Jessica Mauboy, star of 2013 Australian breakout hit “The Sapphires,” returns to a leading film role for the first time in over a decade in family feature “Windcatcher.”
Directed by Tanith Glynn-Maloney, from a screenplay by Boyd Quakawoot, the film is branded as a Stan Original and will play on the Australia-only streamer from March 28.
Set in a small country town, “Windcatcher” follows the unlikely friendship between Percy Boy, newcomer Keithy Cobb and the spirited Daisy Hawkins, as they band together to take the local school sports day title from a group of grade five bullies. But as Percy Boy trains with the help of his mates, he then discovers his supernatural ability to see lost souls – a gift passed down from his grandfather. Percy Boy must overcome his fears, prove his resilience and become a force to be reckoned with.
Mauboy, who is an iconic figure in Australian entertainment has...
Directed by Tanith Glynn-Maloney, from a screenplay by Boyd Quakawoot, the film is branded as a Stan Original and will play on the Australia-only streamer from March 28.
Set in a small country town, “Windcatcher” follows the unlikely friendship between Percy Boy, newcomer Keithy Cobb and the spirited Daisy Hawkins, as they band together to take the local school sports day title from a group of grade five bullies. But as Percy Boy trains with the help of his mates, he then discovers his supernatural ability to see lost souls – a gift passed down from his grandfather. Percy Boy must overcome his fears, prove his resilience and become a force to be reckoned with.
Mauboy, who is an iconic figure in Australian entertainment has...
- 2/5/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Rebecca Eskreis has signed on to direct ClearMind, a thriller about the dark side of Virtual Reality therapy and the slippery slope of using simulated life to avenge the real.
The film scheduled to enter production in Northern California next spring is the second from Eskreis, whose feature directorial debut, What Breaks the Ice, was recently released in theaters, on demand and on digital platforms via Cinedigm. 30 Miles from Nowhere’s Seana Kofoed penned the screenplay and will produce with River Place Production’s Kristin Tegtmeier Higgins (The Boy’s Gone). Miriam Hoffman is handling casting.
Eskreis is represented by Sara Alexander of Alexander Creatives and Stuart Rosenthal at Goodman, Genow, Schenkman.
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Exclusive: Freestyle Digital Media has acquired North American VOD rights to The Xrossing, an Australian coming-of-age thriller from director Steven J. Mihaljevich. The digital film distribution division of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group/Entertainment Studios...
The film scheduled to enter production in Northern California next spring is the second from Eskreis, whose feature directorial debut, What Breaks the Ice, was recently released in theaters, on demand and on digital platforms via Cinedigm. 30 Miles from Nowhere’s Seana Kofoed penned the screenplay and will produce with River Place Production’s Kristin Tegtmeier Higgins (The Boy’s Gone). Miriam Hoffman is handling casting.
Eskreis is represented by Sara Alexander of Alexander Creatives and Stuart Rosenthal at Goodman, Genow, Schenkman.
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Exclusive: Freestyle Digital Media has acquired North American VOD rights to The Xrossing, an Australian coming-of-age thriller from director Steven J. Mihaljevich. The digital film distribution division of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group/Entertainment Studios...
- 12/17/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Bunya Productions’ Mystery Road: Origin is underway in Western Australia’s Kalgoorlie-Boulder for the ABC, with a stacked ensemble cast to join Mark Coles Smith as a young Jay Swan.
They include Toby Leonard Moore, Daniel Henshall, Lisa Flanagan, Clarence Ryan, Steve Bisley, Caroline Brazier, Hayley McElhinney, Dubs Yunupingu, Kelton Pell, Leonie Whyman, Salme Geransar, Nina Young and rising stars Jayden Popik and Tuuli Narkle, who will play Jay’s first love Mary.
The third season of the series is set in 1999 and follows Constable Jay Swan, a charismatic young officer who arrives at his new station. Fresh from the city and tipped for big things, Jay might be the new copper, but he’s not new to this town. His estranged father Jack lives here, as does the woman who will change his life forever, Mary.
The Mystery Road franchise stems back to Ivan Sen’s 2013 film by the same title,...
They include Toby Leonard Moore, Daniel Henshall, Lisa Flanagan, Clarence Ryan, Steve Bisley, Caroline Brazier, Hayley McElhinney, Dubs Yunupingu, Kelton Pell, Leonie Whyman, Salme Geransar, Nina Young and rising stars Jayden Popik and Tuuli Narkle, who will play Jay’s first love Mary.
The third season of the series is set in 1999 and follows Constable Jay Swan, a charismatic young officer who arrives at his new station. Fresh from the city and tipped for big things, Jay might be the new copper, but he’s not new to this town. His estranged father Jack lives here, as does the woman who will change his life forever, Mary.
The Mystery Road franchise stems back to Ivan Sen’s 2013 film by the same title,...
- 10/12/2021
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
CinefestOZ Film Festival has awarded actress Isla Fisher its Screen Legend prize for 2021.
The award recognises an Australian actor or filmmaker of international repute and their role in supporting excellence in Australian filmmaking.
Fisher, who was born in Oman and grew up in Perth, has been a fixture of Australian screens since she was nine, when she started in TV commercials before being cast as Shannon Reed in Home & Away, a role she played for three years.
Her career internationally took off with The Wedding Crashers, followed by a range of roles in films such as Rango, The Great Gatsby, Nocturnal Animals, Definitely, Maybe , Now You See Me, Hot Rod, The Brothers Grimsby alongside her husband Sacha Baron Cohen, and Blithe Spirit. Her most recent role is in Stan/Peacock’s upcoming series Wolf Like Me, opposite Josh Gad.
Fisher studied commedia dell’arte in Paris at the renowned L’école Jacques Lecoq performance school,...
The award recognises an Australian actor or filmmaker of international repute and their role in supporting excellence in Australian filmmaking.
Fisher, who was born in Oman and grew up in Perth, has been a fixture of Australian screens since she was nine, when she started in TV commercials before being cast as Shannon Reed in Home & Away, a role she played for three years.
