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Warp Films set to produce NZ crime drama Shopping after last year’s Snowtown

Warp Films Australia is set to produce New Zealand crime feature Shopping after the release of last year's successful debut Snowtown.

Shopping is set in 1981 and follows 16-year-old Willie who, seduced by a charismatic career criminal, must choose where his loyalty lies. The film, which wil star Australian actor Jacek Koman, will begin shooting in April on NZ's Kapiti Coast.

The film marks the debut feature for Wellington-based filmmakers Mark Albiston and Louis Sutherland – their previous short films Run and The Six Dollar Fifty Man have screened at Cannes, Sundance and Berlin Film Festivals. The Six Dollar Fifty Man was also shortlisted for the 2011 Academy Awards.

Shopping, financed by the New Zealand Film Commission with support from Fulcrum Media Finance, is also the first NZ feature film that distributor Madman has backed from script stage.

Madman Entertainment managing director Paul Wiegard said: "This is a significant milestone for Madman; having an office in Auckland for several years this is the first NZ feature film production we have committed to at script stage. It was a simple decision to get involved… the film has a universal story, subtly told and surrounded by exceptional talent that we want to work with."

Madman also distributed local serial killer film Snowtown, which won six AACTA awards and grossed $1.12 million at the local box office.