Filming Underway On New Alan Partridge BBC Series
Filming is underway on new Alan Partridge mockumentary And Did Those Feet. Deadline revealed the BBC series several months back and cameras have rolled on the latest Steve Coogan conception. The mockumentary follows the beloved comedy creation settling into life back in his Norfolk home after a year working in Saudi Arabia, but the adjustment has left him with a deep sense of unease. Over six episodes he will unpack what is missing in his life, explore why the nation is in such a funk and find out what it might take to keep a person funk-free. “This look into the state of the nation (and Alan’s own psyche) through a unique lens – that of Alan Partridge – promises to further bolster the already iconic repertoire of the most legendary comedy character in the UK,” said BBC comedy boss Jon Petrie. Coogan...
Filming is underway on new Alan Partridge mockumentary And Did Those Feet. Deadline revealed the BBC series several months back and cameras have rolled on the latest Steve Coogan conception. The mockumentary follows the beloved comedy creation settling into life back in his Norfolk home after a year working in Saudi Arabia, but the adjustment has left him with a deep sense of unease. Over six episodes he will unpack what is missing in his life, explore why the nation is in such a funk and find out what it might take to keep a person funk-free. “This look into the state of the nation (and Alan’s own psyche) through a unique lens – that of Alan Partridge – promises to further bolster the already iconic repertoire of the most legendary comedy character in the UK,” said BBC comedy boss Jon Petrie. Coogan...
- 5/20/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Prime Video announces ‘Top End Wedding’ spin-off ‘Top End Bub’ featuring Miranda Tapsell, Gwilym Lee
'Top End Wedding' stars Miranda Tapsell and Gwilym Lee are set for a return as loved-up couple Lauren and Ned in Prime Video spin-off series 'Top End Bub', to be filmed in South Australia and the Northern Territory from next month.
The post Prime Video announces ‘Top End Wedding’ spin-off ‘Top End Bub’ featuring Miranda Tapsell, Gwilym Lee appeared first on If Magazine.
The post Prime Video announces ‘Top End Wedding’ spin-off ‘Top End Bub’ featuring Miranda Tapsell, Gwilym Lee appeared first on If Magazine.
- 4/3/2024
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Their first on-screen romance came in 2019 feature Top End Wedding, and now Miranda Tapsell and Gwilym Lee are getting in the loving mood for a Prime Video Australia series.
The pair are reprising their roles from the local box office hit in Top End Bub, with Tapsell and Top End Wedding co-writer Joshua Tyler penning the scripts. Christian van Vuuren and Shari Sebbens are directing.
Top End Bub will revisit Lauren (Tapsell), a dynamic Indigenous lawyer ticking off life goals in Adelaide, and her baker husband Ned (Lee), who abandon city life for the Top End (where the outback meets the tropics) to raise Lauren’s recently-orphaned eight-year-old niece.
While Lauren and Ned juggle the responsibility of becoming unexpected parents and try to keep their marriage together, Lauren must come to terms with her responsibilities within her culture, as she transforms from an individualist to the linchpin of her family,...
The pair are reprising their roles from the local box office hit in Top End Bub, with Tapsell and Top End Wedding co-writer Joshua Tyler penning the scripts. Christian van Vuuren and Shari Sebbens are directing.
Top End Bub will revisit Lauren (Tapsell), a dynamic Indigenous lawyer ticking off life goals in Adelaide, and her baker husband Ned (Lee), who abandon city life for the Top End (where the outback meets the tropics) to raise Lauren’s recently-orphaned eight-year-old niece.
While Lauren and Ned juggle the responsibility of becoming unexpected parents and try to keep their marriage together, Lauren must come to terms with her responsibilities within her culture, as she transforms from an individualist to the linchpin of her family,...
- 4/3/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Lily Sullivan earned a lot of horror-loving fans with her performance in last year’s Evil Dead Rise, writer/director Lee Cronin’s addition to the Sam Raimi-created Evil Dead franchise. Those horror-loving fans are going to have a new Sullivan film to check out soon, when Well Go USA gives a theatrical and digital release to Monolith on February 16th – and with just a month to go before that date arrives, a trailer for the film has arrived online. You can check it out in the embed above.
The feature directorial debut of Matt Vesely, who has 15 years of short film credits on his filmography, Monolith was written by Lucy Campbell. This is Campbell’s first feature writing credit, following multiple script editor and script coordinator credits on projects like the Wolf Creek TV series, Wanted, Pine Gap, The Hunting, Upright, Stateless, A Sunburnt Christmas, Firebite, and Aftertaste.
The feature directorial debut of Matt Vesely, who has 15 years of short film credits on his filmography, Monolith was written by Lucy Campbell. This is Campbell’s first feature writing credit, following multiple script editor and script coordinator credits on projects like the Wolf Creek TV series, Wanted, Pine Gap, The Hunting, Upright, Stateless, A Sunburnt Christmas, Firebite, and Aftertaste.
- 1/10/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Nicolas Cage is ready to show audiences he’s no Barney when it comes to joining the Dawn patrol for some heavy waves in The Surfer, a psychological thriller from Vivarium director Lorcan Finnegan. The project recently wrapped production in Western Australia, with Cage taking the lead as “a man who returns to Australia to buy back his family home after many years in the U.S. but is humiliated in front of his teenage son by a group of local surfers who claim ownership over the secluded beach of his childhood. Wounded, he defies them and remains at the beach, demanding acceptance. As the conflict escalates, he is brought to the edge of his sanity, and his identity is thrown into question.” (via Deadline)
Today’s image for The Surfer depicts Cage with a look of bewilderment as he stares at a bullet. With a wound across his forehead and wrinkled clothing,...
Today’s image for The Surfer depicts Cage with a look of bewilderment as he stares at a bullet. With a wound across his forehead and wrinkled clothing,...
- 12/11/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Platform Public Relations on Tuesday announced its appointment of Jennifer Curran to the role of Vice President, Global Talent Relations & Strategy, as well as its launch of new divisions in Asia and Europe.
While continuing work with U.S.-based clients, EVP, Talent Relations Angela Mach will head up the Asia Global Business Division which includes Korean artists Ateez, The Boyz, The Rose and Soji Arai (Pachinko). Monica Cueto will serve as Director of the Madrid-based European branch with clients Pepe Barosso (Gran Turismo), Alex Pastrana (Elite) and Isis Valverde.
Launching her career at Summit Entertainment, where she worked on the Twilight franchise and more, Curran segued to the firm formerly known as Rogers & Cowan in 2014, focusing there on talent relations and awards strategy. The latter company afforded her the opportunity to work with the likes of Rob Lowe, Jeff Daniels, Riz Ahmed, Kelly Marie Tran, Jacob Elordi, Emily Ratajkowski,...
While continuing work with U.S.-based clients, EVP, Talent Relations Angela Mach will head up the Asia Global Business Division which includes Korean artists Ateez, The Boyz, The Rose and Soji Arai (Pachinko). Monica Cueto will serve as Director of the Madrid-based European branch with clients Pepe Barosso (Gran Turismo), Alex Pastrana (Elite) and Isis Valverde.
Launching her career at Summit Entertainment, where she worked on the Twilight franchise and more, Curran segued to the firm formerly known as Rogers & Cowan in 2014, focusing there on talent relations and awards strategy. The latter company afforded her the opportunity to work with the likes of Rob Lowe, Jeff Daniels, Riz Ahmed, Kelly Marie Tran, Jacob Elordi, Emily Ratajkowski,...
- 7/11/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
French sales agency Elle Driver is giving a Cannes Market launch to “Kid Snow,” a West Australian-produced tale of redemption set in the 1970s world of tent boxing. Production starts on Monday in Australia’s Goldfields-Esperance region, making it the first feature film to kick off production in the state since its border re-opened.
Boxing tents toured Australia’s small towns from the early 1900s until the 1970s, and were venues where professional fighters faced off against local challengers. The troupes criss-crossed the outback, boasted a carnival-like atmosphere and were places where Indigenous fighters could become heroes.
Penned by writers John Brumpton and Stephen Cleary, the story involves a washed-up Irish boxer named Kid Snow who is finally given a chance to redeem himself when he is offered a rematch against the man he fought a decade prior, on a night that changed his life forever. When Kid Snow meets single mother Sunny,...
Boxing tents toured Australia’s small towns from the early 1900s until the 1970s, and were venues where professional fighters faced off against local challengers. The troupes criss-crossed the outback, boasted a carnival-like atmosphere and were places where Indigenous fighters could become heroes.
Penned by writers John Brumpton and Stephen Cleary, the story involves a washed-up Irish boxer named Kid Snow who is finally given a chance to redeem himself when he is offered a rematch against the man he fought a decade prior, on a night that changed his life forever. When Kid Snow meets single mother Sunny,...
- 5/22/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Shawn Seet to direct romantic comedy, created and led by actress Shuang Hu.
Prime Video has ordered romantic comedy Five Blind Dates as its first Australian Amazon original feature, which will begin shooting next month.
The story was created by US comedian Nathan Ramos-Park and China-born Australian actor Shuang Hu, who plays a woman that is told by a fortune teller that she will meet her soulmate on one of the next five dates she goes on.
It will be directed by Australia’s Shawn Seet, who is known primarily for TV series such as The Code but has made...
Prime Video has ordered romantic comedy Five Blind Dates as its first Australian Amazon original feature, which will begin shooting next month.
