Press Release from Gray Management Group
Kojo Productions’ documentary, that pays tribute to late scientist, Frank Fenner, starts filming in iconic Adelaide locations this week with an all South Australian cast.
Spanning Frank’s groundbreaking work on malaria in World War II, through charting the course of myxomatosis in Australia’s feral rabbits, to his vital role in eliminating smallpox, the film is being directed by award winning Richard Jasek, best known for his work on The Secret Life of Us, McLeod’s Daughters and City Homicide.
The documentary has also attracted well-known Australian stage and film actor, Paul Blackwell to its cast to play the role of Frank’s father, Charles. He is best known for his many roles in Australian theatre productions as well as feature films, The Quiet Room, Candy, Dr Plonk and Red Dog.
Other local actors include the acclaimed Emily Branford (The Narrator for Adelaide’s Symphony Orchestra’s Miss Lily’s Fabulous Pink Feather Boa and film projects Double Happiness Uranium and The Moment), who takes on the role of Bobbie in the documentary. Adding to the experienced cast, Eileen Darley (Alexandra’s Project, Australian Rules, and Serenades) stars as Peg, and Duncan Graham (Penetrator – Bakehouse Theatre, Architektin – STCSA, Alexandra’s Project and Closed for Winter) plays Frank Fenner.
In his debut role for the screen, Sam Davies plays the young Frank Fenner.
Kojo Productions’ Senior Producer, James Moody, says, “We have attracted an extremely strong cast and crew for the documentary, which will be paramount in capturing the true greatness of Frank Fenner.”
The documentary was commissioned by the Government of South Australia to honour the famous SA microbiologist who passed away in November 2010. The film will be released later this year.
Documentary director, Richard Jasek, says, “Frank remains one of the most significant contributors to medical science in Australia. This film will be a unique blend of dramatisation, CGI, interview and archival footage, interwoven as a kind of epic tale, which entertains, teaches, makes you laugh, cry and fall in love.”
What: Frank Fenner documentary filming
When: Thursday 5 May – Friday 6 May 2011 & Monday 9th May – Tuesday 10th May 2011
Where: Filming set to take place across multiple locations – Cummins House, Botanic Gardens, and Semaphore Beach
Vision: On set filming opportunities, interviews with Richard Jasek – Director, James Moody – Producer and cast
Media are welcome to attend shooting days – please contact Melissa Behn below.
Cast List:
Sam Davies
Role: Young Frank
Duncan Graham
Role: Frank Fenner
Emily Branford
Role: Bobbie
Eileen Darly
Role: Peg
Paul Blackwell
Role: Charles