William Lodder.
Newcomer William Lodder is playing the lead in Go Karts, an action-packed family film scripted by Paper Planes’ Steve Worland, which is now shooting in Western Australia.
Lodder plays Jack, a charismatic larrikin and talented kart racer who must learn to control his recklessness if he is to defeat the best drivers in the country. Casting director Nikki Barrett discovered Lodder during a call-out.
Owen Trevor is directing the film produced by See Pictures’ Jamie Hilton and Sonia Borella after directing four seasons of Top Gear in the UK.
Frances O’Connor is cast as Jack’s mother Christie together with Richard Roxburgh as his mentor Patrick, an old race car driver with a hidden past.
Darius Amarfio-Jefferson and newcomer Anastasia Bampos are his best mates Colin and Mandy. Cooper van Grootel is Dean, the ruthless champion and Jack’s rival for the national title. Dan Wyllie is Barry, the local cop.
Trevor said: “The Go Karts script contains incredible heart, drama, laughter and exhilarating action. That actors of Richard’s, Frances’ and Dan’s calibre will be bringing it to life is incredibly exciting. I have put together an ensemble of exciting young talent in William, Anastasia, Cooper and Darius.”
Hilton and Borella said: “Steve’s funny and heartfelt screenplay has attracted an extraordinary cast and crew and we are confident that Owen and the team will deliver a film that families will enjoy the world over.”
Roadshow will release in Australia and New Zealand and Aqute Media is handling international sales.
It is the second film backed by Screenwest’s Regional Film Fund following Ben Elton’s Three Summers. Screen Australia, Create NSW, Spectrum Films and the City of Busselton are co-funding.