The story was created by US comedian Nathan Ramos-Park and China-born Australian actor Shuang Hu, who plays a woman that is told by a fortune teller that she will meet her soulmate on one of the next five dates she goes on.
It will be directed by Australia’s Shawn Seet, who is known primarily for TV series such as The Code but has made...
- 3/29/2022
- by Sandy George
- ScreenDaily
Actor and director Wayne Blair and producers Rosemary Blight, Kylie du Fresne and Darren Dale are among the Australians that have been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).
Other invitees include VFX artists Genevieve Camilleri and Matt Everitt, who were nominated for an Oscar this year for their work on Love and Monsters, costume designer Margot Wilson and composer Amanda Brown.
Joining the short film and animation branch is Charles Williams, whose All These Creatures won the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Palme d’Or in 2018.
This year the Oscars body invited 395 new members from 50 countries. Forty-six per cent of all invitees identify as women, while 39 per cent are from underrepresented ethnic/racial communities. More than half (53 per cent) come from outside the United States. Some 25 are Oscar winners, and 89 nominees.
Blair has been invited to join the directing branch, recognising his work in...
Other invitees include VFX artists Genevieve Camilleri and Matt Everitt, who were nominated for an Oscar this year for their work on Love and Monsters, costume designer Margot Wilson and composer Amanda Brown.
Joining the short film and animation branch is Charles Williams, whose All These Creatures won the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Palme d’Or in 2018.
This year the Oscars body invited 395 new members from 50 countries. Forty-six per cent of all invitees identify as women, while 39 per cent are from underrepresented ethnic/racial communities. More than half (53 per cent) come from outside the United States. Some 25 are Oscar winners, and 89 nominees.
Blair has been invited to join the directing branch, recognising his work in...
- 7/2/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Production in and around Sydney, Australia has started on “Preppers,” a comedy series about the end of the world.
Directed by Steven McGregor (“Black Comedy”), “Preppers” follows a young Aboriginal woman whose world crumbles around her after experiencing a personal, cataclysmic event. Escaping the fallout, she finds herself at the center of a mismatched community of doomsday preppers.
“Preppers” stars Nakkiah Lui who also co-wrote the series with Gabriel Dowrick.
Penny Smallacombe, head of the First Nations Department at Screen Australia said: “Nakkiah Lui has a track record of creating boundary-pushing comedy and we’re proud to support her and the rest of the talented creative team in bringing this hilarious and clever series to life. Who doesn’t need a few lessons in Prepping!”
The show is a Porchlight Films production in association with Spirit Pictures. The series producer is Sylvia Warmer, with Porchlight’s Liz Watts and the...
Directed by Steven McGregor (“Black Comedy”), “Preppers” follows a young Aboriginal woman whose world crumbles around her after experiencing a personal, cataclysmic event. Escaping the fallout, she finds herself at the center of a mismatched community of doomsday preppers.
“Preppers” stars Nakkiah Lui who also co-wrote the series with Gabriel Dowrick.
Penny Smallacombe, head of the First Nations Department at Screen Australia said: “Nakkiah Lui has a track record of creating boundary-pushing comedy and we’re proud to support her and the rest of the talented creative team in bringing this hilarious and clever series to life. Who doesn’t need a few lessons in Prepping!”
The show is a Porchlight Films production in association with Spirit Pictures. The series producer is Sylvia Warmer, with Porchlight’s Liz Watts and the...
- 5/6/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Samuel Goldwyn Films has added to its growing list of Australian acquisitions, negotiating a deal for the worldwide rights to Antaine Furlong’s Ascendant.
Under the agreement, there will be a planned theatrical release of the film as Rising Wolf in the US on July 16.
Ascendant will be released in Australia and New Zealand this Thursday via Maslow Entertainment.
Set in Shanghai, the story follows Aria Wolf (Charlotte Best), a young woman who wakes, trapped, kidnapped in an elevator of a super high rise building at the mercy of her tormentors. Cocooned in the belly of the beast, Aria is forced to adapt her thinking, her beliefs, and her endurance.
The cast includes Jonny Pasvolsky (The Front Runner), Alex Menglet (Wentworth), Susan Prior (The Rover), Lily Stewart, Justin Cotta,Tahlia Sturzaker (I am Mother), and Karelina Clarke.
Ascendant was written by Kieron Holland and Furlong, who produced alongside Kristy Vernon,...
Under the agreement, there will be a planned theatrical release of the film as Rising Wolf in the US on July 16.
Ascendant will be released in Australia and New Zealand this Thursday via Maslow Entertainment.
Set in Shanghai, the story follows Aria Wolf (Charlotte Best), a young woman who wakes, trapped, kidnapped in an elevator of a super high rise building at the mercy of her tormentors. Cocooned in the belly of the beast, Aria is forced to adapt her thinking, her beliefs, and her endurance.
The cast includes Jonny Pasvolsky (The Front Runner), Alex Menglet (Wentworth), Susan Prior (The Rover), Lily Stewart, Justin Cotta,Tahlia Sturzaker (I am Mother), and Karelina Clarke.
Ascendant was written by Kieron Holland and Furlong, who produced alongside Kristy Vernon,...
- 4/7/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired the North American rights to Leah Purcell’s The Drover’s Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson ahead of its world premiere at SXSW next week.
In a deal was brokered by Momento International, The Drover’s Wife marks yet another Australian acquisition for Samuel Goldwyn, who has in recent years picked up films such as Rams, High Ground, Judy & Punch, Top End Wedding, Measure for Measure. H is for Happiness, Dirt Music, Koko: A Red Dog Story and Sweet Country.
Produced by Bunya Productions and Oombarra Productions, The Drover’s Wife is written and directed by Purcell, based on her stage play of the same name.
A reimagining of Henry Lawson’s classic short story, the story is set in 1893 on an isolated property the Snowy Mountains, and follows the heavily pregnant Molly Johnson (Purcell) and her children, who struggle in isolation to survive after her husband leaves,...
In a deal was brokered by Momento International, The Drover’s Wife marks yet another Australian acquisition for Samuel Goldwyn, who has in recent years picked up films such as Rams, High Ground, Judy & Punch, Top End Wedding, Measure for Measure. H is for Happiness, Dirt Music, Koko: A Red Dog Story and Sweet Country.
Produced by Bunya Productions and Oombarra Productions, The Drover’s Wife is written and directed by Purcell, based on her stage play of the same name.
A reimagining of Henry Lawson’s classic short story, the story is set in 1893 on an isolated property the Snowy Mountains, and follows the heavily pregnant Molly Johnson (Purcell) and her children, who struggle in isolation to survive after her husband leaves,...
- 3/11/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Sci-fi adventure 2067 has proven to be a standout among local audiences, with Netflix revealing Seth Larney’s film has spent the most days as the most popular movie in the country since the streaming platform added ranking lists to the service.
Starring Kodi Smit-McPhee (X-Men: Apocalypse), Ryan Kwanten (True Blood), and Deborah Mailman (The Sapphires), 2067 is set in a not-too-distant future, where Earth has been ravaged by climate change and humanity is forced to live on artificial oxygen.
When survival is threatened by a fatal “oxygen sickness”, the only hope for a cure comes in the form of a message from the future: Send Ethan Whyte. Suddenly Ethan (Smit-McPhee), an underground tunnel worker, barrels into the future in search of a cure. As he draws closer to the truth, he uncovers a terrifying conspiracy and faces the possibility of never returning home.
Written by Larney and Dave Paterson, 2067 was...
Starring Kodi Smit-McPhee (X-Men: Apocalypse), Ryan Kwanten (True Blood), and Deborah Mailman (The Sapphires), 2067 is set in a not-too-distant future, where Earth has been ravaged by climate change and humanity is forced to live on artificial oxygen.
When survival is threatened by a fatal “oxygen sickness”, the only hope for a cure comes in the form of a message from the future: Send Ethan Whyte. Suddenly Ethan (Smit-McPhee), an underground tunnel worker, barrels into the future in search of a cure. As he draws closer to the truth, he uncovers a terrifying conspiracy and faces the possibility of never returning home.
Written by Larney and Dave Paterson, 2067 was...
- 3/5/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Amanda Duthie will depart Sbs this week, where she has been acting as head of scripted since late 2019.
If understands Duthie will join Stan, though the streamer is yet to publicly confirm the role.
Duthie joins the Nine-owned platform as it ramps up its local commissions, having recently announced an ambitious plan to invest in more than 30 productions per year within five years.
On Stan’s upcoming slate is a second season of Roadshow Rough Diamond’s hit series Bump; Anthony Hayes’ feature film Gold, starring Zac Efron; Every Cloud Productions series Eden, and BBC co-production The Tourist, about to shoot in South Australia with stars Jamie Dornan, Danielle Macdonald, Shalom Brune-Franklin and Hugo Weaving.
While at Sbs, Duthie helped to steer its largest ever drama slate, including Goalpost Pictures’ New Gold Mountain and Aquarius Films’ The Unusual Suspects.
A spokesperson for the broadcaster told If: “Amanda has made...
If understands Duthie will join Stan, though the streamer is yet to publicly confirm the role.
Duthie joins the Nine-owned platform as it ramps up its local commissions, having recently announced an ambitious plan to invest in more than 30 productions per year within five years.
On Stan’s upcoming slate is a second season of Roadshow Rough Diamond’s hit series Bump; Anthony Hayes’ feature film Gold, starring Zac Efron; Every Cloud Productions series Eden, and BBC co-production The Tourist, about to shoot in South Australia with stars Jamie Dornan, Danielle Macdonald, Shalom Brune-Franklin and Hugo Weaving.
