AMC Networks announced today that the four-part Australian rural noir crime drama Scrublands will premiere on Thursday, May 2, on Sundance Now and AMC+, with additional episodes dropping weekly on both platforms.
Based on Chris Hammer’s award-winning and bestselling crime novel by the same name, the captivating series follows a country town grappling with the aftermath of a horrible crime, still trying to come to terms with it a year on.
In an isolated and struggling country town, a charismatic and dedicated priest, Father Byron Swift, calmly opens fire on his congregation, killing five parishioners. One year later, investigative journalist Martin Scarsden arrives in Riversend to write what should be a simple feature story on the anniversary of the tragedy.
But when Martin’s instincts kick in, and he digs beneath the surface, the previously accepted narrative begins to fall apart, and he finds himself in a life-and-death race to uncover the truth.
Based on Chris Hammer’s award-winning and bestselling crime novel by the same name, the captivating series follows a country town grappling with the aftermath of a horrible crime, still trying to come to terms with it a year on.
In an isolated and struggling country town, a charismatic and dedicated priest, Father Byron Swift, calmly opens fire on his congregation, killing five parishioners. One year later, investigative journalist Martin Scarsden arrives in Riversend to write what should be a simple feature story on the anniversary of the tragedy.
But when Martin’s instincts kick in, and he digs beneath the surface, the previously accepted narrative begins to fall apart, and he finds himself in a life-and-death race to uncover the truth.
- 4/8/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Exclusive: Luke Arnold, Bella Heathcote and Jay Ryan are set to lead Scrublands, a TV adaptation of Chris Hammer’s novel for Australian streamer Stan.
We’ve learned production in underway in Victoria, Australia on the crime series, which is a co-commission of the Nine Network and its streamer Stan. Easy Tiger, which optioned rights to the story back in 2018, is producing in association with VicScreen.
Scrublands is set in isolated country town Riversend brought to its knees by endless drought, where a charismatic and dedicated young priest (Jay Ryan) calmly opens fire on his congregation, killing five parishioners. A year later, investigative journalist Martin Scarsden (Luke Arnold) arrives to write what should be a simple feature story on the anniversary of the tragedy but when his instincts kick in and he digs beneath the surface, the previously accepted narrative begins to fall apart and he finds himself in a...
We’ve learned production in underway in Victoria, Australia on the crime series, which is a co-commission of the Nine Network and its streamer Stan. Easy Tiger, which optioned rights to the story back in 2018, is producing in association with VicScreen.
Scrublands is set in isolated country town Riversend brought to its knees by endless drought, where a charismatic and dedicated young priest (Jay Ryan) calmly opens fire on his congregation, killing five parishioners. A year later, investigative journalist Martin Scarsden (Luke Arnold) arrives to write what should be a simple feature story on the anniversary of the tragedy but when his instincts kick in and he digs beneath the surface, the previously accepted narrative begins to fall apart and he finds himself in a...
- 2/26/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Hoodlum Entertainment chief content officer Tracey Vieira has been named president of Screen Producers Australia (Spa), succeeding Michael Tear.
She will helm the incoming council alongside VP Suzanne Ryan – founder and CEO of Slr Productions – after both were elected at Spa’s Agm today.
Vieira, who joined the Spa council in 2019, said she was pleased to have the opportunity to work closely with members of the organisation, as well as with CEO Matthew Deaner and the rest of his team.
“In a rapidly evolving production environment, Spa’s role is critical and it is a great privilege to be able to contribute to the industrial and government policy work that the organisation delivers to help ensure local production remains strong and buoyant now and in the future,” she said.
The remainder of the incoming council is made up of councillors Nathan Anderson, Nick Murray, and David Redman, and advisors Marta Dusseldorp,...
She will helm the incoming council alongside VP Suzanne Ryan – founder and CEO of Slr Productions – after both were elected at Spa’s Agm today.
Vieira, who joined the Spa council in 2019, said she was pleased to have the opportunity to work closely with members of the organisation, as well as with CEO Matthew Deaner and the rest of his team.
“In a rapidly evolving production environment, Spa’s role is critical and it is a great privilege to be able to contribute to the industrial and government policy work that the organisation delivers to help ensure local production remains strong and buoyant now and in the future,” she said.
The remainder of the incoming council is made up of councillors Nathan Anderson, Nick Murray, and David Redman, and advisors Marta Dusseldorp,...
- 11/4/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Spa president and Wildbear Entertainment managing director Michael Tear.
Ed Punchard, John Hughes, Jenni Tosi, Dan Read, Rebecca Summerton, Tracey Vieira and Suzanne Ryan will join the Screen Producers Australia (Spa) council for 2019-2020.
The new councillors were confirmed at Spa’s Annual General Meeting in Sydney on Friday.
Wildbear Entertainment managing director Michael Tear continues as president and Studio 100 International/Flying Bark Productions’ Barbara Stephen as vice president. Outgoing members including Marcus Gillezeau, Sean Meltzer, Wayne Borg and Tanya Cambers.
The council is designed to be comprised of producer members from across the feature film, television, documentary, immersive media and animation sectors, as well as members from service and facilities businesses.
“We’re pleased to announce the newly elected Councillors who represent a significant cross section of the production industry in Australia across a wide range of genres, geographical areas and businesses structures,” said Spa CEO Matthew Deaner.
“Our Councillors serve a vital role,...
Ed Punchard, John Hughes, Jenni Tosi, Dan Read, Rebecca Summerton, Tracey Vieira and Suzanne Ryan will join the Screen Producers Australia (Spa) council for 2019-2020.
The new councillors were confirmed at Spa’s Annual General Meeting in Sydney on Friday.
Wildbear Entertainment managing director Michael Tear continues as president and Studio 100 International/Flying Bark Productions’ Barbara Stephen as vice president. Outgoing members including Marcus Gillezeau, Sean Meltzer, Wayne Borg and Tanya Cambers.
