With a theatrically released feature under their belt, Ireland and the film's screenwriter-star Damian Hill are pitching their next feature to Screen Australia.
Actor Paul Ireland is set to make his feature directing debut on Pawno, a dramedy set in a seedy pawn shop in Melbourne's western suburbs.
No North American distributor has been more aggressive in acquiring Australian films in the past few years than Samuel Goldwyn Films, continuing a relationship with Australian filmmakers that stretches for more than 20 years.
While some distributors are cutting back, Umbrella Entertainment plans to release 19 titles in cinemas this year, up from 14 in 2019.
Australian writers, producers, directors, funding agencies and distributors should ask one key question when evaluating feature film projects: “Does this warrant a theatrical release or is streaming a smarter option?”
Set in Footscray, Melbourne, the film's cast includes Pawno screenwriter Damian Hill, John Brumpton (Romper Stomper), Kerry Armstrong (Lantana), Tony Rickards (Holding The Man), Maeve Dermody (Griff the Invisible) and Mark Coles Smith (Last Cab to Darwin)
Following the critically acclaimed 'Pawno', director Paul Ireland moves from Footscray to Prahran’s commission flats for this contemporary re-interpretation of Shakespeare, with Hugo Weaving leading a powerful, multicultural cast.
Damian Hill and Paul Ireland, the creative team behind 2015 indie 'Pawno', have reunited for 'M4M', a contemporary take on the Shakespeare play ‘Measure for Measure’ that will be set within Melbourne’s commission flats.