Press release from Solid Ink Communications
Three Victorian projects have secured an invitation to the prestigious No Borders Co-Production Market, a film financing forum that takes place during the Independent Feature Project Market this September in New York City.
The creators of FAT, FORTY AND FIRED; THE SECRET RIVER; and THE CIRCUS are among 40 international projects selected by the No Borders International Selection Committee to attend the exclusive event, where producers pitch projects to financiers, sales agents and international television buyers. The market also presents a critical opportunity for local producers to secure strategic industry relationships for current and future projects.
Sandra Sdraulig, Film Victoria CEO, elaborated; “In years past, the No Borders market attendance opportunity has proven invaluable to local filmmakers. Establishing contacts with industry financiers, especially those in North America, is a significant step in the development of both current and future projects, which in turn drive fruitful outcomes for our local industry.”
This is the sixth consecutive year that Film Victoria has presented the No Borders opportunity to local producers and filmmakers.
“This is a chance for filmmakers to build all important international contacts and establish relationships through one-on-one meetings, informal round table discussions and social events. We’re confident that the quality of the chosen projects from Victoria will attract attention.”
The successfully selected projects include:
Producer Robyn Kershaw (whose recent production Bran Nue Dae will have its world premiere at the Closing Night of the Melbourne International Film Festival) and writer Michael Brindley, will bring to screen FAT, FORTY AND FIRED, the frank and funny account of one man losing his job and finding his life, based on the successful book of the same name.
Producers Mark Ruse and Steve Luby (the team behind Bed of Roses) will collaborate with writer Jan Sardi (Mao’s Last Dancer, The Notebook) and established director Fred Schepsi (Six Degrees of Separation, The Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith) to adapt Kate Grenville’s historical fiction, THE SECRET RIVER. About an early 19th century Englishman transported to Australia for theft, it’s the story of a clash of cultures and physical challenges.
First time feature film producer Leanne Tonkes, director Emma Freeman (Secret Life of Us, Love My Way) and writer Emily Ballou will bring to life THE CIRCUS, a haunting story of a farmer’s struggle to triumph over adversity and rediscover the magic, hope and love that has escaped him and his two young children.