The council is designed to be comprised of producer members from across the feature film, television, documentary, immersive media and animation sectors, as well as members from service and facilities businesses.
“We’re pleased to announce the newly elected Councillors who represent a significant cross section of the production industry in Australia across a wide range of genres, geographical areas and businesses structures,” said Spa CEO Matthew Deaner.
“Our Councillors serve a vital role,...
- 11/3/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Bong Joon-ho’s ‘Parasite’ is among the films in competition for the Aacta Best Asian Film Award.
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (Aacta) has unveiled some of the films that will compete for a nomination for the 2019 Best Asian Film award.
The selected films were announced at a gala dinner in Shanghai, where Aacta is also hosting an China | Australia film forum and panel discussion as part of its ongoing Asia International Engagement Program.
The Best Asian Film award is designed to honour the finest films of the past year from 19 Asian regions, reflecting the popularity and importance of Asian films in Australia.
Among the Chinese-language films in competition is Australian-Chinese co-production The Whistleblower, which shot in Victoria late last year.
It will go up against the second highest-grossing film of all time in China, Frant Gwo sci-fi The Wandering Earth, as well as three of the...
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (Aacta) has unveiled some of the films that will compete for a nomination for the 2019 Best Asian Film award.
The selected films were announced at a gala dinner in Shanghai, where Aacta is also hosting an China | Australia film forum and panel discussion as part of its ongoing Asia International Engagement Program.
The Best Asian Film award is designed to honour the finest films of the past year from 19 Asian regions, reflecting the popularity and importance of Asian films in Australia.
Among the Chinese-language films in competition is Australian-Chinese co-production The Whistleblower, which shot in Victoria late last year.
It will go up against the second highest-grossing film of all time in China, Frant Gwo sci-fi The Wandering Earth, as well as three of the...
- 6/17/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Barbara Stephen.
Flying Bark managing director Barbara Stephen is the new vice president of the Screen Producers Australia Council, succeeding Tania Chambers who remains on as a councillor.
Fremantle’s head business and legal affairs Amy Noble also joins the council as a new member, while Janelle Landers, president Wbmc has departed.
Spa held its annual general meeting yesterday in Sydney.
“We’re pleased to announce the newly elected councillors who represent a significant cross section of the production industry in Australia across a wide range of genres, geographical areas and businesses structures,” said Spa CEO Matthew Deaner.
“Our councillors are well recognised through the breadth and depth of their experience, achievements and contributions. I particularly recognise and pay tribute to all our office bearers past and present and our over 500 members who ensure our organisation is successful and our industry co-ordinates its industrial and government policy work for maximum impact.
Flying Bark managing director Barbara Stephen is the new vice president of the Screen Producers Australia Council, succeeding Tania Chambers who remains on as a councillor.
Fremantle’s head business and legal affairs Amy Noble also joins the council as a new member, while Janelle Landers, president Wbmc has departed.
Spa held its annual general meeting yesterday in Sydney.
“We’re pleased to announce the newly elected councillors who represent a significant cross section of the production industry in Australia across a wide range of genres, geographical areas and businesses structures,” said Spa CEO Matthew Deaner.
“Our councillors are well recognised through the breadth and depth of their experience, achievements and contributions. I particularly recognise and pay tribute to all our office bearers past and present and our over 500 members who ensure our organisation is successful and our industry co-ordinates its industrial and government policy work for maximum impact.
- 10/31/2018
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Damian Hill and Ty Perham in ‘West of Sunshine.’
Shooting of M4M began in Melbourne on Monday as the cast and crew regrouped following the death on September 22 of Damian Hill, who co-wrote the crime drama/romance with the director Paul Ireland.
Ireland has dedicated the film inspired by Shakespeare’s ‘Measure for Measure’ to Hill, his best mate who was to co-produce and play Angelo, a character the director described as a fallen angel.
“After Dame died we got together and decided the best thing to do is carry on and make this for Dame,” says Ireland, who first collaborated with the actor/producer/writer in Pawno in 2015.
“Everyone has been amazing and very stoic. Dame and I were like a married couple. We worked together every day. He was so humble, a beautiful person. I feel like I have lost a part of me, but I’m determined to get through this.
Shooting of M4M began in Melbourne on Monday as the cast and crew regrouped following the death on September 22 of Damian Hill, who co-wrote the crime drama/romance with the director Paul Ireland.
Ireland has dedicated the film inspired by Shakespeare’s ‘Measure for Measure’ to Hill, his best mate who was to co-produce and play Angelo, a character the director described as a fallen angel.
“After Dame died we got together and decided the best thing to do is carry on and make this for Dame,” says Ireland, who first collaborated with the actor/producer/writer in Pawno in 2015.
“Everyone has been amazing and very stoic. Dame and I were like a married couple. We worked together every day. He was so humble, a beautiful person. I feel like I have lost a part of me, but I’m determined to get through this.
- 10/3/2018
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Jonathan auf der Heide to direct serial killer.
Myriad Pictures’ genre label Scoundrel Media will launch worldwide pre-sales in Toronto next week on thriller The Girl Beneath starring Australia’s Rachael Taylor.
Scoundrel Media has also boarded international sales for Toronto on The Clovehitch Killer starring Dylan McDermott, Charlie Plummer and Samantha Mathis.
Jonathan auf der Heide will direct The Girl Beneath from a screenplay by Sarah Smith and Ian John Ridley about a police officer’s race to save the life of a serial killer abductee. The woman calls the police for help, but has no idea where she is.
Myriad Pictures’ genre label Scoundrel Media will launch worldwide pre-sales in Toronto next week on thriller The Girl Beneath starring Australia’s Rachael Taylor.
Scoundrel Media has also boarded international sales for Toronto on The Clovehitch Killer starring Dylan McDermott, Charlie Plummer and Samantha Mathis.
Jonathan auf der Heide will direct The Girl Beneath from a screenplay by Sarah Smith and Ian John Ridley about a police officer’s race to save the life of a serial killer abductee. The woman calls the police for help, but has no idea where she is.
