Gallipoli Story, a four-parter for Foxtel which will follow Australian journalists Keith Murdoch, Charles Bean and Phillip Schuler and Brit Ellis Ashmead Bartlett, who accompanied the troops to Gallipoli in 1915 and reveal how their quest for the truth helped change the war.s course.
John Edwards, who is producing Nine.s Gallipoli with Imogen Banks and Robert Connolly, tells If he does not see the two projects as rivals, given the very different approaches to the subject.
He invited Connolly to join the production team because he and Banks are simultaneously working on two other shows,...
Casting is underway for the eight-hour opus Gallipoli, produced by Southern Star Entertainment for the Nine Network, which will re-enact 10 months in the Australian forces'. WW1 campaign in Turkey.
Sam Worthington is highly likely to play a lead role in The Gallipoli Story, a four-parter for Foxtel which will follow Australian journalists Keith Murdoch, Charles Bean and Phillip Schuler and Brit Ellis Ashmead Bartlett, who accompanied the troops to Gallipoli in 1915 and reveal how their quest for the truth helped change the war.s course.
John Edwards, who is producing Nine.s Gallipoli with Imogen Banks and Robert Connolly, tells If he does not see the two projects as rivals, given the very different approaches to the subject.
He invited Connolly to join the production team because he and Banks are simultaneously working on two other shows,...
- 11/6/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Sullivan Stapleton and Alex Russell will play ex-cons in Cut Snake, Matchbox Pictures. crime thriller directed by Tony Ayres, which shoots in Melbourne in late October.
Also attached is Jessica De Gouw, a fast-rising Aussie actress who stars in TV's. Arrow and the upcoming series Dracula, which features Jonathan Rhys Meyers as the vampire who.s brought back to life and poses as an American entrepreneur.
The producers are Trevor Blainey (Noise) and Matchbox Pictures. Michael McMahon (The Home Song Stories, Lou, The Slap).
Written by Blake Ayshford (The Time of Our Lives, The Straits), Cut Snake is described as a tense, psychologically-driven crime thriller in which one man discovers his biggest enemy to putting the past behind him is himself.
It marks a return to the big screen for Ayres who directed a segment of Tim Winton.s The Turning,. episodes of The Slap, executive-produced Underground: The Julian Assange Story...
Also attached is Jessica De Gouw, a fast-rising Aussie actress who stars in TV's. Arrow and the upcoming series Dracula, which features Jonathan Rhys Meyers as the vampire who.s brought back to life and poses as an American entrepreneur.
The producers are Trevor Blainey (Noise) and Matchbox Pictures. Michael McMahon (The Home Song Stories, Lou, The Slap).
Written by Blake Ayshford (The Time of Our Lives, The Straits), Cut Snake is described as a tense, psychologically-driven crime thriller in which one man discovers his biggest enemy to putting the past behind him is himself.
It marks a return to the big screen for Ayres who directed a segment of Tim Winton.s The Turning,. episodes of The Slap, executive-produced Underground: The Julian Assange Story...
- 8/27/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
The Anzac spirit will be celebrated in two miniseries that received funding on Tuesday from Screen Australia. While both projects had been announced, the cast for Anzac Girls has been revealed and it.s been confirmed that Sam Worthington is highly likely to star in The Gallipoli Story.
Also funded was Catching Milat, a two-part telemovie recounting the investigation that led to the arrest of serial killer Ivan Milat.
Produced by Screentime for ABC TV, Anzac Girls will chronicle the true story of five young military nurses from Australia and New Zealand who experienced horror, heartbreak and triumph caring for the soldiers at Gallipoli and the Western Front.
The six-part series will star Georgia Flood (House Husbands, Wentworth, Tangle), Antonia Prebble (Outrageous Fortune, The Blue Rose, Super City), Laura Brent (A Few Best Men, Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader), Anna McGahan (House Husbands, Mystery of a Hansom Cab,...
Also funded was Catching Milat, a two-part telemovie recounting the investigation that led to the arrest of serial killer Ivan Milat.
Produced by Screentime for ABC TV, Anzac Girls will chronicle the true story of five young military nurses from Australia and New Zealand who experienced horror, heartbreak and triumph caring for the soldiers at Gallipoli and the Western Front.
The six-part series will star Georgia Flood (House Husbands, Wentworth, Tangle), Antonia Prebble (Outrageous Fortune, The Blue Rose, Super City), Laura Brent (A Few Best Men, Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader), Anna McGahan (House Husbands, Mystery of a Hansom Cab,...
- 6/26/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Screen Australia says it has not mismanaged its finances by spending its annual production funding in just six months - a state of affairs which it says reflects the strength of the local film industry.
The government screen agency revealed in mid-December 2012 that it had spent its entire annual $42 million drama production allocation due to the unprecedented number of quality feature film and television projects seeking support. The shock announcement was reminiscent of the agency's abrupt decision to cut its investment cap in 2009 while several films were mid-financed. That decision.threw several major Australian productions into dissaray including The Tree and the biggest box office hit of.2010, Tomorrow When the War Began (Omnilab Media had to increase its investment at the last minute to ensure production).
Overspending on such a scale has never occurred before, even going back to the era of Screen Australia.s predecessor funding arm, the Film Finance Corporation.
The government screen agency revealed in mid-December 2012 that it had spent its entire annual $42 million drama production allocation due to the unprecedented number of quality feature film and television projects seeking support. The shock announcement was reminiscent of the agency's abrupt decision to cut its investment cap in 2009 while several films were mid-financed. That decision.threw several major Australian productions into dissaray including The Tree and the biggest box office hit of.2010, Tomorrow When the War Began (Omnilab Media had to increase its investment at the last minute to ensure production).
Overspending on such a scale has never occurred before, even going back to the era of Screen Australia.s predecessor funding arm, the Film Finance Corporation.
- 2/6/2013
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
Deluxe Australia's Caroline Pitcher has joined the Film Victoria board, according to the state agency.
Pitcher joined Deluxe Australia as director - marketing and enterprise solutions.in August 2012 after Deluxe acquired a number of Omnilab businesses. While at Omnilab, which she joined in mid-2009, she acted as director of business management and marketing,.after two years heading film marketing organisation Ausfilm.
Pitcher continues as a director of Ausfilm and has also previously served as general manager of Film Victoria's Melbourne Film Office.
Meanwhile, Matchbox Pictures producer Michael McMahon, who joined the Film Victoria board in February 2010,.has been reappointed to the board while Kim McGrath departs.
Correction (Jan 14, 2013): Article amended to show that Caroline Pitcher is no longer employed by Omnilab. She left.in August 2012 for Deluxe Australia.
Pitcher joined Deluxe Australia as director - marketing and enterprise solutions.in August 2012 after Deluxe acquired a number of Omnilab businesses. While at Omnilab, which she joined in mid-2009, she acted as director of business management and marketing,.after two years heading film marketing organisation Ausfilm.
Pitcher continues as a director of Ausfilm and has also previously served as general manager of Film Victoria's Melbourne Film Office.
