Director Jane Campion and producer Jan Chapman, creators of the multi-award winning film The Piano, will team up again for an Australian-UK co-production titled Bright Star.
Bright Star charts the blessed but fated love affair between 18-year-old Fanny Brawne and the 23-year-old English romantic poet John Keats. The couple’s intense and un-consummated two-year relationship was constrained by lack of money, by family and friends, and finally, by Keats’ illness and death at age 25. Inspiration for the script by Campion comes in part from letters written by Keats to Fanny.
Bright Star will be the first film from the internationally renowned Campion since she directed In The Cut in the US in 2003 and announced she would take a break from filmmaking. The partnering once again with Chapman (Lantana, The Silence, Holy Smoke, Love Serenade), and the romantic and passionate nature of the story, promise a film with the kind of stature that made The Piano a success with audiences around the world.
‘Jane Campion’s wonderful original creation of young Fanny Brawne and the poet John Keats brings to life the 19th century world of the young romantics,’ said Chapman. ‘Film Finance Corporation funding was pivotal to getting this off the ground.’
The UK producer of Bright Star is Caroline Hewitt (The HitchHiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Bright Young Things, Les Miserables). Final negotiations are in progress with an Australian actress to play the role of Fanny, while Keats will be played by a British actor.
* Features financed
Finance for four other feature films was approved at the FFC’s July board meeting:
Producer David Elfick (Rabbit-Proof Fence, Blackrock, Newsfront) has attracted major private co-finance for his feature film Two Fists One Heart, which draws its inspiration from the life of boxer Rai Fazio (co-writer). Two Fists One Heart explores how a father’s thwarted ambition threatens to destroy his most precious possessions – the love of his wife and the allegiance of his son.
Elfick will work with promising new director Shawn Sheet. ‘I have produced many first-time feature directors in my career and I feel that Shawn has the vision and style to give me a really exciting international product,’ Elfick said. ‘The leading role represents a great opportunity for a young actor to launch his talents to the rest of the world and casting for the role is now underway.’
To Hell and Bourke, Australia’s first indigenous road comedy, is written and directed by Richard Frankland, director of the award-winning shorts No Way to Forget and Harry’s War. It is produced by Ross Hutchens, who is also supervising producer on the groundbreaking drama series The Circuit, currently screening on SBS.
To Hell and Bourke sees cousins Eddie and Charlie encounter a bizarre collection of characters as they head home to the bush from the city. Their adventures are raucous, raunchy and heartfelt all at once, making this road movie the perfect vehicle for audiences from 14 to 70. ‘Aboriginal Australians draw great strength from their sense of humour,’ said Frankland, ‘and I think the time is right for a comedy that shares this with the rest of Australia.’
In Long Weekend, a married couple take a camping trip to a remote beach to heal their wounded relationship, but when their destructive behaviour spills out to the landscape around them, they find that Mother Nature has a dark side. Jamie Blanks (Urban Legend) directs this horror film, which is a reprise of the Australian cult classic of the ‘70s. The writer is Everette De Roche (Razorback, Patrick), and producers are Nigel Odell (Strange Bedfellows) and Gary Hamilton (managing director of Arclight Films).
Subdivision is a David-and-Goliath story set in the building industry of a small coastal Australian town. As southern developers move in on Hervey Bay, the rivalry between sub-contractor ‘Digger’ Kelly and his larrikin son Jack comes to a head. Their loyalties are tested as they take on the big end of town. Directed by Sue Brooks (Japanese Story) and produced by Trish Lake (Gettin’ Square), Subdivision is a comedy-drama co-written by Ashley Bradnam, Janice Bradnam and Terry McCann.
* Feature film Letters of Intent
In addition to features financed, six feature film projects received Letters of Intent at the FFC’s July meeting. Films chosen through the FFC’s evaluation program receive a Letter of Intent containing the terms and conditions of proposed FFC funding. The FFC board makes a formal commitment to fund evaluation projects only when the producers have satisfied the terms and conditions set out in the Letter.
In Balibo, war correspondent Roger East and the young Jose Ramos Horta travel to East Timor to investigate the murders of the Balibo Five. These dark, real-life events will be brought to life by writer/director Robert Connolly (The Bank, Three Dollars), co-screenwriter, the renowned playwright David Williamson, and producer John Maynard (Romulus My Father, The Boys, The Bank, Sweetie).