- 8/29/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Jonathan auf der Heide to direct serial killer.
Myriad Pictures’ genre label Scoundrel Media will launch worldwide pre-sales in Toronto next week on thriller The Girl Beneath starring Australian star of Jessica Jones, Rachael Taylor.
Jonathan auf der Heide will direct from a screenplay by Sarah Smith and Ian John Ridley about a police officer’s race to save the life of a serial killer abductee. The woman calls the police for help, but has no idea where she is.
“We were impressed by this elevated material and wanted to work with this team of talented filmmakers including Jonathan auf...
Myriad Pictures’ genre label Scoundrel Media will launch worldwide pre-sales in Toronto next week on thriller The Girl Beneath starring Australian star of Jessica Jones, Rachael Taylor.
Jonathan auf der Heide will direct from a screenplay by Sarah Smith and Ian John Ridley about a police officer’s race to save the life of a serial killer abductee. The woman calls the police for help, but has no idea where she is.
“We were impressed by this elevated material and wanted to work with this team of talented filmmakers including Jonathan auf...
- 8/29/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Matthew Deaner in conversation with Dana Brunetti at the 2015 Screen Forever Conference.
The Screen Producers Australia Council for 2016-17 has been unveiled.
.The Councillors are well recognized within the industry through the breadth and depth of their achievements and contribution to the industry,. said Screen Producers Australia CEO Matthew Deaner..
.I would like to thank the outgoing Council, with particular acknowledgement to Chris Oliver-Taylor who served as President and Ben Grant who was Vice President, and I look forward to working with Michael Tear and Tania Chambers in their newly elected roles as President and Vice-President respectively."
Tear, the CEO of WildBear Entertainment, said: .I am delighted to be elected President of Screen Producers Australia and am thrilled at the opportunity to work closely with Matt and his team. In an ever evolving production environment, the role of Screen Producers Australia is crucial and it is a great privilege to...
The Screen Producers Australia Council for 2016-17 has been unveiled.
.The Councillors are well recognized within the industry through the breadth and depth of their achievements and contribution to the industry,. said Screen Producers Australia CEO Matthew Deaner..
.I would like to thank the outgoing Council, with particular acknowledgement to Chris Oliver-Taylor who served as President and Ben Grant who was Vice President, and I look forward to working with Michael Tear and Tania Chambers in their newly elected roles as President and Vice-President respectively."
Tear, the CEO of WildBear Entertainment, said: .I am delighted to be elected President of Screen Producers Australia and am thrilled at the opportunity to work closely with Matt and his team. In an ever evolving production environment, the role of Screen Producers Australia is crucial and it is a great privilege to...
- 11/2/2016
- by Harry Windsor
- IF.com.au
Morgan Griffin and Xavier Samuel in Spin Out.
The Independent Cinema Association of Australia's latest My Cinema promotion will tout Sony's Spin Out, starring Xavier Samuel and Morgan Griffin, with audiences at participating cinemas in the running to win $5,000.
Co-written and co-directed by Tim Ferguson, Spin Out follows the story of Billy (Samuel) and Lucy (San Andreas'.Morgan Griffin), who grew up together in a country town. Travis Jeffery, Melissa Bergland and Lincoln Lewis are also in the cast.
Ferguson directed the film,.releasing in cinemas September 15, with Marc Gracie (Full Frontal), who also produced alongside David Redman (Charlie and Boots, Strange Bedfellows) and shares writing credit with Edwina Exton.
.I would love for people to leave the cinema with a desire to move to or visit the bush for a holiday — to see the Australian countryside for themselves," said Ferguson..
"There.s so much there and not just...
The Independent Cinema Association of Australia's latest My Cinema promotion will tout Sony's Spin Out, starring Xavier Samuel and Morgan Griffin, with audiences at participating cinemas in the running to win $5,000.
Co-written and co-directed by Tim Ferguson, Spin Out follows the story of Billy (Samuel) and Lucy (San Andreas'.Morgan Griffin), who grew up together in a country town. Travis Jeffery, Melissa Bergland and Lincoln Lewis are also in the cast.
Ferguson directed the film,.releasing in cinemas September 15, with Marc Gracie (Full Frontal), who also produced alongside David Redman (Charlie and Boots, Strange Bedfellows) and shares writing credit with Edwina Exton.
.I would love for people to leave the cinema with a desire to move to or visit the bush for a holiday — to see the Australian countryside for themselves," said Ferguson..
"There.s so much there and not just...
- 8/22/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Sony has released the poster for Spin Out, its romantic comedy directed by Tim Ferguson and Marc Gracie slated for a domestic release on September 15 this year.
In a scenario not dissimilar to 1999's Paperback Hero, starring Hugh Jackman and Claudia Karvan, Spin Out is about Billy (played by Xavier Samuel) and Lucy (Morgan Griffin), two friends who have grown up together in a small country town..
The pair form one of the town's most formidable Ute driving teams, but when Billy takes one risky car stunt too far, Lucy declares she is moving to the city - sending Billy into a spin..
Amid the mayhem of the town.s annual "Bachelors and Spinsters" party, Billy only has one night to wake up to his true feelings for his best friend - or lose her forever..
Samuel and Griffin (who have just started shooting another film together, Sa thriller Bad Blood...
In a scenario not dissimilar to 1999's Paperback Hero, starring Hugh Jackman and Claudia Karvan, Spin Out is about Billy (played by Xavier Samuel) and Lucy (Morgan Griffin), two friends who have grown up together in a small country town..
The pair form one of the town's most formidable Ute driving teams, but when Billy takes one risky car stunt too far, Lucy declares she is moving to the city - sending Billy into a spin..
Amid the mayhem of the town.s annual "Bachelors and Spinsters" party, Billy only has one night to wake up to his true feelings for his best friend - or lose her forever..
Samuel and Griffin (who have just started shooting another film together, Sa thriller Bad Blood...
- 6/29/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Screen Producers Australia has announced the appointment of its 2015 - 2016 councillors who were elected at the Agm last week.