Meanwhile, Matchbox Pictures producer Michael McMahon, who joined the Film Victoria board in February 2010,.has been reappointed to the board while Kim McGrath departs.
Correction (Jan 14, 2013): Article amended to show that Caroline Pitcher is no longer employed by Omnilab. She left.in August 2012 for Deluxe Australia.
- 12/21/2012
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
Omnilab Media executive Caroline Pitcher has joined the Film Victoria board, according to the state agency.
Pitcher first joined Omnilab in mid-2009, where she acts as director of business management and marketing,.after two years heading film marketing organisation Ausfilm. Film Victoria chairman Ian Robertson also has ties to Omnilab, representing them in his capacity as a corporate and media lawyer.
Pitcher continues as a director of Ausfilm and has also previously served as general manager of Film Victoria's Melbourne Film Office.
Meanwhile, Matchbox Pictures producer Michael McMahon, who joined the Film Victoria board in February 2010,.has been reappointed to the board while Kim McGrath departs.
Pitcher first joined Omnilab in mid-2009, where she acts as director of business management and marketing,.after two years heading film marketing organisation Ausfilm. Film Victoria chairman Ian Robertson also has ties to Omnilab, representing them in his capacity as a corporate and media lawyer.
Pitcher continues as a director of Ausfilm and has also previously served as general manager of Film Victoria's Melbourne Film Office.
Meanwhile, Matchbox Pictures producer Michael McMahon, who joined the Film Victoria board in February 2010,.has been reappointed to the board while Kim McGrath departs.
- 12/21/2012
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
The Devil’s Playground
A series which picks up the story of classic feature film The Devil’s Playground 35 years on, is among 11 productions to receive Screen Australia funding.
Return to the Devil’s Playground is a six-part series produced by Matchbox Pictures’ Helen Bowden and Blake Ayshford and directed by The Strait’s Rachel Ward and Dead Europe’s Tony Krawitz.
Writers on the production are Ayshford, Cate Shortland, Alice Addison and Tommy Murphy.
The series picks up the story in 1988, 35 years after Fred Schepisi’s The Devil’s Playground, where main character Tom Allen, a psychiatrist and a secular confessor to the Catholic clergy, becomes entangled in political and theological intrigue.
The series is executive produced by Penny Chapman, Simon Burke, who played the original character of Tom Allen and is the current Actor’s Equity president, and Penny Win.
Screen Australia’s overall investment across the 11 productions...
A series which picks up the story of classic feature film The Devil’s Playground 35 years on, is among 11 productions to receive Screen Australia funding.
Return to the Devil’s Playground is a six-part series produced by Matchbox Pictures’ Helen Bowden and Blake Ayshford and directed by The Strait’s Rachel Ward and Dead Europe’s Tony Krawitz.
Writers on the production are Ayshford, Cate Shortland, Alice Addison and Tommy Murphy.
The series picks up the story in 1988, 35 years after Fred Schepisi’s The Devil’s Playground, where main character Tom Allen, a psychiatrist and a secular confessor to the Catholic clergy, becomes entangled in political and theological intrigue.
The series is executive produced by Penny Chapman, Simon Burke, who played the original character of Tom Allen and is the current Actor’s Equity president, and Penny Win.
Screen Australia’s overall investment across the 11 productions...
- 12/17/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Screen Australia has today announced it will invest over $11.4 million in five feature films and six television series, one of which is for children.
The feature projects include Kill Me Three Times from Red Dog director Kriv Stenders, The Darkside from writer/director Warwick Thornton, debut feature Fell from Kasimir Burgess, crime-thriller Cut Snake from director Tony Ayres (Home Song Stories) and comedy Now Add Honey from successful comedy team Wayne Hope and Robyn Butler (The Librarians).
Screen Australia.s Chief Executive Ruth Harley said, .It.s great to end the year investing in such a dynamic range of feature films from a good mix of experienced practitioners and emerging talent.
.I.m thrilled to announce Warwick Thornton.s highly creative and resonant Indigenous story, The Darkside. The smart and stylish thriller Cut Snake comes from a talented and experienced team and Kill Me Three Times is a well-told tale...
The feature projects include Kill Me Three Times from Red Dog director Kriv Stenders, The Darkside from writer/director Warwick Thornton, debut feature Fell from Kasimir Burgess, crime-thriller Cut Snake from director Tony Ayres (Home Song Stories) and comedy Now Add Honey from successful comedy team Wayne Hope and Robyn Butler (The Librarians).
Screen Australia.s Chief Executive Ruth Harley said, .It.s great to end the year investing in such a dynamic range of feature films from a good mix of experienced practitioners and emerging talent.
.I.m thrilled to announce Warwick Thornton.s highly creative and resonant Indigenous story, The Darkside. The smart and stylish thriller Cut Snake comes from a talented and experienced team and Kill Me Three Times is a well-told tale...
- 12/17/2012
- by Emily Blatchford
- IF.com.au
The team behind Australian film Wish You Were Here is among seven film-making teams to receive funding from Screen Australia.
Writer director Kieran Darcy-Smith, with his Wish You Were Here producer Angie Fielder as well as Ted Hope, producer of 21 Grams and Martha Marcy May Marlene, have received a share in the $216,000 of development support from the national screen agency for their film Memorial Day.
Billed as a crime drama, Memorial Day’s synopsis reads: “Two brothers – one out of his depth in a hard world he doesn’t understand, the other recently returned from a period of self-imposed exile – struggle to redress the fallout from a past family tragedy.”
Both Darcy-Smith and Fielder have been nominated for AACTAs for Wish You Were Here.
Two Australian film-makers have received professional internships through Screen Australia’s Talent Escalator Program. Bec Cubitt will join Ridley Scott’s production company Scott Free under...
Writer director Kieran Darcy-Smith, with his Wish You Were Here producer Angie Fielder as well as Ted Hope, producer of 21 Grams and Martha Marcy May Marlene, have received a share in the $216,000 of development support from the national screen agency for their film Memorial Day.
Billed as a crime drama, Memorial Day’s synopsis reads: “Two brothers – one out of his depth in a hard world he doesn’t understand, the other recently returned from a period of self-imposed exile – struggle to redress the fallout from a past family tragedy.”
Both Darcy-Smith and Fielder have been nominated for AACTAs for Wish You Were Here.
Two Australian film-makers have received professional internships through Screen Australia’s Talent Escalator Program. Bec Cubitt will join Ridley Scott’s production company Scott Free under...
- 12/13/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Screen Australia will invest $216,000 in development funding across seven feature film projects, including three that the funding agency has previously supported.
Three of the four new projects are comedies: Pandamonium, Versus Vampire, and They Shoot Hostages, Don.t They? The final new project is horror film The Rapture. The three projects which will receive another round of development support are Matchbox Pictures comedy Ali's Wedding, See-Saw Films' biopic Life, and Kieran Darcy-Smith's crime drama Memorial Day.
Meanwhile, producer Bec Cubitt and writer/director Will Kuether have also been selected to undertake professional internships through Screen Australia.s Talent Escalator Program.
