Filmmaker Kiran Rao’s movie ‘Laapataa Ladies’ has been selected to be the opening film of The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (Iffm) Summer Festival. Following the success of the first Iffm Summer Festival, Iffm announces the launch of the it’s second edition, which will take place from February 29 to March 2.
Kiran calls it “a great honour” for ‘Laapataa Ladies’ to be the opening film at Iifm.
She added: “I am absolutely delighted and would like to convey my heartfelt gratitude to the festival. I hope the Melbourne audience enjoys the film, and that I get to visit this great city in person soon!”
The three-day event takes the larger festival that happens annually in August, transforming it into a biannual celebration.
VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said: “Iffm is the largest celebration of Indian cinema in the southern hemisphere, lighting up Melbourne every year with incredible films and unforgettable star power.
Kiran calls it “a great honour” for ‘Laapataa Ladies’ to be the opening film at Iifm.
She added: “I am absolutely delighted and would like to convey my heartfelt gratitude to the festival. I hope the Melbourne audience enjoys the film, and that I get to visit this great city in person soon!”
The three-day event takes the larger festival that happens annually in August, transforming it into a biannual celebration.
VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said: “Iffm is the largest celebration of Indian cinema in the southern hemisphere, lighting up Melbourne every year with incredible films and unforgettable star power.
- 2/26/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Hot off a Best Picture win for “Coda” and a blockbuster TV drama in “Severance,” Apple TV+ is plotting its most ambitious project yet: an epic eight-part television adaption of “Metropolis” from “Mr. Robot” creator Sam Esmail.
Fritz Lang’s original “Metropolis” is one of the most influential films in cinematic history. The silent film, which tells the story of a futuristic dystopia with a massive class divide, was one of the first feature length science fiction films ever made, as well as a quintessential example of the German Expressionism movement.
Any remake of the film will inevitably be subject to massive scrutiny, as many cinephiles will find it hard to imagine a remake topping the original. But it sounds like Esmail and Apple are up to the task, as they are currently plotting a massive production in Australia (via Variety) that is set to utilize “virtual production,” the cutting...
Fritz Lang’s original “Metropolis” is one of the most influential films in cinematic history. The silent film, which tells the story of a futuristic dystopia with a massive class divide, was one of the first feature length science fiction films ever made, as well as a quintessential example of the German Expressionism movement.
Any remake of the film will inevitably be subject to massive scrutiny, as many cinephiles will find it hard to imagine a remake topping the original. But it sounds like Esmail and Apple are up to the task, as they are currently plotting a massive production in Australia (via Variety) that is set to utilize “virtual production,” the cutting...
- 4/16/2022
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
“Metropolis,” Apple TV+’s epic-scale series inspired by Fritz Lang’s classic silent era sci-fi film, is set to be produced in Australia. It is expected to make extensive use of a new ‘virtual production’ structure that is among the largest in the world.
“Mr. Robot” creator Sam Esmail is writer, director and showrunner of the eight-part project. It is being produced by NBCUniversal’s Universal Studio Group.
The story takes place in the futuristic city of Metropolis. While the city’s wealthy elite enjoy a lavish life of comfort and ease in penthouses and pleasure gardens, scores of workers labor at dangerous machinery in the bowels of the city to keep everything running. Freder Fredersen, the son of the most powerful man in Metropolis, has an awakening after meeting a young worker named Maria and witnessing a number of workers die in an industrial accident.
The project has been...
“Mr. Robot” creator Sam Esmail is writer, director and showrunner of the eight-part project. It is being produced by NBCUniversal’s Universal Studio Group.
The story takes place in the futuristic city of Metropolis. While the city’s wealthy elite enjoy a lavish life of comfort and ease in penthouses and pleasure gardens, scores of workers labor at dangerous machinery in the bowels of the city to keep everything running. Freder Fredersen, the son of the most powerful man in Metropolis, has an awakening after meeting a young worker named Maria and witnessing a number of workers die in an industrial accident.
The project has been...
- 4/14/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The second season of ABC/Blackfella Films’ Total Control will headline this year’s Series Mania Melbourne, which will be held online next month.
Organised by Acmi and Film Victoria, in partnership with Series Mania France, the four-day event includes a public screening program comprising a mix of web series, comedy, and drama.
The festival also features a Screen Industry Day on October 14 that incorporates craft-focused panels, keynotes, and masterclasses with global creators.
Series Mania Melbourne will commence with the opening two episodes from political drama Total Control, starring Deborah Mailman and Rachel Griffiths. The second instalment picks up where Senator Alex Irving’s (Mailman) crusade left off, as she vies to hold everyone to account. Mailman and Griffiths are joined by a host of new cast members for the second season, including Wayne Blair, who is also directing.
Other program highlights include ABC doomsday comedy Preppers from writers/creators Nakkiah Lui and Gabriel Dowrick.
Organised by Acmi and Film Victoria, in partnership with Series Mania France, the four-day event includes a public screening program comprising a mix of web series, comedy, and drama.
The festival also features a Screen Industry Day on October 14 that incorporates craft-focused panels, keynotes, and masterclasses with global creators.
Series Mania Melbourne will commence with the opening two episodes from political drama Total Control, starring Deborah Mailman and Rachel Griffiths. The second instalment picks up where Senator Alex Irving’s (Mailman) crusade left off, as she vies to hold everyone to account. Mailman and Griffiths are joined by a host of new cast members for the second season, including Wayne Blair, who is also directing.
Other program highlights include ABC doomsday comedy Preppers from writers/creators Nakkiah Lui and Gabriel Dowrick.
- 9/28/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Animal Logic group head of legal and business affairs Emma Drummond and Kojo Studios managing director Dale Roberts have been announced as new members of the Ausfilm board.