While at Sbs, Duthie helped to steer its largest ever drama slate, including Goalpost Pictures’ New Gold Mountain and Aquarius Films’ The Unusual Suspects.
A spokesperson for the broadcaster told If: “Amanda has made...
- 2/9/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Until there is diverse representation on stage and screen, not all Australians will feel acknowledged as a part of the society they live in, according Ursula Yovich.
The Burarra and Serbian actress, playwright, singer and songwriter delivered the inaugural Nida Naidoc Week Lecture yesterday, using her speech to call for cultural change that will lead to greater representation in the arts.
Yovich recounted that when she was young, she loved singing and religiously woke up at 6am each Saturday morning to watch ABC’s Rage.
And yet it wasn’t until she saw Whitney Houston for the first time that she ever imagined that a singing career was viable.
“I loved Tina Arena, John Farnham, Something for Kate, Crowded House, Wendy Matthews, Inxs, Australian Crawl, Midnight Oil and Icehouse. But I never felt that I could actually become a singer, because that career path was not for people like me.
The Burarra and Serbian actress, playwright, singer and songwriter delivered the inaugural Nida Naidoc Week Lecture yesterday, using her speech to call for cultural change that will lead to greater representation in the arts.
Yovich recounted that when she was young, she loved singing and religiously woke up at 6am each Saturday morning to watch ABC’s Rage.
And yet it wasn’t until she saw Whitney Houston for the first time that she ever imagined that a singing career was viable.
“I loved Tina Arena, John Farnham, Something for Kate, Crowded House, Wendy Matthews, Inxs, Australian Crawl, Midnight Oil and Icehouse. But I never felt that I could actually become a singer, because that career path was not for people like me.
- 11/13/2020
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
The ten Indigenous-led productions due to participate in Bunya Talent Lab LA will each receive development funding and participate in a companion writing program with Netflix.
Originally scheduled for May 2020 in LA, the five-day incubator program was delayed due to travel restrictions but will now take place virtually in early February 2021.
In order for the creatives to maintain momentum and utilise the extra time ahead of the event, Screen Australia’s Indigenous department and Netflix will give each team development funding to further develop their projects with Bunya producers.
As part of the hub, each project will also receive one-on-one international mentorship for their production from Australians in Film (AiF).
A final pitch session to Netflix commissioners in early 2021 will see one of the projects land a formal development deal with Netflix, with Bunya Productions engaged as producers.
Projects include a range of feature film and TV series ideas encompassing comedy,...
Originally scheduled for May 2020 in LA, the five-day incubator program was delayed due to travel restrictions but will now take place virtually in early February 2021.
In order for the creatives to maintain momentum and utilise the extra time ahead of the event, Screen Australia’s Indigenous department and Netflix will give each team development funding to further develop their projects with Bunya producers.
As part of the hub, each project will also receive one-on-one international mentorship for their production from Australians in Film (AiF).
A final pitch session to Netflix commissioners in early 2021 will see one of the projects land a formal development deal with Netflix, with Bunya Productions engaged as producers.
Projects include a range of feature film and TV series ideas encompassing comedy,...
- 11/12/2020
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
‘Rams.’
Samuel Goldwyn Films continues to show a greater appetite for Australian films than any other North American distributor, with Jeremy Sims’ Rams as the latest acquisition.
WestEnd Films negotiated the deal for the remake of the cult Icelandic pic Hrútar, which stars Sam Neill, Michael Caton, Miranda Richardson, Wayne Blair, Asher Keddie and newcomer Will McNeill.
Roadshow will launch the comedy-drama produced by Wbmc’s Janelle Landers and Aidan O’Bryan and scripted by Jules Duncan on more than 240 screens on October 29.
This year Goldwyn released Mirrah Foulkes’ Judy & Punch, Wayne Blair’s Top End Wedding, Paul Ireland’s Measure for Measure, John Sheedy’s H is for Happiness and Gregor Jordan’s Dirt Music, mostly on VOD.
Stephen Johnson’s High Ground will premiere next year after its Australian release via Madman Entertainment.
Landers tells If that two US distributors made bids for Rams and Goldwyn won out...
Samuel Goldwyn Films continues to show a greater appetite for Australian films than any other North American distributor, with Jeremy Sims’ Rams as the latest acquisition.
WestEnd Films negotiated the deal for the remake of the cult Icelandic pic Hrútar, which stars Sam Neill, Michael Caton, Miranda Richardson, Wayne Blair, Asher Keddie and newcomer Will McNeill.
Roadshow will launch the comedy-drama produced by Wbmc’s Janelle Landers and Aidan O’Bryan and scripted by Jules Duncan on more than 240 screens on October 29.
This year Goldwyn released Mirrah Foulkes’ Judy & Punch, Wayne Blair’s Top End Wedding, Paul Ireland’s Measure for Measure, John Sheedy’s H is for Happiness and Gregor Jordan’s Dirt Music, mostly on VOD.
Stephen Johnson’s High Ground will premiere next year after its Australian release via Madman Entertainment.
Landers tells If that two US distributors made bids for Rams and Goldwyn won out...
- 10/22/2020
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Ben Lawrence took home the main prize – Best Direction in a Feature Film (Budget $1M+) – at last night’s Australian Directors’ Guild (Adg) Awards, for his debut narrative feature Hearts and Bones.
Held virtually and hosted by Greta Lee Jackson and Nina Oyama, this year’s Adg Awards also saw female directors take home 10 of the 19 prizes – marking the first time ever that women have made up more than 50 per cent of winners.
Among them were Josephine Mackerras, who took home Best Direction of A Feature Film (Budget under $1M) for the French-language Alice; Maya Newell whose In My Blood It Runs saw her win Best Direction of a Documentary Feature, and Emma Freeman, who won Best Direction of a TV or SVOD Mini-Series for Stateless: Episode 3.
The guild suggests this reflects the push for gender parity in the industry. Traditionally, women have been extremely underrepresented in director roles, and last week,...
Held virtually and hosted by Greta Lee Jackson and Nina Oyama, this year’s Adg Awards also saw female directors take home 10 of the 19 prizes – marking the first time ever that women have made up more than 50 per cent of winners.
Among them were Josephine Mackerras, who took home Best Direction of A Feature Film (Budget under $1M) for the French-language Alice; Maya Newell whose In My Blood It Runs saw her win Best Direction of a Documentary Feature, and Emma Freeman, who won Best Direction of a TV or SVOD Mini-Series for Stateless: Episode 3.
The guild suggests this reflects the push for gender parity in the industry. Traditionally, women have been extremely underrepresented in director roles, and last week,...
- 10/19/2020
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Filming has got under way in Adelaide on Australian comedy-drama series “Aftertaste.” It is the first major production to shoot in the state of South Australia since the coronavirus shut-down, and comes as a state of disaster and a nighttime curfew are declared in neighboring Victoria state, which includes Melbourne.
The six-part Closer Productions show will shoot for five weeks in Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills. It makes use of 110 cast and crew members, including 10 from out of state, and 200 extras.
To get into production, the show used a risk assessment tool developed by consultancy firm Deloitte and overseen by the South Australia Film Corporation. “The Risk Assessment Tool has been instrumental in navigating the path back to production, and providing the framework and structure needed to get this production up and running within Covid-Safe guidelines,” said CEO of the South Australian Film Corporation Kate Croser.
Created by Julie De Fina and Matthew Bate,...
The six-part Closer Productions show will shoot for five weeks in Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills. It makes use of 110 cast and crew members, including 10 from out of state, and 200 extras.
To get into production, the show used a risk assessment tool developed by consultancy firm Deloitte and overseen by the South Australia Film Corporation. “The Risk Assessment Tool has been instrumental in navigating the path back to production, and providing the framework and structure needed to get this production up and running within Covid-Safe guidelines,” said CEO of the South Australian Film Corporation Kate Croser.
Created by Julie De Fina and Matthew Bate,...
- 8/3/2020
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
(L-r) Greer Simpkin, Peter Goldwyn, Warwick Thornton and David Jowsey at the Sundance ‘Sweet Country’ premiere.
No North American distributor has been more aggressive in acquiring Australian films in the past few years than Samuel Goldwyn Films, continuing a relationship with Australian filmmakers that stretches for more than 20 years.
Among its latest acquisitions are Stephen Johnson’s High Ground, Paul Ireland’s Measure for Measure, John Sheedy’s H is for Happiness and Gregor Jordan’s Dirt Music.
President Peter Goldwyn explains the long-term commitment to Australian cinema, the target audiences for upcoming Oz titles and the distributor’s release strategies as most US cinemas are closed.
By my estimate, your company has released more Australian titles in recent years than any other US distributor. What keeps attracting you to Oz films and talent?
Simple answer is the quality of the pictures.
I think Goldwyn’s relationship with Aussie cinema...
No North American distributor has been more aggressive in acquiring Australian films in the past few years than Samuel Goldwyn Films, continuing a relationship with Australian filmmakers that stretches for more than 20 years.
Among its latest acquisitions are Stephen Johnson’s High Ground, Paul Ireland’s Measure for Measure, John Sheedy’s H is for Happiness and Gregor Jordan’s Dirt Music.
President Peter Goldwyn explains the long-term commitment to Australian cinema, the target audiences for upcoming Oz titles and the distributor’s release strategies as most US cinemas are closed.
By my estimate, your company has released more Australian titles in recent years than any other US distributor. What keeps attracting you to Oz films and talent?