Cubitt will spend six months working in London at Ridley Scott.s production company Scott Free under the mentorship of executive producer Jack Arbuthnott. Australian producer interns Caroline Gerard and Sheila Jayadev.have previously worked there with Screen Australia support..
Kuether will work in Los Angeles for five...
Three of the four new projects are comedies: Pandamonium, Versus Vampire, and They Shoot Hostages, Don.t They? The final new project is horror film The Rapture. The three projects which will receive another round of development support are Matchbox Pictures comedy Ali's Wedding, See-Saw Films' biopic Life, and Kieran Darcy-Smith's crime drama Memorial Day.
Meanwhile, producer Bec Cubitt and writer/director Will Kuether have also been selected to undertake professional internships through Screen Australia.s Talent Escalator Program.
Cubitt will spend six months working in London at Ridley Scott.s production company Scott Free under the mentorship of executive producer Jack Arbuthnott. Australian producer interns Caroline Gerard and Sheila Jayadev.have previously worked there with Screen Australia support..
Kuether will work in Los Angeles for five...
- 12/12/2012
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
Get ready for Cut Snake! We’ve just learned that Sullivan Stapleton and Ryan Kwanten are ready to join an Australian thriller which comes from director Tony Ayres, and already stars lovely Rachael Taylor. The whole thing is reportedly based on a real-life incident in 1973 when Brisbane’s Whiskey Au Go Go nightclub fire was torched, killing 15 people.
Ayres will direct Cut Snake from a script written by Blake Ayshford, and the movie will center on two ex-cons who are responsible for sparking the above mentioned blaze.
In other words, Stapleton is on board to play the man who gets out of jail and tries to convince his friend, played by Kwanten, to commit one more robbery with him.
But, as usual, there’s a litlle catch: Kwanten’s character is now a “good” guy, or if you prefer – he’s trying to lead a good life, and is about to marry his girlfriend,...
Ayres will direct Cut Snake from a script written by Blake Ayshford, and the movie will center on two ex-cons who are responsible for sparking the above mentioned blaze.
In other words, Stapleton is on board to play the man who gets out of jail and tries to convince his friend, played by Kwanten, to commit one more robbery with him.
But, as usual, there’s a litlle catch: Kwanten’s character is now a “good” guy, or if you prefer – he’s trying to lead a good life, and is about to marry his girlfriend,...
- 12/6/2012
- by Jeanne Standal
- Filmofilia
Screen Australia has committed almost $700,000 in development support across 23 feature projects.
Fifteen new projects have been added to Screen Australia.s development slate, while eight teams will receive continued support to develop their projects.
Two Australian filmmakers will also be supported to undertake overseas internships: producer Ma.ara Bobby Romia will work for six months with Screentime Group in New Zealand and director Ariel Martin-Merrells will work under the mentorship of director James Foley in Los Angeles for five months.
Screen Australia.s head of development Martha Coleman said in a statement: .Following a now well-established tradition, the development slate announced today includes a diverse range of compelling stories from both established and emerging filmmakers. The high calibre of screenplays coming through our door backs up positive feedback we are getting from the domestic and international marketplace and I.m looking forward to seeing the best of these projects make...
Fifteen new projects have been added to Screen Australia.s development slate, while eight teams will receive continued support to develop their projects.
Two Australian filmmakers will also be supported to undertake overseas internships: producer Ma.ara Bobby Romia will work for six months with Screentime Group in New Zealand and director Ariel Martin-Merrells will work under the mentorship of director James Foley in Los Angeles for five months.
Screen Australia.s head of development Martha Coleman said in a statement: .Following a now well-established tradition, the development slate announced today includes a diverse range of compelling stories from both established and emerging filmmakers. The high calibre of screenplays coming through our door backs up positive feedback we are getting from the domestic and international marketplace and I.m looking forward to seeing the best of these projects make...
- 8/29/2012
- by Staff reporter
- IF.com.au
The story of Rupert Murdoch’s rise to become the world’s biggest media mogul looks set to become an Australian TV telemovie,
Screen Australia has provided funding development for the work which is being written by Bob Ellis and Stephen Ramsay.
The announcement comes days after Southern Star’s production of Howzat, the story of how Australian media mogul Kerry Packer took on the cricket establishment delivered the Nine Network with 2m+ ratings.
The series has the working title of The News of the World.
The British Sunday tabloid the telemovie is named after was closed by Murdoch last year in the wake of the phone hacking scandal.
Bob Ellis wrote the Australian journalism drama Newsfront and most recently ABC’s Infamous Victory: Ben Chifley’s Battle for Coal while Stephen Ramsey wrote and directed The Baby Boomers Picture Show and Flashbacks.
Ellis told Mumbrella: “What we have...
Screen Australia has provided funding development for the work which is being written by Bob Ellis and Stephen Ramsay.
The announcement comes days after Southern Star’s production of Howzat, the story of how Australian media mogul Kerry Packer took on the cricket establishment delivered the Nine Network with 2m+ ratings.
The series has the working title of The News of the World.
The British Sunday tabloid the telemovie is named after was closed by Murdoch last year in the wake of the phone hacking scandal.
Bob Ellis wrote the Australian journalism drama Newsfront and most recently ABC’s Infamous Victory: Ben Chifley’s Battle for Coal while Stephen Ramsey wrote and directed The Baby Boomers Picture Show and Flashbacks.
Ellis told Mumbrella: “What we have...
- 8/28/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
David Michod
David Michod’s new film has received funding from Screen Australia, as part of almost $20m of investment from the screen agency.
The investment is expected to trigger $100m worth of production across four feature films, five TV dramas and three children’s dramas.
The Rover is written and directed by Michod, with a story by Michod and Joel Edgerton.
The film has cast Guy Pearce and Robert Pattinson in the lead roles.
Michod will also produce the film alongside his Animal Kingdom producing partner Liz Watts for Porchlight Films and David Linde, Ep on Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon for his Lava Bear Films.
The film will be distributed by Village Roadshow with international sales by FilmNation.
The Rover, set in the Australian desert in the dangerous near-future sees Eric, a man who has lost almost everything in life, have his car stolen by a gang of criminals.
David Michod’s new film has received funding from Screen Australia, as part of almost $20m of investment from the screen agency.
The investment is expected to trigger $100m worth of production across four feature films, five TV dramas and three children’s dramas.
The Rover is written and directed by Michod, with a story by Michod and Joel Edgerton.
The film has cast Guy Pearce and Robert Pattinson in the lead roles.
Michod will also produce the film alongside his Animal Kingdom producing partner Liz Watts for Porchlight Films and David Linde, Ep on Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon for his Lava Bear Films.
The film will be distributed by Village Roadshow with international sales by FilmNation.
The Rover, set in the Australian desert in the dangerous near-future sees Eric, a man who has lost almost everything in life, have his car stolen by a gang of criminals.
- 7/26/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Screen Australia will invest almost $20 million across 12 screen projects including futuristic Western The Rover, starring Robert Pattinson and Guy Pearce.