It comes following the departure of deputy chair Zareh Nalbandian, CEO of Animal Logic, after nine years of service, and Tony Clark, Rising Sun Pictures managing director, who was on the board for 12 years.
Drummond has experience across a variety of different sectors in Australia and the UK, including international film and TV financing, animation and visual effects, intellectual property, media and technology, banking and finance, and commercial law.
She said she was honoured to have the opportunity to use her knowledge and experience in supporting the work of Ausfilm and its members.
“Ausfilm’s work is culturally and economically important to the ongoing sustainability of Australia’s creative industries in a competitive global marketplace,” she said.
Roberts has been a director...
It comes following the departure of deputy chair Zareh Nalbandian, CEO of Animal Logic, after nine years of service, and Tony Clark, Rising Sun Pictures managing director, who was on the board for 12 years.
Drummond has experience across a variety of different sectors in Australia and the UK, including international film and TV financing, animation and visual effects, intellectual property, media and technology, banking and finance, and commercial law.
She said she was honoured to have the opportunity to use her knowledge and experience in supporting the work of Ausfilm and its members.
“Ausfilm’s work is culturally and economically important to the ongoing sustainability of Australia’s creative industries in a competitive global marketplace,” she said.
Roberts has been a director...
- 9/8/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
A range of digital, documentary, and feature productions are among the beneficiaries of a new funding round from Film Victoria, which will see $3.9 million go towards 12 productions.
The projects are expected to inject $39.8 million into the Victorian economy and generate 1,749 job opportunities.
Among the projects announced are documentaries such as Danny Ben-Moshe’s Revenge: My Dad The Nazi Killer; Lachlan Mcleod’s After Trauma, and Duy Huynh’s How To Thrive, and previously announced features such as Paul Goldman’s Kid Snow, Alena Lodkina’s Petrol, and Adam Elliot’s Memoir of a Snail.
The investment extends to the third season of Lilydale Films’ popular Lgbtiqa+ YouTube series Flunk, which is currently filming in Melbourne.
Flunk follows 16-year-old Ingrid, as she starts to explore her sexuality while dealing with the pressures of a country high school and conservative Chinese-Australian family.
The series has amassed 50 million views and 200,000 subscribers since its...
The projects are expected to inject $39.8 million into the Victorian economy and generate 1,749 job opportunities.
Among the projects announced are documentaries such as Danny Ben-Moshe’s Revenge: My Dad The Nazi Killer; Lachlan Mcleod’s After Trauma, and Duy Huynh’s How To Thrive, and previously announced features such as Paul Goldman’s Kid Snow, Alena Lodkina’s Petrol, and Adam Elliot’s Memoir of a Snail.
The investment extends to the third season of Lilydale Films’ popular Lgbtiqa+ YouTube series Flunk, which is currently filming in Melbourne.
Flunk follows 16-year-old Ingrid, as she starts to explore her sexuality while dealing with the pressures of a country high school and conservative Chinese-Australian family.
The series has amassed 50 million views and 200,000 subscribers since its...
- 6/16/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
The Victorian Government has unveiled a new $191.5 million, four-year strategy for the state’s screen industry, which it says has the potential to inject more than $1.2 billion back into the economy and support more than 40,000 jobs.
Comprising 11 actions across four priority areas, Vicscreen will be led by a “revitalised and expanded” Film Victoria, in collaboration with Docklands Studios Melbourne, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (Acmi), and Creative Victoria.
The key focuses consist of generating compelling Victorian content and IP; driving industry jobs and growth; developing skills and talent; and building market and consumer engagement.
The government will invest $120.7 million in the strategy, which Creative Industries Minister Danny Pearson said was designed to put Victoria at the forefront of the global screen entertainment boom.
“The reputation of our screen industry is world-class and through Vicscreen we will grow jobs, foster local talent, and put Victorian projects on the map,...
Comprising 11 actions across four priority areas, Vicscreen will be led by a “revitalised and expanded” Film Victoria, in collaboration with Docklands Studios Melbourne, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (Acmi), and Creative Victoria.
The key focuses consist of generating compelling Victorian content and IP; driving industry jobs and growth; developing skills and talent; and building market and consumer engagement.
The government will invest $120.7 million in the strategy, which Creative Industries Minister Danny Pearson said was designed to put Victoria at the forefront of the global screen entertainment boom.
“The reputation of our screen industry is world-class and through Vicscreen we will grow jobs, foster local talent, and put Victorian projects on the map,...
- 5/10/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Already the Melbourne Screen Hub – a newly-opened collective of service companies located in Yarraville – is a “thriving little 24/7 business”, according to general manager Ian Anderson.
The idea for the hub, now home to more than 30 tenants – across grips, gaffers, catering, camera, lighting, props, stunts and costumes – came about last year.
Previously, a number of businesses and crew used to store equipment in shipping containers and park their trucks at Docklands Studios Melbourne. However, when the construction of the studio’s sixth sound stage began, they needed to move offsite.
Thus, the idea for the Melbourne Screen Hub was born: an industry-led space where businesses could be co-located, together with an office complex with hot desking and co-working spaces.
Film Victoria and Creative Victoria worked with the screen business owners to identify a suitable site, and the Victorian Government provided seed funding of $1.3 million.
“We found there was demand for a...
The idea for the hub, now home to more than 30 tenants – across grips, gaffers, catering, camera, lighting, props, stunts and costumes – came about last year.
Previously, a number of businesses and crew used to store equipment in shipping containers and park their trucks at Docklands Studios Melbourne. However, when the construction of the studio’s sixth sound stage began, they needed to move offsite.
Thus, the idea for the Melbourne Screen Hub was born: an industry-led space where businesses could be co-located, together with an office complex with hot desking and co-working spaces.