Her career internationally took off with The Wedding Crashers, followed by a range of roles in films such as Rango, The Great Gatsby, Nocturnal Animals, Definitely, Maybe , Now You See Me, Hot Rod, The Brothers Grimsby alongside her husband Sacha Baron Cohen, and Blithe Spirit. Her most recent role is in Stan/Peacock’s upcoming series Wolf Like Me, opposite Josh Gad.
Fisher studied commedia dell’arte in Paris at the renowned L’école Jacques Lecoq performance school,...
- 8/26/2021
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Buckley’s Chance, from Canadian director Tim Brown, sees Bill Nighy alongside a new screen star: a dingo named Buckley.
The story follows Ridley (Milan Burch), who becomes lost in the harsh Australain outback with nothing but his camcorder and new friend, Buckley.
Nighy plays Ridley’s cattle station-owning grandfather, Spencer. Kelton Pell, Victoria Hill and Martin Sacks also star.
Shot in Broken Hill, Brown produced with Gilbert Adler, Scott Clayton and Andrew Mann.
Transmission Films will launch Buckley’s Chance in cinemas nationally June 24.
The post ‘Buckley’s Chance’ (Trailer) appeared first on If Magazine.
The story follows Ridley (Milan Burch), who becomes lost in the harsh Australain outback with nothing but his camcorder and new friend, Buckley.
Nighy plays Ridley’s cattle station-owning grandfather, Spencer. Kelton Pell, Victoria Hill and Martin Sacks also star.
Shot in Broken Hill, Brown produced with Gilbert Adler, Scott Clayton and Andrew Mann.
Transmission Films will launch Buckley’s Chance in cinemas nationally June 24.
The post ‘Buckley’s Chance’ (Trailer) appeared first on If Magazine.
- 4/21/2021
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Kelton Pell in ‘The Xrossing.’
Murder mystery The Xrossing, the debut feature from director Steven J. Mihaljevich and co-writer/producer Carl Mairoana, will be the first release from Western Australian-based distributor Halo Films.
Ian Hale launched the company to support Wa filmmakers by releasing feature films and documentaries that don’t have an existing distribution deal or theatrical release in place.
Starring Kelton Pell, Luke J Morgan, Jacob O’Neill, Georgia Eyers and Mihaljevich, The Xrossing recently had its world premiere at the Toronto Independent Film Festival, winning best film in the micro-budget category for films budgeted below $250,000.
The plot revolves around the murder of a young girl in Swan View in Perth’s Eastern suburbs and the ensuing cycle of revenge, violence and ignorance.
A former high school drama teacher, Mihaljevich, who lives in Swan View, came up with the basic premise of three young boys who are harassing a...
Murder mystery The Xrossing, the debut feature from director Steven J. Mihaljevich and co-writer/producer Carl Mairoana, will be the first release from Western Australian-based distributor Halo Films.
Ian Hale launched the company to support Wa filmmakers by releasing feature films and documentaries that don’t have an existing distribution deal or theatrical release in place.
Starring Kelton Pell, Luke J Morgan, Jacob O’Neill, Georgia Eyers and Mihaljevich, The Xrossing recently had its world premiere at the Toronto Independent Film Festival, winning best film in the micro-budget category for films budgeted below $250,000.
The plot revolves around the murder of a young girl in Swan View in Perth’s Eastern suburbs and the ensuing cycle of revenge, violence and ignorance.
A former high school drama teacher, Mihaljevich, who lives in Swan View, came up with the basic premise of three young boys who are harassing a...
- 9/27/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Ben Mortley, Jaclyn Hewer and Antony Webb.
Writer-director Antony Webb and producer Jaclyn Hewer’s Carmentis has won the $5,000 CinefestOz Short Film Prize.
It’s the first year the festival has presented shorts awards, with Carmentis beating out Carrie’s Doing Great, I Want to Make a Film About Women and The Immortal for the top gong.
The sci-fi short follows a grief-stricken miner (Ben Mortley) who finds himself injured on the desolate planet ‘Carmentis’ and must overcome his personal demons in order to survive. It was previously selected for the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival, and recently screened as part of Fantasia Festival.
“We are so proud to have won the first inaugural short film prize,” Webb and Hewer said.
“CinefestOZ is a festival that has become an essential part of the fabric for the Australian screen industry and we couldn’t be more excited to accept such a prestigious award.
Writer-director Antony Webb and producer Jaclyn Hewer’s Carmentis has won the $5,000 CinefestOz Short Film Prize.
It’s the first year the festival has presented shorts awards, with Carmentis beating out Carrie’s Doing Great, I Want to Make a Film About Women and The Immortal for the top gong.
The sci-fi short follows a grief-stricken miner (Ben Mortley) who finds himself injured on the desolate planet ‘Carmentis’ and must overcome his personal demons in order to survive. It was previously selected for the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival, and recently screened as part of Fantasia Festival.
“We are so proud to have won the first inaugural short film prize,” Webb and Hewer said.
“CinefestOZ is a festival that has become an essential part of the fabric for the Australian screen industry and we couldn’t be more excited to accept such a prestigious award.
- 8/31/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Emma Booth.
Emma Booth has been named an official patron of CinefestOZ, joining other patrons David Wenham, Kelton Pell, Myles Pollard and Barry House.
The Wa-born actress has been attending the festival since 2012, and is among the stars of H is for Happiness, the winner of last year’s $100,000 CinefestOZ Film Prize.
“Over the years, the team behind CinefestOZ has become like a family to me and I am in awe of the effort they put into the festival,” said Booth.
“It’s truly a magical experience for everyone who attends. Busselton is my home when I’m in Australia and CinefestOZ has always been one of the highlights of the year.”
CinefestOZ chair Helen Shervington credited Booth as having played an integral part in the growth and success of the festival over the years.
“Emma understands and embodies all that the festival is about and her talent, drive and...