Simple answer is the quality of the pictures.
I think Goldwyn’s relationship with Aussie cinema...
- 8/2/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Sophie Hyde, pictured here on the set of ‘Animals’, has been nominated for two Adg Awards.
First-time feature directors Thomas Wright (Acute Misfortune), John Sheedy (H is for Happiness), Ben Lawrence (Hearts and Bones) and Natalie Erika James (Relic) will vie for the Australian Directors’ Guild (Adg) Award for Best Direction in a Feature Film ($1 million or over) against Sophie Hyde (Animals) and Wayne Blair (Top End Wedding).
Up in the $1 million or under category are Josephine Mackerras for Alice, Imogen Thomas for Emu Runner, Lucy Colman for Hot Mess, Luke Sullivan for Reflections In The Dust and Samuel Van Grinsven for Sequin In A Blue Room.
The Adg announced nominees for its annual awards today, with winners to be announced in Sydney at a ceremony October 19. A record 202 entries were received this year, up from 117 in 2019.
“At these challenging times, it is more important than ever that we come...
First-time feature directors Thomas Wright (Acute Misfortune), John Sheedy (H is for Happiness), Ben Lawrence (Hearts and Bones) and Natalie Erika James (Relic) will vie for the Australian Directors’ Guild (Adg) Award for Best Direction in a Feature Film ($1 million or over) against Sophie Hyde (Animals) and Wayne Blair (Top End Wedding).
Up in the $1 million or under category are Josephine Mackerras for Alice, Imogen Thomas for Emu Runner, Lucy Colman for Hot Mess, Luke Sullivan for Reflections In The Dust and Samuel Van Grinsven for Sequin In A Blue Room.
The Adg announced nominees for its annual awards today, with winners to be announced in Sydney at a ceremony October 19. A record 202 entries were received this year, up from 117 in 2019.
“At these challenging times, it is more important than ever that we come...
- 7/14/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
‘Hi is for Happiness’ (Photo credit: David Dare Parker).
John Sheedy’s debut feature H is for Happiness has been acquired by Samuel Goldwyn Films in North America and Germany’s Telepool as well as distributors in multiple other markets.
The comedy-drama which opened the Generation Kplus section at the Berlin International Film Festival is Goldywn’s fifth Australian acquisition this year.
The distributor released Wayne Blair’s Top End Wedding in February and Mirrah Foulkes’ Judy & Punch in May, to be followed by Gregor Jordan’s Dirt Music on July 17 and Paul Ireland’s Measure for Measure on September 4, all on VOD.
The international sales agent, Tine Klint’s LevelK, negotiated the H is for Happiness deals including the Middle East and North Africa (Front Row), the Nordics excluding Iceland (Angel Films/FilmCentrum), Estonia (Estin Film) Poland (New Horizons Assoc.), Eastern Europe (HBO Central Europe), Israel (yes Dbs...
John Sheedy’s debut feature H is for Happiness has been acquired by Samuel Goldwyn Films in North America and Germany’s Telepool as well as distributors in multiple other markets.
The comedy-drama which opened the Generation Kplus section at the Berlin International Film Festival is Goldywn’s fifth Australian acquisition this year.
The distributor released Wayne Blair’s Top End Wedding in February and Mirrah Foulkes’ Judy & Punch in May, to be followed by Gregor Jordan’s Dirt Music on July 17 and Paul Ireland’s Measure for Measure on September 4, all on VOD.
The international sales agent, Tine Klint’s LevelK, negotiated the H is for Happiness deals including the Middle East and North Africa (Front Row), the Nordics excluding Iceland (Angel Films/FilmCentrum), Estonia (Estin Film) Poland (New Horizons Assoc.), Eastern Europe (HBO Central Europe), Israel (yes Dbs...
- 7/2/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘Measure for Measure’.
Paul Ireland’s Measure for Measure will be released in North America by Samuel Goldwyn Films, the distributor’s third Australian acquisition this year.
The contemporary drama inspired by Shakespeare’s play, starring Hugo Weaving, Harrison Gilbertson, Megan Smart, Fayssal Bazzi, Mark Leonard Winter, Daniel Henshall, John Brumpton and Doris Younane, will go out on digital platforms on September 4.
Umbrella Films, which had planned a theatrical release in May that was scuttled after cinemas shuttered, will open the film on September 3.
Scripted by Ireland and the late Damian Hill, the plot follows the love affair between a modern Muslim girl and a local musician against the background of racial tension and gang culture in a notorious housing estate in Melbourne. Thea McLeod was the casting director
“In the current racial climate the world finds Itself, Measure for Measure becomes even more relevant to a society reaching out for love and equality,...
Paul Ireland’s Measure for Measure will be released in North America by Samuel Goldwyn Films, the distributor’s third Australian acquisition this year.
The contemporary drama inspired by Shakespeare’s play, starring Hugo Weaving, Harrison Gilbertson, Megan Smart, Fayssal Bazzi, Mark Leonard Winter, Daniel Henshall, John Brumpton and Doris Younane, will go out on digital platforms on September 4.
Umbrella Films, which had planned a theatrical release in May that was scuttled after cinemas shuttered, will open the film on September 3.
Scripted by Ireland and the late Damian Hill, the plot follows the love affair between a modern Muslim girl and a local musician against the background of racial tension and gang culture in a notorious housing estate in Melbourne. Thea McLeod was the casting director
“In the current racial climate the world finds Itself, Measure for Measure becomes even more relevant to a society reaching out for love and equality,...
- 6/30/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
There are few surefire successes in television. It just so happens that with its new releases for May 2020, Hulu almost certainly found itself one. May 8 sees the debut of all eight episodes of Solar Opposites, the latest sci-fi animated effort from Rick and Morty co-creator Justin Roiland. This is a brand new story featuring a family of aliens crashing to Earth and learning to live amongst the rest of us weirdos. But the animation style and sci-fi themes hew so closely to Rick and Morty that there’s no way this won’t be a hit.
On the off chance Solar Opposites doesn’t set the world ablaze, Hulu has some other intriguing content lottery tickets for May. The Great premieres on May 15 and is a comedic period piece about Catherine the Great starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult. You can’t accuse Hulu of not taking big swings this month!
On the off chance Solar Opposites doesn’t set the world ablaze, Hulu has some other intriguing content lottery tickets for May. The Great premieres on May 15 and is a comedic period piece about Catherine the Great starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult. You can’t accuse Hulu of not taking big swings this month!
- 4/30/2020
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Hulu is out with its list of new additions coming in May, and everything that will be leaving the streaming service at the end of the months.
Highlights include Season 2 of “Ramy,” from Muslim American comedian Ramy Youssef, a new episode of “Into the Dark” called “Delivered,” in which a pregnant woman’s life is thrown into jeopardy when she realizes someone close to her has dark plans for her and the baby, and the series premiere of Hulu original series “The Great” about Catherine the Great, the famous Empress of Russia.
Leaving at the end of the month is “Good Will Hunting,” all three “Free Willy” films, 2006’s “Night of the Living Dead” and 2012’s “Night of the Living Dead: Resurrection,” “Zombieland,” 2002’s “Spider-Man,” and more.
Also Read: Julia Child Documentary From 'Rbg' Directors Acquired by Sony Pictures Classics
Here is the full list of everything coming and going...
Highlights include Season 2 of “Ramy,” from Muslim American comedian Ramy Youssef, a new episode of “Into the Dark” called “Delivered,” in which a pregnant woman’s life is thrown into jeopardy when she realizes someone close to her has dark plans for her and the baby, and the series premiere of Hulu original series “The Great” about Catherine the Great, the famous Empress of Russia.
Leaving at the end of the month is “Good Will Hunting,” all three “Free Willy” films, 2006’s “Night of the Living Dead” and 2012’s “Night of the Living Dead: Resurrection,” “Zombieland,” 2002’s “Spider-Man,” and more.
Also Read: Julia Child Documentary From 'Rbg' Directors Acquired by Sony Pictures Classics
Here is the full list of everything coming and going...
- 4/17/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
‘Top End Wedding.’
Major and independent film distributors and exhibitors are urging the federal government to adopt a new PG13 classification which they say would benefit family-friendly Australian and international films that get M ratings.
Echoing calls by Screen Producers Australia and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation, the Film Industry Associations (Fia) also advocates a uniform classification system across all delivery platforms, with self-classification by the industry, overseen by a government regulator.
“The current review system is no longer fit-for-purpose. It is expensive and unfeasibly time-consuming in an environment where digital distribution has minimised the time between the delivery of a film and its release date,” the Fia says in its submission to the government classification review.
The group represents the Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia, the Australian Independent Distributors Association, the National Association of Cinema Operators and Independent Cinemas Australia.
Spa and the Australian Home Entertainment Distributors Association...
Major and independent film distributors and exhibitors are urging the federal government to adopt a new PG13 classification which they say would benefit family-friendly Australian and international films that get M ratings.
Echoing calls by Screen Producers Australia and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation, the Film Industry Associations (Fia) also advocates a uniform classification system across all delivery platforms, with self-classification by the industry, overseen by a government regulator.
“The current review system is no longer fit-for-purpose. It is expensive and unfeasibly time-consuming in an environment where digital distribution has minimised the time between the delivery of a film and its release date,” the Fia says in its submission to the government classification review.
The group represents the Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia, the Australian Independent Distributors Association, the National Association of Cinema Operators and Independent Cinemas Australia.
Spa and the Australian Home Entertainment Distributors Association...
