In a sign of the times for independent distributors, Transmission Films expects to release approximately nine films in cinemas this year, down from 13 in 2019.
Screen Australia's head of content Sally Caplan rates 2019 as a good year for Australian films at home and abroad - and she is even more optimistic about the 2020 slate.
Screen Australia is taking a slightly tougher position in evaluating feature film projects this year, while the agency is seeing a spike in feature documentary and high-end TV drama pitches.
'I Am Woman' is the story of Helen Reddy, who in 1966 landed in New York with her three-year-old daughter, a suitcase and $230 in her pocket. Within weeks she was broke. Within months she was in love. Within five years she was one of the biggest superstars of her time, and an icon of the 1970s feminist movement, who wrote a song which galvanised a generation of women to fight for change.
IFC Films’ acquisition of North American rights to Justin Kurzel’s 'True History of the Kelly Gang' before the world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival now seems savvy in light of the rave reviews.
Adelaide Studios' sound mixing theatre has been named after South Australia’s ‘godfather’ of sound Michael Rowan.
Justin Kurzel's 'True History of the Kelly Gang' and Unjoo Moon's 'I Am Woman' will have their world premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival, which runs from September 5-15.
Given the commercial pressures facing Australia's free-to-air networks and funding agencies, the industry should look to private investors to fill the widening gap in financing TV dramas and features, according to Deanne Weir.