The new councillors are Marcus Gillezeau, Ewan Burnett and Tania Chambers, succeeding Amanda Higgs, Morgan Jaffitt and Andrew Ogilvie.
Spa president Chris Oliver-Taylor said,. "Across the next 12 months council's focus will continue to be on ensuring that the production and funding environment is as strong as possible to enable Australian stories to be told.
"This includes increasing the various offsets and ensuring strong financial support for the ABC, Sbs, Screen Australia and the State funding bodies. We will also continue to encourage new players in Australia to commission Australian content..
Spa CEO Matt Deaner said the new councillors are well recognised. through the breadth and depth of their experience, achievements and contribution to the industry.
The 2015 - 2016 Screen Producers Australia council is represented by the following: President
Chris Oliver-Taylor, Managing Director,...
The new councillors are Marcus Gillezeau, Ewan Burnett and Tania Chambers, succeeding Amanda Higgs, Morgan Jaffitt and Andrew Ogilvie.
Spa president Chris Oliver-Taylor said,. "Across the next 12 months council's focus will continue to be on ensuring that the production and funding environment is as strong as possible to enable Australian stories to be told.
"This includes increasing the various offsets and ensuring strong financial support for the ABC, Sbs, Screen Australia and the State funding bodies. We will also continue to encourage new players in Australia to commission Australian content..
Spa CEO Matt Deaner said the new councillors are well recognised. through the breadth and depth of their experience, achievements and contribution to the industry.
The 2015 - 2016 Screen Producers Australia council is represented by the following: President
Chris Oliver-Taylor, Managing Director,...
- 11/10/2015
- by Staff writer
- IF.com.au
Sony Pictures Australian rom-com Spin Out starring Xavier Samuel and Morgan Griffin is set for a Shepparton, Victoria shoot.
The film, originally titled Circle Work, will start shooting in the Victorian country town from August 18.
Samuel (Fury, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn . Part 2, A Few Best Men) will star alongside Griffin (San Andreas, Louder Than Words, Charlie & Boots) and be supported by a talented group of actors that include Lincoln Lewis (Gallipoli, Tomorrow When the War Began), Melissa Bergland (Winners and Losers, Relative Happiness), Tessa James (Love Child, Home and Away) and Brooke McClymont, of Australia¹s number one country group, The McClymonts. .
The film follows a relationship between two long-time friends, Billy (Samuel) and Lucy (Griffin) who are both in denial over their desire for each other. .
But as change beckons, they must confront their feelings amidst the backdrop of their town.s Ute Muster and annual B&S...
The film, originally titled Circle Work, will start shooting in the Victorian country town from August 18.
Samuel (Fury, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn . Part 2, A Few Best Men) will star alongside Griffin (San Andreas, Louder Than Words, Charlie & Boots) and be supported by a talented group of actors that include Lincoln Lewis (Gallipoli, Tomorrow When the War Began), Melissa Bergland (Winners and Losers, Relative Happiness), Tessa James (Love Child, Home and Away) and Brooke McClymont, of Australia¹s number one country group, The McClymonts. .
The film follows a relationship between two long-time friends, Billy (Samuel) and Lucy (Griffin) who are both in denial over their desire for each other. .
But as change beckons, they must confront their feelings amidst the backdrop of their town.s Ute Muster and annual B&S...
- 8/12/2015
- by Brian Karlovsky
- IF.com.au
Writer-director Robert Mond.s debut feature The Subjects will be released worldwide on multiple platforms in October.
The thriller.s novel concept revolves around eight misfits who are paid handsomely to take part in a secret trial to test a new drug. Locked in a room for eight hours, each person discovers he or she suddenly has assumed superhuman powers.
So the tension mounts as each is forced to make a choice: to become a superhero or a supervillain.
Shot in Melbourne last July/August, the film was financed by David Redman.s Instinct Entertainment, a consortium of investors, the producer offset and the UK.s Head Gear, which cash-flowed the offset.
Instinct Distribution is releasing the film worldwide in October, with launches planned at Comic-Con in Sydney and New York and other Comic-Con events around the world.
Mond, who has written and directed numerous short films, produced with Redman,...
The thriller.s novel concept revolves around eight misfits who are paid handsomely to take part in a secret trial to test a new drug. Locked in a room for eight hours, each person discovers he or she suddenly has assumed superhuman powers.
So the tension mounts as each is forced to make a choice: to become a superhero or a supervillain.
Shot in Melbourne last July/August, the film was financed by David Redman.s Instinct Entertainment, a consortium of investors, the producer offset and the UK.s Head Gear, which cash-flowed the offset.
Instinct Distribution is releasing the film worldwide in October, with launches planned at Comic-Con in Sydney and New York and other Comic-Con events around the world.
Mond, who has written and directed numerous short films, produced with Redman,...
- 6/22/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Simon Baker will make his feature directing debut, Matchbox Pictures will adapt another Christos Tsiolkas. novel for the ABC and Endemol Australia will produce a female-driven drama for the Nine Network in projects funded by Screen Australia.
Among other funding recipients are a TV spin-off of Tomorrow, When the War Began, a Nowhere Boys telemovie for the ABC and a relationships comedy directed by Tim Ferguson and Marc Gracie.
In total Screen Australia is investing $13.4 million in 12 film and television projects which will trigger production worth $64.3 million.
Baker (The Mentalist) will direct and star in the screen adaptation of Tim Winton.s novel Breath, scripted by Top of the Lake.s Gerard Lee.
The producers are Mark Johnson (Breaking Bad, The Notebook), Baker and See Pictures. Jamie Hilton (Backtrack, The Little Death).
Arclight is pitching the 1970s-set project to prospective buyers at the Cannes Film Market. The novel focusses on two teenagers,...
Among other funding recipients are a TV spin-off of Tomorrow, When the War Began, a Nowhere Boys telemovie for the ABC and a relationships comedy directed by Tim Ferguson and Marc Gracie.
