Friends for years, Tony Ayres and Andrea Denholm had long wanted to work together but did not have the opportunity- until now.
The first two episodes of Matchbox Pictures' 'Stateless' and the second series of Bunya Productions' 'Mystery Road' will have their world premieres at the sixth edition of the Berlin International Film Festival’s Berlinale Series.
Cate Blanchett co-created, co-produces and will play a key supporting role in 'Stateless', a six-part drama about four strangers in an immigration detention centre in the Australian desert commissioned by the ABC.
Matchbox Pictures' MD Alastair McKinnon outlines the company's emphasis on development, reflects on the success of 'Stateless' and his bullish, post-pandemic outlook.
ABC head of scripted production Sally Riley sheds light on her latest commissions, explains how the broadcaster is coping with the drama production shutdown and gives an update on her development slate.
The suspension and postponement of numerous screen productions has disrupted directors as much as any industry cohort - but many continue to develop film and TV projects.
"If you look at what the Gender Matters funding has done for female film filmmakers, that has not trickled down to those who work below-the-line."
Elise McCredie believes that as screenwriters typically work in isolation at home and many have projects in development, the cohort to which she belongs is best placed to ride out the COVI-19 crisis.