Emma Booth has been named an official patron of CinefestOZ, joining other patrons David Wenham, Kelton Pell, Myles Pollard and Barry House.
The Wa-born actress has been attending the festival since 2012, and is among the stars of H is for Happiness, the winner of last year’s $100,000 CinefestOZ Film Prize.
“Over the years, the team behind CinefestOZ has become like a family to me and I am in awe of the effort they put into the festival,” said Booth.
“It’s truly a magical experience for everyone who attends. Busselton is my home when I’m in Australia and CinefestOZ has always been one of the highlights of the year.”
CinefestOZ chair Helen Shervington credited Booth as having played an integral part in the growth and success of the festival over the years.
“Emma understands and embodies all that the festival is about and her talent, drive and...
- 7/9/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Fiona Press and Kelton Pell in ‘The Heights’ (Photo credit: Ashleigh Nicolau).
Something remarkable happened to Fiona Press when she played Hazel Murphy in the first and second seasons of the ABC serial The Heights.
For the first time in the actress’ 37-year career after graduating from Nida, Press felt she wasn’t just a “survivor,” despite more than 50 screen credits and dozens of plays.
“Hazel is the role of my life. Until she turned up, I don’t think I realised I had a career,” she tells If. “As a female of my type in the Australian industry, to survive is actually a career. I’m a jobbing actor.”
Matchbox Pictures’ Warren Clarke, the showrunner who co-created The Heights with Que Minh Luu, tells If: “The choice to cast Fiona really came from how grounded her audition was. We knew this character would be a foundation stone for the...
Something remarkable happened to Fiona Press when she played Hazel Murphy in the first and second seasons of the ABC serial The Heights.
For the first time in the actress’ 37-year career after graduating from Nida, Press felt she wasn’t just a “survivor,” despite more than 50 screen credits and dozens of plays.
“Hazel is the role of my life. Until she turned up, I don’t think I realised I had a career,” she tells If. “As a female of my type in the Australian industry, to survive is actually a career. I’m a jobbing actor.”
Matchbox Pictures’ Warren Clarke, the showrunner who co-created The Heights with Que Minh Luu, tells If: “The choice to cast Fiona really came from how grounded her audition was. We knew this character would be a foundation stone for the...
- 3/8/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Leanne Tonkes, Martin Sacks and Victoria Garrett.
Martin Sacks enjoyed working with director Victoria Garrett in her debut feature Don’t Tell so much that he was keen to collaborate with her again.
The actor had been mulling the idea of a film about a father and son relationship which is tested by an unforeseen tragedy, so he pitched the concept to Garrett early last year.
She immediately sparked to the idea and is now developing the project with Sacks, screenwriter John Ridley and producer Leanne Tonkes.
Sacks will play the lead, the father of two teenage sons who live in a small country town. He’s an ordinary man on an ordinary day until he finds his life turned upside down by an indiscriminate tragedy.
Susie Porter, Nathaniel Dean and Daniela Farinacci will play supporting roles.
For the key role of the 15-year-old son the producers are keen to find a fresh face.
Martin Sacks enjoyed working with director Victoria Garrett in her debut feature Don’t Tell so much that he was keen to collaborate with her again.
The actor had been mulling the idea of a film about a father and son relationship which is tested by an unforeseen tragedy, so he pitched the concept to Garrett early last year.
She immediately sparked to the idea and is now developing the project with Sacks, screenwriter John Ridley and producer Leanne Tonkes.
Sacks will play the lead, the father of two teenage sons who live in a small country town. He’s an ordinary man on an ordinary day until he finds his life turned upside down by an indiscriminate tragedy.
Susie Porter, Nathaniel Dean and Daniela Farinacci will play supporting roles.
For the key role of the 15-year-old son the producers are keen to find a fresh face.
- 1/19/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Emma Fletcher on ‘The Heights’ set.
Viewers won’t know it when the second season of The Heights premieres on the ABC next year, but the 30-episode drama is being enhanced in both production design and cinematography.
The production is using a third studio in addition to the ABC’s two Perth studios which now houses the set of a pub (previously filmed on location in Northbridge) and a new community centre for the Arcadia Heights High School.
All that has enabled the writers to “grow our story world,” according to Matchbox Pictures’ Warren Clarke, who co-created the show with Que Minh Luu.
“By grouping these sets together we are able to shoot far more efficiently which then allows the show to get a bit bigger,” says Clarke, who produces the serial with For Pete’s Sake Productions’ Peta Astbury-Bulsara.
“We’re still heavily studio-based but splitting our studio time...
Viewers won’t know it when the second season of The Heights premieres on the ABC next year, but the 30-episode drama is being enhanced in both production design and cinematography.
The production is using a third studio in addition to the ABC’s two Perth studios which now houses the set of a pub (previously filmed on location in Northbridge) and a new community centre for the Arcadia Heights High School.
All that has enabled the writers to “grow our story world,” according to Matchbox Pictures’ Warren Clarke, who co-created the show with Que Minh Luu.
“By grouping these sets together we are able to shoot far more efficiently which then allows the show to get a bit bigger,” says Clarke, who produces the serial with For Pete’s Sake Productions’ Peta Astbury-Bulsara.
“We’re still heavily studio-based but splitting our studio time...
- 9/9/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
(L-r) John Sheedy, Daisy Axon, Julie Ryan, Lisa Hoppe and Tenille Kennedy (Photo credit: Court McAllister).
John Sheedy’s feature debut H is for Happiness, an adaptation of Barry Jonsberg’s young adult novel My Life as an Alphabet, has won this year’s $100,000 CinefestOZ Film Prize.
Announcing the award at the Saturday night gala, jury chair Rachel Ward said: “If we have the power as jurors to change the world to be a better place, then voting for H is for Happiness to win the CinefestOZ 2019 is our contribution. As juror Alex Dimitriades added, H is also for Hope.”
