Press release from Face to Face Productions
Australian director Michael Rymer is in Melbourne to direct a new Australian feature film ‘Face to Face’ written by Australian playwright David Williamson and adapted for film by Rymer.
The independently financed feature film, set to be released late in 2010, starts shooting this week in Melbourne using DSLR technology.
Kaz Emanouel, EP, said today that, “this is the first time in cinema history that a ‘long form’, made for theatrical release film has been shot using DSLR technology for all primary cameras. What is really impressive is that these little camera’s, that look like your typical SLR’s; are actually a major step up in quality from traditional HD tech but a massive step down in costs to produce.”
“This has provided Michael Rymer an opportunity to take a brilliant play and tell the story via the cinematic medium in an incredibly efficient way, what Michael is proving out here will be the beginning of a major paradigm shift in film production. That’s what excited me about a collaboration with Michael, the chance to be a part of this major shift. ” said Kaz.
Face to Face is the 2000 play by Australian playwright, David Williamson, which takes as its format community conferencing, a new form of restorative justice.
When Wayne, a young construction worker, rams into the back of his boss’s Mercedes in a fit of anger at being sacked, he is given the opportunity to discuss his actions in a community conference, rather than going straight to court.
Michael Rymer’s adaptation of the play sees the feature film as “an ensemble piece, in the tradition of “12 Angry Men” about 10 very dissimilar Australians bound together by a complex pattern of relationships and shared histories.
By turns, hysterically funny and deeply moving, each character’s role in the drama peels back another layer as the story digs down to the roots of who these people really are,” he said
David Williamson said that “Rymer is a filmmaker of outstanding ability; he is a genuine storyteller who brings a tremendous amount of passion, energy and imagination to his work. And I am delighted that this story is in such trustworthy hands.”
Rymer said that he believes the subject matter of this film will be of enormous interest to people.
“When I read the play, I laughed, I cried – I couldn’t believe that I could ever care so much about such an ordinary scenario. This is a little movie, with big ideas. With all the strife in the world, human nature being what it is, and history not really offering any positive
examples, I’ve often wondered if there’s any way out, this story shows us that perhaps there is,” he said.
Michael has assembled an impressive cast of ‘A’ list Australian actors including; Vince Colosimo, Sigrid Thornton, Luke Ford, Matt Newton, Lauren Clair, Christopher Connelly, Laura Gordon, Ra Chapman, Josh Saks, Robert Rabiah, Richard Sutherland, Dom Phelan, Glenn Maynard and Calen McKenzie.
Michael Rymers Filmography: Revolution (pilot) (2009), Battlestar Galactica (2004 TV series), (2004-2009) Battlestar Galactica (TV miniseries) ( winner of the Hugo award ) (2003) Queen of the Damned (2002), Perfume (2001), In Too Deep (1999), Allie and Me (1997), Angel Baby (1995), (7 AFI Awards).