In total Screen Australia is investing $13.4 million in 12 film and television projects which will trigger production worth $64.3 million.
Baker (The Mentalist) will direct and star in the screen adaptation of Tim Winton.s novel Breath, scripted by Top of the Lake.s Gerard Lee.
The producers are Mark Johnson (Breaking Bad, The Notebook), Baker and See Pictures. Jamie Hilton (Backtrack, The Little Death).
Arclight is pitching the 1970s-set project to prospective buyers at the Cannes Film Market. The novel focusses on two teenagers,...
- 5/13/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Matchbox Pictures MD Chris Oliver-Taylor and Goalpost Pictures MD/partner Ben Grant have been elected as president and vice president of Screen Producers Australia.
They succeed outgoing president Brian Rosen and VP Sue Taylor.
Spa executive director Matt Deaner said the newly elected councillors represent a significant cross section of the screen production industry and bring a breadth and depth of experience and achievements.
Oliver-Taylor said, .I am delighted to be elected president of Screen Producers Australia and am thrilled at the opportunity to work closely with Matt and his team. The sector continues to evolve and at this crucial time of change, it is a great privilege to be able to work on behalf of the producers of Australia to ensure our wonderful creative industry remains strong and buoyant..
The 2014 - 2015 Screen Producers Australia Council comprises:
Chris Oliver-Taylor, Matchbox Pictures (president) Ben Grant, Goalpost Pictures (vice president) Donna Andrews,...
They succeed outgoing president Brian Rosen and VP Sue Taylor.
Spa executive director Matt Deaner said the newly elected councillors represent a significant cross section of the screen production industry and bring a breadth and depth of experience and achievements.
Oliver-Taylor said, .I am delighted to be elected president of Screen Producers Australia and am thrilled at the opportunity to work closely with Matt and his team. The sector continues to evolve and at this crucial time of change, it is a great privilege to be able to work on behalf of the producers of Australia to ensure our wonderful creative industry remains strong and buoyant..
The 2014 - 2015 Screen Producers Australia Council comprises:
Chris Oliver-Taylor, Matchbox Pictures (president) Ben Grant, Goalpost Pictures (vice president) Donna Andrews,...
- 10/8/2014
- by Staff writer
- IF.com.au
Reps from YouTube, the ABC, the Seven Network, Matchbox Pictures, Princess Pictures and FremantleMedia Australia will address the opportunities for financing and producing online content at a conference in Melbourne next month. Now in its fourth year, the Generation Next: Online Video conference will be staged in tandem with the inaugural Australian Online Video Awards (OVAs) on October 14-15 at the Docklands Studios.
The conference is run by the Open Channel, the not-for-profit, membership based organisation which assists the professional development of emerging and early career filmmakers. The conference producer, Redman Entertainment.s David Redman said, .With the YouTube generation increasingly consuming online content and advertisers starting to following them, never before has there been more opportunity for creators to develop an audience online and build a career.
"This conference will bring together experts from both traditional and online media with creators who are already working between the two to...
The conference is run by the Open Channel, the not-for-profit, membership based organisation which assists the professional development of emerging and early career filmmakers. The conference producer, Redman Entertainment.s David Redman said, .With the YouTube generation increasingly consuming online content and advertisers starting to following them, never before has there been more opportunity for creators to develop an audience online and build a career.
"This conference will bring together experts from both traditional and online media with creators who are already working between the two to...
- 9/29/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Claire Forlani, Ann Cusack and Marama Corlett have been cast as the leads in The Three Lucias, an Australian-produced mystery drama which is set and will be wholly shot in Malta.
The writer-director is Sandra Sciberras, whose parents hail from Malta. It.s her fourth feature following Max.s Dreaming, Caterpillar Wish and Surviving Georgia.
The producer is David Redman, whose credits include Charlie & Boots, Salute, Till Human Voices Wake Us, You and Your Stupid Mate and Strange Bedfellows.
The plot follows Tony, a guy with a colourful past who is about to return home with the young daughter he didn't know he had until her mother Lucia died. His daughter is reluctant to leave and forms an attachment to a movie star with her own secrets. Over three days of Easter their lives intertwine with two other women called Lucia.
Forlani (Meet Joe Black, The Rock, Basquiat) will play Silent Lucia,...
The writer-director is Sandra Sciberras, whose parents hail from Malta. It.s her fourth feature following Max.s Dreaming, Caterpillar Wish and Surviving Georgia.
The producer is David Redman, whose credits include Charlie & Boots, Salute, Till Human Voices Wake Us, You and Your Stupid Mate and Strange Bedfellows.
The plot follows Tony, a guy with a colourful past who is about to return home with the young daughter he didn't know he had until her mother Lucia died. His daughter is reluctant to leave and forms an attachment to a movie star with her own secrets. Over three days of Easter their lives intertwine with two other women called Lucia.
Forlani (Meet Joe Black, The Rock, Basquiat) will play Silent Lucia,...
- 2/3/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Tree Australia.s Brian Rosen and Taylor Media.s Sue Taylor have been re-elected for a third term as president and vice-president of the Screen Producers Association of Australia for 2013/2014.
Spaa is changing its constitution to elect future presidents for a two-year term, capped at a maximum of two terms. Rosen has indicated he will step down as president at the end of his third year.
Members of the 2013/14 Spaa Council are: Donna Andrews, Sticky Pictures; Mark Bamford, TressCox Lawyers; Ben Grant, Goalpost Pictures; Chris Hilton, Essential Media and Entertainment; Morgan Jaffit, Defiant Development; Linda Klejus, Circa Media; Nathan Mayfield, Hoodlum Entertainment; Alaric McAusland, Deluxe Australia; David Redman, Instinct Entertainment; Andrew Ogilvie, Electric Pictures; Chris Oliver-Taylor, Matchbox Pictures; and Joanna Werner, Werner Film Productions.
The outgoing councillors are Dan Pearce, Holding Redlich Lawyers; Ros Tatarka, CreatEve; and Jennifer Wilson, The Project Factory.
