The Australian Film Commission has announced the scriptwriters and advisors who will participate in SP*RK, its intensive hothouse development program for feature film scripts.
The following projects have been selected for the 2008 SP*RK workshop:
Snake in the Grass, a gripping drama about interrupted love and the possibility of a second chance: AWGIE award-winning writer Mira Robertson (Head On), executive producer Sue Murray (Ten Canoes) and director Ana Kokkinos (Head On).
Fat, Forty and Fired, a comedy-drama based on the best-selling book of the same name by Nigel Marsh: writer Michael Brindley (Shame) and producer Robyn Kershaw (Looking for Alibrandi).
The Quiet War, an action adventure film based around the historic vote for independence in
In Moral Danger, a real-life drama based on two best-selling books by Barbara Biggs; with writer Mary Walsh (The Silence) and producer Beth Frey (The Long Lunch).
Jericho – The Desert Rose, a drama based on the Woomera detention centre riots: writer Robert Rabiah, director Sotiris Donoukos and producer Lizette Atkins (Night).
Looking for Mr Jones, a black comic thriller about euthanasia: writer/director Dee McLachlan (The Jammed) and producer Andrea Buck (The Jammed).
Shit Happens, an oddball comedy about love, sex, death and revenge: writer Lyn Chick, producer David Rapsey (Blackfellas, Fran) and director Glanda Hambly (Fran).
The Insect King, an erotic coming of age story: writer/director Priscilla Cameron and producers Bridget Callow and Sue Maslin.
SP*RK has, once again, attracted a line-up of incredibly experienced and successful local and international advisors including:
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- English scriptwriter Paul Fraser (A Room for Romeo Brass, TwentyFourSeven);
- Award-winning Australian scriptwriter Craig Pearce (Moulin Rouge, Romeo + Juliet);
- British scriptwriter and producer Dominic Minghella (Robin Hood, Doc Martin);
- Linda Aronson whose Scriptwriting Updated – New And Conventional Ways of Writing for the Screen has become a best seller in
- Award-winning writer and script editor Keith Thompson (Clubland, Lockie Leonard);
- Acclaimed Australian film editor Nicholas Beauman (My Brilliant Career, Little Women);
- And former CEO of Ausfilm and the Irish Film Board, Mark Woods (Wind That Shakes the Barley, Six Shooter).
The advisors will work with the selected scriptwriters during a seven-day residential script workshop, providing detailed feedback through informal one-on-one sessions. Directors and/or producers then join the workshop for the final days.
The AFC’s SP*RK script workshop will take place in Byron Bay
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