Film Victoria and Creative Victoria worked with the screen business owners to identify a suitable site, and the Victorian Government provided seed funding of $1.3 million.
“We found there was demand for a...
- 4/13/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Stories that are “big, bold and surprising” or “provocative with a purpose” are the kinds Sbs scripted acting commissioning editor Donna Chang hopes to see ushered through the new feature initiative the broadcaster has launched with Film Victoria and Arenamedia.
Titled Originate, the joint initiative, announced today, seeks to back low budget fiction features from writers and directors of diverse background.
The structured program will see the partners work with creatives on their projects from initial concept, through development, with the aim of getting into production. UK-based story developer Angeli McFarlane has helped to devise the program.
Originate starts in May with a series of online writers’ seminars, which will then see up to six teams selected to take part in a week-long writers’ lab in August. The third stage is a three-month writers’ intensive with up to three teams. One project will then be selected for production investment.
That...
Titled Originate, the joint initiative, announced today, seeks to back low budget fiction features from writers and directors of diverse background.
The structured program will see the partners work with creatives on their projects from initial concept, through development, with the aim of getting into production. UK-based story developer Angeli McFarlane has helped to devise the program.
Originate starts in May with a series of online writers’ seminars, which will then see up to six teams selected to take part in a week-long writers’ lab in August. The third stage is a three-month writers’ intensive with up to three teams. One project will then be selected for production investment.
That...
- 3/9/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
State borders may have become more defined in the wake of Covid-19, but the inverse has occurred among the state screen agencies, who presented a united front at this week’s Australian International Documentary Conference (Aidc).
Film Victoria CEO Caroline Pitcher; Screen Territory director Jennie Hughes; Screen Nsw head Grainne Brunsdon; South Australian Film Corporation (Safc) CEO Kate Croser, Screenwest documentary manager Paul Williams; Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich, and Screen Tasmania executive manager Alex Sangston joined moderator and head of drama at Sweetshop & Green, Ester Harding, on Tuesday for a wide-reaching discussion on the issues facing the industry at a national and state level.
The pandemic has reportedly strengthened the communication between the state bodies, which now come together every fortnight to discuss the challenges resulting from the altered climate.
Sangston said it was important for the industry to know how much the agencies talked to one another.
Film Victoria CEO Caroline Pitcher; Screen Territory director Jennie Hughes; Screen Nsw head Grainne Brunsdon; South Australian Film Corporation (Safc) CEO Kate Croser, Screenwest documentary manager Paul Williams; Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich, and Screen Tasmania executive manager Alex Sangston joined moderator and head of drama at Sweetshop & Green, Ester Harding, on Tuesday for a wide-reaching discussion on the issues facing the industry at a national and state level.
The pandemic has reportedly strengthened the communication between the state bodies, which now come together every fortnight to discuss the challenges resulting from the altered climate.
Sangston said it was important for the industry to know how much the agencies talked to one another.
- 3/3/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Up to $20,000 in development funding will be given to an “extraordinary” documentary project as part of a new partnership between Film Victoria and Universal Pictures Content Group.
Applications are now open for the Big Picture initiative, which is available to both experienced documentary filmmakers and emerging storytellers who are yet to attain their first screen credit.
The initiative calls for “compelling stories with global appeal” to follow in the footsteps of films such as Three Identical Strangers and Marianne & Leonard, which were both acquired and distributed by Universal.
Filmmakers with special access to a person or realm in the areas of music, crime, and sport – reminiscent of Conor McGregor: Notorious and the Film Victoria-supported feature documentary, Mystify: Michael Hutchence – are encouraged to apply, with other subject matter to also be considered.
One project suitable for theatrical distribution will be selected for development funding of up to $20,000.
Film Victoria CEO...
Applications are now open for the Big Picture initiative, which is available to both experienced documentary filmmakers and emerging storytellers who are yet to attain their first screen credit.
The initiative calls for “compelling stories with global appeal” to follow in the footsteps of films such as Three Identical Strangers and Marianne & Leonard, which were both acquired and distributed by Universal.
Filmmakers with special access to a person or realm in the areas of music, crime, and sport – reminiscent of Conor McGregor: Notorious and the Film Victoria-supported feature documentary, Mystify: Michael Hutchence – are encouraged to apply, with other subject matter to also be considered.
One project suitable for theatrical distribution will be selected for development funding of up to $20,000.
Film Victoria CEO...
- 12/14/2020
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
When it comes to pitching and packaging a project, an understanding of what broadcasters and screen agencies are looking for, and familiarity with what else is being shopped in the market, is invaluable.
For Nikki Tran, the chance to glean these insights was one of the key benefits of her recent 12-month, paid internship across Film Victoria, the ABC and Matchbox Pictures.
The writer-producer, whose web series Girl, Interpreted recently scored an Aacta nod, found the program not only gave her confidence in her own creative ability, but helped demystify some of the dark art of development, in terms of both scripting and budgeting.
“Having that knowledge and insight into how the rest of the industry works, how different bodies look at content and make decisions is quite important for me when I’m considering how to pitch a project – who to talk to, when should I talk to them...
For Nikki Tran, the chance to glean these insights was one of the key benefits of her recent 12-month, paid internship across Film Victoria, the ABC and Matchbox Pictures.
The writer-producer, whose web series Girl, Interpreted recently scored an Aacta nod, found the program not only gave her confidence in her own creative ability, but helped demystify some of the dark art of development, in terms of both scripting and budgeting.
“Having that knowledge and insight into how the rest of the industry works, how different bodies look at content and make decisions is quite important for me when I’m considering how to pitch a project – who to talk to, when should I talk to them...