The film is the latest collaboration between producer Liz Watts and writer-director David Michôd, following the success of their crime-thriller Animal Kingdom in 2010. FilmNation Entertainment acquired the majority of worldwide rights to The Rover at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year while Village Roadshow will distribute the film in Australia.
Screen Australia has also backed three other feature films: drama Felony, written by Joel Edgerton and directed by Matthew Saville (Noise); Healing, a redemptive prison drama starring Don Hany (East West 101) and Hugo Weaving; and Aim High in Creation, a hybrid documentary-drama about the late Kim Jong-il from writer/director Anna Broinowski (Forbidden Lie$).
Screen Australia chief executive Ruth Harley said the four Australian features have huge potential. "The Rover is a powerful, well-crafted script from a talented team with an impressive cast,...
The film is the latest collaboration between producer Liz Watts and writer-director David Michôd, following the success of their crime-thriller Animal Kingdom in 2010. FilmNation Entertainment acquired the majority of worldwide rights to The Rover at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year while Village Roadshow will distribute the film in Australia.
Screen Australia has also backed three other feature films: drama Felony, written by Joel Edgerton and directed by Matthew Saville (Noise); Healing, a redemptive prison drama starring Don Hany (East West 101) and Hugo Weaving; and Aim High in Creation, a hybrid documentary-drama about the late Kim Jong-il from writer/director Anna Broinowski (Forbidden Lie$).
Screen Australia chief executive Ruth Harley said the four Australian features have huge potential. "The Rover is a powerful, well-crafted script from a talented team with an impressive cast,...
- 7/25/2012
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts announced Tuesday (April 24) the nominations for its 2012 television awards. British miniseries "Appropriate Adult," which chronicles the real-life serial killer Fred West, leads the way with four nominations.
Other notable nominations include Dame Maggie Smith up for Supporting Actress for her work on "Downton Abbey" - it's the only nomination "Downton" received, after earning two nominations the previous year. "Modern Family" also earned a nomination in the International category.
The full list of nominations:
Leading Actor
Benedict Cumberbatch - Sherlock (BBC One)
Dominic West - Appropriate Adult (ITV)
John Simm - Exile (BBC One)
Joseph Gilgun - This is England '88 (Channel 4)
Leading Actress
Emily Watson - Appropriate Adult (ITV1)
Nadine Marshall - Random (Channel 4)
Romola Garai - The Crimson Petal and the White (BBC Two)
Vicky McClure - This is England '88 (Channel 4)
Supporting Actor
Andrew Scott - Sherlock...
Other notable nominations include Dame Maggie Smith up for Supporting Actress for her work on "Downton Abbey" - it's the only nomination "Downton" received, after earning two nominations the previous year. "Modern Family" also earned a nomination in the International category.
The full list of nominations:
Leading Actor
Benedict Cumberbatch - Sherlock (BBC One)
Dominic West - Appropriate Adult (ITV)
John Simm - Exile (BBC One)
Joseph Gilgun - This is England '88 (Channel 4)
Leading Actress
Emily Watson - Appropriate Adult (ITV1)
Nadine Marshall - Random (Channel 4)
Romola Garai - The Crimson Petal and the White (BBC Two)
Vicky McClure - This is England '88 (Channel 4)
Supporting Actor
Andrew Scott - Sherlock...
- 4/24/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Kaelen Meuiner, Garret Dillahunt, Oliver Sherman Monsieur Lazhar, Philippe Falardeau: Genie Award Winners INTERPRÉTATION Masculine Dans Un Premier RÔLE / Performance By An Actor In A Leading Role * Fellag – Monsieur Lazhar Garret Dillahunt – Oliver Sherman Michael Fassbender – A Dangerous Method Patrick Huard – Starbuck Scott Speedman – Edwin Boyd: Citizen Gangster INTERPRÉTATION FÉMININE Dans Un Premier RÔLE / Performance By An Actress In A Leading Role Catherine De LÉAN – Nuit #1 Pascale Montpetit – The Girl in the White Coat * Vanessa Paradis – Café de Flore Rachel Weisz – The Whistleblower Michelle Williams – Take This Waltz INTERPRÉTATION Masculine Dans Un RÔLE De Soutien / Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role Antoine Bertrand – Starbuck Kevin Durand – Edwin Boyd: Citizen Gangster Marin Gerrier – Café de Flore Taylor Kitsch – The Bang Bang Club * Viggo Mortensen – A Dangerous Method INTERPRÉTATION FÉMININE Dans Un RÔLE De Soutien / Performance By An Actress In A Supporting Role Roxana Condurache – The Whistleblower...
- 3/9/2012
- by Steve Montgomery
- Alt Film Guide
From drama to reality and factual – meet the production house powerhouses responsible for Australia’s greatest television.
Andrew Denton
Owner/ Creative guy
Zapruder’s Other Films The Gruen Transfer, Hungry Beast, Country Town Rescue, Randling
With producers Anita Jacoby and Peter Thompson, Andrew Denton’s Zapruder’s Other Films is known for intelligent and often funny television.
Denton came to prominence as the host of ABC’s 1988 comedy show Blah Blah Blah and was quick to get involved behind the scenes. His first executive producing credit came in 2001 when he gave The Chaser team their break with The Election Chaser.
Denton is responsible for adland favourite The Gruen Transfer, with five series including Gruen Planet and Nation under its belt. The show is one of the ABC’s highest rating formats attracting international interest.
Denton’s great skill is fostering young talent with his 2008 Project Next experiment resulting in Hungry Beast.
Andrew Denton
Owner/ Creative guy
Zapruder’s Other Films The Gruen Transfer, Hungry Beast, Country Town Rescue, Randling
With producers Anita Jacoby and Peter Thompson, Andrew Denton’s Zapruder’s Other Films is known for intelligent and often funny television.
Denton came to prominence as the host of ABC’s 1988 comedy show Blah Blah Blah and was quick to get involved behind the scenes. His first executive producing credit came in 2001 when he gave The Chaser team their break with The Election Chaser.
Denton is responsible for adland favourite The Gruen Transfer, with five series including Gruen Planet and Nation under its belt. The show is one of the ABC’s highest rating formats attracting international interest.
Denton’s great skill is fostering young talent with his 2008 Project Next experiment resulting in Hungry Beast.
- 2/17/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
It seems controversy leads to awards. The two big winners at last night.s inaugural Aacta Awards were thriller feature film Snowtown and TV drama series The Slap. Both renowned for their controversial nature, the film and TV series netted four and five gongs respectively.
Snowtown, about Australian serial killer John Bunting who befriends a 16-year-old, was honoured in the Best Direction (Justin Kurzel), Best Adapted Screenplay (Shaun Grant), Best Actor (Daniel Henshall) and Best Supporting Actress (Louise Harris) categories.
The last two awards were particularly impressive as neither actor had appeared in a feature film before. While Henshall had previously acted in such shows as Out of the Blue, it was Harris. first ever acting role.