The Cup tells the story of jockey Damien Oliver’s dramatic Melbourne Cup victory in 2002, just one week after his brother was killed in a horse-racing accident. It will see the return of Simon Wincer (Free Willy, Phar Lap) to direct his first feature in Australia since The Lighthorsemen (1989). Wincer wrote The Cup with US-based journalist Eric O’Keefe and is producing with Lance Hool, Jan Bladier and David Lee.
Salute is a theatrical documentary chronicling Peter Norman’s involvement in the famous Black Power salute at the 1968 Olympics, a moment that has become one of the most iconic images of the 20th century. It is written, directed and produced by Matt Norman, with producer David Redman (Strange Bedfellows, Till Human Voices Wake Us, Muggers).
Part love story, part mystery and part allegory, The Messenger is about a woman who has psychic power but fails to see a catastrophe looming when a stranger gatecrashes her life, and that she will have to travel with him to the end of the world to save herself. Directed by Clara Law (Floating Life, The Reincarnation of the Golden Lotus), produced by Sue Maslin (Japanese Story, The Road to Nhill) and written and co-produced by Eddie Fong (The Goddess of 67, Floating Life).
My America is a theatrical documentary from award-winning documentary filmmaker Peter Hegedus (Inheritance, A Fisherman’s Story) and producer Jane Jeffes (Silma’s School, Without Prejudice). The film will challenge our notions – positive and negative – about the American Dream, what it stands for, what it has become in the eyes of the world and what its future may hold, as the Hungarian-born Australian director sets off to find the America he dreamed of in his childhood.
Voices in Deep is a contemporary drama about a group of characters on the margins of society and one fateful week in all their lives. It is produced, written and directed by Alkinos Tsilimidos (Tom White, Silent Partner), with producer Paul Walton (Em 4 Jay).
* Adult Television Drama
A second series of the top-rating Network Nine program Sea Patrol was among those adult drama projects financed at the FFC’s July meeting. Executive producers on Sea Patrol are Hal and Di McElroy, with Geoff Bennett and Ian Barry directing, and key writers Michaeley O’Brien and Jeff Truman.
Carla Cametti PD, to screen on SBS, is a fast-paced and fresh crime series with a young Italian female as the lead character. Carla’s lively Italian family, and her flirtation with Detective Gandolfi, are juxtaposed with the brutality of the gangland wars in an Australian city. Carla Cametti PD offers human drama, crime and a large measure of wit. The show’s first-time series producers are Cristina Pozzan and Elisa Argenzio, working with writers Jo Martino (Stingers, Halifax), Samantha Wilson (Macleod’s Daughters, Blue Heelers), Liz Doran (Secret Life of Us) and Kris Mrksa (The King).
The Nine Network telemovie Scorched is set five years from now when, after 600 days without rain, Sydney has run out of water. Then the unthinkable happens…the city is engulfed by fire. Scorched brings together an exciting production team – writer Tim Pye, director Tony Tilse, producers Kylie Du Fresne and Ellenor Cox – on a tense drama that will incorporate a cross-platform internet component for viewers to extend their enjoyment of the show. It provides an entertaining and innovative approach to the pressing issues of water scarcity and climate change.
The six by one-hour mini-series The Cut is a comedy drama exploring the soft underbelly of professional sport through a family-owned sports management company run by a colourful patriarch. Produced by Tom Blackett (Ocean Star, Second Chance) and written by John Misto (White Collar Blue, Heroes’ Mountain), The Cut will screen on the ABC.
The Informant is about the enigmatic Richard Button – working for Australia’s Federal CIB but a man with a mysterious past, which the CIB fear may hide a deeper truth. This new telemovie comes from the team behind the high-rating Australian dramas The Society Murders and Mary Bryant (executive producers Bob Campbell and Des Monaghan; writer/co-producer Greg Haddrick). It will be directed by Tony Tilse (To Catch a Killer, Small Claims) and will screen on Network Ten.
* Children’s Television Drama
The FFC approved finance for three children’s series at the July board meeting:
Series three of Blue Water High follows six top Australian teenage surfers living at an elite training facility and competing for entry to the Pro Surfing Circuit. With only one boy and one girl to be selected, the competition is intense. Producer/writer is Noel Price (Blue Water High I & II) with Marcus Cole (Blue Water High I & II) as writer/director and Dennis Keily (Snobs and Don’t Blame Me) as producer.
