Abe Forsythe.
Writer-director Abe Forsythe proved his skill at flicking the switch from black comedy to violence in Down Under, and now he’s embarking on a film which will mash even more genres.
Due to start production in Sydney at the end of October after receiving production funding from Screen Australia, Little Monsters will blend comedy, romance and zombies.
The saga follows Dave, who goes to live with his sister, a single mother, after breaking up with his fiancée. While Dave is looking after his sister’s five-year-old he meets kindergarten teacher Caroline.
Dave is soon smitten, a relationship which is tested when he volunteers to escort the kids on an excursion, where they are attacked by zombies.
Thereafter Dave and Caroline try to convince the kids they are part of an elaborate ride rather than being at the centre of a zombie Apocalypse.
The producers are Jodi Matterson, the US-based Keith Calder and Jessica Calder (whose credits include Anomalisa and The Blair Witch remake) and Steve Hutensky. Bruna Papandrea (The Nightingale, Big Little Lies) is the executive producer.
The Calders were keen to be involved after watching Down Under, Matterson told IF. Forsythe got the idea for Little Monsters after volunteering to take his six-year-old son Spike and classmates on an excursion.
Matterson said the film will tell a “very upbeat, optimistic story,” in contrast to the mostly dark tone of Down Under, set in the aftermath of the Cronulla riots.
Universal Pictures will distribute in Australia and Protagonist Pictures will handle international sales. Jason Behan, vice president, acquisitions for Universal Pictures Australia, did the deal for the studio.