Leading New Zealand film executive Jasmine McSweeney is joining Australian producer- distributor -streaming platform Umbrella Entertainment, as its first New Zealand-based head of sales and acquisitions, as part of the company’s ambitious expansion plans.
Umbrella had a hit with its Australian and New Zealand release of local horror title Talk To Me in 2023, released with Maslow Entertainment.
McSweeney has been head of marketing at the New Zealand Film Commission for a decade and oversaw its digitisation program and the launch of a transactional video on demand platform. She will start her new role on February 5.
Umbrella general manager Ari Harrison...
Umbrella had a hit with its Australian and New Zealand release of local horror title Talk To Me in 2023, released with Maslow Entertainment.
McSweeney has been head of marketing at the New Zealand Film Commission for a decade and oversaw its digitisation program and the launch of a transactional video on demand platform. She will start her new role on February 5.
Umbrella general manager Ari Harrison...
- 1/22/2024
- ScreenDaily
Gary Hamilton among executive producers.
Arclight Films has acquired worldwide sales rights to the completed post-apocalyptic zombie thriller Wyrmwood: Apocalypse from Bronte Picture and Guerilla Films and launches talks today (June 21) at the virtual Cannes market.
Jake Ryan from The Great Gatsby, Luke McKenzie from BBC Films’ Perfect Sense, Bianca Bradey from The Osiris Child, and Jay Gallagher from Nekrotronic star in the sequel to 2014 Fantastic Fest selection and 2015 Trieste Science+Fiction Festival award winner Wyrmwood: Road Of The Dead.
The sequel picks up the action in a zombie-infested Australian wasteland where soldier Rhys has dedicated his life to tracking...
Arclight Films has acquired worldwide sales rights to the completed post-apocalyptic zombie thriller Wyrmwood: Apocalypse from Bronte Picture and Guerilla Films and launches talks today (June 21) at the virtual Cannes market.
Jake Ryan from The Great Gatsby, Luke McKenzie from BBC Films’ Perfect Sense, Bianca Bradey from The Osiris Child, and Jay Gallagher from Nekrotronic star in the sequel to 2014 Fantastic Fest selection and 2015 Trieste Science+Fiction Festival award winner Wyrmwood: Road Of The Dead.
The sequel picks up the action in a zombie-infested Australian wasteland where soldier Rhys has dedicated his life to tracking...
- 6/21/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
‘The Furnace.’
Most independent Australian distributors are doing it tough, forced to postpone releases while the exhibition business languishes with Victorian cinemas closed and seating capacity restricted in the rest of the country.
They fear the Federal Government’s media reforms, which will lower the Producer Offset for films to 30 per cent and double the minimum qualifying Australian production expenditure (Qape) threshold for features to $1 million, will lead to fewer narrative features and feature documentaries.
Another concern is that removing the obligation to release films in cinemas will further deplete the number of titles available to distributors next year.
However most are confident the cinema business will rebound from Boxing Day onwards with the launches of Warner Bros’ Wonder Woman 1984, Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s The Croods: A New Age and Sony’s Peter Rabbit 2, and that 2021 will be a strong year.
“Business is not what it used to be...
Most independent Australian distributors are doing it tough, forced to postpone releases while the exhibition business languishes with Victorian cinemas closed and seating capacity restricted in the rest of the country.
They fear the Federal Government’s media reforms, which will lower the Producer Offset for films to 30 per cent and double the minimum qualifying Australian production expenditure (Qape) threshold for features to $1 million, will lead to fewer narrative features and feature documentaries.
Another concern is that removing the obligation to release films in cinemas will further deplete the number of titles available to distributors next year.
However most are confident the cinema business will rebound from Boxing Day onwards with the launches of Warner Bros’ Wonder Woman 1984, Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s The Croods: A New Age and Sony’s Peter Rabbit 2, and that 2021 will be a strong year.
“Business is not what it used to be...
- 10/14/2020
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
‘The Furnace.’
Most independent Australian distributors are doing it tough, forced to postpone releases while the exhibition business languishes with Victorian cinemas closed and seating capacity restricted in the rest of the country.
They fear the Federal Government’s media reforms, which will lower the Producer Offset for films to 30 per cent and double the minimum qualifying Australian production expenditure (Qape) threshold for features to $1 million, will lead to fewer narrative features and feature documentaries.
Another concern is that removing the obligation to release films in cinemas will further deplete the number of titles available to distributors next year.
However most are confident the cinema business will rebound from Boxing Day onwards with the launches of Warner Bros’ Wonder Woman 1984, Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s The Croods: A New Age and Sony’s Peter Rabbit 2, and that 2021 will be a strong year.
“Business is not what it used to be...
Most independent Australian distributors are doing it tough, forced to postpone releases while the exhibition business languishes with Victorian cinemas closed and seating capacity restricted in the rest of the country.
They fear the Federal Government’s media reforms, which will lower the Producer Offset for films to 30 per cent and double the minimum qualifying Australian production expenditure (Qape) threshold for features to $1 million, will lead to fewer narrative features and feature documentaries.