- 12/8/2020
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
The Victorian government announced a $33.8 million screen industry package today, including an incentive fund to attract footloose production, additional funding for local projects, and the establishment of a new technical hub near Docklands Studios Melbourne.
A vast majority of the funding will be spent in this financial year, with Film Victoria CEO Caroline Pitcher telling If it is designed to be a ‘stop gap’ post-covid to stimulate the industry, ahead of the implementation of the five-year Victorian Government Screen Industry Strategy in 2021-22.
At $19.2 million, the Victorian Screen Incentive will be targeted at attracting interstate and international physical production over the next two years, and visual effects, animation, post-production and digital games within this financial year. It will be overseen by the Film Victoria Economic Development Committee.
The fund has already helped to attract Liam Neeson-starrer Blacklight, which started shooting in Melbourne last week. Directed by Ozark creator Mark Williams,...
A vast majority of the funding will be spent in this financial year, with Film Victoria CEO Caroline Pitcher telling If it is designed to be a ‘stop gap’ post-covid to stimulate the industry, ahead of the implementation of the five-year Victorian Government Screen Industry Strategy in 2021-22.
At $19.2 million, the Victorian Screen Incentive will be targeted at attracting interstate and international physical production over the next two years, and visual effects, animation, post-production and digital games within this financial year. It will be overseen by the Film Victoria Economic Development Committee.
The fund has already helped to attract Liam Neeson-starrer Blacklight, which started shooting in Melbourne last week. Directed by Ozark creator Mark Williams,...
- 11/12/2020
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Caroline Pitcher.
Film Victoria CEO Caroline Pitcher is committed to growing the state’s screen sector next financial year but, longer-term, she worries about the sustainability of production.
“Over the next 6-12-18 months we will see a good news story with a lot of production,” she said in a webinar with Screen Producers Australia CEO Matt Deaner.
“Therefore the numbers and the employment will look good because so much production that had been supported was on hold. It will look like a boom, but in fact it will be a house of cards.”
Asked to elaborate by Deaner, she said the options paper and Federal Government support will be crucial in sustaining the industry over the long term, with a policy framework that may last for 10-20 years.
Like Spa and most other stakeholders, she advocates reinstating the local content quotas as soon as possible, without which she believes...
Film Victoria CEO Caroline Pitcher is committed to growing the state’s screen sector next financial year but, longer-term, she worries about the sustainability of production.
“Over the next 6-12-18 months we will see a good news story with a lot of production,” she said in a webinar with Screen Producers Australia CEO Matt Deaner.
“Therefore the numbers and the employment will look good because so much production that had been supported was on hold. It will look like a boom, but in fact it will be a house of cards.”
Asked to elaborate by Deaner, she said the options paper and Federal Government support will be crucial in sustaining the industry over the long term, with a policy framework that may last for 10-20 years.
Like Spa and most other stakeholders, she advocates reinstating the local content quotas as soon as possible, without which she believes...
- 9/3/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Milla Bell-Hart and Phil Tarl Denson in Impact 2.
Shaun Grant, Jason Smilovic, Kai Wu, Stuart Beattie and Sarah Heyward are mentoring 14 emerging creators in Impact Australia, the offshoot of Us Imagine Impact founded by Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Tyler Mitchell.
Supported by Gentle Giant Media Group and Screen Australia, the inaugural eight-week accelerator program for creative storytellers from across Australia was originally slated to be held in Melbourne.
Due to Covid-19 it is now being held as a virtual program, with a twice-weekly speaker series. It will culminate in Pitch Day, hoped to take place in Melbourne in late 2020, with the ultimate goal of the creators selling their projects.
The 14 creators from across Australia are working on 10 projects:
Carrie Anderson (Nsw) – Bound (TV hour)
Luke Goodall (Vic) and Marc Gallagher (Vic) – Robots Inc. (TV half hour)
Sukhjit Khalsa (Wa) and Perun Bonser (Wa) – One of the Good Ones (TV...
Shaun Grant, Jason Smilovic, Kai Wu, Stuart Beattie and Sarah Heyward are mentoring 14 emerging creators in Impact Australia, the offshoot of Us Imagine Impact founded by Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Tyler Mitchell.
Supported by Gentle Giant Media Group and Screen Australia, the inaugural eight-week accelerator program for creative storytellers from across Australia was originally slated to be held in Melbourne.
Due to Covid-19 it is now being held as a virtual program, with a twice-weekly speaker series. It will culminate in Pitch Day, hoped to take place in Melbourne in late 2020, with the ultimate goal of the creators selling their projects.
The 14 creators from across Australia are working on 10 projects:
Carrie Anderson (Nsw) – Bound (TV hour)
Luke Goodall (Vic) and Marc Gallagher (Vic) – Robots Inc. (TV half hour)
Sukhjit Khalsa (Wa) and Perun Bonser (Wa) – One of the Good Ones (TV...
- 6/25/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
The Victorian Government has launched a $3 million fund to encourage large-scale Indian film and television projects to the state.
The Indian Cinema Attraction Fund has been launched with the aims of providing skills development opportunities for local industry, including members of the Victorian Indian community, and to showcase the state’s regions to Indian audiences.
The government is launching the fund in Mumbai this week, with Film Victoria CEO Caroline Pitcher meeting with senior executives from India’s major production houses and studios.
Victoria has previously played host to a number of Indian film productions, including Chak De! India, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Salaam Namaste – the first Indian movie ever to be filmed entirely in Australia.
India’s film industry is the biggest in the world, eclipsing Hollywood in terms of the number of films made, with nearly 1,800 titles released in 2018.
Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley said: “Victoria is home to renowned crews,...
The Indian Cinema Attraction Fund has been launched with the aims of providing skills development opportunities for local industry, including members of the Victorian Indian community, and to showcase the state’s regions to Indian audiences.