- 3/1/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Jacob Junior Nayinggul and Simon Baker at the Berlin premiere.
The Samuel Goldwyn Co. has nabbed Us rights to Stephen Johnson’s Western High Ground which received rave reviews after the world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival.
The deal continues Goldwyn’s relationship with Bunya Productions’ David Jowsey and Greer Simpkin after the distributor released Warwick Thornton’s Sweet Country in 2018.
Last year Goldwyn acquired Wayne Blair’s Top End Wedding, which premiered on VOD on February 21, Mirrah Foulkes’ Judy and Punch, which will get a limited theatrical release on April 24, and Koko: A Red Dog Story, the third edition of the franchise written and directed by Aaron McCann and Dominic Pearce,
Bunya produced High Ground with Maggie Miles, Johnson and Yothu Yindi co-founder Witiyana Marika, scripted by Chris Anastassiades.
The Us deal was brokered by Samuel Goldwyn’s CEO Peter Goldwyn and Nicolas Brigaud-Robert, CEO of the international sales agent Playtime.
The Samuel Goldwyn Co. has nabbed Us rights to Stephen Johnson’s Western High Ground which received rave reviews after the world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival.
The deal continues Goldwyn’s relationship with Bunya Productions’ David Jowsey and Greer Simpkin after the distributor released Warwick Thornton’s Sweet Country in 2018.
Last year Goldwyn acquired Wayne Blair’s Top End Wedding, which premiered on VOD on February 21, Mirrah Foulkes’ Judy and Punch, which will get a limited theatrical release on April 24, and Koko: A Red Dog Story, the third edition of the franchise written and directed by Aaron McCann and Dominic Pearce,
Bunya produced High Ground with Maggie Miles, Johnson and Yothu Yindi co-founder Witiyana Marika, scripted by Chris Anastassiades.
The Us deal was brokered by Samuel Goldwyn’s CEO Peter Goldwyn and Nicolas Brigaud-Robert, CEO of the international sales agent Playtime.
- 2/23/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘The Nightingale’.
Jennifer Kent’s The Nightingale was honoured as the Best Film at Film Critics Circle of Australia (Fcca) Awards yesterday evening, with the film’s star Aisling Franciosi also awarded Best Actress.
At a ceremony in Sydney hosted by Les Asmussen, David Michôd was presented with the Best Director prize for The King, and Joel Edgerton Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Together, Michôd and Edgerton also won the gong for Best Screenplay (original or adapted) for the Netflix film.
For his work in Judy & Punch, Damon Herriman picked up the award for Best Actor, while Danger Close: The Battle Of Long Tan dominated the craft awards, with Ben Nott winning Best Cinematography, Caitlin Yeo Best Original Score and Veronika Jenet Best Editor.
Best Actress in a Supporting Role went to Ursula Yovich for her performance in Top End Wedding.
The award for Best Feature Documentary was shared by two films,...
Jennifer Kent’s The Nightingale was honoured as the Best Film at Film Critics Circle of Australia (Fcca) Awards yesterday evening, with the film’s star Aisling Franciosi also awarded Best Actress.
At a ceremony in Sydney hosted by Les Asmussen, David Michôd was presented with the Best Director prize for The King, and Joel Edgerton Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Together, Michôd and Edgerton also won the gong for Best Screenplay (original or adapted) for the Netflix film.
For his work in Judy & Punch, Damon Herriman picked up the award for Best Actor, while Danger Close: The Battle Of Long Tan dominated the craft awards, with Ben Nott winning Best Cinematography, Caitlin Yeo Best Original Score and Veronika Jenet Best Editor.
Best Actress in a Supporting Role went to Ursula Yovich for her performance in Top End Wedding.
The award for Best Feature Documentary was shared by two films,...
- 2/18/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Miranda Tapsell and Nakkiah Lui in ‘Get Krack!n’ (Photo credit: ABC).
The nine creative teams comprising 13 individuals who will take part in the inaugural Bunya Talent Indigenous Hub in Los Angeles in March were announced today.
Presented in association with Netflix Australia and Screen Australia’s Indigenous Department, the five-day talent incubator is aimed at mid-career Indigenous writers, showrunners, directors and producers.
The 13 will develop and pitch their projects and attend meetings and presentations by executives from Netflix and other industry practitioners.
The feature film and TV series ideas encompass comedy, drama and the supernatural. The event will take place at Charlie’s, Australians in Film’s hub for business, project development and networking for the Australian screen community in La.
At the end of the incubator, one participant’s work will be selected to proceed to further development with Bunya Productions as producers, receiving up to $20,000 in further development...
The nine creative teams comprising 13 individuals who will take part in the inaugural Bunya Talent Indigenous Hub in Los Angeles in March were announced today.
Presented in association with Netflix Australia and Screen Australia’s Indigenous Department, the five-day talent incubator is aimed at mid-career Indigenous writers, showrunners, directors and producers.
The 13 will develop and pitch their projects and attend meetings and presentations by executives from Netflix and other industry practitioners.
The feature film and TV series ideas encompass comedy, drama and the supernatural. The event will take place at Charlie’s, Australians in Film’s hub for business, project development and networking for the Australian screen community in La.
At the end of the incubator, one participant’s work will be selected to proceed to further development with Bunya Productions as producers, receiving up to $20,000 in further development...
- 1/29/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Linda Ujuk.
Kojo has hired Linda Ujuk to run its development and production arm Kojo Entertainment, leading both Australian and international production operations.
Kojo Entertainment recently formed a new joint venture with Greg Silverman’s Us-based Stampede Ventures, aimed at developing a range of internationally marketable features and TV projects based on Australian IP, to be fully produced locally with Australian creatives. The company has also paired with Goalpost Pictures on Top End Wedding, as well as producer Lisa Shaunessy on the upcoming feature film 2067 with producer Lisa Shaunessy and series First Day with Kirsty Stark, and is currently developing several projects with other producing partners as well as independent productions.
Ujuk, who started on January 6 and will be based in Kojo’s Sydney office, succeeds Kate Croser who departed last September to head the South Australian Film Corp.
Ujuk was most recently scripted supervising producer for Seven Studios,...
Kojo has hired Linda Ujuk to run its development and production arm Kojo Entertainment, leading both Australian and international production operations.
Kojo Entertainment recently formed a new joint venture with Greg Silverman’s Us-based Stampede Ventures, aimed at developing a range of internationally marketable features and TV projects based on Australian IP, to be fully produced locally with Australian creatives. The company has also paired with Goalpost Pictures on Top End Wedding, as well as producer Lisa Shaunessy on the upcoming feature film 2067 with producer Lisa Shaunessy and series First Day with Kirsty Stark, and is currently developing several projects with other producing partners as well as independent productions.
Ujuk, who started on January 6 and will be based in Kojo’s Sydney office, succeeds Kate Croser who departed last September to head the South Australian Film Corp.
Ujuk was most recently scripted supervising producer for Seven Studios,...
- 1/16/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
"When you're hurting', where do you go lookin'?" Samuel Goldwyn Film has released an official Us trailer for indie romantic comedy Top End Wedding, an Australian film that premiered at last year's Sundance Film Festival. This "heartwarming, feel-good comedy" is set against the spectacular natural beauty of the Northern Territory. The story follows a newly engaged couple, Lauren and Ned. They are in love, and they have just ten days to find her mother who has gone Awol somewhere in the remote far north of Australia, in order to reunite her parents and pull off their dream wedding. Starring Miranda Tapsell (from The Sapphires) & Gwilym Lee (from Bohemian Rhapsody) as the two lovers, plus Huw Higginson, Ursula Yovich, Elaine Crombie, Shari Sebbens, Kerry Fox, and Dalara Williams. Looks charming and fun. Here's the official Us trailer (+ poster) for Wayne Blair's Top End Wedding, direct from YouTube: You can...
- 1/11/2020
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Ben Chessell.
Director Ben Chessell’s career has hit a sweet spot with his crime thriller series Giri/Haji premiering today on Netflix worldwide except in the UK, where it screened on BBC Two late last year.
In addition, the 2001 Vca graduate has just directed two episodes of The Great, a 10-part series created by Tony McNamara for Hulu, an irreverent take on the rise of 18th Century Russian Empress Catherine the Great.
UK producer Susie Liggat, who produced Giri/Haji (Duty/Shame) for Jane Featherstone’s Sister Pictures, hired Chessell, whom she got to know after he moved to London eight years ago.
Liggat had put his name forward for a couple of projects she was producing including the Sky Atlantic-commissioned horror/drama Fortitude but could not convince the executive producers he had enough experience.
Chessell, who was in Australia shooting Doctor Doctor, was asked to direct three episodes of Giri/Haji...
Director Ben Chessell’s career has hit a sweet spot with his crime thriller series Giri/Haji premiering today on Netflix worldwide except in the UK, where it screened on BBC Two late last year.
In addition, the 2001 Vca graduate has just directed two episodes of The Great, a 10-part series created by Tony McNamara for Hulu, an irreverent take on the rise of 18th Century Russian Empress Catherine the Great.
UK producer Susie Liggat, who produced Giri/Haji (Duty/Shame) for Jane Featherstone’s Sister Pictures, hired Chessell, whom she got to know after he moved to London eight years ago.
Liggat had put his name forward for a couple of projects she was producing including the Sky Atlantic-commissioned horror/drama Fortitude but could not convince the executive producers he had enough experience.
Chessell, who was in Australia shooting Doctor Doctor, was asked to direct three episodes of Giri/Haji...