The other finalists were Owen Trevor’s Go!, Ben Lawrence’s Hearts and Bones, Mirrah Foulkes’ Judy & Punch and Paul Ireland’s Measure for Measure.
Sheedy said: “The competition was so tough. There were five amazing films, I saw all of them. To be chosen in such good company...
John Sheedy’s feature debut H is for Happiness, an adaptation of Barry Jonsberg’s young adult novel My Life as an Alphabet, has won this year’s $100,000 CinefestOZ Film Prize.
Announcing the award at the Saturday night gala, jury chair Rachel Ward said: “If we have the power as jurors to change the world to be a better place, then voting for H is for Happiness to win the CinefestOZ 2019 is our contribution. As juror Alex Dimitriades added, H is also for Hope.”
The other finalists were Owen Trevor’s Go!, Ben Lawrence’s Hearts and Bones, Mirrah Foulkes’ Judy & Punch and Paul Ireland’s Measure for Measure.
Sheedy said: “The competition was so tough. There were five amazing films, I saw all of them. To be chosen in such good company...
- 9/1/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Locally-made family drama, “H is for Happiness” won the top prize at the CinefestOZ festival in Busselton, West Australia, on Saturday. The film is an uplifting tale about a 12-year-old girl who is inspired by an unusual new boy at her school and sets out to mend her broken family.
Directed by John Sheedy, and filmed in the South Western part of the state where the festival is held, the film claimed the A$100,000 first prize, which has made CinefestOZ one of the most generous festivals in the world.
The competition jury, headed by actress turned director Rachel Ward, collectively voted in favor of the film, calling it “surprising” and a “tribute to the power of young people.”
Other titles in competition included Mirrah Foulkes’ “Judy & Punch,” Paul Ireland’s “Measure for Measure,” Ben Lawrence’s “Hearts & Bones” and Owen Trevor’s Busselton-set teen film “Go!”.
The only other...
Directed by John Sheedy, and filmed in the South Western part of the state where the festival is held, the film claimed the A$100,000 first prize, which has made CinefestOZ one of the most generous festivals in the world.
The competition jury, headed by actress turned director Rachel Ward, collectively voted in favor of the film, calling it “surprising” and a “tribute to the power of young people.”
Other titles in competition included Mirrah Foulkes’ “Judy & Punch,” Paul Ireland’s “Measure for Measure,” Ben Lawrence’s “Hearts & Bones” and Owen Trevor’s Busselton-set teen film “Go!”.
The only other...
- 9/1/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The cast of ‘The Heights’ season 2 (Photo credit: Ben King).
Backed by Screen Australia, the second season of the ABC’s ground-breaking drama serial The Heights will start shooting in Perth on August 26, providing more opportunities for emerging directors, writers and actors.
Jub Clerc, whose short Storytime is featured in the horror anthology Dark Whispers – Volume 1 curated by Megan Riakos and Leonie Marsh, and Kelli Cross (Aussie Rangers) are joining the cohort of directors under the production’s mentorship program.
They will be mentored by Karl Zwicky, alongside another addition in Tenika Smith (Neighbours) and Renée Webster, who made her TV drama directing debut on the first season.
Season one writers Romina Accurso, Hannah Carroll Chapman, Megan Palinkas, Peter Mattessi, Dot West, Magda Wozniak, the showrunner/co-creator Warren Clarke and Katie Beckett return.
They are joined by recruits Tim Williams, Nora Niasari, Nayuka Gorrie, Cassandra Nguyen, Jane Allen, Alex Cullen,...
Backed by Screen Australia, the second season of the ABC’s ground-breaking drama serial The Heights will start shooting in Perth on August 26, providing more opportunities for emerging directors, writers and actors.
Jub Clerc, whose short Storytime is featured in the horror anthology Dark Whispers – Volume 1 curated by Megan Riakos and Leonie Marsh, and Kelli Cross (Aussie Rangers) are joining the cohort of directors under the production’s mentorship program.
They will be mentored by Karl Zwicky, alongside another addition in Tenika Smith (Neighbours) and Renée Webster, who made her TV drama directing debut on the first season.
Season one writers Romina Accurso, Hannah Carroll Chapman, Megan Palinkas, Peter Mattessi, Dot West, Magda Wozniak, the showrunner/co-creator Warren Clarke and Katie Beckett return.
They are joined by recruits Tim Williams, Nora Niasari, Nayuka Gorrie, Cassandra Nguyen, Jane Allen, Alex Cullen,...
- 8/19/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Kelton Pell.
Actor Kelton Pell is the first Western Australian to receive the Screen Legend accolade from CinefestOZ in the event’s 12-year history.
In a career spanning more than 25 years, his film credits include Blackfellas, Australian Rules, September, Bran Nue Dae, Mad Bastards, Looking For Grace, Red Dog:True Blue and Three Summers.
In his latest screen role he appeared alongside Bill Nighy, Victoria Hill and Milan Burch in director Tim Brown’s Buckley’s Chance, which was partly shot in Wa.
Nighy played Spencer, the estranged grandfather of Burch’s Ridley, who moved to Wa with his mother Gloria (Hill) after his father dies. Spencer tries to reconnect with the boy but he gets lost the outback.
Pell has been a familiar face in such TV shows as Pine Gap, The Gods of Wheat Street, The Circuit, Redfern Now and The Heights.
“It’s a huge honour,” he says of the award.
Actor Kelton Pell is the first Western Australian to receive the Screen Legend accolade from CinefestOZ in the event’s 12-year history.
In a career spanning more than 25 years, his film credits include Blackfellas, Australian Rules, September, Bran Nue Dae, Mad Bastards, Looking For Grace, Red Dog:True Blue and Three Summers.
In his latest screen role he appeared alongside Bill Nighy, Victoria Hill and Milan Burch in director Tim Brown’s Buckley’s Chance, which was partly shot in Wa.
Nighy played Spencer, the estranged grandfather of Burch’s Ridley, who moved to Wa with his mother Gloria (Hill) after his father dies. Spencer tries to reconnect with the boy but he gets lost the outback.