Another concern is that removing the obligation to release films in cinemas will further deplete the number of titles available to distributors next year.
However most are confident the cinema business will rebound from Boxing Day onwards with the launches of Warner Bros’ Wonder Woman 1984, Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s The Croods: A New Age and Sony’s Peter Rabbit 2, and that 2021 will be a strong year.
“Business is not what it used to be...
- 10/14/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Set during the horrors of World War II, a group of survivors on a life raft discover a new kind of horror when they board a ship infested with vampires in the new movie Blood Vessel. With the film coming out on July 21st from The Horror Collective, we've been provided with an exclusive behind-the-scenes clip that shows the makeup effects process to create the chilling lead vampire, The Patriarch (Troy Larkin).
You can watch the exclusive clip below, and we also have additional details and the previously released trailer for Blood Vessel.
From the Press Release: [Los Angeles, CA] A behind-the-scenes clip from the upcoming WWII creature-feature Blood Vessel, which genre distributor The Horror Collective is releasing, has been posted by DailyDead.com. The clip delves into the creation of the lead vampire, played by Troy Larkin (Wolf). The film will be released on July 21st.
Synopsis: A life-raft lost at sea encounters an abandoned Nazi vessel.
You can watch the exclusive clip below, and we also have additional details and the previously released trailer for Blood Vessel.
From the Press Release: [Los Angeles, CA] A behind-the-scenes clip from the upcoming WWII creature-feature Blood Vessel, which genre distributor The Horror Collective is releasing, has been posted by DailyDead.com. The clip delves into the creation of the lead vampire, played by Troy Larkin (Wolf). The film will be released on July 21st.
Synopsis: A life-raft lost at sea encounters an abandoned Nazi vessel.
- 7/15/2020
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Samuel Goldwyn Films has taken North American rights to Paul Ireland’s feature drama Measure for Measure starring Hugo Weaving. An on-demand and digital release is planned for Sept. 4.
The Paul Ireland directed, written and produced movie is inspired by the William Shakespeare play of the same name and follows the love affair between a modern Muslim girl and a local musician against the background of racial tension and gang culture in the city’s notorious housing estate. Daniel Henshall (Okja), Harrison Gilbertson (Upgrade), Megan Smart (Breathe), and Mark Leonard Winter (The Dressmaker) also star.
Damian Hill also produced with EPs Mark Forytarz, Jeff Harrison, Ari Harrison, Keran Wicks, John Kearney, Clement Dunn, Tony Nagle, Bryce Menzies, Thea Mcleod, and Ian Kirk.
“In the current racial climate the world finds Itself, Measure for Measure becomes even more relevant to a society reaching out for love and equality,” said the filmmakers.
The Paul Ireland directed, written and produced movie is inspired by the William Shakespeare play of the same name and follows the love affair between a modern Muslim girl and a local musician against the background of racial tension and gang culture in the city’s notorious housing estate. Daniel Henshall (Okja), Harrison Gilbertson (Upgrade), Megan Smart (Breathe), and Mark Leonard Winter (The Dressmaker) also star.
Damian Hill also produced with EPs Mark Forytarz, Jeff Harrison, Ari Harrison, Keran Wicks, John Kearney, Clement Dunn, Tony Nagle, Bryce Menzies, Thea Mcleod, and Ian Kirk.
“In the current racial climate the world finds Itself, Measure for Measure becomes even more relevant to a society reaching out for love and equality,” said the filmmakers.
- 6/30/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Georgina Jenkins.
Georgina Jenkins’ feature concept Blackbird has won the Aacta Pitch: Regional Landscapes competition.
Blackbird tells the story of a feisty but forgetful Greek woman who, when forced into aged care, must manipulate her carer into taking her on a road trip to retrieve her lifesavings before the family home is sold.
The Aacta pitch comp, put on in partnership with Screenworks, called for ideas inspired by Australia’s regional landscapes.
Blackbird was one of five finalists, with Jenkins’ prize including script development from Emma Jensen, industry connection opportunities through the Australian Writers’ Guild Pathway Program, and ongoing feedback from the judging panel, who included producers Michele Bennett and Deb Cox, Sbs acting head of scripted Amanda Duthie and Umbrella Entertainment MD Jeff Harrison. The writer will also receive Screenworks annual membership, Awg membership and tickets to the Aacta Awards.
“We operate in a highly competitive industry largely driven by relationships,...
Georgina Jenkins’ feature concept Blackbird has won the Aacta Pitch: Regional Landscapes competition.
Blackbird tells the story of a feisty but forgetful Greek woman who, when forced into aged care, must manipulate her carer into taking her on a road trip to retrieve her lifesavings before the family home is sold.
The Aacta pitch comp, put on in partnership with Screenworks, called for ideas inspired by Australia’s regional landscapes.