- 1/10/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘Ride Like a Girl.’
The Australian films and feature docs released in cinemas last year, including minor contributions from holdovers, generated more than $40.2 million.
While that trailed the 2018 total of $57.4 million, there are several positives for the screen production industry.
The not-so-good news for the broader screen sector is that the 2019 calendar year B.O. seems certain to fall below $1.2 billion for the first time since 2014.
Ten titles including three feature docs – Damon Gameau’s 2040, Richard Lowenstein’s Mystify: Michael Hutchence and Daniel Gordon’s The Australian Dream – each grossed more than $1 million.
Rachel Griffiths’ Ride Like a Girl was the stand-out, raking in $11.5 million. Arguably, Wayne Blair’s Top End Wedding ($5.2 million), Shawn Seet’s Storm Boy ($5 million) and Rachel Ward’s Palm Beach ($4.4 million) fulfilled their potential and reaped the benefits of wide releases and hefty marketing campaigns – a level of support denied to numerous local films.
The Australian films and feature docs released in cinemas last year, including minor contributions from holdovers, generated more than $40.2 million.
While that trailed the 2018 total of $57.4 million, there are several positives for the screen production industry.
The not-so-good news for the broader screen sector is that the 2019 calendar year B.O. seems certain to fall below $1.2 billion for the first time since 2014.
Ten titles including three feature docs – Damon Gameau’s 2040, Richard Lowenstein’s Mystify: Michael Hutchence and Daniel Gordon’s The Australian Dream – each grossed more than $1 million.
Rachel Griffiths’ Ride Like a Girl was the stand-out, raking in $11.5 million. Arguably, Wayne Blair’s Top End Wedding ($5.2 million), Shawn Seet’s Storm Boy ($5 million) and Rachel Ward’s Palm Beach ($4.4 million) fulfilled their potential and reaped the benefits of wide releases and hefty marketing campaigns – a level of support denied to numerous local films.
- 1/5/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
If.com.au is on holiday hiatus, resuming January 6, 2020.
For all our e-newsletter subscribers, throughout the break we’ll send newsletters with what we thought were our best and most pertinent stories of 2019.
It’s been our pleasure to report this year on a busy sector, and we look forward to seeing how key issues play out in the year to come.
Notably, after years of policy stasis, the screen industry has promise of change in 2020.
The Federal Government has committed to a staged process of media regulation reform, and in its sights is whether local content requirements should be imposed on Svod services like Netflix, Amazon and Stan.
As part of this, Screen Australia and Acma will release an options paper in early 2020 that will look at how to best support Australian stories in a modern, multi-platform environment.
The government announcement comes on the heels of Disney+ and AppleTV+ launching in the Australian market.
For all our e-newsletter subscribers, throughout the break we’ll send newsletters with what we thought were our best and most pertinent stories of 2019.
It’s been our pleasure to report this year on a busy sector, and we look forward to seeing how key issues play out in the year to come.
Notably, after years of policy stasis, the screen industry has promise of change in 2020.
The Federal Government has committed to a staged process of media regulation reform, and in its sights is whether local content requirements should be imposed on Svod services like Netflix, Amazon and Stan.
As part of this, Screen Australia and Acma will release an options paper in early 2020 that will look at how to best support Australian stories in a modern, multi-platform environment.
The government announcement comes on the heels of Disney+ and AppleTV+ launching in the Australian market.
- 12/19/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
by Travis Cragg
Magnolia Maymuru from The Nightingale wins Best Supporting Actress
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (Aacta) gave out their awards at two functions this week: one was an industry luncheon where they did the technical and supporting awards, the other was a glitzy evening televised on delay with many of the gongs awarded in the ad breaks. The two biggest Australian box office hits of the year, Top End Wedding and Ride Like A Girl, went home empty-handed, but the wealth was spread out amongst the other (limited bunch of) nominees with The Nightingale leading the pack...
Magnolia Maymuru from The Nightingale wins Best Supporting Actress
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (Aacta) gave out their awards at two functions this week: one was an industry luncheon where they did the technical and supporting awards, the other was a glitzy evening televised on delay with many of the gongs awarded in the ad breaks. The two biggest Australian box office hits of the year, Top End Wedding and Ride Like A Girl, went home empty-handed, but the wealth was spread out amongst the other (limited bunch of) nominees with The Nightingale leading the pack...
- 12/6/2019
- by Travis C
- FilmExperience
Confrontational revenge drama “The Nightingale” was the big winner in the feature film category of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards. “Lambs of God” was dominant in the TV section.
“The Nightingale” was named as best film. Jennifer Kent additionally won the best director and best screenplay awards. Giving her a night to remember, Kent was also named as one of the producers of “The Nightingale.” Aisling Franciosi was named best actress, giving the film six prizes.
The win meant snubs for “Hotel Mumbai and “Ride Like a Girl,” two of the highest grossing Australian films of the past year. “Mumbai” came away with a single Aacta prize, “Ride Like a Girl” none. Other defeated titles in the best film category were “Judy & Punch,” “Top End Wedding,” and “The King.” David Michod’s “The King” won Aacta awards for cinematography, costume design and production design.
Damon Herriman continued his winning streak,...
“The Nightingale” was named as best film. Jennifer Kent additionally won the best director and best screenplay awards. Giving her a night to remember, Kent was also named as one of the producers of “The Nightingale.” Aisling Franciosi was named best actress, giving the film six prizes.
The win meant snubs for “Hotel Mumbai and “Ride Like a Girl,” two of the highest grossing Australian films of the past year. “Mumbai” came away with a single Aacta prize, “Ride Like a Girl” none. Other defeated titles in the best film category were “Judy & Punch,” “Top End Wedding,” and “The King.” David Michod’s “The King” won Aacta awards for cinematography, costume design and production design.
Damon Herriman continued his winning streak,...
- 12/5/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Australian comedy “Top End Wedding” has been acquired by Samuel Goldwyn Films for the U.S. market. The deal was announced by producer Goalpost Pictures Australia.
The film had its premiere at the Sundance festival in the U.S. in January this year. Samuel Goldwyn says that it will release the film on multiple digital platforms from early 2020.
“’Top End Wedding’ is a delightfully fun romantic comedy that also showcases the breathtaking beauty of Australia. We can’t wait to share this special film to Us audiences,” said Meg Longo of Samuel Goldwyn in a prepared statement.
In the past year, Samuel Goldwyn has also picked up international titles including “Stray Dolls” and “Mr. Jones,” which debuted in competition in Berlin.
Directed by Wayne Blair, “Wedding” is the story of a successful Sydney lawyer and her fiancé who have just 10 days to find her mother, who has gone Awol somewhere in the Northern Territory.
The film had its premiere at the Sundance festival in the U.S. in January this year. Samuel Goldwyn says that it will release the film on multiple digital platforms from early 2020.
“’Top End Wedding’ is a delightfully fun romantic comedy that also showcases the breathtaking beauty of Australia. We can’t wait to share this special film to Us audiences,” said Meg Longo of Samuel Goldwyn in a prepared statement.
In the past year, Samuel Goldwyn has also picked up international titles including “Stray Dolls” and “Mr. Jones,” which debuted in competition in Berlin.
Directed by Wayne Blair, “Wedding” is the story of a successful Sydney lawyer and her fiancé who have just 10 days to find her mother, who has gone Awol somewhere in the Northern Territory.
- 12/4/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Natalie Miller.
The Australian films and feature documentaries released in cinemas this year including holdovers collectively have grossed $39.7 million.
So while the calendar year total will fall short of 2018’s $57.4 million, it should be noted Peter Rabbit was the top local title last year, grossing $26.7 million, which alone could explain the year-on-year decline. Sony Pictures is due to launch Peter Rabbit 2 next March, so that is virtually certain to be a big contributor to the 2020 revenues.
As Cinema Nova has supported almost every Australian release, If asked co-executive director Natalie Miller to assess the overall commercial and critical appeal of this year’s Oz slate.
“It’s not bad but it’s not great,” says the veteran exhibitor/distributor, who gives high marks to Ride Like a Girl, Top End Wedding, Storm Boy, Palm Beach and the feature docs 2040, Mystify: Michael Hutchence and The Australian Dream.
Among the...
The Australian films and feature documentaries released in cinemas this year including holdovers collectively have grossed $39.7 million.
So while the calendar year total will fall short of 2018’s $57.4 million, it should be noted Peter Rabbit was the top local title last year, grossing $26.7 million, which alone could explain the year-on-year decline. Sony Pictures is due to launch Peter Rabbit 2 next March, so that is virtually certain to be a big contributor to the 2020 revenues.
As Cinema Nova has supported almost every Australian release, If asked co-executive director Natalie Miller to assess the overall commercial and critical appeal of this year’s Oz slate.
“It’s not bad but it’s not great,” says the veteran exhibitor/distributor, who gives high marks to Ride Like a Girl, Top End Wedding, Storm Boy, Palm Beach and the feature docs 2040, Mystify: Michael Hutchence and The Australian Dream.
Among the...
- 12/4/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘Top End Wedding.’
Americans will have the chance to see Wayne Blair’s Top End Wedding early next year, but only on VOD and other digital platforms.
Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired the Us rights to the romantic comedy which raked in $5.26 million in Australian cinemas, the year’s second highest grosser behind Ride Like a Girl’s $11.5 million.