Of that trio Spaa says, .Together they have...
Spaa is changing its constitution to elect future presidents for a two-year term, capped at a maximum of two terms. Rosen has indicated he will step down as president at the end of his third year.
Members of the 2013/14 Spaa Council are: Donna Andrews, Sticky Pictures; Mark Bamford, TressCox Lawyers; Ben Grant, Goalpost Pictures; Chris Hilton, Essential Media and Entertainment; Morgan Jaffit, Defiant Development; Linda Klejus, Circa Media; Nathan Mayfield, Hoodlum Entertainment; Alaric McAusland, Deluxe Australia; David Redman, Instinct Entertainment; Andrew Ogilvie, Electric Pictures; Chris Oliver-Taylor, Matchbox Pictures; and Joanna Werner, Werner Film Productions.
The outgoing councillors are Dan Pearce, Holding Redlich Lawyers; Ros Tatarka, CreatEve; and Jennifer Wilson, The Project Factory.
Of that trio Spaa says, .Together they have...
- 10/3/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Selection of cross-media projects to compete for awards.
Power to the Pixel (PttP) has named the 30 cross-media projects from around the world selected to take part in The Pixel Market 2013 (Oct 16-17), the finance and co-production market held during the Cross-Media Forum (Oct 15-18) in association with the BFI London Film Festival.
Eight titles have been selected to compete for the Arte International Prize for The Pixel Pitch, an award of €6,000 ($8,100), announced at a ceremony on Oct 17. The titles include:
Art with Mati & Dada
Giovanna Bo and Roberto Braga, Achtoons s.r.l. (Italy)
The Baghdad Station
Mahyad Tousi, BoomGen Studios, (Us)
Get Over It
Paula Schardorodsky, Rabia Williams - TalaTala (Argentina-Spain)
Netwars - Out of Ctrl
Saskia Kress, Filmtank GmbH (Germany)
Life and Mind of Mark LeFriest/ Breaking the Box
Gabriel London and Jonathon Corbiere - Found Object Films, The Secret Location, Thought Café (Us-Can)
Soundtrack of the World
Lisa Gray, Martyn Ware, The Feds...
Power to the Pixel (PttP) has named the 30 cross-media projects from around the world selected to take part in The Pixel Market 2013 (Oct 16-17), the finance and co-production market held during the Cross-Media Forum (Oct 15-18) in association with the BFI London Film Festival.
Eight titles have been selected to compete for the Arte International Prize for The Pixel Pitch, an award of €6,000 ($8,100), announced at a ceremony on Oct 17. The titles include:
Art with Mati & Dada
Giovanna Bo and Roberto Braga, Achtoons s.r.l. (Italy)
The Baghdad Station
Mahyad Tousi, BoomGen Studios, (Us)
Get Over It
Paula Schardorodsky, Rabia Williams - TalaTala (Argentina-Spain)
Netwars - Out of Ctrl
Saskia Kress, Filmtank GmbH (Germany)
Life and Mind of Mark LeFriest/ Breaking the Box
Gabriel London and Jonathon Corbiere - Found Object Films, The Secret Location, Thought Café (Us-Can)
Soundtrack of the World
Lisa Gray, Martyn Ware, The Feds...
- 9/25/2013
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Ben Grant of Goalpost Pictures and David Redman of Instinct Entertainment join new President Brian Rosen and Vice President Sue Taylor on the Spaa Council for 2011/12.
The full list of elected Spaa councillors are as follows:
Brian Rosen moves from Feature Film councillor to President as Antony I Ginnane (Ifm Film) steps down. Bob Campbell (Screentime) will be replaced by Sue Taylor (Taylor Media) formerly the television councillor.
Ben Grant (Goalpost Pictures) and David Redman (Instinct Entertainment) step into the Feature Film councillors roles with Daniel Scharf (Profile Creative) an outgoing office holder.
Paul Barron (Great Western Entertainment) replaces Sue Taylor as Ros Tatarka (CreatEve) fills the spot of outgoing Jenny Lalor (entertainment lawyer) for the Television department. Chris Hilton (Essential Media & Entertainment) and Andrew Ogilvie (Electric Pictures) remain documentary councillors, so too does Jennifer Wilson (The Project Factory) in the role of Animation and New Media councillor while Services...
The full list of elected Spaa councillors are as follows:
Brian Rosen moves from Feature Film councillor to President as Antony I Ginnane (Ifm Film) steps down. Bob Campbell (Screentime) will be replaced by Sue Taylor (Taylor Media) formerly the television councillor.
Ben Grant (Goalpost Pictures) and David Redman (Instinct Entertainment) step into the Feature Film councillors roles with Daniel Scharf (Profile Creative) an outgoing office holder.
Paul Barron (Great Western Entertainment) replaces Sue Taylor as Ros Tatarka (CreatEve) fills the spot of outgoing Jenny Lalor (entertainment lawyer) for the Television department. Chris Hilton (Essential Media & Entertainment) and Andrew Ogilvie (Electric Pictures) remain documentary councillors, so too does Jennifer Wilson (The Project Factory) in the role of Animation and New Media councillor while Services...
- 9/16/2011
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Following its Melbourne Comedy Festival/VOD premiere, Little Johnny The Movie has been selected to open the La Comedy Festival.
“We will be making the VOD available again from the DVD release date, and once the Nbn is in place this mode of delivery may form an important part of the DVD release, but currently physical discs will remain the vast majority of revenue in Australia. In the UK and Us where physical discs have been replaced more rapidly than in Australia, the immediate potential for VOD is greater and exploring marketing options to support this is one of the things we look to start now that the film has been selected for the La Comedy Festival,” producer David Redman told Encore.
According to Redman, Instinct Entertainment wanted to find a new way to build audiences, beyond the ‘opening weekend’ release model. They wanted audiences “to hear about the movie...