Blackbird was one of five finalists, with Jenkins’ prize including script development from Emma Jensen, industry connection opportunities through the Australian Writers’ Guild Pathway Program, and ongoing feedback from the judging panel, who included producers Michele Bennett and Deb Cox, Sbs acting head of scripted Amanda Duthie and Umbrella Entertainment MD Jeff Harrison. The writer will also receive Screenworks annual membership, Awg membership and tickets to the Aacta Awards.
“We operate in a highly competitive industry largely driven by relationships,...
- 4/6/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Aacta, in partnership with Screenworks, has announced the five finalists for its feature film pitching competition, which called for ideas inspired by Australia’s regional landscapes.
They are:
The Artisan, Amanda Bridgeman, Western Australia
An eternally hopeful baker befriends a pessimistic graffiti artist, and together they fight to revive their dying town through art in order to win back the regional fair. Big Things, Anna Lindner, regional South Australia
When wide-eyed roller girl Stevie has a chance encounter with her long absent father, her dream comes true as they reconnect on a road trip across Australia to see the country’s ‘big things’. However, she soon suspects her father’s real motives for the journey are far bigger than any pineapple or prawn. Blackbird, Georgina Jenkins, Australian Capital Territory
Forced into aged care, a feisty but forgetful Greek woman must manipulate her carer into taking her on a road trip...
They are:
The Artisan, Amanda Bridgeman, Western Australia
An eternally hopeful baker befriends a pessimistic graffiti artist, and together they fight to revive their dying town through art in order to win back the regional fair. Big Things, Anna Lindner, regional South Australia
When wide-eyed roller girl Stevie has a chance encounter with her long absent father, her dream comes true as they reconnect on a road trip across Australia to see the country’s ‘big things’. However, she soon suspects her father’s real motives for the journey are far bigger than any pineapple or prawn. Blackbird, Georgina Jenkins, Australian Capital Territory
Forced into aged care, a feisty but forgetful Greek woman must manipulate her carer into taking her on a road trip...
- 3/23/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
‘Relic’
While some distributors are cutting back, Umbrella Entertainment plans to release approximately 18 titles in cinemas this year, up from 14 in 2019.
The distributor has high hopes for its Australian acquisitions which run the gamut of genres from drama, horror and Western to sci-fi.
“We’re passionate about overcoming the cultural cringe that Australian audiences still have a tendency to display and are dedicated to fostering new Australian talent,” Umbrella head of acquisitions Ari Harrison tells If.
“As a small, close-knit team, we aim to concentrate our efforts on films that we love and can support from the ground up. We want to work hand-in-hand with the filmmakers with the goal of getting their film ‘out there’ so that it finds its audience.
“Essentially we aim to ensure that the films we acquire have the capacity for national theatrical success in Australia and New Zealand, with potential for continued growth via their ancillary platforms.
While some distributors are cutting back, Umbrella Entertainment plans to release approximately 18 titles in cinemas this year, up from 14 in 2019.
The distributor has high hopes for its Australian acquisitions which run the gamut of genres from drama, horror and Western to sci-fi.
“We’re passionate about overcoming the cultural cringe that Australian audiences still have a tendency to display and are dedicated to fostering new Australian talent,” Umbrella head of acquisitions Ari Harrison tells If.
“As a small, close-knit team, we aim to concentrate our efforts on films that we love and can support from the ground up. We want to work hand-in-hand with the filmmakers with the goal of getting their film ‘out there’ so that it finds its audience.
“Essentially we aim to ensure that the films we acquire have the capacity for national theatrical success in Australia and New Zealand, with potential for continued growth via their ancillary platforms.
- 2/16/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Top: Amanda Duthie, Cieron Cody, Susie Jones. Bottom: Andy Ryan, Lana Greenhalgh, Stephen Oliver.
Screenworks has secured a range of commissioners and broadcaster execs for its annual Business of Producing seminar in Ballina next month.
Amanda Duthie, Susie Jones, Andy Ryan, Stephen Oliver, Lana Greenhalgh, and Cieron Cody will each deliver a ‘Meet the Broadcaster’ session at the seminar where they will talk about what they are currently commissioning. They will also participate in panel discussions and be available for limited, pre-booked one-on-one meetings with attendees.
“We are delighted to bring together key representatives from Australian broadcasters and SVODs to connect with attendees at our 2020 Business of Producing seminar,” said Screenworks CEO, Ken Crouch.
“We are creating opportunities for attendees who would otherwise not have the chance to hear from and network with these industry professionals where they can garner valuable advice which could advance their careers.”
The previously announced...
Screenworks has secured a range of commissioners and broadcaster execs for its annual Business of Producing seminar in Ballina next month.
Amanda Duthie, Susie Jones, Andy Ryan, Stephen Oliver, Lana Greenhalgh, and Cieron Cody will each deliver a ‘Meet the Broadcaster’ session at the seminar where they will talk about what they are currently commissioning. They will also participate in panel discussions and be available for limited, pre-booked one-on-one meetings with attendees.
“We are delighted to bring together key representatives from Australian broadcasters and SVODs to connect with attendees at our 2020 Business of Producing seminar,” said Screenworks CEO, Ken Crouch.