The specialty distributor plans a multi-platform release on February 21, its third recent Oz acquisition following Mirrah Foulkes’ Judy & Punch and Koko: A Red Dog Story, the third edition of the franchise written and directed by Aaron McCann and Dominic Pearce, which opens here on 80 screens tomorrow.
“Top End Wedding is a delightfully fun romantic comedy that also showcases the breathtaking beauty of Australia,” says Meg Longo of Samuel Goldwyn Films.
Goalpost Pictures’ Rosemary Blight, who produced with Kylie du Fresne and Kate Croser, added: “The team at Samuel Goldwyn are passionate...
Americans will have the chance to see Wayne Blair’s Top End Wedding early next year, but only on VOD and other digital platforms.
Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired the Us rights to the romantic comedy which raked in $5.26 million in Australian cinemas, the year’s second highest grosser behind Ride Like a Girl’s $11.5 million.
The specialty distributor plans a multi-platform release on February 21, its third recent Oz acquisition following Mirrah Foulkes’ Judy & Punch and Koko: A Red Dog Story, the third edition of the franchise written and directed by Aaron McCann and Dominic Pearce, which opens here on 80 screens tomorrow.
“Top End Wedding is a delightfully fun romantic comedy that also showcases the breathtaking beauty of Australia,” says Meg Longo of Samuel Goldwyn Films.
Goalpost Pictures’ Rosemary Blight, who produced with Kylie du Fresne and Kate Croser, added: “The team at Samuel Goldwyn are passionate...
- 12/3/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Murray Forrest.
Murray Forrest has received the Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers’ inaugural Humanitarian Award, recognising his long commitment to the Motion Picture Industry Benevolent Society (Mpibs).
The former head of film processing labs Atlab and Colorfilm, Forrest has served as chairman of the Mpibs, which financially supports industry people who have fallen on hard times, for 24 years.
Announcing the accolade at the society’s annual dinner on Thursday night, Pioneers national president Russell Anderson said the award recognizes outstanding and exceptional service to the cinema industry, in particular charity work, mentoring and community service.
Accepting the award, Forrest recalled meeting Sir Norman Rydge, chairman of Colorfilm’s parent the Greater Union Organisation, 55 years ago, a few months after he had joined the company.
Sir Norman informed the 22-year-old Forrest about the Cinema Pioneers and the Mpibs, where he became a councilor several years before being appointed chairman.
Sir Norman’s son Alan Rydge,...
Murray Forrest has received the Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers’ inaugural Humanitarian Award, recognising his long commitment to the Motion Picture Industry Benevolent Society (Mpibs).
The former head of film processing labs Atlab and Colorfilm, Forrest has served as chairman of the Mpibs, which financially supports industry people who have fallen on hard times, for 24 years.
Announcing the accolade at the society’s annual dinner on Thursday night, Pioneers national president Russell Anderson said the award recognizes outstanding and exceptional service to the cinema industry, in particular charity work, mentoring and community service.
Accepting the award, Forrest recalled meeting Sir Norman Rydge, chairman of Colorfilm’s parent the Greater Union Organisation, 55 years ago, a few months after he had joined the company.
Sir Norman informed the 22-year-old Forrest about the Cinema Pioneers and the Mpibs, where he became a councilor several years before being appointed chairman.
Sir Norman’s son Alan Rydge,...
- 11/28/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Rachel Griffiths addresses the Screen Forever conference.
Is it a coincidence that three of the highest-grossing Australian films of 2019 – Rachel Griffiths’ Ride Like A Girl, Wayne Blair’s Top End Wedding and Rachel Ward’s Palm Beach – have all been helmed by directors who have backgrounds as actors? Not according to Griffiths.
“It’s not surprising to me that, in a moment where audiences for cinema releases are getting increasingly challenging, actor-directed content is punching above its weight at the box office, because performers have unique sensitivities that we develop by being at the coalface of the final content delivery,” Griffiths told Screen Producers Australia’s Screen Forever delegates last week.
Delivering the conference’s annual Hector Crawford Memorial Lecture, the Golden Globe-winning and Emmy and Oscar-nominated actor, who in recent years has also successfully turned to producing and directing, issued a rallying call to producers to break down silos...
Is it a coincidence that three of the highest-grossing Australian films of 2019 – Rachel Griffiths’ Ride Like A Girl, Wayne Blair’s Top End Wedding and Rachel Ward’s Palm Beach – have all been helmed by directors who have backgrounds as actors? Not according to Griffiths.
“It’s not surprising to me that, in a moment where audiences for cinema releases are getting increasingly challenging, actor-directed content is punching above its weight at the box office, because performers have unique sensitivities that we develop by being at the coalface of the final content delivery,” Griffiths told Screen Producers Australia’s Screen Forever delegates last week.
Delivering the conference’s annual Hector Crawford Memorial Lecture, the Golden Globe-winning and Emmy and Oscar-nominated actor, who in recent years has also successfully turned to producing and directing, issued a rallying call to producers to break down silos...
- 11/19/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Antony Partos.
The Australian Guild of Screen Composers (Agsc) has advised its members to be wary of signing deals which ask them to reinvest 50 per cent or more of their fees.
These deals can be a trap for composers due to the low chances of recoupment and because they are liable to be taxed on their full investment while receiving a only fraction of the actual amount, the guild warns.
Observing there has been a substantial increase in the number of reinvestment deals being offered to screen composers, usually for low budget productions, the Agsc tells If: “ We have received multiple enquiries from members who are concerned about being asked to reinvest a major portion of their fee back into the production. This is not, and never was, standard practice for Australian screen composers.”
According to the guild, one composer reported: “We are being offered deals with no choice but...
The Australian Guild of Screen Composers (Agsc) has advised its members to be wary of signing deals which ask them to reinvest 50 per cent or more of their fees.
These deals can be a trap for composers due to the low chances of recoupment and because they are liable to be taxed on their full investment while receiving a only fraction of the actual amount, the guild warns.
Observing there has been a substantial increase in the number of reinvestment deals being offered to screen composers, usually for low budget productions, the Agsc tells If: “ We have received multiple enquiries from members who are concerned about being asked to reinvest a major portion of their fee back into the production. This is not, and never was, standard practice for Australian screen composers.”
According to the guild, one composer reported: “We are being offered deals with no choice but...
- 11/13/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘Ride Like a Girl.’
Australian writers, producers, directors, funding agencies and distributors should ask one key question when evaluating feature film projects: Does this warrant a theatrical release or is streaming a smarter option?
That’s among the most perceptive propositions put forward by a cross-section of screen industry professionals as If sought suggestions on ways to maximise the potential of Australian films as the independent film sector continues to suffer in the cluttered theatrical market.
Some ideas proferred – such as filmmakers identifying their audience at the outset, spending more money on marketing – appear to be stating the obvious. But the fact that some execs see the need to re-emphasize these points suggests lessons have not been learned in some quarters.
The Australian features released in cinemas this year plus holdovers have grossed $37.6 million, trailing the $54.2 million collected in the same period last year, according to the Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia.
Australian writers, producers, directors, funding agencies and distributors should ask one key question when evaluating feature film projects: Does this warrant a theatrical release or is streaming a smarter option?
That’s among the most perceptive propositions put forward by a cross-section of screen industry professionals as If sought suggestions on ways to maximise the potential of Australian films as the independent film sector continues to suffer in the cluttered theatrical market.
Some ideas proferred – such as filmmakers identifying their audience at the outset, spending more money on marketing – appear to be stating the obvious. But the fact that some execs see the need to re-emphasize these points suggests lessons have not been learned in some quarters.
The Australian features released in cinemas this year plus holdovers have grossed $37.6 million, trailing the $54.2 million collected in the same period last year, according to the Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia.
- 11/1/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Nominations for the 9th annual Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (Aacta) Awards were unveiled in Sydney on Oct. 23, with Jennifer Kent‘s “The Nightingale” sweeping the film nominations with 15 nominations. The period thriller follow-up to Kent’s horror directorial debut “The Babadook” was followed closely by Anthony Maras‘ true story thriller “Hotel Mumbai” and Oscar nominee David Michod‘s Netflix period picture “The King,” with 13 bids apiece. On the TV side, gothic period drama “Lambs of God” shattered Aacta records with 14 nominations across TV categories, with an additional four subscription television award nominations. Winners will be revealed at a luncheon on Dec. 2 and a ceremony two days later.
Other nominees this year include Timothee Chalamet (“The King”), Dev Patel (“Hotel Mumbai”), Ben Mendelsohn (“The King”), Hilary Swank (“I Am Mother”), Ann Dowd (“Lambs of God”), Rachel Griffiths (“Total Control”) and Jacki Weaver (“Bloom”). Previous Aacta Award winner Damon Herriman...
Other nominees this year include Timothee Chalamet (“The King”), Dev Patel (“Hotel Mumbai”), Ben Mendelsohn (“The King”), Hilary Swank (“I Am Mother”), Ann Dowd (“Lambs of God”), Rachel Griffiths (“Total Control”) and Jacki Weaver (“Bloom”). Previous Aacta Award winner Damon Herriman...
- 10/23/2019
- by Rob Licuria
- Gold Derby
Dark thriller, “The Nightingale” and miniseries “Lambs of God” lead the pack at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards. In nominations announced on Wednesday, they picked up 15 and 18 nods, respectively.
Jennifer Kent’s “The Nightingale” was one of six films nominated in the best film category. With others including Mirrah Foulkes’ “Judy & Punch,” and Rachel Griffiths’ “Ride Like A Girl,” as well as “Hotel Mumbai,” “Top End Wedding,” and ‘The King,” half are made by female directors.