The 26 x half-hour series Elephant Princess is about Phoebe Wilson, who suddenly finds out that she’s not an average, suburban girl, she’s really the Princess of a mystical kingdom. But if her exotic visitor Kuru and a magical elephant can’t help her master her new magical powers soon, then everything and everyone she knows is in danger. Executive producer is Jonathon M Shiff (Ocean Girl, Cybergirl), producer is Joanna Werner (Pirate Islands), director is Colin Budds (H2O, Scooter: Secret Agent) and Roger Hodgman (White Collar Blue, Secret Life of Us); writer is Phillip Dailkin (Dogstar, H2O series 1 & 2)
K9, who some may remember as a character from the series Dr Who, is a highly refined robot in the guise and personality of a dog. When we meet him in the new 26-part Australian kids show K9, this highly intelligent creature is guarding an abandoned prison transportation craft. The show is produced by Penny Wall (Animal Park and Chooks) and Richard Stewart (Acolytes, Scarfies), and created and written by Bob Baker (Dr Who and Wallace and Gromit).
* Documentaries
Documentaries financed through the FFC’s international door at the June meeting include:
Darwin’s Lost Paradise, a French/Australian co-production from producer Penny Chapman (RAN, The Track) and producer/co-director Katharina von Flotow (Dance Celebration, Africa Live). The film investigates the scientific research and thought which in the fields of geology, zoology and biology have been inspired to this day by Darwin’s discoveries. French executive producer is Emmanuel Laurent (Four Wings and a Prayer) and director/writer Jan N Lorenzen (Hitler’s Museum, The Great Battles).
Chateau Chunder is both a social history of wine and wine drinking and an in-depth examination of how a small group of enterprising Australian wine makers took on the world…and won, changing the way that wine is made and marketed as a result. Australian producer is Andrew Ogilvie (The World of Colours, Superflu) and British producer is Phil Craig (Live Aid, Catherine the Great); the director and writer is Alan Carter (Who do you think you are?, Risking It All).
Road Trip Nation is an observational documentary series following three young people on a rugged five-week journey that takes in the diversity of Australia. As they travel across the country, they meet and interview a variety of outstanding Australians. Executive producer and mentor of the program is Nathan Gebhard who in 2001 founded Road Trip Nation, producer is Jessica Douglas Henry (Growing Up Male, Parent Rescue) and director is Kalita Corrigan (The Science of Sex, Nobody’s Normal)
Return of the Masta follows the course of the 2007 elections in PNG from the perspective of three candidates in the eastern Highlands. Writer/director is Thom Cookes a journalist who has covered many stories in Papua New Guinea working for the BBC, ABC and SBS he is working on this project with producer John Lewis (Penicilin –The Magic Bullet, Troubled Mind – the Lithium Revolution)
There are five further documentary projects approved at this board meeting:
The Matildas reveals a journey of discovery through the eyes of three female footballers. From the practice games in Australia to the 2007 World Cup matches in China the film will uncover the personal stories, expectations, fears and sacrifices that these women must make to be the best in their chosen sport. Producer is Peter Scobie (Neil Perry’s High Steaks, Policing The Pacific) director/dop Helen Barrow (Six Degrees series 3, Kickfighters)
The Matilda Model is a comedic film which looks at the origins of the song Waltzing Matilda in order to ascertain whether it should become the Australian national anthem. Writer/director/producer is Curtis Levy (The Siege, The President Versus David Hicks) producer is Helen Pankhurst (RAN, The Cooks)
Tired of waiting for the perfect partner, and alarmed by the deafening tic-toc of her biological clock, 39 year-old filmmaker Janet Merewether decides to take life into her own hands and embark on a journey into the new social phenomenon of single motherhood by choice is the background of Janet’s Baby. Janet Merewether (Jabe Babe – A Heightened Life) is the writer/director/producer.