“We are creating opportunities for attendees who would otherwise not have the chance to hear from and network with these industry professionals where they can garner valuable advice which could advance their careers.”
The previously announced...
- 2/10/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Aacta will hold a live pitching competition at Screenworks’ 2020 Business of Producing seminar in March, with the call out for feature film ideas inspired by Australia’s regional landscapes.
Put on with the support of the Australian Writers’ Guild (Awg), the brief is for story concept in which a regional setting lends itself as a central character.
Up to five finalists will be selected for the comp, with the winner to receive industry connection opportunities through the Awg’s Pathway program; script development from Emma Jensen; feedback and ongoing guidance from the judging panel; a three-day pass to all sessions at the Screenworks’ seminar; Aacta, Screenworks, and Awg annual memberships and two tickets to the 2020 Aacta Awards.
The judging panel will consist of:
Producer Michele Bennett Every Cloud Productions creative director and co-founder Deb Cox Sbs acting head of scripted and former Adelaide Film Festival CEO/creative director Amanda Duthie...
Put on with the support of the Australian Writers’ Guild (Awg), the brief is for story concept in which a regional setting lends itself as a central character.
Up to five finalists will be selected for the comp, with the winner to receive industry connection opportunities through the Awg’s Pathway program; script development from Emma Jensen; feedback and ongoing guidance from the judging panel; a three-day pass to all sessions at the Screenworks’ seminar; Aacta, Screenworks, and Awg annual memberships and two tickets to the 2020 Aacta Awards.
The judging panel will consist of:
Producer Michele Bennett Every Cloud Productions creative director and co-founder Deb Cox Sbs acting head of scripted and former Adelaide Film Festival CEO/creative director Amanda Duthie...
- 2/2/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Back row: Damian Walshe-Howling, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Deborah Mailman, Ryan Kwanten, Aaron Glenane; Front row Sana’a Shaik, Finn Little, Seth Larney, Leeanna Walsman (Photo credit Matt Byrne).
Kodi Smit-McPhee, Ryan Kwanten, Deborah Mailman, Aaron Glenane, Damian Walshe-Howling, Leeanna Walsman and Finn Little are starring in Seth Larney’s 2067.
Now shooting at the Adelaide Studios, the sci-fi mystery thriller is set in a deforested and oxygen-deprived world – the result of climate change – which forces humanity to look to the future for salvation.
Shout! Studios has pre-bought North American rights to the film produced by Arcadia’s Lisa Shaunessy and Kojo Entertainment’s Kate Croser.
Smit-McPhee plays Ethan Whyte, an arrogant and selfish underground tunnel worker who embarks on a journey through time that tests his faith in humanity.
Kwanten is Jude Mathers, a tunnel rat and Ethan’s protector who believes only humans can control their own fate.
Glenane is Richard Whyte,...
Kodi Smit-McPhee, Ryan Kwanten, Deborah Mailman, Aaron Glenane, Damian Walshe-Howling, Leeanna Walsman and Finn Little are starring in Seth Larney’s 2067.
Now shooting at the Adelaide Studios, the sci-fi mystery thriller is set in a deforested and oxygen-deprived world – the result of climate change – which forces humanity to look to the future for salvation.
Shout! Studios has pre-bought North American rights to the film produced by Arcadia’s Lisa Shaunessy and Kojo Entertainment’s Kate Croser.
Smit-McPhee plays Ethan Whyte, an arrogant and selfish underground tunnel worker who embarks on a journey through time that tests his faith in humanity.
Kwanten is Jude Mathers, a tunnel rat and Ethan’s protector who believes only humans can control their own fate.
Glenane is Richard Whyte,...
- 11/15/2018
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Exclusive: Ryan Kwanten (True Blood) and Kodi Smit-McPhee (X-Men Apocalypse) lead cast in climate-change sci-fi-thriller 2067, which is now underway in Australia.
Also starring are Deborah Mailman (The Sapphires), Aaron Glenane (Killing Ground), Damian Walshe-Howling (Mystery Road), Leeanna Walsman (Safe Harbour), Finn Little (Storm Boy) and Oz newcomers Sana’a Shaik and Matt Testro.
Seth Larney (Tombiruo) is writing and directing the feature which will see humans looking to the future for answers after the planet’s forests, wildlife and plants are ravaged by climate change. Producing are Lisa Shaunessy (Killing Ground) through her Arcadia production banner, and Kate Croser of Kojo Entertainment.
Kew Media Distribution, part of Kew Media Group, is handling international sales, excluding Australia and New Zealand where Umbrella Entertainment has distribution rights. Shout! Studios has acquired all North American rights. The film started principal photography at Adelaide Studios, South Australia on November 3.
Australian Government funding and investment...
Also starring are Deborah Mailman (The Sapphires), Aaron Glenane (Killing Ground), Damian Walshe-Howling (Mystery Road), Leeanna Walsman (Safe Harbour), Finn Little (Storm Boy) and Oz newcomers Sana’a Shaik and Matt Testro.