Pell has been a familiar face in such TV shows as Pine Gap, The Gods of Wheat Street, The Circuit, Redfern Now and The Heights.
“It’s a huge honour,” he says of the award.
- 8/1/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
The cast of ‘The Heights’.
With the exception of flagship serials Home and Away and Neighbours, for the last few years, long-form adult drama has all but disappeared from our screens, replaced by high budget, short-run shows.
With that has also come a reduced number of training opportunities for emerging writers and directors, something that producers, writers and directors alike have lamented.
Given the landscape, it was somewhat of a surprise to see the ABC announce last June that it had commissioned a 30 x 30” serial drama in The Heights.
Produced by Matchbox Pictures and For Pete’s Sake Productions, The Heights is set in the fictional suburb of Arcadia Heights and explores the relationships, work lives and everyday challenges of six families living in a social housing tower and the rapidly gentrifying inner-city community that surrounds it.
The diverse ensemble cast includes Marcus Graham, Shari Sebbens, Roz Hammond, Fiona Press, Dan Paris,...
With the exception of flagship serials Home and Away and Neighbours, for the last few years, long-form adult drama has all but disappeared from our screens, replaced by high budget, short-run shows.
With that has also come a reduced number of training opportunities for emerging writers and directors, something that producers, writers and directors alike have lamented.
Given the landscape, it was somewhat of a surprise to see the ABC announce last June that it had commissioned a 30 x 30” serial drama in The Heights.
Produced by Matchbox Pictures and For Pete’s Sake Productions, The Heights is set in the fictional suburb of Arcadia Heights and explores the relationships, work lives and everyday challenges of six families living in a social housing tower and the rapidly gentrifying inner-city community that surrounds it.
The diverse ensemble cast includes Marcus Graham, Shari Sebbens, Roz Hammond, Fiona Press, Dan Paris,...
- 2/20/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Roz Hammond and Bridie McKim in ‘The Heights’ (Photo: Ben King).
Roz Hammond rates her role in The Heights, the ABC drama serial from Matchbox Pictures and For Pete’s Sake Productions, as the best she’s ever had.
That’s a big call for the Waapa graduate who broke through as Cheryl, one of the “bitchy” bridesmaids in Paul J. Hogan’s Muriel’s Wedding in 1994.
Perhaps best known as a founding member of the cast in Shaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell, she has featured in a raft of comedies including Please Like Me, The Librarians, It’s a Date and Upper Middle Bogan. She has shown her dramatic chops in Jack Irish, Offspring and Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.
Co-created by Warren Clarke and Que Minh Luu and set in the fictional inner-city neighbourhood of Arcadia Heights, The Heights explores the relationships between a public housing tower...
Roz Hammond rates her role in The Heights, the ABC drama serial from Matchbox Pictures and For Pete’s Sake Productions, as the best she’s ever had.
That’s a big call for the Waapa graduate who broke through as Cheryl, one of the “bitchy” bridesmaids in Paul J. Hogan’s Muriel’s Wedding in 1994.
Perhaps best known as a founding member of the cast in Shaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell, she has featured in a raft of comedies including Please Like Me, The Librarians, It’s a Date and Upper Middle Bogan. She has shown her dramatic chops in Jack Irish, Offspring and Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.
Co-created by Warren Clarke and Que Minh Luu and set in the fictional inner-city neighbourhood of Arcadia Heights, The Heights explores the relationships between a public housing tower...
- 2/17/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Stephen Curry, Jacqueline McKenzie and Steve Toussaint in ‘Pine Gap.’
October looms as a blue-ribbon month for Australian high-end drama with the premieres of Pine Gap and Fighting Season.
Screentime’s 6-part thriller set at the Us/Australian defence base in the Northern Territory will debut with a double episode on the ABC at 8.30 pm on Sunday October 14, with all episodes available to binge immediately after on ABC iview.
Goalpost Pictures’ 6-part drama about Australian soldiers returning from Afghanistan will launch on Foxtel’s showcase and on Foxtel Now at 8.30 pm on Sunday October 28.
Created and written by Greg Haddrick and Felicity Packard and directed by Mat King, Pine Gap examines the often turbulent relationships between the Australian and Us intelligence analysts working at the base.
With China encroaching, placing decades of stability under threat, the issues of trust, betrayal, love and loyalty all come into question. A shocking secret...
October looms as a blue-ribbon month for Australian high-end drama with the premieres of Pine Gap and Fighting Season.
Screentime’s 6-part thriller set at the Us/Australian defence base in the Northern Territory will debut with a double episode on the ABC at 8.30 pm on Sunday October 14, with all episodes available to binge immediately after on ABC iview.
Goalpost Pictures’ 6-part drama about Australian soldiers returning from Afghanistan will launch on Foxtel’s showcase and on Foxtel Now at 8.30 pm on Sunday October 28.
Created and written by Greg Haddrick and Felicity Packard and directed by Mat King, Pine Gap examines the often turbulent relationships between the Australian and Us intelligence analysts working at the base.
With China encroaching, placing decades of stability under threat, the issues of trust, betrayal, love and loyalty all come into question. A shocking secret...
- 9/11/2018
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
As the 16th annual Westival gets underway, festival goers old and new descend on Gladstone Heritage Village in Western Australia and immediately settle into their rival camps: Aboriginal and Morris dancers, punk rockers and ukulele players, winos and musos. Among them are pretentious theremin technician Roland (Robert Sheehan), an Irish dog-washer making his Westival debut in the small workshop hut, and folksy fiddler Keevey (Rebecca Breeds), a seasoned pro who tours with family outfit The Warrickins. Following an ampli-frying duet in which Roland recognises latent talent in Keevey, their mutual attraction threatens to give way to unrequited admiration when he inadvertently criticises her folk rock roots.