The story of boxer Lionel Rose is the basis of Lionel, a classic rags-to-riches story set against a changing cultural and political landscape. It’s a story about winning and losing, about fame and misfortune. It’s also a great love story and a testament to human resilience and courage. Writer is David Tiley (Do Not Resuscitate, A Stowaway’s Guide to the Pacific), director Edward Martin (Jisoe) and producer is Lizzette Atkins (Passport to Parenthood, Undercover angels: Sex, Spies and Surveillance)
On Trial is a four part documentary series covering cases from the District Court of NSW, it offers unprecedented access to criminal trials in an Australian court. Producer is Ian Collie (Suspicious Minds, Dust to Dust), directors are Susan Lambert (The Good The Bad and the Ugg, Runway) and Hugh Piper (World of Colours and Submarines) with executive producer Michael Cordell (Two Men in a Tinnie, The Two of Us)
For a full list of new backed project, see below:
Feature Films
Financed through Marketplace
BRIGHT STAR
Jan Chapman Films Pty Ltd
Producers: Jan Chapman, Caroline Hewitt
Director/Writer: Jane Campion
Sales and Distribution: Hopscotch, Pathe
Synopsis: Bright Star is an intense exploration of the two year relationship between the eighteen year old Fanny Brawne and the twenty three year old John Keats; the now famous English romantic poet. Guided by John Keats’s letters to Fanny it charts their blessed yet fated love affair.
Director/Writer: Jane Campion
Sales and Distribution: Hopscotch, Pathe
Synopsis: Bright Star is an intense exploration of the two year relationship between the eighteen year old Fanny Brawne and the twenty three year old John Keats; the now famous English romantic poet. Guided by John Keats’s letters to Fanny it charts their blessed yet fated love affair.
LONG WEEKEND
Arclight Films Pty Ltd
Producers: Nigel Odell, Gary Hamilton
Producers: Nigel Odell, Gary Hamilton
Director: Jamie Blanks
Writer: Everett De Roche
Sales and Distribution: Arclight Films, Arclight Films International
Synopsis: A married couple take a camping trip to a remote beach to heal their savagely wounded relationship, but prove as destructive and lethal to the world around them as they are to themselves. Mother Nature has a dark side.
Sales and Distribution: Arclight Films, Arclight Films International
Synopsis: A married couple take a camping trip to a remote beach to heal their savagely wounded relationship, but prove as destructive and lethal to the world around them as they are to themselves. Mother Nature has a dark side.
SUBDIVISION
Freshwater Pictures
Executive Producer: Janice Bradnam, Richard Guardian, Trish Lake,
Executive Producer: Janice Bradnam, Richard Guardian, Trish Lake,
Producers: Trish Lake, Owen Johnston
Director: Sue Brooks
Writers: Janice Bradnam, Ashley Bradnam, Terry McCann
Sales and Distribution: Lightning Entertainment, Buena Vista Australia, Reyna Films, Motion Picture Distribution LP
Synopsis: When Southern developers move in on Hervey Bay, hot young exec Tiffany Lambert, forces local builders to lift their game. A botched rezoning application throws the whole community into turmoil and the troubled relationship between sub-contractors ‘Digger’ Kelly and his larrikin son Jack, comes to a head. Tiffany wonders if Jack will ever grow up, but what follows is Jack’s finest hour.
Sales and Distribution: Lightning Entertainment, Buena Vista Australia, Reyna Films, Motion Picture Distribution LP
Synopsis: When Southern developers move in on Hervey Bay, hot young exec Tiffany Lambert, forces local builders to lift their game. A botched rezoning application throws the whole community into turmoil and the troubled relationship between sub-contractors ‘Digger’ Kelly and his larrikin son Jack, comes to a head. Tiffany wonders if Jack will ever grow up, but what follows is Jack’s finest hour.
Financed through Evaluation
TO HELL & BOURKE
Media World Pictures Pty Ltd
Producer: Ross Hutchens
Producer: Ross Hutchens
Director/Writer: Richard Frankland
Sales and Distribution: SBSi, Lightning Entertainment
Synopsis: Eddie is being drawn home from the city on important cultural business, but his trip gets off to a rocky start when he discovers his older but more wayward cousin Charlie, has ‘lost’ Eddie’s special stone.
Sales and Distribution: SBSi, Lightning Entertainment
Synopsis: Eddie is being drawn home from the city on important cultural business, but his trip gets off to a rocky start when he discovers his older but more wayward cousin Charlie, has ‘lost’ Eddie’s special stone.