The four gongs awarded last night at the Sydney Opera House brings the film.s tally to an impressive six Aacta Awards after receiving Best Editing (Veronika Jenet Ase) and Best Sound (Frank Lipson Mpse,...
Snowtown, about Australian serial killer John Bunting who befriends a 16-year-old, was honoured in the Best Direction (Justin Kurzel), Best Adapted Screenplay (Shaun Grant), Best Actor (Daniel Henshall) and Best Supporting Actress (Louise Harris) categories.
The last two awards were particularly impressive as neither actor had appeared in a feature film before. While Henshall had previously acted in such shows as Out of the Blue, it was Harris. first ever acting role.
The four gongs awarded last night at the Sydney Opera House brings the film.s tally to an impressive six Aacta Awards after receiving Best Editing (Veronika Jenet Ase) and Best Sound (Frank Lipson Mpse,...
- 1/31/2012
- by Sam Dallas
- IF.com.au
Director Stephan Elliott took the opportunity to deliver a serve to film critic Jim Schembri at the inaugural Aacta awards at the Sydney Opera House last night. Elliott bit back at Schembri’s review of A Few Best Men, which branded the film ‘unreleasable’. Despite Schembri’s review, the film opened with solid box office takings last weekend. In a lengthy rant, Elliott slammed Schembri for “personal attacks” within the review of the film as he lashed out at people unwilling to support the Australian film industry. Elliott told the audience that his tirade would be removed from Channel Nine’s delayed broadcast of the awards as producers had flagged this, along with several other categories, to be excluded prior to the show.
The Aacta ceremony, delivered minus a host, saw box office champion Red Dog take home the best film award but the biggest success of the night was...
The Aacta ceremony, delivered minus a host, saw box office champion Red Dog take home the best film award but the biggest success of the night was...
- 1/31/2012
- by Brooke Hemphill
- Encore Magazine
Filming has begun on ABC.s docu-drama Next Stop Hollywood, which follows six aspiring Australian actors as they compete for coveted roles during the Us TV pilot season.
"We will see them setting up home in Hollywood, struggling in a foreign city, away from family and friends," said producer Michael McMahon.."We see them going to voice coaching and acting lessons, arranging agent meetings and ultimately going to auditions and waiting for the callback. There will be plenty of drama, excitement and heartbreak..
If Award-winning documentary filmmaker Gary Doust (Making Venus) will direct Next Stop Hollywood.while McMahon, Beth Frey and Cecilia Ritchie of Matchbox Pictures (The Slap) will produce.
Outgoing ABC TV head of arts and entertainment, Amanda Duthie said: .Australian actors are among the biggest stars in the world today, whether it be on the big or small screen. The series shows what it takes to become a star in Hollywood.
"We will see them setting up home in Hollywood, struggling in a foreign city, away from family and friends," said producer Michael McMahon.."We see them going to voice coaching and acting lessons, arranging agent meetings and ultimately going to auditions and waiting for the callback. There will be plenty of drama, excitement and heartbreak..
If Award-winning documentary filmmaker Gary Doust (Making Venus) will direct Next Stop Hollywood.while McMahon, Beth Frey and Cecilia Ritchie of Matchbox Pictures (The Slap) will produce.
Outgoing ABC TV head of arts and entertainment, Amanda Duthie said: .Australian actors are among the biggest stars in the world today, whether it be on the big or small screen. The series shows what it takes to become a star in Hollywood.
- 1/18/2012
- by Danii Logue
- IF.com.au
Filming has begun on ABC.s docu-drama Next Stop Hollywood, which follows six aspiring Australian actors as they compete for coveted roles during the Us TV pilot season. "We will see them setting up home in Hollywood, struggling in a foreign city, away from family and friends," said producer Michael McMahon.."We see them going to voice coaching and acting lessons, arranging agent meetings and ultimately going to auditions and waiting for the callback. There will be plenty of drama, excitement and heartbreak.. If Award-winning documentary filmmaker Gary Doust (Making Venus) will direct Next Stop Hollywood.while McMahon, Beth Frey and Cecilia Ritchie of Matchbox Pictures (The Slap) will produce. Outgoing ABC TV head of arts and entertainment,...
- 1/18/2012
- by Danii Logue
- IF.com.au
Filming has begun on ABC.s docu-drama Next Stop Hollywood, which follows six aspiring Australian actors as they compete for coveted roles during the Us TV pilot season. "We will see them setting up home in Hollywood, struggling in a foreign city, away from family and friends," said producer Michael McMahon.."We see them going to voice coaching and acting lessons, arranging agent meetings and ultimately going to auditions and waiting for the callback. There will be plenty of drama, excitement and heartbreak.. If Award-winning documentary filmmaker Gary Doust (Making Venus) will direct Next Stop Hollywood.while McMahon, Beth Frey and Cecilia Ritchie of Matchbox Pictures (The Slap) will produce. Outgoing ABC TV head of arts and entertainment,...
- 1/18/2012
- by Danii Logue
- IF.com.au
The Hunter has lead the Aacta Awards with 14 nominations including best film.
The film, by Daniel Nettheim, is also up for best direction, adapted screenplay, cinematography, sound, production design, costume, original music score, and visual effects. Meanwhile, Willem Dafoe, Frances O’Connor, Sam Neill and Morgana Davies are all up for acting awards.
The film has currently made just over $1m at the local box office.
It’s the first year for the re-launched AACTAs, formerly the AFI awards.
The technical awards will be given out at a luncheon on 15 January at the Sydney Opera House, with an evening ceremony for the more ‘public-friendly’ awards held at the Opera House on 31 January.
Running against The Hunter for best film is Red Dog, Mad Bastards, The Eye of the Storm, Snowtown and Oranges and Sunshine.
The Eye of the Storm, was second in the nominations race with 12, of which six are...
The film, by Daniel Nettheim, is also up for best direction, adapted screenplay, cinematography, sound, production design, costume, original music score, and visual effects. Meanwhile, Willem Dafoe, Frances O’Connor, Sam Neill and Morgana Davies are all up for acting awards.
The film has currently made just over $1m at the local box office.
It’s the first year for the re-launched AACTAs, formerly the AFI awards.
The technical awards will be given out at a luncheon on 15 January at the Sydney Opera House, with an evening ceremony for the more ‘public-friendly’ awards held at the Opera House on 31 January.
Running against The Hunter for best film is Red Dog, Mad Bastards, The Eye of the Storm, Snowtown and Oranges and Sunshine.
The Eye of the Storm, was second in the nominations race with 12, of which six are...
- 11/30/2011
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Helen Bowden and Helen Panckhurst, photo: Cynthia Sciberras
Matchbox Pictures has been named Independent Producer of the Year at the 2011 Spaa Independent Producers Awards.
The production company is behind adult drama series The Slap, children’s show My Place and the upcoming crime series The Straits. Matchbox Pictures was formed by executives Helen Bowden and Helen Panckhurst, and producers Penny Chapman, Tony Ayres and Michael McMahon.
Winners were announced across a number of categories at the awards night on Monday night as part of the Spaa Conference.