Ben Elton’s first film since Maybe Baby in 2000, after which he moved to Freemantle, Western Australia and gained Australian citizenship, Three Summers draws from his experiences of nearby Fairbridge folk festival and presumably his marriage to a bass player to tell the story of a fictional festival.
Ben Elton’s first film since Maybe Baby in 2000, after which he moved to Freemantle, Western Australia and gained Australian citizenship, Three Summers draws from his experiences of nearby Fairbridge folk festival and presumably his marriage to a bass player to tell the story of a fictional festival.
- 6/25/2018
- by Steven Neish
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
CinéfestOZ film festival has introduced program of Indigenous film and culture as part of this year.s festival..
IndigifestOZ celebrates and builds awareness of Australian culture through Aboriginal film, art, music and food, and by recognising artists creating important work..
.CinéfestOZ deputy chair, Helen Shervington, said IndigifestOZ provided a showcase for Indigenous film and other cultural activities and is central to the festival.s support for the Australian film industry.
..As a predominantly Australian film festival, CinéfestOZ provides a platform and audience for Australian stories, filmmakers and artists to be seen and heard," she said..
"We are immensely proud of the Aboriginal content at this year.s festival and of the talented filmmakers who have chosen to screen their work and attend CinéfestOZ..
.Shervington said .special contribution from Premium Partner Rio Tinto, supported by a generous philanthropic donation from Kylie and Alan Brierty.
The Rio Tinto Colours: From Country to Coast exhibition,...
IndigifestOZ celebrates and builds awareness of Australian culture through Aboriginal film, art, music and food, and by recognising artists creating important work..
.CinéfestOZ deputy chair, Helen Shervington, said IndigifestOZ provided a showcase for Indigenous film and other cultural activities and is central to the festival.s support for the Australian film industry.
..As a predominantly Australian film festival, CinéfestOZ provides a platform and audience for Australian stories, filmmakers and artists to be seen and heard," she said..
"We are immensely proud of the Aboriginal content at this year.s festival and of the talented filmmakers who have chosen to screen their work and attend CinéfestOZ..
.Shervington said .special contribution from Premium Partner Rio Tinto, supported by a generous philanthropic donation from Kylie and Alan Brierty.
The Rio Tinto Colours: From Country to Coast exhibition,...
- 8/18/2015
- by Inside Film Correspondent
- IF.com.au
The telemovie Redfern Now: Promise Me almost certainly won.t be the final chapter in the saga of the mostly indigenous residents of inner-city Sydney.
ABC TV head of programming Brendan Dahill hopes the creative team will get back together for another instalment in the franchise.
In a sense the drama produced by Blackfella Films. Darren Dale and Miranda Dear, which starred Deborah Mailman, Wayne Blair, Leah Purcell, Aaron Pederson, Rarriwuy Hick, Lisa Flanagan, Kelton Pell and Kirk Page, is a victim of its own success.
Dahill tells If, .The first two series were so popular the cast members are in heavy demand. But we hope to get the team back together when they are available..
Due to air in the next couple of months, Redfern Now: Promise Me will explore the impact of a violent crime on two women and the fight for justice that ensues. Anthony Hayes, Daniella...
ABC TV head of programming Brendan Dahill hopes the creative team will get back together for another instalment in the franchise.
In a sense the drama produced by Blackfella Films. Darren Dale and Miranda Dear, which starred Deborah Mailman, Wayne Blair, Leah Purcell, Aaron Pederson, Rarriwuy Hick, Lisa Flanagan, Kelton Pell and Kirk Page, is a victim of its own success.
Dahill tells If, .The first two series were so popular the cast members are in heavy demand. But we hope to get the team back together when they are available..
Due to air in the next couple of months, Redfern Now: Promise Me will explore the impact of a violent crime on two women and the fight for justice that ensues. Anthony Hayes, Daniella...
- 2/1/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Screen Australia says it has not mismanaged its finances by spending its annual production funding in just six months - a state of affairs which it says reflects the strength of the local film industry.
The government screen agency revealed in mid-December 2012 that it had spent its entire annual $42 million drama production allocation due to the unprecedented number of quality feature film and television projects seeking support. The shock announcement was reminiscent of the agency's abrupt decision to cut its investment cap in 2009 while several films were mid-financed. That decision.threw several major Australian productions into dissaray including The Tree and the biggest box office hit of.2010, Tomorrow When the War Began (Omnilab Media had to increase its investment at the last minute to ensure production).
Overspending on such a scale has never occurred before, even going back to the era of Screen Australia.s predecessor funding arm, the Film Finance Corporation.
The government screen agency revealed in mid-December 2012 that it had spent its entire annual $42 million drama production allocation due to the unprecedented number of quality feature film and television projects seeking support. The shock announcement was reminiscent of the agency's abrupt decision to cut its investment cap in 2009 while several films were mid-financed. That decision.threw several major Australian productions into dissaray including The Tree and the biggest box office hit of.2010, Tomorrow When the War Began (Omnilab Media had to increase its investment at the last minute to ensure production).
Overspending on such a scale has never occurred before, even going back to the era of Screen Australia.s predecessor funding arm, the Film Finance Corporation.
- 2/6/2013
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
The Sapphires director Wayne Blair will be one of a trio of directors working on a new Indigenous drama The Gods of Wheat Street to screen on ABC1.
Today marks the first day of production on Northern Nsw set for the six by one hour series.
Produced by Every Cloud Productions, and written by Jon Bell, joining Blair in directing is Satellite Boy’s Catriona McKenzie and Boxing for Palm Island’s Adrian Wills.
The Gods of Wheat Street tells the story of Odin Freeburn, the head of a Freeburn clan, struggling to keep the family together.
The cast includes Kelton Pell in the lead role as well as Lisa Flanagan, The Sapphires’ Shari Sebbens, Ursula Yovich of Redfern Now and David Field of Wild Boys.
The series is produced by Bell and Lois Randall.
Bell, who is from the Northern Nsw regions of Wiradjuri and Bundjalung, said: “The series...