Seth Larney (Tombiruo) is writing and directing the feature which will see humans looking to the future for answers after the planet’s forests, wildlife and plants are ravaged by climate change. Producing are Lisa Shaunessy (Killing Ground) through her Arcadia production banner, and Kate Croser of Kojo Entertainment.
Kew Media Distribution, part of Kew Media Group, is handling international sales, excluding Australia and New Zealand where Umbrella Entertainment has distribution rights. Shout! Studios has acquired all North American rights. The film started principal photography at Adelaide Studios, South Australia on November 3.
Australian Government funding and investment...
- 11/15/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Damian Hill and stepson Ty Perham in ‘West of Sunshine’.
The independent film sector in Australia is in shock following the news that gifted actor, writer and producer Damian Hill died in Melbourne on Saturday night.
The star of Jason Raftopoulos’ West of Sunshine and Paul Ireland’s Pawno, which he co-wrote, and a supporting actor in Heath Davis’ Broke, Hill was 42.
The cause of death was not immediately reported and may not be confirmed until the police file a report for the coroner.
Known to his friends as Dame, today he was due to start shooting M4M, an unlikely love story set against the background of drugs, racial intolerance and crime in Melbourne, which stars Hugo Weaving, directed by Ireland and co-written and produced by Hill and Ireland.
Ireland tells If: “We are just regrouping and will keep going in his beautiful memory. He put three years of...
The independent film sector in Australia is in shock following the news that gifted actor, writer and producer Damian Hill died in Melbourne on Saturday night.
The star of Jason Raftopoulos’ West of Sunshine and Paul Ireland’s Pawno, which he co-wrote, and a supporting actor in Heath Davis’ Broke, Hill was 42.
The cause of death was not immediately reported and may not be confirmed until the police file a report for the coroner.
Known to his friends as Dame, today he was due to start shooting M4M, an unlikely love story set against the background of drugs, racial intolerance and crime in Melbourne, which stars Hugo Weaving, directed by Ireland and co-written and produced by Hill and Ireland.
Ireland tells If: “We are just regrouping and will keep going in his beautiful memory. He put three years of...
- 9/23/2018
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘In Like Flynn.’
Robert Slaviero has joined Umbrella Entertainment as head of sales as the distributor continues its commitment to release a sizable slate of Australian feature films and documentaries.
While some distributors have largely shied away from handling local films Umbrella is keeping the faith with three titles scheduled to open in October and eight on the slate for 2019.
“We like working with people who are passionate about their work and who have a commercial sensibility,” Umbrella MD Jeff Harrison tells If, pointing to collaborators including Causeway Films’ Kristina Ceyton and Sam Jennings, Catherine Scott, Carver Films’ Sarah Shaw and Anna McLeish, Paul Ireland and Damian Hill, Steve Jaggi and Justin Dix. “We are very happy with what we’re doing.”
Head of acquisitions Ari Harrison says the firm evaluates up to 50 scripts at any one time and he laments the shortage of projects aimed at older females. “People...
Robert Slaviero has joined Umbrella Entertainment as head of sales as the distributor continues its commitment to release a sizable slate of Australian feature films and documentaries.
While some distributors have largely shied away from handling local films Umbrella is keeping the faith with three titles scheduled to open in October and eight on the slate for 2019.
“We like working with people who are passionate about their work and who have a commercial sensibility,” Umbrella MD Jeff Harrison tells If, pointing to collaborators including Causeway Films’ Kristina Ceyton and Sam Jennings, Catherine Scott, Carver Films’ Sarah Shaw and Anna McLeish, Paul Ireland and Damian Hill, Steve Jaggi and Justin Dix. “We are very happy with what we’re doing.”
Head of acquisitions Ari Harrison says the firm evaluates up to 50 scripts at any one time and he laments the shortage of projects aimed at older females. “People...
- 9/18/2018
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘Escape and Evasion.’
Bronte Pictures is set to produce four features next year after signing deals for two films and a feature documentary at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Pascal Borno’s Conquistador Entertainment acquired worldwide rights to Storm Ashwood’s thriller Escape and Evasion, which follows a soldier who returns home in search of solace after his men are killed in Burma.
Instrum International agreed to handle global sales on Around the World, a documentary on freestyle football written and directed by David Amouzegh, Tom Cheve and Clement Reubrecht.
Vertical Entertainment collared North American rights to Ashwood’s debut feature The School, a supernatural horror/thriller which Bronte Pictures co-produced with Lunar Pictures’ Jim Robison.
The film starring Megan Drury as a surgeon whose son has fallen into a coma and who becomes trapped in an abandoned school where she is threatened by feral children, will open in Us...
Bronte Pictures is set to produce four features next year after signing deals for two films and a feature documentary at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Pascal Borno’s Conquistador Entertainment acquired worldwide rights to Storm Ashwood’s thriller Escape and Evasion, which follows a soldier who returns home in search of solace after his men are killed in Burma.