Actor, Damon Herriman is the standout talent. He is nominated as best (film) actor for an extraordinary performance in “Judy & Punch,” best supporting actor in “The Nightingale,” and best (TV) supporting actor in both “Lambs of God,” and “Mr Inbetween.” Joel Edgerton gets three nominations as co-writer, best actor, and producer of “The King.”
Herriman is having an exceptional year. He also plays the role of murderer Charles Manson...
Jennifer Kent’s “The Nightingale” was one of six films nominated in the best film category. With others including Mirrah Foulkes’ “Judy & Punch,” and Rachel Griffiths’ “Ride Like A Girl,” as well as “Hotel Mumbai,” “Top End Wedding,” and ‘The King,” half are made by female directors.
Actor, Damon Herriman is the standout talent. He is nominated as best (film) actor for an extraordinary performance in “Judy & Punch,” best supporting actor in “The Nightingale,” and best (TV) supporting actor in both “Lambs of God,” and “Mr Inbetween.” Joel Edgerton gets three nominations as co-writer, best actor, and producer of “The King.”
Herriman is having an exceptional year. He also plays the role of murderer Charles Manson...
- 10/23/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
‘Lambs of God’.
Lingo Pictures’ four-part TV drama Lambs of God has collected an unprecedented 18 Aacta Award nominations, while Jennifer Kent’s The Nightingale leads in film with 15 nods.
The Australian Academy revealed the full list of nominees for the annual awards today, with almost 60 to be presented across two events in Sydney in six weeks time.
Some 15 films are up for awards, though four dominate almost every category: Kent’s revenge tale, Anthony Maras’ debut feature Hotel Mumbai and David Michôd’s Netflix-backed The King, which each received 13 nominations, and Mirrah Foulkes’ dark comedy Judy & Punch, which earned nine. Each is nominated for Best Film alongside Rachel Griffiths’ Ride Like A Girl and Wayne Blair’s Top End Wedding.
Up in the Best Indie Film category (budgeted under $2 million) are Thomas M. Wright’s Acute Misfortune, Heath Davis’ Book Week, Rodd Rathjen’s Buoyancy, Imogen Thomas’ Emu...
Lingo Pictures’ four-part TV drama Lambs of God has collected an unprecedented 18 Aacta Award nominations, while Jennifer Kent’s The Nightingale leads in film with 15 nods.
The Australian Academy revealed the full list of nominees for the annual awards today, with almost 60 to be presented across two events in Sydney in six weeks time.
Some 15 films are up for awards, though four dominate almost every category: Kent’s revenge tale, Anthony Maras’ debut feature Hotel Mumbai and David Michôd’s Netflix-backed The King, which each received 13 nominations, and Mirrah Foulkes’ dark comedy Judy & Punch, which earned nine. Each is nominated for Best Film alongside Rachel Griffiths’ Ride Like A Girl and Wayne Blair’s Top End Wedding.
Up in the Best Indie Film category (budgeted under $2 million) are Thomas M. Wright’s Acute Misfortune, Heath Davis’ Book Week, Rodd Rathjen’s Buoyancy, Imogen Thomas’ Emu...
- 10/22/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
‘Joker’ (Photo credit: Warner Bros)
Is Todd Phillips’ Joker an enthralling masterpiece or a disturbing and deeply derivative incitement to commit violence? The comic book-inspired movie has polarised the critics but audiences in Australia and around the world have voted with their feet.
The action adventure starring Joaquin Phoenix as the twisted, disenfranchised clown-for-hire and stand-up comic in 1980s Gotham smashed industry opening records for October in Oz, the Us and internationally last weekend.
Meanwhile Rachel Griffiths’ Ride Like a Girl now ranks as the top-grossing Australian release of the year after racing through its second weekend. Ticket sales surged thanks to the school holidays and the new releases including Indian import War and Chinese dramas My People, My Country and The Captain.
The top 20 titles harvested $21.9 million from Thursday through Sunday, 80 per cent up on the previous weekend, according to Numero.
Joker punched up $9.7 million and $11.9 million including the Monday Labor Day holiday.
Is Todd Phillips’ Joker an enthralling masterpiece or a disturbing and deeply derivative incitement to commit violence? The comic book-inspired movie has polarised the critics but audiences in Australia and around the world have voted with their feet.
The action adventure starring Joaquin Phoenix as the twisted, disenfranchised clown-for-hire and stand-up comic in 1980s Gotham smashed industry opening records for October in Oz, the Us and internationally last weekend.
Meanwhile Rachel Griffiths’ Ride Like a Girl now ranks as the top-grossing Australian release of the year after racing through its second weekend. Ticket sales surged thanks to the school holidays and the new releases including Indian import War and Chinese dramas My People, My Country and The Captain.
The top 20 titles harvested $21.9 million from Thursday through Sunday, 80 per cent up on the previous weekend, according to Numero.
Joker punched up $9.7 million and $11.9 million including the Monday Labor Day holiday.
- 10/7/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘Top End Wedding’, ‘Hearts and Bones’ and ‘The King’ are among the 34 longlisted films.
Some 34 feature films will compete for nominations for this year’s Aacta Awards, and the longlist covers a diverse range of titles, from box office earners like Top End Wedding and Storm Boy, through to critically lauded films like The Nightingale and micro budget indies such as Suburban Wildlife.
However, perhaps the most notable inclusion in the longlist is David Michôd’s Netflix Original The King, which premiered at Venice Film Festival last week to an eight-minute standing ovation.
Typically, to be eligible for Aacta Awards, a film – even when made for a streaming platform – must have paid cinema screenings in Australia or local festival play.
Aacta has made an exception for The King, which is not due to play in Australian cinemas or in festivals before its release on Netflix later this year, because of...
Some 34 feature films will compete for nominations for this year’s Aacta Awards, and the longlist covers a diverse range of titles, from box office earners like Top End Wedding and Storm Boy, through to critically lauded films like The Nightingale and micro budget indies such as Suburban Wildlife.
However, perhaps the most notable inclusion in the longlist is David Michôd’s Netflix Original The King, which premiered at Venice Film Festival last week to an eight-minute standing ovation.
Typically, to be eligible for Aacta Awards, a film – even when made for a streaming platform – must have paid cinema screenings in Australia or local festival play.
Aacta has made an exception for The King, which is not due to play in Australian cinemas or in festivals before its release on Netflix later this year, because of...
- 9/10/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
‘Ride Like a Girl’.
Graeme Mason recognises the structural challenges facing independent films but does not subscribe to the view that this is a down year for Australian cinema.
While the Screen Australia CEO acknowledges 2019 has yet to produce a breakout hit like Peter Rabbit, Lion or Ladies in Black, he rates the year to date as very successful on a number of fronts, including:
Seven films have each grossed each more than $1 million. Exhibitors have high hopes for Rachel Griffiths’ Ride Like a Girl, the Michelle Payne biopic staring Teresa Palmer, which Transmission Films launches on September 26; some pundits think it can make upwards of $10 million. The consistent popularity of feature doc such as Damon Gameau’s 2040 and Richard Lowenstein’s Mystify: Michael Hutchence. Australian films are making their marks at the Sundance, Venice and Toronto International Film Festivals. Shannon Murphy won the gig of directing two episodes of...
Graeme Mason recognises the structural challenges facing independent films but does not subscribe to the view that this is a down year for Australian cinema.
While the Screen Australia CEO acknowledges 2019 has yet to produce a breakout hit like Peter Rabbit, Lion or Ladies in Black, he rates the year to date as very successful on a number of fronts, including:
Seven films have each grossed each more than $1 million. Exhibitors have high hopes for Rachel Griffiths’ Ride Like a Girl, the Michelle Payne biopic staring Teresa Palmer, which Transmission Films launches on September 26; some pundits think it can make upwards of $10 million. The consistent popularity of feature doc such as Damon Gameau’s 2040 and Richard Lowenstein’s Mystify: Michael Hutchence. Australian films are making their marks at the Sundance, Venice and Toronto International Film Festivals. Shannon Murphy won the gig of directing two episodes of...
- 9/2/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Variety has been given the first-look image of Tilda Cobham-Hervey and Evan Peters in “I Am Woman,” which open the Special Presentations section in Toronto Film Festival next week. The film tells the inspiring story of Helen Reddy, the writer and singer of the song “I Am Woman,” which became the anthem for the women’s movement in the 1970s.
Cobham-Hervey plays Reddy, a women of fearless ambition and passion, who overcomes male prejudice to become the international singing star she always dreamed of being. Peters is Helen’s manager and husband Jeff Wald. Danielle Macdonald features as the rock journalist Lilian Roxon and Helen’s friend.
“I Am Woman” is directed by Unjoo Moon (“The Zen of Bennett”), and produced by Goalpost Pictures’ Rosemary Blight, and is written by Emma Jensen (“Mary Shelley”). WestEnd is handling world sales.
Cobham-Hervey plays Reddy, a women of fearless ambition and passion, who overcomes male prejudice to become the international singing star she always dreamed of being. Peters is Helen’s manager and husband Jeff Wald. Danielle Macdonald features as the rock journalist Lilian Roxon and Helen’s friend.
“I Am Woman” is directed by Unjoo Moon (“The Zen of Bennett”), and produced by Goalpost Pictures’ Rosemary Blight, and is written by Emma Jensen (“Mary Shelley”). WestEnd is handling world sales.
- 8/29/2019
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
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