Today marks the first day of production on Northern Nsw set for the six by one hour series.
Produced by Every Cloud Productions, and written by Jon Bell, joining Blair in directing is Satellite Boy’s Catriona McKenzie and Boxing for Palm Island’s Adrian Wills.
The Gods of Wheat Street tells the story of Odin Freeburn, the head of a Freeburn clan, struggling to keep the family together.
The cast includes Kelton Pell in the lead role as well as Lisa Flanagan, The Sapphires’ Shari Sebbens, Ursula Yovich of Redfern Now and David Field of Wild Boys.
The series is produced by Bell and Lois Randall.
Bell, who is from the Northern Nsw regions of Wiradjuri and Bundjalung, said: “The series...
- 10/15/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Indigenous drama series The Gods of Wheat Street has begun shooting in northern New South Wales.
The ABC1 series stars Kelton Pell (The Circuit), Lisa Flanagan (Redfern Now), Shari Sebbens (The Sapphires), Mark Coles-Smith (Beneath Hill 60), Rarriwuy Hick, Miah Maddeen (The Sapphires), Ursula Yovich (Australia) and David Field (Wild Boys).
Pell plays Odin Freeburn, head of the sprawling Freeburn clan - a legendary modern local Aboriginal family. The six-part, one-hour series was written by Jon Bell, a Wiradjuri and Bundjalung man, and is set in his home of Coraki, Casino and Lismore.
.The series is an intimate journey into the lives and hearts of a modern Aboriginal family," Bell said in a statement. "Each episode spans a few hectic days with a touch of magic and lots of deadpan humour that help our characters rise above obstacles - like death, financial difficulties and injustice - that would bring mere...
The ABC1 series stars Kelton Pell (The Circuit), Lisa Flanagan (Redfern Now), Shari Sebbens (The Sapphires), Mark Coles-Smith (Beneath Hill 60), Rarriwuy Hick, Miah Maddeen (The Sapphires), Ursula Yovich (Australia) and David Field (Wild Boys).
Pell plays Odin Freeburn, head of the sprawling Freeburn clan - a legendary modern local Aboriginal family. The six-part, one-hour series was written by Jon Bell, a Wiradjuri and Bundjalung man, and is set in his home of Coraki, Casino and Lismore.
.The series is an intimate journey into the lives and hearts of a modern Aboriginal family," Bell said in a statement. "Each episode spans a few hectic days with a touch of magic and lots of deadpan humour that help our characters rise above obstacles - like death, financial difficulties and injustice - that would bring mere...
- 10/14/2012
- by Staff reporter
- IF.com.au
An artist has put his work on advertising billboards in Sutherland Shire, New South Wales.
The two pieces, one situated at Waterfall the other on the Princes Highway, are a tribute to Southwestern Australian artists Roy Kennedy and Kelton Pell, who are depicted in front of a painting by colonial artist Eugene von Guerard.
Neither billboard carries any copy.
The artist Derek Kreckler told a local newspaper: “The [works] invite people to reflect on our shared history and to imagine the possibilities of the future. Most billboards are in your face; but these works are softer.”
“People don’t have time to get the message straight away so they think about it for longer, and maybe take a second look on a following journey,” he added.
Paul McBeth, general manager of marketing at Apn Outdoor, said: “The first of the seven deadly sins of outdoor creative is trying to say too much.
The two pieces, one situated at Waterfall the other on the Princes Highway, are a tribute to Southwestern Australian artists Roy Kennedy and Kelton Pell, who are depicted in front of a painting by colonial artist Eugene von Guerard.
Neither billboard carries any copy.
The artist Derek Kreckler told a local newspaper: “The [works] invite people to reflect on our shared history and to imagine the possibilities of the future. Most billboards are in your face; but these works are softer.”
“People don’t have time to get the message straight away so they think about it for longer, and maybe take a second look on a following journey,” he added.
Paul McBeth, general manager of marketing at Apn Outdoor, said: “The first of the seven deadly sins of outdoor creative is trying to say too much.
- 3/7/2012
- by Robin Hicks
- Encore Magazine
The cast includes: John Brumpton, Mick Coulhard, Rachel Francis, Anita Hegh, Adam Morgan, Levine Ngatokorua, Chrissie Page, Kelton Pell, Tom Russell, Sonya Suares, Hugo Weaving and Chris Weir.
The screenplay writer of Last Ride is Glendyn Ivin.
There are majority of directors in Australia who have started their career in short films. But there are only a few directors who achieved the level of success like Glendyn Ivin. Glendyn Ivin has been a winner of the Palme d’Or award for Cracker Bag at Cannes in the 2003.
In 2003, Glendyn Ivin’s short suburban film Cracker Bag won the Cannes Prix in the short fiction category and it was thought by many that probably it will be followed by a big budget film immediately. It is a low budget film. The scenery used is invaluable. There are some marvellous shots, awesome acting and...
(more...)...
The screenplay writer of Last Ride is Glendyn Ivin.
There are majority of directors in Australia who have started their career in short films. But there are only a few directors who achieved the level of success like Glendyn Ivin. Glendyn Ivin has been a winner of the Palme d’Or award for Cracker Bag at Cannes in the 2003.
In 2003, Glendyn Ivin’s short suburban film Cracker Bag won the Cannes Prix in the short fiction category and it was thought by many that probably it will be followed by a big budget film immediately. It is a low budget film. The scenery used is invaluable. There are some marvellous shots, awesome acting and...
(more...)...
- 8/12/2009
- by admin
- ReelSuave.com
Pusan International Film Festival
SYDNEY -- A milestone moment in Australia's race-relations history forms the backdrop of "September", a sensitively crafted coming-of-age story about the friendship between two teenage boys from opposite sides of the racial divide. First-time feature director Peter Carstairs and co-writer Ant Horn unspool the threads of the story slowly and deliberately, using painterly compositions and spare but strangely eloquent dialogue to create a powerful lament for the loss of youthful innocence.