The government is launching the fund in Mumbai this week, with Film Victoria CEO Caroline Pitcher meeting with senior executives from India’s major production houses and studios.
Victoria has previously played host to a number of Indian film productions, including Chak De! India, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Salaam Namaste – the first Indian movie ever to be filmed entirely in Australia.
India’s film industry is the biggest in the world, eclipsing Hollywood in terms of the number of films made, with nearly 1,800 titles released in 2018.
Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley said: “Victoria is home to renowned crews,...
- 2/25/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Stan’s ‘The Other Guy’ season 2.
Stan and Film Victoria today launched a comedy fund designed to help Victorian writers and producers develop Australian comedy with world-class scope and scale.
The joint initiative initially will provide up to $30,000 each for up to four Victorian writers or writer/producer teams to deliver a 30-minute pilot script and series outline.
The teams will be given the opportunity to participate in a workshop with a pre-eminent comedy writer to build their concepts into a pilot. The successful projects will premiere on Stan.
“We want stories that respond to Stan’s creative brief and feature relatable characters with unique dilemmas fueling the comedy for a multi-season run,” Film Victoria said.
Stan’s brief, which references such shows as Catastrophe, Fleabag, Younger, The Moodys and Broad City, calls for serialised comedy, romcoms and comedy-dramas, but not sitcoms, stand-up or sketch comedy.
This marks the second...
Stan and Film Victoria today launched a comedy fund designed to help Victorian writers and producers develop Australian comedy with world-class scope and scale.
The joint initiative initially will provide up to $30,000 each for up to four Victorian writers or writer/producer teams to deliver a 30-minute pilot script and series outline.
The teams will be given the opportunity to participate in a workshop with a pre-eminent comedy writer to build their concepts into a pilot. The successful projects will premiere on Stan.
“We want stories that respond to Stan’s creative brief and feature relatable characters with unique dilemmas fueling the comedy for a multi-season run,” Film Victoria said.
Stan’s brief, which references such shows as Catastrophe, Fleabag, Younger, The Moodys and Broad City, calls for serialised comedy, romcoms and comedy-dramas, but not sitcoms, stand-up or sketch comedy.
This marks the second...
- 2/13/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Women In Film & Television (Wift) Australia will run a pilot educational workshop designed to help industry practitioners recognise abuse and harmful behaviours, and have the confidence to speak out and offer help.
The ScreenMATE Bystander Program is based on the Mate Bystander Program delivered by Griffith University, and has received funding from Film Victoria and the support of the City of Port Phillip.
ScreenMATE brings each individual into the conversation to think critically and with empathy about the root attitudes and beliefs that underpin harmful gender stereotypes. The trained facilitators create a safe space to allow individuals to share their experiences and opinions about these issues.
Areas covered in the four hour workshops include:
Language and Jokes Abusive Relationships What Lies Beneath? Gender Equality Online Harassment Pornography Sexual Harassment Sexual Assault Racism & Discrimination Victim Blaming & Shaming Bullying and Harassment General Violence
Wift Australia board member and ScreenMATE facilitator Katrina Irawati...
The ScreenMATE Bystander Program is based on the Mate Bystander Program delivered by Griffith University, and has received funding from Film Victoria and the support of the City of Port Phillip.
ScreenMATE brings each individual into the conversation to think critically and with empathy about the root attitudes and beliefs that underpin harmful gender stereotypes. The trained facilitators create a safe space to allow individuals to share their experiences and opinions about these issues.
Areas covered in the four hour workshops include:
Language and Jokes Abusive Relationships What Lies Beneath? Gender Equality Online Harassment Pornography Sexual Harassment Sexual Assault Racism & Discrimination Victim Blaming & Shaming Bullying and Harassment General Violence
Wift Australia board member and ScreenMATE facilitator Katrina Irawati...
- 11/6/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Ranger’s Apprentice, The Alchemyst based on books.
Dick Cook, the former chairman of Walt Disney Studios, has struck a deal to establish the Asia Pacific headquarters of Dick Cook Studios at Melbourne and announced two projects that authorities said would inject A$200m (Usd $137m) into the state of Victoria.
At the same time it emerged that Docklands Studios Melbourne is to build a new “super stage” at its facility that is expected to be ready by late 2021. Construction will not affect work at the other five sound stages and filming will continue into 2020 on Apple TV+ show Shantaram,...
Dick Cook, the former chairman of Walt Disney Studios, has struck a deal to establish the Asia Pacific headquarters of Dick Cook Studios at Melbourne and announced two projects that authorities said would inject A$200m (Usd $137m) into the state of Victoria.
At the same time it emerged that Docklands Studios Melbourne is to build a new “super stage” at its facility that is expected to be ready by late 2021. Construction will not affect work at the other five sound stages and filming will continue into 2020 on Apple TV+ show Shantaram,...
- 10/20/2019
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Roadshow Films to distribute in Australia, New Zealand.
Filming has begun on Australian crime thriller The Dry starring Eric Bana alongside new cast additions Genevieve O’Reilly, Keir O’Donnell, and John Polson.
Bruna Papandrea’s Made Up Stories is adapting Jane Harper’s novel in which Bana plays his first Australian role in more than a decade. He plays Aaron Falk, a law enforcement officer who uncovers an old crime when he returns to his drought-ravaged hometown for the first time in 20 years to attend the funeral of his childhood friend, who allegedly killed his wife and child before taking his own life.
Filming has begun on Australian crime thriller The Dry starring Eric Bana alongside new cast additions Genevieve O’Reilly, Keir O’Donnell, and John Polson.