TWO FISTS ONE HEART
Palm Beach Pictures Pty Ltd
Producer: David Elfick
Director: Shawn Seet
Writer: Rai Fazio, Jan Sardi
Sales and Distribution: Buena Vista International, Showtime PMP, Hanway Films
Synopsis: Two fists one heart tells the story of how a father’s thwarted ambition threatens to destroy his most precious possessions – the love of his wife and the allegiance of his son.
Director: Shawn Seet
Writer: Rai Fazio, Jan Sardi
Sales and Distribution: Buena Vista International, Showtime PMP, Hanway Films
Synopsis: Two fists one heart tells the story of how a father’s thwarted ambition threatens to destroy his most precious possessions – the love of his wife and the allegiance of his son.
Letters of Intent through Evaluation
VOICES IN DEEP
Producer/Director/Writer: Alkinos Tsilimidos
Producer: Paul Walton
Producer/Director/Writer: Alkinos Tsilimidos
Producer: Paul Walton
Sales and Distribution: IFM World Releasing
Synopsis: A cinematic cocktail featuring a Vietnam veteran with a penchant for flashing women, an underage hooker, her delinquent brother and a lonely nymphomaniac.
Synopsis: A cinematic cocktail featuring a Vietnam veteran with a penchant for flashing women, an underage hooker, her delinquent brother and a lonely nymphomaniac.
THE MESSENGER
Lunar Films and Film Art Doco
Producer: Sue Maslin
Director/Writer: Clara Law
Lunar Films and Film Art Doco
Producer: Sue Maslin
Director/Writer: Clara Law
Writer: Eddie L.C Fong
Sales and Distribution: Cine Click Asia
Synopsis: Part love story, part mystery and part supernatural allegory, The Messenger is about a woman (Lynn) who has psychic power but fails to see a catastrophe looming when a stranger (Mike) gatecrashes her life, and that she will have to travel with him to the end of the world to save herself.
Synopsis: Part love story, part mystery and part supernatural allegory, The Messenger is about a woman (Lynn) who has psychic power but fails to see a catastrophe looming when a stranger (Mike) gatecrashes her life, and that she will have to travel with him to the end of the world to save herself.
BALIBO
Balibo Film Pty Ltd
Executive Producers: Andrew Myer
Executive Producers: Andrew Myer
Producer: John Maynard, Rebecca Williamson
Director/Writer: Robert Connolly
Writer: David Williamson
Sales and Distribution: Footprint Films
Synopsis: War correspondent Roger East and the young Jose Ramos Horta travel to East Timor to investigate the murders of the Balibo Five.
Director/Writer: Robert Connolly
Writer: David Williamson
Sales and Distribution: Footprint Films
Synopsis: War correspondent Roger East and the young Jose Ramos Horta travel to East Timor to investigate the murders of the Balibo Five.
MY AMERICA
Executive Producer: Trish Lake
Producer/Director/Writer: Peter Hegedus
Producers: Jane Jeffes, Trish Lake
Sales and Distribution: Cinema Libre
Synopsis: My America will challenge our notions – positive and negative – of the USA and the American Dream, what it stands for, what it has become in the eyes of the world and what its future may hold.
Producers: Jane Jeffes, Trish Lake
Sales and Distribution: Cinema Libre
Synopsis: My America will challenge our notions – positive and negative – of the USA and the American Dream, what it stands for, what it has become in the eyes of the world and what its future may hold.
SALUTE
An Actors Café / Instinct Entertainment co-production
Producer/Director/Writer: Matt Norman
Producer: David Redman
Sales and Distribution: Instinct Distribution, Instinct Eden Rock International
Synopsis: There has never been a convenient time to protest against injustice.
Producer: David Redman
Sales and Distribution: Instinct Distribution, Instinct Eden Rock International
Synopsis: There has never been a convenient time to protest against injustice.
THE CUP
Producer/Director/Writer: Simon Wincer
Producers: Jan Bladier, David Lee, Lance Hool
Producer/Director/Writer: Simon Wincer
Producers: Jan Bladier, David Lee, Lance Hool
Writer: Eric O’Keefe
Sales and Distribution: Roadshow Films, Myriad Pictures
Synopsis: The Cup is the story of a jockey facing the most difficult challenge of his life, following the tragic death of his brother, in the lead up to the 2002 Melbourne Cup.
Synopsis: The Cup is the story of a jockey facing the most difficult challenge of his life, following the tragic death of his brother, in the lead up to the 2002 Melbourne Cup.
