Saoirse Ronan has joined the cast of the satirical comedy ‘Bad Apples,’ which marks the English language debut of Swedish writer-director Jonatan Etzler.
The film tells the story of Maria (played by Ronan), a primary school teacher doing her best to inspire a class of 10-year-olds but unable to because of one unruly and chaotic student. With her career in question and the child’s behaviour spiralling, she makes a series of bad decisions that lead to her accidentally taking and locking this “bad apple” in her home. Maria tries desperately to backtrack, but when the class starts flourishing and the staff and parents are thrilled with the improvement, she finds herself in a very complicated predicament.
Also in news – Vanessa Kirby joins RonHoward’s survival thriller ‘Eden’
Written by Jess O’Kane, the movie is based on Rasmus Lindgren’s debut novel De Oönskade. Oskar Pimlott will produce for Pulse Films.
The film tells the story of Maria (played by Ronan), a primary school teacher doing her best to inspire a class of 10-year-olds but unable to because of one unruly and chaotic student. With her career in question and the child’s behaviour spiralling, she makes a series of bad decisions that lead to her accidentally taking and locking this “bad apple” in her home. Maria tries desperately to backtrack, but when the class starts flourishing and the staff and parents are thrilled with the improvement, she finds herself in a very complicated predicament.
Also in news – Vanessa Kirby joins RonHoward’s survival thriller ‘Eden’
Written by Jess O’Kane, the movie is based on Rasmus Lindgren’s debut novel De Oönskade. Oskar Pimlott will produce for Pulse Films.
- 11/1/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Saoirse Ronan (Lady Bird) has signed on to star in Bad Apples, a project that’s described as “a biting satirical comedy with thriller elements”. The film will mark the English language debut of Swedish filmmaker Jonatan Etzler (One More Time) and is set to start filming in the UK in the spring of 2024. Bad Apples is being made under an Equity contract, so it will still be able to go into production even if the Screen Actors Guild isn’t over by then… although we hope it will be.
Scripted by Jess O’Kane, Bad Apples is based on the Rasmus Lindgren novel De Oönskade. It will tell the story of Maria (Ronan), a primary school teacher doing her best to inspire a class of 10-year-olds but unable to because of one unruly and chaotic student. With her career in question and the child’s behavior spiraling, she makes a...
Scripted by Jess O’Kane, Bad Apples is based on the Rasmus Lindgren novel De Oönskade. It will tell the story of Maria (Ronan), a primary school teacher doing her best to inspire a class of 10-year-olds but unable to because of one unruly and chaotic student. With her career in question and the child’s behavior spiraling, she makes a...
- 10/31/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Saoirse Ronan (Foe) has found her next project in Bad Apples, a biting satirical comedy with thriller elements, for which HanWay Films is launching worldwide sales at AFM. Marking the English language debut of Swedish writer-director Jonatan Etzler (One More Time), the film to be produced by Pulse Films is targeting a UK shoot — under an Equity contract — in spring 2024.
Written by Jess O’Kane, Bad Apples adapts Rasmus Lindgren’s debut novel De Oönskade. The film tells the story of Maria (Ronan), a primary school teacher doing her best to inspire a class of 10-year-olds but unable to because of one unruly and chaotic student. With her career in question and the child’s behavior spiraling, she makes a series of bad decisions that lead to her accidentally taking and locking this “bad apple” in her home. Maria tries desperately to backtrack, but when the class starts flourishing and...
Written by Jess O’Kane, Bad Apples adapts Rasmus Lindgren’s debut novel De Oönskade. The film tells the story of Maria (Ronan), a primary school teacher doing her best to inspire a class of 10-year-olds but unable to because of one unruly and chaotic student. With her career in question and the child’s behavior spiraling, she makes a series of bad decisions that lead to her accidentally taking and locking this “bad apple” in her home. Maria tries desperately to backtrack, but when the class starts flourishing and...
- 10/30/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Production has wrapped on the Piki Films and Sandy Lane Productions (Bad Behaviour) family drama The Mountain from Kiwi filmmaker Rachel House.
The film marks House’s directorial debut. Producers are Desray Armstrong for Sandy Lane Productions and Morgan Waru for Piki Films with Carthew Neal, Taika Waititi, and Paul Wiegard serving as Executive Producers. The film was shot on location around Taranaki on New Zealand’s west coast, with support from the local Māori tribes.
Billed as a “heartfelt drama,” the pic follows three children on a mission to find healing under the watchful eye of the Taranaki mountain and discover friendship in the spirit of adventure. House co-wrote the screenplay with comedian Tom Furniss.
House is best known for her performances in Waititi’s 2016 comedy Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Boy (2010), and Niki Caro’s Whale Rider. She also had lead roles...
The film marks House’s directorial debut. Producers are Desray Armstrong for Sandy Lane Productions and Morgan Waru for Piki Films with Carthew Neal, Taika Waititi, and Paul Wiegard serving as Executive Producers. The film was shot on location around Taranaki on New Zealand’s west coast, with support from the local Māori tribes.
Billed as a “heartfelt drama,” the pic follows three children on a mission to find healing under the watchful eye of the Taranaki mountain and discover friendship in the spirit of adventure. House co-wrote the screenplay with comedian Tom Furniss.
House is best known for her performances in Waititi’s 2016 comedy Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Boy (2010), and Niki Caro’s Whale Rider. She also had lead roles...
- 5/15/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Beta Cinema has closed its first presales on period drama The Offing starring Helena Bonham Carter. Curzon, Cineart and Madman have joined forces to acquire all rights for UK/Ireland, Benelux and Australia/New Zealand in what is described as a competitive situation. The distributors will work on an aligned campaign across the markets. Beta first launched The Offing at the EFM in February. Filming is lined up for later this year.