“We will be making the VOD available again from the DVD release date, and once the Nbn is in place this mode of delivery may form an important part of the DVD release, but currently physical discs will remain the vast majority of revenue in Australia. In the UK and Us where physical discs have been replaced more rapidly than in Australia, the immediate potential for VOD is greater and exploring marketing options to support this is one of the things we look to start now that the film has been selected for the La Comedy Festival,” producer David Redman told Encore.
According to Redman, Instinct Entertainment wanted to find a new way to build audiences, beyond the ‘opening weekend’ release model. They wanted audiences “to hear about the movie...
- 5/2/2011
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
When film distribution takes on a new direction on April 1, it won.t be an April Fool.s joke. Little Johnny The Movie is the first Australia film to receive the Producer Offset while drastically deviating from traditional distribution paths. .We.re trying something completely different,. says producer and co-ceo of Instinct Entertainment David Redman. The animated film, which centres around the boy behind the myth of the ever-popular Little Johnny jokes, features the voice of Genevieve Morris (better known for her turn as Barbara from Bank World in a commercial for Anz) and songs by Kevin Bloody Wilson. The film will follow a distribution strategy that involves combined theatrical VOD platforming. It will screen as part of the Melbourne International...
- 3/30/2011
- by Amanda Diaz
- IF.com.au
Instinct Entertainment’s animated film Little Johnny The Movie will be released online this Thursday and Encore will be part of this experiment, becoming one of the project’s ‘online cinemas’.
“The whole industry seems to be getting behind the experiment of a new way of building audiences worldwide for Australian movies, which is great,” producer David Redman told Encore.Little Johnny The Movie will be available online during the film’s theatrical season as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
The project was directed by Ralph Moser, from a script he co-wrote with Dean Murphy and Stewart Faichney. It is a mockumentary about the protagonist of the Little Johnny jokes (voiced by Genevieve Morris).
You will find a link to the film on our website this Friday (April 1, 2011).
“The whole industry seems to be getting behind the experiment of a new way of building audiences worldwide for Australian movies, which is great,” producer David Redman told Encore.Little Johnny The Movie will be available online during the film’s theatrical season as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
The project was directed by Ralph Moser, from a script he co-wrote with Dean Murphy and Stewart Faichney. It is a mockumentary about the protagonist of the Little Johnny jokes (voiced by Genevieve Morris).
You will find a link to the film on our website this Friday (April 1, 2011).
- 3/29/2011
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
Instinct Entertainment’s animated film Little Johnny The Movie will premiere at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, with a simultaneous on-demand release for the duration of the event.
“We have had great success in the past following traditional filmmaking and distribution models. However, we don’t believe that the concept of launching with a national, multi-screen wide release is the right way to go for every film. So many great, new Australian films are withering and dying before they find their feet. For Little Johnny The Movie, we are setting out to gently nurture the film and build the audience gradually before expanding the number of cinemas it plays in,” said producer David Redman.
Redman said that the VOD release (through http://site.dynamoplayer.com/, at a price of U$4.95 for a 24-hour access period) is not necessarily related to the film’s budget.
“It’s more about how we financed the budget.
“We have had great success in the past following traditional filmmaking and distribution models. However, we don’t believe that the concept of launching with a national, multi-screen wide release is the right way to go for every film. So many great, new Australian films are withering and dying before they find their feet. For Little Johnny The Movie, we are setting out to gently nurture the film and build the audience gradually before expanding the number of cinemas it plays in,” said producer David Redman.
Redman said that the VOD release (through http://site.dynamoplayer.com/, at a price of U$4.95 for a 24-hour access period) is not necessarily related to the film’s budget.
“It’s more about how we financed the budget.
- 2/24/2011
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
The jokes of Little Johnny - a feisty young boy who likes to ask embarrassing questions and tells it like it is - have been told and chuckled over for years. Now the gags are set for the big screen with the team behind the hit Australian comedies Strange Bedfellows and Charlie & Boots devising a feature-length animated film which pays homage to the nine-year-old boy with the big mouth. Co-producer David Redman says the idea for Little Johnny The Movie came about when the team behind Charlie & Boots were putting that film together. "This mainly involved sitting around the office telling jokes and making each other laugh," Redman recalls.
- 2/10/2011
- FilmInk.com.au
The animated feature Little Johnny The Movie will premiere as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, screening from 1-24 April at Greater Union Russell Street.
“The overall sensibility of the Chuck Jones cartoons struck a chord immediately. We wanted to celebrate the golden era of animation but with a distinctly adult sense of humour. It’s kind of like the old studio cartoons featuring Bugs, Elmer and Daffy, but on steroids,” said director Ralph Moser.
The film – a mockumentary that traces the origins of Little Johnny jokes, looking at the day to day life of the boy and his dysfunctional family – features the voices of Kevin “Bloody” Wilson and Genevieve Morris. It was written by Moser, Dean Murphy and Stewart Faichney, and produced by Murphy, David Redman, Shana Levine and Andrew Davies.
Bookings can be made at www.eventcinemas.com/movie/little-johnny-the-movie...
“The overall sensibility of the Chuck Jones cartoons struck a chord immediately. We wanted to celebrate the golden era of animation but with a distinctly adult sense of humour. It’s kind of like the old studio cartoons featuring Bugs, Elmer and Daffy, but on steroids,” said director Ralph Moser.
The film – a mockumentary that traces the origins of Little Johnny jokes, looking at the day to day life of the boy and his dysfunctional family – features the voices of Kevin “Bloody” Wilson and Genevieve Morris. It was written by Moser, Dean Murphy and Stewart Faichney, and produced by Murphy, David Redman, Shana Levine and Andrew Davies.
Bookings can be made at www.eventcinemas.com/movie/little-johnny-the-movie...
- 2/8/2011
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
Instinct Entertainment and Studio Moshi have announced production of an M-rated animated feature, based on the boy from the Little Johnny jokes.