Instrum International agreed to handle global sales on Around the World, a documentary on freestyle football written and directed by David Amouzegh, Tom Cheve and Clement Reubrecht.
Vertical Entertainment collared North American rights to Ashwood’s debut feature The School, a supernatural horror/thriller which Bronte Pictures co-produced with Lunar Pictures’ Jim Robison.
The film starring Megan Drury as a surgeon whose son has fallen into a coma and who becomes trapped in an abandoned school where she is threatened by feral children, will open in Us...
- 9/17/2018
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Exclusive: Streaming platform in multi-million dollar deal for Cargo from The Babadook producers.
Netflix has taken world rights to Martin Freeman zombie movie Cargo, in what is understood to be a multi-million dollar deal.
The film, from the producers of The Babadook, will be the first Australian film to sit under Netflix’s Originals banner.
The SVoD giant, which declined to comment on the acquisition, swooped on the film after seeing a three-minute promo.
CAA, UTA and Bankside Films represented the filmmakers in the deal with Ian Bricke negotiating on behalf of Netflix.
Yolanda Ramke and Ben Howling’s debut, based on their short film which garnered 12 millions views online, charts the story of a father, played by The Hobbit and Sherlock star Freeman, who is stranded in rural Australia with only 48 hours to find a new home for his baby daughter, after being infected in the wake of a violent pandemic.
Freeman, who will...
Netflix has taken world rights to Martin Freeman zombie movie Cargo, in what is understood to be a multi-million dollar deal.
The film, from the producers of The Babadook, will be the first Australian film to sit under Netflix’s Originals banner.
The SVoD giant, which declined to comment on the acquisition, swooped on the film after seeing a three-minute promo.
CAA, UTA and Bankside Films represented the filmmakers in the deal with Ian Bricke negotiating on behalf of Netflix.
Yolanda Ramke and Ben Howling’s debut, based on their short film which garnered 12 millions views online, charts the story of a father, played by The Hobbit and Sherlock star Freeman, who is stranded in rural Australia with only 48 hours to find a new home for his baby daughter, after being infected in the wake of a violent pandemic.
Freeman, who will...
- 2/10/2017
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
After their successful collaboration on Backyard Ashes, the producers and Umbrella Entertainment are teaming up on another sports-themed comedy with a topical, dramatic twist.
Set in the fictional country town Bodgy Creek, The Merger will follow a struggling Afl club which enlists newly-settled asylum seekers to make up the numbers in a desperate effort to break a 27-game losing streak.
The screenplay by Damian Callinan is adapted from his one-man stage show which toured Australia and was nominated for a Barry award at the Melbourne Comedy Festival in 2010.
Callinan, who will play the team.s captain coach in the film, delighted attendees at last week.s Australian International Movie Convention, with routines from the show.
Mark Grentell will direct and produce with Callinan and Anne Robinson. Grentell tells If, .It.s a comedy but there are some intense and dramatic scenes dealing with racism, asylum seekers and life in a small town.
Set in the fictional country town Bodgy Creek, The Merger will follow a struggling Afl club which enlists newly-settled asylum seekers to make up the numbers in a desperate effort to break a 27-game losing streak.
The screenplay by Damian Callinan is adapted from his one-man stage show which toured Australia and was nominated for a Barry award at the Melbourne Comedy Festival in 2010.
Callinan, who will play the team.s captain coach in the film, delighted attendees at last week.s Australian International Movie Convention, with routines from the show.
Mark Grentell will direct and produce with Callinan and Anne Robinson. Grentell tells If, .It.s a comedy but there are some intense and dramatic scenes dealing with racism, asylum seekers and life in a small town.
- 10/20/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Umbrella Entertainment is restoring Australian classic Jedda plus Angel Baby and Burke & Wills for re-issue in HD on DVD and VOD platforms as part of an ongoing preservation program.
The distributor is also working with producer Jane Scott and distributor Andrew Pike on an HD version of Scott Hicks. Shine, and with Scott on Goodbye Paradise.
As part of its restoration program which covers around 200 titles, Umbrella plans to release on one DVD two musical films produced by Peter Clifton, one on The Easybeats. tour of England in 1967, the other looking at a concert by The Rolling Stones at Sydney Showground in 1966, hosted by DJ Ward ..Pally.. Austin.
Shot in 1955, Jedda was the last film from Australian filmmaker Charles Chauvel, who died four years later. The first Australian feature made in colour, it starred Indigenous actors Robert Tudawali and Ngarla Kunoth in the saga of an Aboriginal woman who is...
The distributor is also working with producer Jane Scott and distributor Andrew Pike on an HD version of Scott Hicks. Shine, and with Scott on Goodbye Paradise.
As part of its restoration program which covers around 200 titles, Umbrella plans to release on one DVD two musical films produced by Peter Clifton, one on The Easybeats. tour of England in 1967, the other looking at a concert by The Rolling Stones at Sydney Showground in 1966, hosted by DJ Ward ..Pally.. Austin.