See-Saw Films won best feature film for The Kings Speech. The production company run by Emile Sherman and Iain Canning also produced Oranges and Sunshine.
Breakthrough award went to the producers of The Tunnel, Julian Harvey and Enzo Tedeschi with their innovative business model to maximise viewership through an agreement with BitTorrent.
Essential Media and Entertainment won best television drama for their series Rake starring Richard Roxburgh.
Matchbox Pictures has been named Independent Producer of the Year at the 2011 Spaa Independent Producers Awards.
The production company is behind adult drama series The Slap, children’s show My Place and the upcoming crime series The Straits. Matchbox Pictures was formed by executives Helen Bowden and Helen Panckhurst, and producers Penny Chapman, Tony Ayres and Michael McMahon.
Winners were announced across a number of categories at the awards night on Monday night as part of the Spaa Conference.
See-Saw Films won best feature film for The Kings Speech. The production company run by Emile Sherman and Iain Canning also produced Oranges and Sunshine.
Breakthrough award went to the producers of The Tunnel, Julian Harvey and Enzo Tedeschi with their innovative business model to maximise viewership through an agreement with BitTorrent.
Essential Media and Entertainment won best television drama for their series Rake starring Richard Roxburgh.
- 11/15/2011
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Better This World, The Tiniest Place and the other nominations for the 2011 Ida Awards have been announced. The 27th Annual Ida Awards (documentary awards) are presented by the International Documentary Association (Ida) “a non-profit organization promoting documentary film, video and new media, to support the efforts of documentary filmmaking and video production makers around the world and to increase public appreciation and demand for the art of the documentary…the Ida has approximately 2,800 members in 53 countries, providing a forum for supporters and suppliers of documentary film making.”
This years presentation will see “the 2011 Career Achievement Award [awarded] to legendary documentary filmmaker Les Blank. He will be presented his award by Werner Herzog. Director Danfung Dennis (Hell and Back Again) will receive the 2011 Jacqueline Donnet Emerging Documentary Filmmaker Award.”
The full listing of the 2011 Ida Awards nominations is below.
Best Feature Award
Better This World
Directors/Producers/Writers: Katie Galloway & Kelly Duane de la Vega...
This years presentation will see “the 2011 Career Achievement Award [awarded] to legendary documentary filmmaker Les Blank. He will be presented his award by Werner Herzog. Director Danfung Dennis (Hell and Back Again) will receive the 2011 Jacqueline Donnet Emerging Documentary Filmmaker Award.”
The full listing of the 2011 Ida Awards nominations is below.
Best Feature Award
Better This World
Directors/Producers/Writers: Katie Galloway & Kelly Duane de la Vega...
- 10/28/2011
- by filmbook
- Film-Book
Kelly Duane de la Vega, Katie Galloway's Better This World From Pinochet and Reagan to General Butt Naked and Terrorism Paranoia: International Documentary Association Nominations Best Feature Award Better This World Directors/Producers/Writers: Katie Galloway & Kelly Duane de la Vega Producer: Mike Nicholson Executive Producers: Julie Goldman, John Battsek, Nicole Stott, Chana Ben-Dov, Sally Jo Fifer (Itvs), Simon Kilmurry (American Documentary|Pov) Loteria Films, Bullfrog Films, Cat & Docs How To Die In Oregon Director/Producer: Peter D. Richardson Executive Producers: Melody Korenbrot, Sheila Nevins (HBO) Supervising Producer: Jacqueline Glover (HBO) Associate Producers: Sophie Harris, Jordan Curnes Clearcut Productions in association with HBO Documentary Films Nostalgia For The Light Director/Writer: Patricio Guzmán Producer: Renate Sachse Atacama Productions (France), Blinker Filmproduction GmbH and Wdr (Germany), and Cronomedia Ltda. (Chile), Icarus Films The Redemption Of General Butt Naked Directors/Producers: Eric Strauss & Daniele Anastasion Executive Producers: Gregory Henry, David Shadrack Smith...
- 10/27/2011
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Seventeen feature films have received support for development by Screen Australia, with a spend totalling $500,000.
The productions include projects involving Emile Sherman, Johnathan Teplitzky, Helen Pankhurst and Jan Sardi.
Martha Coleman, Screen Australia’s head of development, said: “I’m proud of our association with this compelling group of feature projects by such talented filmmaking teams. The quality and range of projects we are seeing is hugely inspiring and our development team care passionately about assisting the filmmakers we are working with to achieve the best possible version of their story. This is a very exciting time.”
Projects include:
Tim Winton’s best selling surfing story, Breath will get an adaptation by Simon Baker producing with Jamie Hilton and Mark Johnson and written by Peter Duncan. Four comedies have received funding including Ali’s Wedding, written by Osamah Sami and Andrew Knight will be developed by producers Helen Panckhurst, Michael McMahon...
The productions include projects involving Emile Sherman, Johnathan Teplitzky, Helen Pankhurst and Jan Sardi.
Martha Coleman, Screen Australia’s head of development, said: “I’m proud of our association with this compelling group of feature projects by such talented filmmaking teams. The quality and range of projects we are seeing is hugely inspiring and our development team care passionately about assisting the filmmakers we are working with to achieve the best possible version of their story. This is a very exciting time.”
Projects include:
Tim Winton’s best selling surfing story, Breath will get an adaptation by Simon Baker producing with Jamie Hilton and Mark Johnson and written by Peter Duncan. Four comedies have received funding including Ali’s Wedding, written by Osamah Sami and Andrew Knight will be developed by producers Helen Panckhurst, Michael McMahon...
- 10/14/2011
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Matchbox Pictures – the production house behind ABC and Sbs programmes such as The Slap, Leaky Boat, My Place and Sex: An Unnatural History – has announced the arrival of Chris Oliver-Taylor, previously with the ABC, as its managing director.
Oliver-Taylor was the ABC’s head of business and operations.
Matchbox was formed two years ago by Tony Ayres, Helen Bowden, Penny Chapman, Michael McMahon and Helen Panckhurst. Its output includes drama, children’s, factual TV and feature films.
The company said of Oliver-Taylor: “He is a talented executive with a great breadth of experience, solid commercial knowledge and strong business acumen. Through his role at the ABC he has played a key role in development and production for the Australian television industry.”
Oliver‐Taylor said: “I am delighted to join a growing company made up of an exceptional group of talented people with a very exciting and diverse slate of projects.
Oliver-Taylor was the ABC’s head of business and operations.
Matchbox was formed two years ago by Tony Ayres, Helen Bowden, Penny Chapman, Michael McMahon and Helen Panckhurst. Its output includes drama, children’s, factual TV and feature films.
The company said of Oliver-Taylor: “He is a talented executive with a great breadth of experience, solid commercial knowledge and strong business acumen. Through his role at the ABC he has played a key role in development and production for the Australian television industry.”
Oliver‐Taylor said: “I am delighted to join a growing company made up of an exceptional group of talented people with a very exciting and diverse slate of projects.
