Eponine Films is pleased to confirm that Universal Pictures has secured the international distribution rights for its Australian independent feature film debut Love is Now, ahead of the film’s nationwide Australian release through Hoyts cinemas from December 4.
Starring Australian actors Eamon Farren (Chained, Red Dog, Carlotta), Claire Van Der Boom (The Square, Red Hill, ‘Hawaii Five-0’) and Anna Torv (‘The Secret Life of Us’, ‘Fringe’), Love is Now is the intriguing yet mysterious drama chronicling a summer of love for experienced photographer Audrey (Van Der Boom) and aspiring snapper Dean (Farren).
Propelled by new love and Audrey’s free spirit, the couple embarks on a formative country adventure following the NSW Harvest Trail where they discover significantly more than they ever expected along the way.
Showing a break from traditional funding and release models of Australian films, producer Behren Schulz has secured funding for the film from a series of unique partnerships including principal partner Nikon Australia, with additional support from Australian cycle retailer Reid Cycles, Xero accounting software as well as a private investment.
In line with Nikon’s support of DSLR filmmaking with short film festival Tropfest, producer Behren Schulz with director Jim Lounsbury and DOP Anthony Jennings shot the entire film on the recently released Nikon D810. In addition, Reid Cycles provided the ‘Condor’ bikes used by Farren and Van Der Boom in the film.
Kylie Dredge, Brand Marketing Manager Nikon Australia comments, “When Behren first approached us to be involved in Love is Now, it was the film’s story that drew us in. Whilst the two characters’ progression in their respective photography careers was appealing to us, it was the strength of the story itself that was a key reason for our involvement with the film. At Nikon we felt it was a unique storyline that reflected the talent and quality of Australian storytelling.
“Having partnered with the Tropfest Film Festival for several years, we’ve been lucky enough to see first-hand just how much is increasingly possible through DSLR filmmaking, so to see this through to a full-length feature is extremely exciting for Nikon as a brand. To partner with an Australian feature film, shot entirely with a Nikon camera and NIKKOR lenses is a fantastic opportunity, and to see the results of this technology crafted by the hands of director Jim Lounsbury’s team, led by DOP Anthony Jennings has been truly rewarding.”
David Hannay, Marketing Manager for Reid Cycles added, “Bikes are so much more than the Tour de France, but it’s hard to capture that simple freedom a bike can mean to people. The way that Love is Now portrays this got us really excited about being involved and we’re pleased to support a project that makes riding a bike such an attractive thing to do everyday.”
Universal Pictures has secured the rights to the film worldwide, with an Australian home entertainment release planned for Valentine’s Day 2015.
Luke Trigwell, Acquisitions Manager, Universal Pictures Australasia, adds, “It’s encouraging to see Eponine Films exploring less traditional alternatives for film funding and distribution. It was clear from the very first script that Love is Now had a unique and engaging story, making for both an enjoyable and memorable experience. We are really happy to be working with Eponine Films to find the audience for the film both locally and internationally.”
Love is Now is written and directed by first time feature director Jim Lounsbury with producing partner Behren Schulz and David Lightfoot (Wolf Creek, Rogue) as Line Producer.
The film features a host of Australian talent in supporting roles including Dustin Clare (‘Spartacus’, ‘McLeod’s Daughters’), Heather Mitchell (Muriel’s Wedding, The Great Gatsby), Chris Haywood (Shine, Jindabyne), Rhys Muldoon (‘House Husbands’, ‘Rake’) and 2013 Tropfest winner Matt Hardie, as well as Polish actor Lech Mackiewicz (The Pianist, ‘Marking Time’). Love is Now is also set to a soundtrack composed by Kram (Spiderbait).