Shot in 1955, Jedda was the last film from Australian filmmaker Charles Chauvel, who died four years later. The first Australian feature made in colour, it starred Indigenous actors Robert Tudawali and Ngarla Kunoth in the saga of an Aboriginal woman who is...
- 3/23/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Richard Moore has departed as Umbrella Entertainment.s theatrical distribution manager as the distributor reassess its approach to theatrical acquisitions.
Umbrella.s founder Jeff Harrison tells If, .We will still invest in theatrical films but are looking at things more carefully..
Like other independent distributors, Umbrella has grappled with a marked downturn in the market for indie films in the past two years as many Us, UK and foreign-language films have struggled to secure and to hold on to screens.
A former director of the Brisbane and Melbourne International Film Festivals, Moore spent the two past years at Umbrella working on titles including The Babadook, Backyard Ashes, When the Queen Came to Town, Words and Pictures, The Last Impresario and The Crossing.
Harrison frets that young people only go to cinemas now to see tentpoles and that quality films such as Nightcrawler,. Boyhood and Sony's Whiplash. are not resonating with mainstream audiences.
Umbrella.s founder Jeff Harrison tells If, .We will still invest in theatrical films but are looking at things more carefully..
Like other independent distributors, Umbrella has grappled with a marked downturn in the market for indie films in the past two years as many Us, UK and foreign-language films have struggled to secure and to hold on to screens.
A former director of the Brisbane and Melbourne International Film Festivals, Moore spent the two past years at Umbrella working on titles including The Babadook, Backyard Ashes, When the Queen Came to Town, Words and Pictures, The Last Impresario and The Crossing.
Harrison frets that young people only go to cinemas now to see tentpoles and that quality films such as Nightcrawler,. Boyhood and Sony's Whiplash. are not resonating with mainstream audiences.
- 1/4/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Exclusive: Aus/Nz distributor hires Coffee & Cigarettes as European consultant.
Australia/New Zealand distributor Umbrella Entertainment has appointed Coffee & Cigarettes as its European acquisitions consultant.
Under the agreement Eduardo Panizzo will acquire for Umbrella as part of his remit at Coffee & Cigarettes, the London-based marketing and distribution agency he founded with Tom Clark 12 months ago.
Umbrella’s upcoming releases include Fred Schepisi’s Words & Pictures, Jennifer Kent’s The Babadook and Jim Mickle’s Cold In July.
Jeff Harrison, Umbrella Entertainment managing director, commented: “Eduardo and the Coffee & Cigarettes team bring a wealth of experience in buying for a multitude of territories, and we are excited about the addition to the acquisitions team at Umbrella.”...
Australia/New Zealand distributor Umbrella Entertainment has appointed Coffee & Cigarettes as its European acquisitions consultant.
Under the agreement Eduardo Panizzo will acquire for Umbrella as part of his remit at Coffee & Cigarettes, the London-based marketing and distribution agency he founded with Tom Clark 12 months ago.
Umbrella’s upcoming releases include Fred Schepisi’s Words & Pictures, Jennifer Kent’s The Babadook and Jim Mickle’s Cold In July.
Jeff Harrison, Umbrella Entertainment managing director, commented: “Eduardo and the Coffee & Cigarettes team bring a wealth of experience in buying for a multitude of territories, and we are excited about the addition to the acquisitions team at Umbrella.”...
- 4/3/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Coffee & Cigarettes exec to acquire for Aus/Nz distributor.
Australia/New Zealand distributor Umbrella Entertainment has appointed Coffee & Cigarettes executive Eduardo Panizzo as its European acquisitions consultant.
Panizzo will acquire for Umbrella and continue to work at Coffee & Cigarettes, the London-based marketing and distribution agency he founded with Tom Clark 12 months ago.
Umbrella’s upcoming releases include Fred Schepisi’s Words & Pictures, Jennifer Kent’s The Babadook and Jim Mickle’s Cold In July.
Jeff Harrison, Umbrella Entertainment managing director, commented: “Eduardo and the Coffee & Cigarettes team bring a wealth of experience in buying for a multitude of territories, and we are excited about the addition to the acquisitions team at Umbrella.”...
Australia/New Zealand distributor Umbrella Entertainment has appointed Coffee & Cigarettes executive Eduardo Panizzo as its European acquisitions consultant.
Panizzo will acquire for Umbrella and continue to work at Coffee & Cigarettes, the London-based marketing and distribution agency he founded with Tom Clark 12 months ago.
Umbrella’s upcoming releases include Fred Schepisi’s Words & Pictures, Jennifer Kent’s The Babadook and Jim Mickle’s Cold In July.
Jeff Harrison, Umbrella Entertainment managing director, commented: “Eduardo and the Coffee & Cigarettes team bring a wealth of experience in buying for a multitude of territories, and we are excited about the addition to the acquisitions team at Umbrella.”...