“We anticipate an M rating. Think the more adult-orientated Merry Melodies cartoons from the Golden Era of Warner Bros. We’ll be using a combination of software along with a lot of hand-drawn traditional style animation. The style is deliberately retro,” producer David Redman told Encore.
Little Johnny the Movie will be directed by Ralph Moser and Dean Murphy, from a script they both co-wrote with Stewart Faichney. It will be a mockumentary about Little Johnny, who will be voiced by Genevieve Morris (Barbara, from the current Anz bank campaign).
The project “discovers that Little Johnny was indeed a real person, a feisty redhead boy, and we meet him and his simple yet hilariously dysfunctional family and friends and discover where these jokes originated from”.
Comedian Kevin “Bloody...
“We anticipate an M rating. Think the more adult-orientated Merry Melodies cartoons from the Golden Era of Warner Bros. We’ll be using a combination of software along with a lot of hand-drawn traditional style animation. The style is deliberately retro,” producer David Redman told Encore.
Little Johnny the Movie will be directed by Ralph Moser and Dean Murphy, from a script they both co-wrote with Stewart Faichney. It will be a mockumentary about Little Johnny, who will be voiced by Genevieve Morris (Barbara, from the current Anz bank campaign).
The project “discovers that Little Johnny was indeed a real person, a feisty redhead boy, and we meet him and his simple yet hilariously dysfunctional family and friends and discover where these jokes originated from”.
Comedian Kevin “Bloody...
- 6/28/2010
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Vampire Diaries’ Ian Somerhalder will star in Cradlewood, a Gothic fantasy being produced by Hand Picked Films and Instinct Entertainment. He’ll co-star opposite Australian actress Emma Lung (soon to be seen in Christopher Smith’s Triangle) for director Harry Weinmann, who was previously an FX artist on films ranging from Lifeforce to Race To Witch Mountain.
Scripted by Lost Things’ Stephen Sewell and Bathory’s John Paul Chapple from a story by Weinmann, Cradlewood casts Somerhalder as the heir to a great fortune who also believes he has inherited a legendary family curse thanks to a pact with a demon: Whenever a boy is born into the bloodline, the father dies—and the man suspects his girlfriend (Lung) is pregnant. Though set in Boston, the film will lens in Melbourne, Australia, with Michel Shane and David Redman producing. “We see this is as...
Scripted by Lost Things’ Stephen Sewell and Bathory’s John Paul Chapple from a story by Weinmann, Cradlewood casts Somerhalder as the heir to a great fortune who also believes he has inherited a legendary family curse thanks to a pact with a demon: Whenever a boy is born into the bloodline, the father dies—and the man suspects his girlfriend (Lung) is pregnant. Though set in Boston, the film will lens in Melbourne, Australia, with Michel Shane and David Redman producing. “We see this is as...
- 10/16/2009
- by no-reply@fangoria.com (Michael Gingold)
- Fangoria
Ian Somerhalder, star of the CW's "The Vampire Diaries," has signed to topline the romantic gothic fairy tale "Cradlewood." Hand Picked Films and Instinct Entertainment are behind the indie being directed by Harry Weinmann.
The movie centers on an Australian woman living in Boston with the heir (Somerhalder) to an incredible fortune whose family history is swirled in a legend that tells of a pact made with a demon which ensures that whenever a boy is born into the family, the father is killed.
The heir suspects his girlfriend is pregnant, and after strange events occur, he comes to believe he will die if he continues to fall in love.
Emma Lung ("The Boys Are Back") will play the Australian woman.
"Cradlewood" is based on original story by Weinmann. Stephen Sewell ("The Boys") and John Paul Chapple ("Bathroy") wrote the script.
Michel Shane ("Catch Me If You Can") and David Redman ("Strange Bedfellows") will produce.
The movie centers on an Australian woman living in Boston with the heir (Somerhalder) to an incredible fortune whose family history is swirled in a legend that tells of a pact made with a demon which ensures that whenever a boy is born into the family, the father is killed.
The heir suspects his girlfriend is pregnant, and after strange events occur, he comes to believe he will die if he continues to fall in love.
Emma Lung ("The Boys Are Back") will play the Australian woman.
"Cradlewood" is based on original story by Weinmann. Stephen Sewell ("The Boys") and John Paul Chapple ("Bathroy") wrote the script.
Michel Shane ("Catch Me If You Can") and David Redman ("Strange Bedfellows") will produce.
- 10/15/2009
- by By Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Australian filmmaker Brett Anstey got in touch to let us know about his new chiller Damned By Dawn, and sent along a handful of exclusive photos; you can see them below the cut. Currently in the final stages of postproduction, the movie was produced by Anstey and Luke Gibson.
“The film centers on a banshee whose wailing wakes the dead,” Anstey tells us; specifically, it raises walking corpses during a thunderstorm, and the creatures terrorize a family. “The original idea was to make a period horror, one heavily influenced by the classic Hammer films,” he continues. “But it soon became apparent we couldn’t afford Christopher Lee, Ingrid Pitt, horse-drawn carriages and boobs. Fog, atmosphere and heavy doses of Irish mythology were all within our budget, though, so those elements remain.”
{rokbox size=|650 475| title=|Damned By Dawn| album=|damnedbydawn|}images/stories/news/damnedbydawnnews1.jpg{/rokbox}{rokbox size=|400 550| title=|Damned By...
“The film centers on a banshee whose wailing wakes the dead,” Anstey tells us; specifically, it raises walking corpses during a thunderstorm, and the creatures terrorize a family. “The original idea was to make a period horror, one heavily influenced by the classic Hammer films,” he continues. “But it soon became apparent we couldn’t afford Christopher Lee, Ingrid Pitt, horse-drawn carriages and boobs. Fog, atmosphere and heavy doses of Irish mythology were all within our budget, though, so those elements remain.”
{rokbox size=|650 475| title=|Damned By Dawn| album=|damnedbydawn|}images/stories/news/damnedbydawnnews1.jpg{/rokbox}{rokbox size=|400 550| title=|Damned By...
- 3/3/2009
- Fangoria
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