Press release from Film'D Media and Drake Ex Pictures
Melbourne, VIC – FEBRUARY 22nd, 2012 – Principal photography has begun on the Film’D Media and Drake Ex Pictures’ “Animals”, the epic adaptation of Edward Drake’s hit Movie Extra WebFest entry, Where Were You.
Leading a phenomenal cast of emerging actors and industry veterans, we are proud to introduce David Lamb playing the role of lead protagonist Marcus “Manni” Young.
"Years after an epidemic, two estranged lovers must come together to fight time, the infection and their own government to escape the Red Zone.”
Follow the production at AnimalsTheMovie.com, on Twitter @Animalsmovie (#animalsmovie) or Facebook. All images listed on animalsmovie.tumblr.com are listed as “Creative Commons”.
The film also stars Sweeny Young (Terra Nova, Neighbors) as Jack Young; Melissa Howard (Rush, Dead Gorgeous) as Sarah Finch; Jeremy Kewley (Blue Heelers, Stingers) as Angus McAlister; and Reg Gorman (The Cup, The Sullivans) as Richard Patterson.
Scott Brennan (Skithouse, Comedy Inc), Lee Zachariah (The Bazura Project) also join the cast to fill out supporting roles.
“Animals” is utilizing a unique combination of Canon 5D MkII and Sony PMW-F3 cameras to realize the post-war world of the film with a sense of realism and immediacy not found using film stock. This marks the first time a major Australian feature film has been shot using this unique digital approach.
The screenplay for “Animals” is written by Edward Drake and Joel Mitchell based on the series “Where Were You” by Drake. The film is being produced by Drake, Mitchell and newcomer Hannah Brown.
Behind the scenes, “Animals” reunites the director with several of his longtime collaborators including Director of Photography Timothy Ratcliffe and 1st Assistant Director Jack Roberts. Production designer Andrew Allister has working tirelessly to help shape the aesthetic of the world. “Melbourne has such as unique texture built in so half my job is already done. The scope of the of the world we’re creating is a first for myself and something I’ve never really seen done on this scale before.”
Also joining the team is lead gaffer David Szostak, armorer John Fox, stunts consultants Jacob Kyriakidis, Unit Supervisor Greg Baker and a host talented local film-making practitioner’s.
The locations for “Animals” have been deliberately limited to Victoria to take advantage of local landmarks. Locations include state Parliament and the suburbs Newport, Altona, Kew, Richmond and South Yarra. Shooting will also take place at Tullamarine Airport, Southern Cross station and the Truganina Explosives Reserve.