Xavier Samuel in Kimble Rendall's Bait 3D.
Adelaide-raised Xavier Samuel is returning home to star in South Australian feature Bad Blood, a suspense thriller to be directed by David Pulbrook (Last Dance) about a couple's long weekend away that turns sinister.
Samuel will star alongside Morgan Griffin (San Andreas, Unbroken) in his first SA-shot film since his debut film, 2006's 2:37 (the film which also provided an early breakout role for Teresa Palmer).
Bad Blood will be produced by Wolf Creek's David Lightfoot alongside Antony I. Ginnane, with filming in the Adelaide Hills and at Adelaide Studios to begin June 6 and run for three weeks.
“Interest in filming in South Australia is currently very high, with the State’s experienced crews, diverse filming locations and the state-of-the-art Adelaide Studios all proving strong drawcards among producers and directors," South Australian Film Corporation Chief Executive Annabelle Sheehan said.
“In the last two years, productions using facilities at SAFC’s Adelaide Studios, including sound stages, production offices, mix and foley services represent a very broad slate."
"Projects have included eight features films, eight television series, various short films and TV Commercials. Titles include Deadline Gallipoli, the Wolf Creek TV series, Boys In Trees and A Month of Sundays."
Producer Ginnane first filmed in SA in 1980 on The Survivor, and "we were all extraordinarily impressed with the quality of the crew and support facilities", he said.
“Since then I have been back multiple times, notably with The Lighthorsemen and Sally Marshall is not an Alien. I love working in Adelaide and the SAFC support is as always comprehensive and exemplary."
Lightfoot called leading man Samuel "one of the most exciting talents in eons", and praised the "wonderfully crafted screenplay" written by Pulbrook and Patrick Edgeworth (BMX Bandits, Ship to Shore).
Potential Films will distribute in AU/NZ while The Little Film Company have international.