[Press Release by Well Above]
Director Sam Genocchio’s (Get Rich Quick) latest feature ‘Bad Bush’ revolves around a young girl, her newborn baby, a visit to her sister which brings on a night of terror.
In typical Australian movie industry fashion, Bad Bush came about whilst another movie was taking too long to get made. Genocchio explained, “I was in the throws of making King of the Mountain, a six million dollar movie with a star cast. For reasons including the death of Peter Brock the piece was delayed, so I pulled together The Movie Network, Frame Set and Match (for post and grade), JVC and the King of the Mountain’s producers and told them about my other idea ‘Bad Bush’, a sinister thriller that could be made for a fraction of the cost. Fortunately they and the King of the Mountain’s investors loved the idea so we started work.”
Genocchio’s idea for Bad Bush came from true stories and personal experiences. “It’s part of the small films in farmhouses genre.” He added, “Which is where I come from. We kept the production very tight financially and geographically to keep the costs down. Similarly with equipment, everything had to be affordable and of high quality, that’s where JVC came in with their GY-HD251E cameras.”
Producer Anna Cridland introduced Genocchio to the JVC ProHD cameras following her recent Australian box office success with Gabriel on the big screen.
“I think everyone in independent movies knows that JVC ProHD cameras are the only ones to use.” He added. “They suit fast shooting schedules, produce amazing pictures, allow an easy grade, are very adaptable for hand held or on a dolly and are excellent value for money. You really can’t complain about these cameras.”
Bad Bush DOP Paul Howard (The Delivery, Picture This) explained his involvement in the project and the extent of the shoot, “When Sam initially told me about how big the undertaking was for Bad Bush and how little time we had I turned him down. Sam being Sam talked me round and I’m glad he did. This movie has it all. Good locations, orchards, waterfalls, real Commanchero bikers, guns, knives, cross bows, Harley Davidsons and a ‘Sixth Sense’ like twist. We also had 16 tracks of sound on every take so the rushes have been track laid with the GY-HD251E cameras. All in all it’s been a real blast in more ways than one.”
Bad Bush stars Chris Sadrinna (Water Rats, All Saints, Beneath Clouds, Garage Days, Home and Away) and Viva Bianci making her on screen debut.
Genocchio continued, “The film was essentially written for Chris and it took a huge casting of over 150 girls to find Viva who only came out of WAAPA in 2006 and has made such a huge impression in such a short time. I’ve worked well with Paul (Howard) in the past and we have really pulled out all the stops on this one too.”
Howard added, “We shot HDV 720 25p with 18:1 and 13:1 Fujinon lenses. The ProHD cameras have surpassed my expectations and given us a unique look. I love their portability, the ability to integrate with follow focus and matte box, it’s fast at 320 ASA and being able to store scene files makes the whole thing a very easy process.”
Bad Bush is currently in post production and is expected to air on the Movie Network in 2009.