Adult Television Drama
SEA PATROL SERIES 2 (13×1 hour mini-series)
McElroy All Media
Executive Producers: Hal McElroy, Di McElroy
Director: Geoff Bennett, Ian Barry
Writers: Michaeley O’Brien, Jeff Truman, Tony Morphett, John Ridley, Matt Ford, Philip Dalkin, Samantha Winston and Felicity Packard
Sales and Distribution: Nine Network /Portman Media
Synopsis: Everyday heroes doing an extraordinary job.
McElroy All Media
Executive Producers: Hal McElroy, Di McElroy
Director: Geoff Bennett, Ian Barry
Writers: Michaeley O’Brien, Jeff Truman, Tony Morphett, John Ridley, Matt Ford, Philip Dalkin, Samantha Winston and Felicity Packard
Sales and Distribution: Nine Network /Portman Media
Synopsis: Everyday heroes doing an extraordinary job.
THE CUT (6×1 hour mini-series)
Tom Blacket Media
Producer: Tom Blacket
Producer: Tom Blacket
Director: TBC
Writer: John Misto
Sales and Distribution: ABCTV, Target Entertainment
Synopsis: The Cut is a comedy drama, which explores the soft underbelly of professional sport by following the fortunes of a family owned sports management company run by a colourful patriarch.
Writer: John Misto
Sales and Distribution: ABCTV, Target Entertainment
Synopsis: The Cut is a comedy drama, which explores the soft underbelly of professional sport by following the fortunes of a family owned sports management company run by a colourful patriarch.
CARLA CAMETTI PD (6×1 hour mini-series)
Buona Notte Productions Pty Ltd
Executive Producers: Ewan Burnett
Producer: Elisa Argenzio, Cristina Pozzan
Director: TBA
Buona Notte Productions Pty Ltd
Executive Producers: Ewan Burnett
Producer: Elisa Argenzio, Cristina Pozzan
Director: TBA
Writer: Jo Martino, Samantha Winston, Liz Doran, Kris Mrksa
Sales and Distribution: SBS TV and SBS Sales
Sales and Distribution: SBS TV and SBS Sales
Synopsis: Carla Cametti PD is a fast –paced and fresh crime series with a young Italian female as its lead.It is a human drama with lashings of crime and a huge dollop of wit, casting an eye across the incongruity of earthy day-to day life butting up against the heightened reality of designer-dressed gangsters roaming our streets.
THE INFORMANT (tele-movie)
Screentime Pty Ltd
Executive Producers: Des Monaghan, Sue Masters
Screentime Pty Ltd
Executive Producers: Des Monaghan, Sue Masters
Writer/Co-producer: Greg Haddrick
Director: Tony Tilse
Sales and Distribution: Alchemy Television Group Ltd
Synopsis: Not too long ago, almost half the people on remand had been caught through the extraordinary efforts of one man. Sometimes one person with the right skills is more effective than an army…especially when that person is the enigmatic Richard Button.
Director: Tony Tilse
Sales and Distribution: Alchemy Television Group Ltd
Synopsis: Not too long ago, almost half the people on remand had been caught through the extraordinary efforts of one man. Sometimes one person with the right skills is more effective than an army…especially when that person is the enigmatic Richard Button.
SCORCHED (tele-movie)
Essential Viewing Pty Ltd
Executive Producers: Jo Horsburgh, Rosemary Blight, Chris Hilton
Essential Viewing Pty Ltd
Executive Producers: Jo Horsburgh, Rosemary Blight, Chris Hilton
Producers: Kylie Du Fresne, Ellenor Cox
Director: Tony Tilse
Director: Tony Tilse
Cross Platform producer/director: Marcus Gillezeau
Writer: Tim Pye
Sales and Distribution: Nine Network, Granada International, FTO, Sunday Night Movies, AFC
Synopsis: Five years from now and after 600 days without rain Sydney has run out of water…then the unthinkable happens. The city is engulfed by fire.
Sales and Distribution: Nine Network, Granada International, FTO, Sunday Night Movies, AFC
Synopsis: Five years from now and after 600 days without rain Sydney has run out of water…then the unthinkable happens. The city is engulfed by fire.