Bruna Papandrea’s Made Up Stories is adapting Jane Harper’s novel in which Bana plays his first Australian role in more than a decade. He plays Aaron Falk, a law enforcement officer who uncovers an old crime when he returns to his drought-ravaged hometown for the first time in 20 years to attend the funeral of his childhood friend, who allegedly killed his wife and child before taking his own life.
- 3/4/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Guy Strachan and Tenika Smith on the set of ‘Neighbours’.
Fremantle and Film Victoria are currently offering three writer placements and three director placements for early-to-mid career Victorian practitioners on Neighbours.
This is the second time Film Victoria has run Neighbours placements, with the first round in 2018 resulting in ongoing roles for four candidates. Directors Tenika Smith and Guy Strachan, and writers Beth King and Eugénie Muggleton will join the Neighbours team in early 2019.
“Film Victoria’s partnership with Fremantle has included placements on a slate of Australia’s top dramas, including Neighbours, Picnic at Hanging Rock and Wentworth, sharing the work of our next-gen screen making talent with audiences at home and around the world,” said CEO Caroline Pitcher.
“Gaining hands-on writing and directing experience on such a prolific series like Neighbours is invaluable in terms of skills development and career progression. Already the results of this program attest to its success,...
Fremantle and Film Victoria are currently offering three writer placements and three director placements for early-to-mid career Victorian practitioners on Neighbours.
This is the second time Film Victoria has run Neighbours placements, with the first round in 2018 resulting in ongoing roles for four candidates. Directors Tenika Smith and Guy Strachan, and writers Beth King and Eugénie Muggleton will join the Neighbours team in early 2019.
“Film Victoria’s partnership with Fremantle has included placements on a slate of Australia’s top dramas, including Neighbours, Picnic at Hanging Rock and Wentworth, sharing the work of our next-gen screen making talent with audiences at home and around the world,” said CEO Caroline Pitcher.
“Gaining hands-on writing and directing experience on such a prolific series like Neighbours is invaluable in terms of skills development and career progression. Already the results of this program attest to its success,...
- 1/31/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Sarah Freeman.
Early next year, Victorian producer Sarah Freeman will begin a six-month placement in La working with LuckyChap Entertainment, the production company founded by Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Josey McNamara.
Supported by Film Victoria, the placement will see Freeman work with the LuckyChap team to develop and package films, strategise potential co-production and financing opportunities, write script coverage and draft pitch documents, and gain insights into the general operations of Hollywood.
LuckyChap has followed on from its I, Tonya success with indie Dreamland, which stars Robbie and Travis Fimmel, and is currently in pre-production on Birds of Prey (and The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) with Warner Bros, Kroll & Co. Entertainment and Clubhouse Pictures.
The company has a first look production deal with WB, and has several projects in development including an adaptation of novel Bad Monkeys, written Jessica Knoll and co-produced with Universal/Dylan Clark Productions,...
Early next year, Victorian producer Sarah Freeman will begin a six-month placement in La working with LuckyChap Entertainment, the production company founded by Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Josey McNamara.
Supported by Film Victoria, the placement will see Freeman work with the LuckyChap team to develop and package films, strategise potential co-production and financing opportunities, write script coverage and draft pitch documents, and gain insights into the general operations of Hollywood.
LuckyChap has followed on from its I, Tonya success with indie Dreamland, which stars Robbie and Travis Fimmel, and is currently in pre-production on Birds of Prey (and The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) with Warner Bros, Kroll & Co. Entertainment and Clubhouse Pictures.
The company has a first look production deal with WB, and has several projects in development including an adaptation of novel Bad Monkeys, written Jessica Knoll and co-produced with Universal/Dylan Clark Productions,...
- 12/13/2018
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
‘Bloom’ was shot in Victoria.
Stan and Film Victoria launched a two-year development fund today at Screen Forever.
The fund will back the development up to four high-end dramas per year for Stan’s commissioning consideration. The call out is for “bold, disruptive” projects, and the fund is not restricted to a single genre and accessible to creative talent of all experience levels. Stan has a similar fund with Screen Queensland.
Launching the Victorian fund, Stan CEO Mike Sneesby said: “Victoria’s world-class creatives, locations and facilities have already become an intrinsic part of our slate of Stan Original productions through Romper Stomper and Bloom. This new partnership with Film Victoria and the Victorian production sector is an important step in further developing the local production industry. The new Stan and Film Victoria Development Fund embodies our commitment to the continued development and production of high-end drama in Australia for a global audience.
Stan and Film Victoria launched a two-year development fund today at Screen Forever.
The fund will back the development up to four high-end dramas per year for Stan’s commissioning consideration. The call out is for “bold, disruptive” projects, and the fund is not restricted to a single genre and accessible to creative talent of all experience levels. Stan has a similar fund with Screen Queensland.
Launching the Victorian fund, Stan CEO Mike Sneesby said: “Victoria’s world-class creatives, locations and facilities have already become an intrinsic part of our slate of Stan Original productions through Romper Stomper and Bloom. This new partnership with Film Victoria and the Victorian production sector is an important step in further developing the local production industry. The new Stan and Film Victoria Development Fund embodies our commitment to the continued development and production of high-end drama in Australia for a global audience.
- 11/21/2018
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Screen Producers Australia has announced the 12 members of the programming advisory committee for the 2018 Screen Forever conference.
The committee reflects the diversity of Australian screen content, ranging from the traditional mediums of film and television to the emerging fields of online, Vr and Ar.
The body plays a critical role in helping Spa to address the challenges, opportunities and trends that are most relevant to the screen industry today.