There's a tranquility in the rhythms of the film -- at odds with the tumult of the characters' emotions -- that rewards those who lose themselves in it. "September", which screened in Toronto, should see modest success on the art house circuit when it is released in Australia on Nov. 29.
Ed (Xavier Samuel) and Paddy Clarence John Ryan) are 16-year-olds, growing up in 1968 in the wheat belt of outback Western Australia. They've been best mates for as long as they can remember, but as they mature into men, the simplicity of their friendship is sullied by the encroaching realities of a turbulent sociopolitical climate.
Ed goes to school, but Paddy, an Aboriginal boy, helps his father, Michael (Kelton Pell), do maintenance work on the property owned by Ed's taciturn dad, Rick (Kieran Darcy-Smith).
September heralds spring and a multitude of changes: Ed starts showing interest in the new girl at school, Amelia (young up-and-comer Mia Wasikowska), and a famous traveling boxing troupe is coming to town, prompting Paddy and Ed to erect a makeshift ring and begin regular afternoon sparring sessions.
Crucially, a new law is passed requiring Aboriginal pastoral workers to be paid the same as their white counterparts. The legislation, meant to promote equality, instead backfires, with many Aborigines kicked off the farms when they can no longer be put to work in exchange for a bit of food and lodging.
Tension builds between Michael and Rick, who also have known each other since childhood, and the prejudices of the outside world expose fault lines in the friendship of their sons.
The film is not overtly political, allowing the focus to remain tight on the characters with the centerpiece prop, a boxing ring in a wheat field, serving as an understated symbol of the fight against injustice.
"September" is the first feature film produced by Tropfest, the successful short film festival that actor-director John Polson established in Australia in 1993 and last year expanded to the Tribeca Film Festival.
Working with a limited budget (funding was provided by Movie Network Channels), Carstairs and cinematographer Jules O'Loughlin let a simple story unfurl beneath vast skies and boundless horizons, giving it plenty of space to breathe.
SEPTEMBER
Hopscotch Films/Tropfest Feature Program
Credits:
Director: Peter Carstairs
Screenwriters: Peter Carstairs, Ant Horn
Producer: John Polson
Executive producers: Mark Bamford, Tony Forrest and Gary Hamilton
Director of photography: Jules O'Loughlin
Production designer: Sam Hobbs
Music: Roger Mason
Co-producers: Lynda House and Serena Paull
Costume designer: Cappi Ireland
Editor: Martin Connor
Cast:
Paddy: Clarence John Ryan
Ed: Xavier Samuel
Rick: Kieran Darcy-Smith
Michael: Kelton Pell
Leena: Lisa Flanagan
Eve: Alice McConnell
Amelia: Mia Wasikowska
Miss Gregory: Sibylla Budd
Running time -- 85 minutes
No MPAA rating...
SYDNEY -- A milestone moment in Australia's race-relations history forms the backdrop of "September", a sensitively crafted coming-of-age story about the friendship between two teenage boys from opposite sides of the racial divide. First-time feature director Peter Carstairs and co-writer Ant Horn unspool the threads of the story slowly and deliberately, using painterly compositions and spare but strangely eloquent dialogue to create a powerful lament for the loss of youthful innocence.
There's a tranquility in the rhythms of the film -- at odds with the tumult of the characters' emotions -- that rewards those who lose themselves in it. "September", which screened in Toronto, should see modest success on the art house circuit when it is released in Australia on Nov. 29.
Ed (Xavier Samuel) and Paddy Clarence John Ryan) are 16-year-olds, growing up in 1968 in the wheat belt of outback Western Australia. They've been best mates for as long as they can remember, but as they mature into men, the simplicity of their friendship is sullied by the encroaching realities of a turbulent sociopolitical climate.
Ed goes to school, but Paddy, an Aboriginal boy, helps his father, Michael (Kelton Pell), do maintenance work on the property owned by Ed's taciturn dad, Rick (Kieran Darcy-Smith).
September heralds spring and a multitude of changes: Ed starts showing interest in the new girl at school, Amelia (young up-and-comer Mia Wasikowska), and a famous traveling boxing troupe is coming to town, prompting Paddy and Ed to erect a makeshift ring and begin regular afternoon sparring sessions.
Crucially, a new law is passed requiring Aboriginal pastoral workers to be paid the same as their white counterparts. The legislation, meant to promote equality, instead backfires, with many Aborigines kicked off the farms when they can no longer be put to work in exchange for a bit of food and lodging.
Tension builds between Michael and Rick, who also have known each other since childhood, and the prejudices of the outside world expose fault lines in the friendship of their sons.
The film is not overtly political, allowing the focus to remain tight on the characters with the centerpiece prop, a boxing ring in a wheat field, serving as an understated symbol of the fight against injustice.
"September" is the first feature film produced by Tropfest, the successful short film festival that actor-director John Polson established in Australia in 1993 and last year expanded to the Tribeca Film Festival.
Working with a limited budget (funding was provided by Movie Network Channels), Carstairs and cinematographer Jules O'Loughlin let a simple story unfurl beneath vast skies and boundless horizons, giving it plenty of space to breathe.
SEPTEMBER
Hopscotch Films/Tropfest Feature Program
Credits:
Director: Peter Carstairs
Screenwriters: Peter Carstairs, Ant Horn
Producer: John Polson
Executive producers: Mark Bamford, Tony Forrest and Gary Hamilton
Director of photography: Jules O'Loughlin
Production designer: Sam Hobbs
Music: Roger Mason
Co-producers: Lynda House and Serena Paull
Costume designer: Cappi Ireland
Editor: Martin Connor
Cast:
Paddy: Clarence John Ryan
Ed: Xavier Samuel
Rick: Kieran Darcy-Smith
Michael: Kelton Pell
Leena: Lisa Flanagan
Eve: Alice McConnell
Amelia: Mia Wasikowska
Miss Gregory: Sibylla Budd
Running time -- 85 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 10/6/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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