Children’s Television Drama
BLUE WATER HIGH SERIES 3 (26×30 minute mini-series)
Northside Productions Pty Limited
Northside Productions Pty Limited
Producers: Noel Price, Dennis Keily
Directors: Marcus Cole, Ralph Strasser
Writers: TBC
Directors: Marcus Cole, Ralph Strasser
Writers: TBC
Sales and Distribution: ABC TV, Nickelodeon – Australia, Southern Star, AB Droits – France, Cattleya – Italy
Synopsis: Six top Australian teenage surfers are selected to live at an elite training facility. At the end of the year two of them – a boy and a girl – will be awarded sponsorship and wild card entry to the Pro Surfing Circuit. The series is about their intense competition – to get the wild card, to pass exams, and to grow up.
Synopsis: Six top Australian teenage surfers are selected to live at an elite training facility. At the end of the year two of them – a boy and a girl – will be awarded sponsorship and wild card entry to the Pro Surfing Circuit. The series is about their intense competition – to get the wild card, to pass exams, and to grow up.
ELEPHANT PRINCESS (26×30 minute mini-series)
Jonathan M Shiff Productions
Jonathan M Shiff Productions
Executive Producer: Jonathan M Shiff
Co-Producer: Joanna Werner
Directors: Rodger Hodgman, Colin Budds
Writers: Phillip Dalkin, Anthony Morris, Max Dann, Chris Anastassiades, Simon Butters, Sam Carroll, Chris Roache
Directors: Rodger Hodgman, Colin Budds
Writers: Phillip Dalkin, Anthony Morris, Max Dann, Chris Anastassiades, Simon Butters, Sam Carroll, Chris Roache
Sales and Distribution: Network Ten, Disney Channel, ZDF, ZDF Enterprises,
Synopsis: Phoebe Wilson suddenly finds out that she’s not an average, suburban girl – she’s really the Princess of a mystical kingdom! But if her exotic visitor Kuru and a magical elephant can’t help her master her new magical powers soon, then everything and everyone she knows is in danger.
Synopsis: Phoebe Wilson suddenly finds out that she’s not an average, suburban girl – she’s really the Princess of a mystical kingdom! But if her exotic visitor Kuru and a magical elephant can’t help her master her new magical powers soon, then everything and everyone she knows is in danger.
K9 (26×30 minute mini-series)
Stewart & Wall Entertainment Pty Ltd
Stewart & Wall Entertainment Pty Ltd
Executive Producer: Grant Bradley, Jim Howell
Producers: Penny Wall, Richard Stewart, Simon Barnes
Director: TBA
Director: TBA
Writer: Bob Baker
Sales and Distribution: Network Ten, Jetix, Park Entertainment
Synopsis: K9 is a highly refined robot in the guise and personality of a dog! However – K9 is nobody’s pet – he is a highly intelligent creature created from a form of ‘living metal’ and when we first meet this fantastic robot he is guarding an abandoned prison transportation craft.
Synopsis: K9 is a highly refined robot in the guise and personality of a dog! However – K9 is nobody’s pet – he is a highly intelligent creature created from a form of ‘living metal’ and when we first meet this fantastic robot he is guarding an abandoned prison transportation craft.
Documentaries
THE MATILDAS
Essential Viewing Pty Ltd
Executive Producer: Ian Collie
Essential Viewing Pty Ltd
Executive Producer: Ian Collie
Producer: Peter Scobie
Director: Helen Barrow
Sales and Distribution: SBS TV
Synopsis: The Matildas reveals a journey of discovery through the eyes of three female footballers. From the practice games in Australia to the World Cup matches in China the film will uncover the personal stories, expectations, fears and sacrifices that these women must make to be the best in their chosen sport.
Director: Helen Barrow
Sales and Distribution: SBS TV
Synopsis: The Matildas reveals a journey of discovery through the eyes of three female footballers. From the practice games in Australia to the World Cup matches in China the film will uncover the personal stories, expectations, fears and sacrifices that these women must make to be the best in their chosen sport.
JANET’S BABY
Screen Culture Pty Ltd
Producer/Director/Writer: Janet Merewether
Sales and Distribution: SBS TV
Synopsis: Tired of waiting for the perfect partner, and alarmed by the deafening tic-toc of her biological clock, 39 year-old filmmaker Janet Merewether decides to take life into her own hands and embark on a journey into the new social phenomenon of single motherhood by choice.