- 10/7/2011
- by Tim Burrowes
- Encore Magazine
Melbourne-based production company Matchbox Pictures has appointed former ABC TV executive Chris Oliver-Taylor as the company's managing director. Oliver-Taylor will join the company in mid-November, ending a six-year stint with the ABC where he was head of business and operations. He replaces joint chief executives.(and active producers) Helen Bowden and Michael McMahon. In a statement, Bowden and McMahon, described Oliver-Taylor as "a talented executive with a great breadth of experience, solid commercial knowledge and strong business acumen". "Through his role at the ABC he has played a key role in development and production for the Australian television industry." Matchbox was formed in 2009 by producers Bowden, McMahon, Tony Ayres,.Penny...
- 10/4/2011
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
Us Studio NBCUniversal has bought a majority interest in local production company Matchbox Pictures for an undisclosed amount.
Matchbox Pictures was founded in 2008 by Tony Ayres, Michael McMahon, Helen Bowden, Penny Chapman and Helen Panckhurst.
The company is currently adapting Christos Tsiolkas’s The Slap for television; producing a second series of My Place; developing a six-part documentary series called Aussiewood about Australian hopefuls trying to make it in Hollywood; and a third series of Anatomy – consisting of three documentaries exploring art, sex and the body. Both Aussiewood and Anatomy 3 have received investment from Screen Australia.
Matchbox Pictures was founded in 2008 by Tony Ayres, Michael McMahon, Helen Bowden, Penny Chapman and Helen Panckhurst.
The company is currently adapting Christos Tsiolkas’s The Slap for television; producing a second series of My Place; developing a six-part documentary series called Aussiewood about Australian hopefuls trying to make it in Hollywood; and a third series of Anatomy – consisting of three documentaries exploring art, sex and the body. Both Aussiewood and Anatomy 3 have received investment from Screen Australia.
- 5/23/2011
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Screen Australia has announced a round of investment, with $2m for nine documentaries, with production valued at $12m.
“Among the domestic projects, the critically acclaimed Anatomy series will continue to deliver visually inventive arts documentaries, while Running to America promises a feel-good story from the Top End. The seven international projects will further extend our uniquely Australian stories and voices on the world stage,” said CEO Ruth Harley.
The projects that received funding are:
Anatomy Series 3
Matchbox Pictures
Executive Producer Tony Ayres
Producers Michael McMahon, Polly Staniford
Writers/Directors Paola Morabito, Alethea Jones, Kim Munro
Broadcaster ABC TV
Sales None as yet
After the success of the first and second series of Anatomy, Matchbox Pictures are currently developing a third series, which, following the form of the previous series, will consist of three documentaries that explore art, sex and the body. The three films – Hair, Nerve and Tissue – will all...
“Among the domestic projects, the critically acclaimed Anatomy series will continue to deliver visually inventive arts documentaries, while Running to America promises a feel-good story from the Top End. The seven international projects will further extend our uniquely Australian stories and voices on the world stage,” said CEO Ruth Harley.
The projects that received funding are:
Anatomy Series 3
Matchbox Pictures
Executive Producer Tony Ayres
Producers Michael McMahon, Polly Staniford
Writers/Directors Paola Morabito, Alethea Jones, Kim Munro
Broadcaster ABC TV
Sales None as yet
After the success of the first and second series of Anatomy, Matchbox Pictures are currently developing a third series, which, following the form of the previous series, will consist of three documentaries that explore art, sex and the body. The three films – Hair, Nerve and Tissue – will all...
- 4/12/2011
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
Film Victoria has invested $450,000 in the second series of the ABC comedy Lowdown, a third series of Anatomy, and the documentary feature Gnarly – The Ben Pappas Story.
The funded projects are:
Lowdown Series 2 (12 episodes)
• High Wire Films Pty Ltd.
• Nicole Minchin, Producer; Adam Zwar and Amanda Brotchie, Writers; Amanda Brotchie, Director.
• An estimated 96 percent of the budget will be spent in Victoria
Alex Burchill writes the Lowdown column for struggling tabloid newspaper, the Sunday Sun. Circulation is in decline and the paper is downsizing and adapting to the brutal economic climate, and Alex’s methods for unearthing stories become increasingly desperate. Each week he must come up with a shock-and-awe story for the embattled paper, and each week that shock-and-awe story somehow ruins his own life.
Anatomy Series Three (three episodes)
• Matchbox Pictures Pty Ltd.
• Michael McMahon and Tony Ayres, Producers; Directors: Paola Morabito (“Hair”), Alethea Jones (“Tissue”), Kim Munro...
The funded projects are:
Lowdown Series 2 (12 episodes)
• High Wire Films Pty Ltd.
• Nicole Minchin, Producer; Adam Zwar and Amanda Brotchie, Writers; Amanda Brotchie, Director.
• An estimated 96 percent of the budget will be spent in Victoria
Alex Burchill writes the Lowdown column for struggling tabloid newspaper, the Sunday Sun. Circulation is in decline and the paper is downsizing and adapting to the brutal economic climate, and Alex’s methods for unearthing stories become increasingly desperate. Each week he must come up with a shock-and-awe story for the embattled paper, and each week that shock-and-awe story somehow ruins his own life.
Anatomy Series Three (three episodes)
• Matchbox Pictures Pty Ltd.
• Michael McMahon and Tony Ayres, Producers; Directors: Paola Morabito (“Hair”), Alethea Jones (“Tissue”), Kim Munro...
- 4/6/2011
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
ABC TV has confirmed that Alex Dimitriades, Sophie Lowe and Anthony Hayes have joined the cast of the Matchbox Pictures screen adaptation of Christos Tsiolkas’ novel The Slap.
Production of the eight one-hour episodes will begin on January 19 in Melbourne.
Dimitriades will play Harry, Lowe will be Connie and Hayes will bring Gary to life. Other cast announcements include Lex Marinos as manolis, Blake Davis as Richie, Oliver Ackland as Rhys, Diana Glenn as Sandi, Toula Tianni as Koula and Eugenia Fragos as Elisavet. These actors join the previously announced cast members Melissa George, Sophie Okonedo, Essie Davis and Jonathan Lapaglia, who will also star.
The Slap is produced by Tony Ayres, Helen Bowden and Michael McMahon, and the team of directors includes Jessica Hobbs, Matthew Saville, Tony Ayres and Robert Connolly.
International sales will be managed by UK-based distributor Dcd Rights.
Production of the eight one-hour episodes will begin on January 19 in Melbourne.
Dimitriades will play Harry, Lowe will be Connie and Hayes will bring Gary to life. Other cast announcements include Lex Marinos as manolis, Blake Davis as Richie, Oliver Ackland as Rhys, Diana Glenn as Sandi, Toula Tianni as Koula and Eugenia Fragos as Elisavet. These actors join the previously announced cast members Melissa George, Sophie Okonedo, Essie Davis and Jonathan Lapaglia, who will also star.
The Slap is produced by Tony Ayres, Helen Bowden and Michael McMahon, and the team of directors includes Jessica Hobbs, Matthew Saville, Tony Ayres and Robert Connolly.