- 4/3/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Jennifer Kent’s The Babadook had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and IFC Midnight announced that they have acquired rights to release the movie in the Us and Latin America:
“IFC Midnight announced today from the 2014 Sundance Film Festival that the company is acquiring U.S. and Latin American rights to Jennifer Kent’s psychological horror film The Babadook. The film, with a screenplay by Kent, stars actress Essie Davis in a breakout role as a single mother who must cope with her troubled son and the shadowy monster that has taken over their home. The film was produced by Kristina Ceyton (Causeway Films) and Kristian Moliere, and executive produced by Jonathan Page, Michael Tear, Jan Chapman, and Jeff Harrison. The film made its World Premiere this week in the Midnight Section at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. Entertainment One Films International (eOne) handles international rights to the film.
“IFC Midnight announced today from the 2014 Sundance Film Festival that the company is acquiring U.S. and Latin American rights to Jennifer Kent’s psychological horror film The Babadook. The film, with a screenplay by Kent, stars actress Essie Davis in a breakout role as a single mother who must cope with her troubled son and the shadowy monster that has taken over their home. The film was produced by Kristina Ceyton (Causeway Films) and Kristian Moliere, and executive produced by Jonathan Page, Michael Tear, Jan Chapman, and Jeff Harrison. The film made its World Premiere this week in the Midnight Section at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. Entertainment One Films International (eOne) handles international rights to the film.
- 1/25/2014
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Us and Latin American rights to writer-director Jennifer Kent's The Babadook have been acquired by IFC Midnight, which released Snowtown in the Us..
The deal was announced at the Sundance Film Festival where the psychological thriller had its world premiere, generating effusive reviews and a lot of media coverage. ..
Essie Davis plays a single mother who must cope with her troubled son (newcomer Noah Wiseman) and the monster that has taken over their home.
"This is an extraordinary debut feature from a brilliant Australian filmmaker named Jennifer Kent who has crafted the perfect classic horror film,. said Jonathan Sehring, president of Sundance Selects/IFC Films. .We were blown away by the two lead performances in the film, and we believe that people will see this film and realise that Jennifer Kent has arrived as one of the great new horror filmmakers.. Last week Wild Bunch bought the rights to France,...
The deal was announced at the Sundance Film Festival where the psychological thriller had its world premiere, generating effusive reviews and a lot of media coverage. ..
Essie Davis plays a single mother who must cope with her troubled son (newcomer Noah Wiseman) and the monster that has taken over their home.
"This is an extraordinary debut feature from a brilliant Australian filmmaker named Jennifer Kent who has crafted the perfect classic horror film,. said Jonathan Sehring, president of Sundance Selects/IFC Films. .We were blown away by the two lead performances in the film, and we believe that people will see this film and realise that Jennifer Kent has arrived as one of the great new horror filmmakers.. Last week Wild Bunch bought the rights to France,...
- 1/25/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
IFC Midnight has acquired U.S. and Latin American rights to Jennifer Kent’s psychological horror film The Babadook, which had debuted in the Midnight Section at the Sundance Film Festival. The film stars Essie Davis as a single mother with a troubled son who must cope with a shadowy monster that has taken over their home. It was produced by Kristina Ceyton of Causeway Films and Kristian Moliere, and executive produced by Jonathan Page, Michael Tear, Jan Chapman and Jeff Harrison. Screen Australia, the chief funding body for the Australian screen production industry, is a major investor in the film
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- 1/25/2014
- by Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The final cast of the remake of Patrick has been announced. Directed by Mark Hartley the cast includes Bait 3D’s Sharni Vinson and Game of Thrones’ Charles Dance, joining already announced Rachel Griffiths and Damon Gameau. Production began this week. The film is produced by Antony I Ginnane.
The announcement:
A re-working of the 1978 Australian cult horror film Patrick, starring Rachel Griffiths, Sharni Vinson and Charles Dance, has commenced production at Melbourne’s Docklands Studios.
Patrick is a sophisticated thriller that begins with the mysterious disappearance of a nurse at a remote private clinic. Kathy (rising star Sharni Vinson – Step Up 3D, Bait 3D, You’re Next) takes up the vacant position and is thrust into the formidable company of Matron Cassidy (Academy Award nominee Rachel Griffiths – Hilary and Jackie, Six Feet Under, Muriel’s Wedding) and Dr. Sebastian Roget (Charles Dance – Game Of Thrones, Gosford Park, Alien 3...
The announcement:
A re-working of the 1978 Australian cult horror film Patrick, starring Rachel Griffiths, Sharni Vinson and Charles Dance, has commenced production at Melbourne’s Docklands Studios.
Patrick is a sophisticated thriller that begins with the mysterious disappearance of a nurse at a remote private clinic. Kathy (rising star Sharni Vinson – Step Up 3D, Bait 3D, You’re Next) takes up the vacant position and is thrust into the formidable company of Matron Cassidy (Academy Award nominee Rachel Griffiths – Hilary and Jackie, Six Feet Under, Muriel’s Wedding) and Dr. Sebastian Roget (Charles Dance – Game Of Thrones, Gosford Park, Alien 3...
- 11/22/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
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