Screen Culture Pty Ltd
Producer/Director/Writer: Janet Merewether
Sales and Distribution: SBS TV
Synopsis: Tired of waiting for the perfect partner, and alarmed by the deafening tic-toc of her biological clock, 39 year-old filmmaker Janet Merewether decides to take life into her own hands and embark on a journey into the new social phenomenon of single motherhood by choice.
LIONEL
Circe Films Pty Ltd
Producer: Lizzette Atkins
Director: Edward Martin
Writer: David Tiley
Sales and Distribution: SBS TV
Synopsis: Lionel is a classic rags-to-riches story set against a changing cultural and political landscape. It’s a story about winning and losing, about fame and misfortune. It’s also a great love story and a testament to human resilience and courage.
THE MATILDA MODEL
Olsen Levy Productions Pty Ltd
Producer/Director/Writer: Curtis Levy
Producer: Helen Pankhurst
Producer/Director/Writer: Curtis Levy
Producer: Helen Pankhurst
Sales and Distribution: ABC TV
Synopsis: The Matilda Model is a comedic film which looks at the origins of the song Waltzing Matilda in order to ascertain whether it should become the Australian national anthem.
Synopsis: The Matilda Model is a comedic film which looks at the origins of the song Waltzing Matilda in order to ascertain whether it should become the Australian national anthem.
ON TRIAL (4×54 minute mini-series)
On Trial Television
On Trial Television
Executive Producer: Michael Cordell
Producer: Ian Collie
Producer: Ian Collie
Directors: Susan Lambert, Hugh Piper
Sales and Distribution: ABC TV
Synopsis: On Trial, Cases from the District Court of NSW, is a documentary series that offers unprecedented access to criminal trials in an Australian court.
Synopsis: On Trial, Cases from the District Court of NSW, is a documentary series that offers unprecedented access to criminal trials in an Australian court.
DARWINS LOST PARADISE (2×52 /1×90 minute mini-series)
Chapman Pictures Pty Ltd
Chapman Pictures Pty Ltd
Executive Producer: Emmanuel Laurent
Producers: Penny Chapman, Katharina von Flotow
Producers: Penny Chapman, Katharina von Flotow
Director/Writer: Jan N Lorenzen
Writer: Simon Nasht
Sales and Distribution: SBS TV, ARTE, Monaco Films
Synopsis: This film investigates the scientific research and thought which in the fields of geology, zoology and biology have been inspired to this day by Darwin’s discoveries.
Synopsis: This film investigates the scientific research and thought which in the fields of geology, zoology and biology have been inspired to this day by Darwin’s discoveries.
ROAD TRIP NATION (4×27 /6×27 minute mini-series)
Iris Pictures Pty Ltd
Executive Producer: Stephen Segaller, Nathan Gebhard
Producer: Jessica Douglas Henry
Producer: Jessica Douglas Henry
Director: Kalita Corrigan
Sales and Distribution: SBS TV, WNET
Synopsis: Road Trip Nation is an observational documentary series following three young people on a rugged five-week journey that takes in the diversity of Australia, our people, our culture and landscape as they travel across the country in search of inspiration, meeting and interviewing outstanding Australians.
Synopsis: Road Trip Nation is an observational documentary series following three young people on a rugged five-week journey that takes in the diversity of Australia, our people, our culture and landscape as they travel across the country in search of inspiration, meeting and interviewing outstanding Australians.
RETURN OF THE MASTA (1×52 minute mini-series)
Arcimedia Pty Ltd
Producer: John Lewis
Line Producer/Writer: Chris Owen
Line Producer/Writer: Chris Owen
Director/Writer: Thom Cookes
Sales and Distribution: SBS TV, ITVS,
Synopsis:
Synopsis:
CHATEAU CHUNDER (1×55 minute mini-series)
Electric Pictures Pty Ltd
Electric Pictures Pty Ltd
Producers: Andrew Ogilvie, Phil Craig
Director/Writer: Alan Carter
Sales and Distribution: ABC TV, BBC, Off The Fence
Synopsis: This documentary is both a social history of wine and wine drinking and an in-depth examination of how a small group of enterprising Australian wine makers took on the world…and won, changing the way that wine is made and marketed as a result.
Synopsis: This documentary is both a social history of wine and wine drinking and an in-depth examination of how a small group of enterprising Australian wine makers took on the world…and won, changing the way that wine is made and marketed as a result.
[release from The Lantern Group]