The members are:
Neil Peplow (Chair), CEO, Aftrs Adrian Swift, Head of Content Production & Development, Nine Network Jo Dillon, Head of Development & Production, Screen Qld Libbie Doherty, Head of Children’s Content, ABC Malinda Wink, Executive Director, Shark Island Marshall Heald, Director TV and Online Content, Sbs Mike Cowap, Senior Producer – Scripted & Unscripted, Princess Pictures Nerida Moore, Head of Development, Screen Australia Rebecca Hardman, Head of Legal and Business Affairs (Australia), See-Saw Films Rosie Lourde, Independent Producer Ross Hutchens, Head of Screen Industry Programs,...
The committee reflects the diversity of Australian screen content, ranging from the traditional mediums of film and television to the emerging fields of online, Vr and Ar.
The body plays a critical role in helping Spa to address the challenges, opportunities and trends that are most relevant to the screen industry today.
The members are:
Neil Peplow (Chair), CEO, Aftrs Adrian Swift, Head of Content Production & Development, Nine Network Jo Dillon, Head of Development & Production, Screen Qld Libbie Doherty, Head of Children’s Content, ABC Malinda Wink, Executive Director, Shark Island Marshall Heald, Director TV and Online Content, Sbs Mike Cowap, Senior Producer – Scripted & Unscripted, Princess Pictures Nerida Moore, Head of Development, Screen Australia Rebecca Hardman, Head of Legal and Business Affairs (Australia), See-Saw Films Rosie Lourde, Independent Producer Ross Hutchens, Head of Screen Industry Programs,...
- 9/13/2018
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
“American Woman,” a pilot for a new TV show, created by John Wells and starring Alicia Silverstone, is among the first titles unveiled for Series Mania Melbourne.
The TV festival cum market is in its second year in Australia, and will run for four days, July 19—22 as a public event, with July 20 set aside as an industry day. Series Mania Melbourne is organized by Acmi and Film Victoria.
They unveiled 11 TV series and 4 web series and expect to announce more titles later. Other highlights among the first titles. include Fox Networks’ “Deep State,” an espionage thriller starring Mark Strong. Australia’s Robert Connolly directed the first of eight episodes and is expected to attend the festival. Australian web series, “Wrong Kind of Black” about the experiences of Indigenous Australia, via the eyes of DJ Boori Monty Pryor, gets a runout, as does French drama “Maman a Tort,” in which a child denounces his mother.
The TV festival cum market is in its second year in Australia, and will run for four days, July 19—22 as a public event, with July 20 set aside as an industry day. Series Mania Melbourne is organized by Acmi and Film Victoria.
They unveiled 11 TV series and 4 web series and expect to announce more titles later. Other highlights among the first titles. include Fox Networks’ “Deep State,” an espionage thriller starring Mark Strong. Australia’s Robert Connolly directed the first of eight episodes and is expected to attend the festival. Australian web series, “Wrong Kind of Black” about the experiences of Indigenous Australia, via the eyes of DJ Boori Monty Pryor, gets a runout, as does French drama “Maman a Tort,” in which a child denounces his mother.
- 6/8/2018
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The Death and Life of Otto Bloom is the feature debut of Melbourne writer-director Cris Jones. The film stars Xavier Samuel as a man who experiences time in reverse..
The script required different time periods to be represented through interviews, dramatizations and archival footage, a process spearheaded by Ddp Studios' Melbourne office.
.This was a technically ambitious film to make given the diversity of media utilised in the production process," said Ddp General Manager Caroline Pitcher.
"It was both a treat and a challenge for the team to manage and work with retro media like Super 8 and analogue...
Ddp's challenge was to seamlessly mix differing framerates and formats. Their work included pre-visualisation testing, workflow design and in-house dailies with colour management..
The film was graded on Autodesk.s Lustre in Ddp.s premier theatre by colourist Ian Letcher. Di Mastering was completed by Ddp.s onliner John Kerron..
As well as Otto Bloom,...
The script required different time periods to be represented through interviews, dramatizations and archival footage, a process spearheaded by Ddp Studios' Melbourne office.
.This was a technically ambitious film to make given the diversity of media utilised in the production process," said Ddp General Manager Caroline Pitcher.
"It was both a treat and a challenge for the team to manage and work with retro media like Super 8 and analogue...
Ddp's challenge was to seamlessly mix differing framerates and formats. Their work included pre-visualisation testing, workflow design and in-house dailies with colour management..
The film was graded on Autodesk.s Lustre in Ddp.s premier theatre by colourist Ian Letcher. Di Mastering was completed by Ddp.s onliner John Kerron..
As well as Otto Bloom,...
- 7/6/2016
- by Inside Film Correspondent
- IF.com.au
Deluxe Australia's Caroline Pitcher has joined the Film Victoria board, according to the state agency.
Pitcher joined Deluxe Australia as director - marketing and enterprise solutions.in August 2012 after Deluxe acquired a number of Omnilab businesses. While at Omnilab, which she joined in mid-2009, she acted as director of business management and marketing,.after two years heading film marketing organisation Ausfilm.
Pitcher continues as a director of Ausfilm and has also previously served as general manager of Film Victoria's Melbourne Film Office.
Meanwhile, Matchbox Pictures producer Michael McMahon, who joined the Film Victoria board in February 2010,.has been reappointed to the board while Kim McGrath departs.
Correction (Jan 14, 2013): Article amended to show that Caroline Pitcher is no longer employed by Omnilab. She left.in August 2012 for Deluxe Australia.
Pitcher joined Deluxe Australia as director - marketing and enterprise solutions.in August 2012 after Deluxe acquired a number of Omnilab businesses. While at Omnilab, which she joined in mid-2009, she acted as director of business management and marketing,.after two years heading film marketing organisation Ausfilm.
Pitcher continues as a director of Ausfilm and has also previously served as general manager of Film Victoria's Melbourne Film Office.