International sales will be managed by UK-based distributor Dcd Rights.
- 1/5/2011
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
Melissa George (Rosie), Sophie Okonedo (Aisha), Essie Davis (Anouk) and Jonathan Lapaglia (Hector) will star in the ABC TV adaptation of Christos Tsiolka’s novel The Slap.
Filming on the 8×60-minute series is set to begin on January 19 in Melbourne.
“Thanks to the incredible success of the novel we’ve been able to attract the best writers, directors and now an amazing cast to bring The Slap to television. With ‘hot button’ issues in every episode, we’re hoping that the series will continue the Australia-wide discussion that Christos started with his book,” said producer Helen Bowden.
The series is produced by Matchbox Pictures (Bowden, Tony Ayres, Michael McMahon), with a team of writers that includes Emily Ballou, Alice Bell, Brendan Cowell, Kris Mrksa and Cate Shortland. It will be directed by Jessica Hobbs, Matthew Saville, Tony Ayres and Robert Connolly, who will each be responsible for two episodes.
The...
Filming on the 8×60-minute series is set to begin on January 19 in Melbourne.
“Thanks to the incredible success of the novel we’ve been able to attract the best writers, directors and now an amazing cast to bring The Slap to television. With ‘hot button’ issues in every episode, we’re hoping that the series will continue the Australia-wide discussion that Christos started with his book,” said producer Helen Bowden.
The series is produced by Matchbox Pictures (Bowden, Tony Ayres, Michael McMahon), with a team of writers that includes Emily Ballou, Alice Bell, Brendan Cowell, Kris Mrksa and Cate Shortland. It will be directed by Jessica Hobbs, Matthew Saville, Tony Ayres and Robert Connolly, who will each be responsible for two episodes.
The...
- 12/9/2010
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
A total of six Australian feature films and one short will be heading to the 15th Pusan International Film Festival, which will be held from October 7 to 15.
***
World Cinema
Dreamland
Production Company: Bunya Productions
Producer: David Jowsey
Director/Writer: Ivan Sen
Sales: Bunya Productions
Australian Distributor: PackScreen in association with Bunya Productions
Cast: Daniel Roberts, Tasma Walton
Synopsis: Dan Freeman, an obsessive UFO hunter, roams the Nevada desert around the border of Area 51 searching the skies for contact. But alone in the desert he awakens to a bigger mystery.
Oranges and Sunshine
Production Companies: See-Saw Films & Sixteen Films
Producers: Emile Sherman, Camilla Bray, Iain Canning
Director: Jim Loach
Writer: Rona Munro
Sales: Icon Entertainment
Australian Distributor: Icon Film Distribution
Cast: Emily Watson, David Wenham, Hugo Weaving
Synopsis: The story of Margaret Humphreys, a social worker who uncovered one of the most significant social scandals in recent times: the organised deportation of children from the UK.
***
World Cinema
Dreamland
Production Company: Bunya Productions
Producer: David Jowsey
Director/Writer: Ivan Sen
Sales: Bunya Productions
Australian Distributor: PackScreen in association with Bunya Productions
Cast: Daniel Roberts, Tasma Walton
Synopsis: Dan Freeman, an obsessive UFO hunter, roams the Nevada desert around the border of Area 51 searching the skies for contact. But alone in the desert he awakens to a bigger mystery.
Oranges and Sunshine
Production Companies: See-Saw Films & Sixteen Films
Producers: Emile Sherman, Camilla Bray, Iain Canning
Director: Jim Loach
Writer: Rona Munro
Sales: Icon Entertainment
Australian Distributor: Icon Film Distribution
Cast: Emily Watson, David Wenham, Hugo Weaving
Synopsis: The story of Margaret Humphreys, a social worker who uncovered one of the most significant social scandals in recent times: the organised deportation of children from the UK.
- 9/15/2010
- by anhkhoido@hotmail.com (Anh Khoi Do)
- The Cultural Post
Ben C. Lucas’ Wasted on the Young is one of seven Australian films selected to screen at the Pusan International Film Festival in Korea next month. Young will be screened in the world cinema category along with Jim Loach’s Oranges and Sunshine, and Ivan Sen’s Dreamland.
Belinda Chayko’s Lou will screen in the flash forward section and The Kiss directed by Ashley Page, will be shown in the wide angle – short film showcase category.
Patrick Hughes’ Red Hill and Andrew Traucki’s The Reef have been selected to show in the midnight passion program – a diverse genre category, that recognises entertainment value.
Screen Australia’s Head of Production Investment Ross Matthews said: “It’s great to see such an exciting line-up of Australian films screening at Pusan, which has established itself as one of Asia’s most dynamic film events.”
Wasted on the Young tells the story...
Belinda Chayko’s Lou will screen in the flash forward section and The Kiss directed by Ashley Page, will be shown in the wide angle – short film showcase category.
Patrick Hughes’ Red Hill and Andrew Traucki’s The Reef have been selected to show in the midnight passion program – a diverse genre category, that recognises entertainment value.
Screen Australia’s Head of Production Investment Ross Matthews said: “It’s great to see such an exciting line-up of Australian films screening at Pusan, which has established itself as one of Asia’s most dynamic film events.”
Wasted on the Young tells the story...
- 9/14/2010
- by georginap
- Encore Magazine
Screen Australia has invested $4.5m in 20 documentaries, with a production volume worth $15m.
The agency said the demands on this month’s round of the domestic documentary program were high, with ABC, Sbs and pay TV “using close to their full allocation for the financial year”. Therefore, Screen Australia will pool its funds across the domestic and international programs for a total alloction of $7.5m.
The next two rounds in the 2010/11 year will be worth $1.8m each.
The approved projects are:
Wide Open Road
Bombora Films and Music Producer/Director Paul Clarke Broadcaster ABC TV Sales & Distribution ABC Commercial, Roadshow Synopsis An Australian social history of the 20th century – viewed through the windscreen of the cars that we so cherished.
Arthouse
Paalma Pty Ltd Producer/Writer Marian Bartsch Director Britt Arthur Broadcaster ABC Sales & Distribution ABC Content Sales Synopsis ArtHouse looks at the changing face of architecture, innovation and design...
The agency said the demands on this month’s round of the domestic documentary program were high, with ABC, Sbs and pay TV “using close to their full allocation for the financial year”. Therefore, Screen Australia will pool its funds across the domestic and international programs for a total alloction of $7.5m.
The next two rounds in the 2010/11 year will be worth $1.8m each.
The approved projects are:
Wide Open Road
Bombora Films and Music Producer/Director Paul Clarke Broadcaster ABC TV Sales & Distribution ABC Commercial, Roadshow Synopsis An Australian social history of the 20th century – viewed through the windscreen of the cars that we so cherished.
Arthouse
Paalma Pty Ltd Producer/Writer Marian Bartsch Director Britt Arthur Broadcaster ABC Sales & Distribution ABC Content Sales Synopsis ArtHouse looks at the changing face of architecture, innovation and design...
- 7/27/2010
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
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