Meanwhile, Matchbox Pictures producer Michael McMahon, who joined the Film Victoria board in February 2010,.has been reappointed to the board while Kim McGrath departs.
Correction (Jan 14, 2013): Article amended to show that Caroline Pitcher is no longer employed by Omnilab. She left.in August 2012 for Deluxe Australia.
- 12/21/2012
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
Omnilab Media executive Caroline Pitcher has joined the Film Victoria board, according to the state agency.
Pitcher first joined Omnilab in mid-2009, where she acts as director of business management and marketing,.after two years heading film marketing organisation Ausfilm. Film Victoria chairman Ian Robertson also has ties to Omnilab, representing them in his capacity as a corporate and media lawyer.
Pitcher continues as a director of Ausfilm and has also previously served as general manager of Film Victoria's Melbourne Film Office.
Meanwhile, Matchbox Pictures producer Michael McMahon, who joined the Film Victoria board in February 2010,.has been reappointed to the board while Kim McGrath departs.
Pitcher first joined Omnilab in mid-2009, where she acts as director of business management and marketing,.after two years heading film marketing organisation Ausfilm. Film Victoria chairman Ian Robertson also has ties to Omnilab, representing them in his capacity as a corporate and media lawyer.
Pitcher continues as a director of Ausfilm and has also previously served as general manager of Film Victoria's Melbourne Film Office.
Meanwhile, Matchbox Pictures producer Michael McMahon, who joined the Film Victoria board in February 2010,.has been reappointed to the board while Kim McGrath departs.
- 12/21/2012
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
Jaden Smith in After Earth, VFX by Iloura
The first trailer for After Earth – a new film from M. Night Shyamalan – has gone online, and includes visual effects work from Australian post production house Iloura.
The film sees characters played by Will Smith and his son Jaden crash land on Earth, 1,000 years after it has been abandoned and quarantined.
Caroline Pitcher, business development director for Iloura told Encore:
“It’s a very different type of work for us, in terms of character and creature animation. In the trailer you can see our work in the newly evolved animal, the acarpi, which is a cross between a dear and a horse, as well as the herd of baboons. The way the creatures have been built, the way they move and the way they interact with each other as a herd have all been real challenges for us.”
Initially the post-house had 150 shots,...
The first trailer for After Earth – a new film from M. Night Shyamalan – has gone online, and includes visual effects work from Australian post production house Iloura.
The film sees characters played by Will Smith and his son Jaden crash land on Earth, 1,000 years after it has been abandoned and quarantined.
Caroline Pitcher, business development director for Iloura told Encore:
“It’s a very different type of work for us, in terms of character and creature animation. In the trailer you can see our work in the newly evolved animal, the acarpi, which is a cross between a dear and a horse, as well as the herd of baboons. The way the creatures have been built, the way they move and the way they interact with each other as a herd have all been real challenges for us.”
Initially the post-house had 150 shots,...
- 12/11/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
An Australian VFX company has won work on M. Night Shyamalan’s new film After Earth.
Melbourne-based Iloura is working on the sci-fi film which stars Will Smith and his son Jaden as a father and son duo who crash land on a planet that was evacuated by humans 1,000 years ago.
The VFX company has 150 shots and one of five or six vendors working on the big budget film being helmed by the Sixth Sense director.
Caroline Pitcher, business development & marketing director told Encore: “We’re starting on a package of 150 shots and that will grow over the period of the project. We’ve started work already and we’ll deliver final shots in the first quarter of 2013.”
The project is eligible for the Australian 30% VFX Offset. Pitcher said: “We’ve worked closely with Film Victoria in attracting the project to the state of Victoria.”
The majority of Iloura’s...
Melbourne-based Iloura is working on the sci-fi film which stars Will Smith and his son Jaden as a father and son duo who crash land on a planet that was evacuated by humans 1,000 years ago.
The VFX company has 150 shots and one of five or six vendors working on the big budget film being helmed by the Sixth Sense director.
Caroline Pitcher, business development & marketing director told Encore: “We’re starting on a package of 150 shots and that will grow over the period of the project. We’ve started work already and we’ll deliver final shots in the first quarter of 2013.”
The project is eligible for the Australian 30% VFX Offset. Pitcher said: “We’ve worked closely with Film Victoria in attracting the project to the state of Victoria.”
The majority of Iloura’s...
- 7/6/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
There’s lots of flaming skulls and chain whips in the new trailer to Ghost Rider: The Spirit of Vengeance courtesy of Melbourne VFX house, Iloura.
As the largest vendor on the film, Iloura won a hefty 460 shots. Caroline Pitcher, Director of Marketing and Business Development said “We won it on our pitch which was a new flaming skull. We took burning embers and used an oily smoke.”
The software used, said Pitcher was “3D Studio Max, Maya, Nuke which were out of the box, but of course it takes creativity to make it truly work. We did a bit of R&D ourselves using Fume FX, a software for fire, smoke and explosion to really workshop and refine how the flames look.”
Directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor for Columbia Pictures, Ghost Rider: The Spirit of Vengeance is the sequel to Ghost Rider, starring Nicholas Cage...
As the largest vendor on the film, Iloura won a hefty 460 shots. Caroline Pitcher, Director of Marketing and Business Development said “We won it on our pitch which was a new flaming skull. We took burning embers and used an oily smoke.”
The software used, said Pitcher was “3D Studio Max, Maya, Nuke which were out of the box, but of course it takes creativity to make it truly work. We did a bit of R&D ourselves using Fume FX, a software for fire, smoke and explosion to really workshop and refine how the flames look.”
Directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor for Columbia Pictures, Ghost Rider: The Spirit of Vengeance is the sequel to Ghost Rider, starring Nicholas Cage...
- 8/22/2011
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
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