The UK-set project is directed by Emmy-winner Jessica Hobbs (The Crown) with Bonham Carter among executive producers. The screenplay is by Amy Roberts.
Based on the bestselling novel by Benjamin Myers, the story unfolds in the northeast of England, shortly after WW II. It opens on Robert, the shy 16-year-old nature-loving son of a miner who sets out to see a little more of the world before he follows his father down the pit.
The UK-set project is directed by Emmy-winner Jessica Hobbs (The Crown) with Bonham Carter among executive producers. The screenplay is by Amy Roberts.
Based on the bestselling novel by Benjamin Myers, the story unfolds in the northeast of England, shortly after WW II. It opens on Robert, the shy 16-year-old nature-loving son of a miner who sets out to see a little more of the world before he follows his father down the pit.
- 4/5/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Beta Cinema has closed the first major pre-sales for The Offing, a period drama starring Helena Bonham Carter based on the novel by Benjamin Myers, which Emmy winner Jessica Hobbs (The Crown) will direct.
In an unusual move, indie distributors Curzon, Cineart and Madman have jointly acquired all rights for the film in U.K./Ireland, Benelux and Australia/New Zealand. Beta Cinema, which is selling The Offing worldwide, introduced the project to buyers at the European Film Market in Berlin in February. Beta said it expects to announce further major territory deals shortly.
Set in North East England shortly after World War II, The Offing will see Carter play Dulcie Piper, a hard drinking, foul-mouthed, bohemian recluse who strikes up an unusual friendship with 16-year-old Robert, a shy, nature-loving son of a miner who is determined to see something of the world before he joins his father down the pit.
In an unusual move, indie distributors Curzon, Cineart and Madman have jointly acquired all rights for the film in U.K./Ireland, Benelux and Australia/New Zealand. Beta Cinema, which is selling The Offing worldwide, introduced the project to buyers at the European Film Market in Berlin in February. Beta said it expects to announce further major territory deals shortly.
Set in North East England shortly after World War II, The Offing will see Carter play Dulcie Piper, a hard drinking, foul-mouthed, bohemian recluse who strikes up an unusual friendship with 16-year-old Robert, a shy, nature-loving son of a miner who is determined to see something of the world before he joins his father down the pit.
- 4/5/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jan Mojto’s Beta Cinema has announced first pre-sales for feature film “The Offing,” which will star and is executive produced by Helena Bonham Carter. Jessica Hobbs, who won an Emmy Award for “The Crown,” directs the U.K.-set English-language project.
Distributors Curzon, Cineart and Madman joined forces and acquired all rights for U.K./Ireland, Benelux, and Australia/New Zealand in a multi-territory deal, fending off robust competition.
The project was one of the hottest titles at the European Film Market, and further deals in major territories will be announced shortly, Beta Cinema said.
“The Offing,” based on a bestselling novel by Benjamin Myers, is set in North-East England, shortly after the war. The story opens on Robert, 16, the shy, nature-loving son of a miner who sets out to see a little more of the world before he follows his father down the pit.
He meets Dulcie Piper,...
Distributors Curzon, Cineart and Madman joined forces and acquired all rights for U.K./Ireland, Benelux, and Australia/New Zealand in a multi-territory deal, fending off robust competition.
The project was one of the hottest titles at the European Film Market, and further deals in major territories will be announced shortly, Beta Cinema said.
“The Offing,” based on a bestselling novel by Benjamin Myers, is set in North-East England, shortly after the war. The story opens on Robert, 16, the shy, nature-loving son of a miner who sets out to see a little more of the world before he follows his father down the pit.
He meets Dulcie Piper,...
- 4/5/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Comedy “How to Please a Woman,” starring “Veep” and “Bridget Jones Diary” actor Sally Phillips, has generated brisk business for Beta Cinema. Brainstorm Media has taken all rights for the U.S. and will release the film theatrically on July 22, and pay TV operator Sky has secured all rights for the U.K.
Beta Cinema also sold all rights for Canada (Mongrel Media), Poland (Monolith Films), former Yugoslavia (Discovery), Czech Republic (Bohemia Motion Pictures) and Hungary (Ads).
Madmen will put the film out in Australia and New Zealand on a wide release on May 19 and May 26, respectively.
Phillips stars as 50-year-old Gina, who feels she has become “invisible to everyone.” Establishing a house-cleaning service, staffed by good-looking male cleaners who provide cleaning with benefits, the film follows her as she learns how to ask for what she wants and encourages other women to do the same.
“We fell in love...
Beta Cinema also sold all rights for Canada (Mongrel Media), Poland (Monolith Films), former Yugoslavia (Discovery), Czech Republic (Bohemia Motion Pictures) and Hungary (Ads).
Madmen will put the film out in Australia and New Zealand on a wide release on May 19 and May 26, respectively.
Phillips stars as 50-year-old Gina, who feels she has become “invisible to everyone.” Establishing a house-cleaning service, staffed by good-looking male cleaners who provide cleaning with benefits, the film follows her as she learns how to ask for what she wants and encourages other women to do the same.
“We fell in love...
- 5/4/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Acquisition follow recent deals for German-speaking Europe, France, Italy.
Visit Films has struck a US deal with Greenwich Entertainment on its EFM sales title and adventure documentary The Sanctity Of Space directed by Meru cinematographer Renan Ozturk and Freddie Wilkinson.
The film received its world premiere at Vancouver International Film Festival last year and follows climbers Ozturk and Wilkinson, a journalist and adventure writer, as they retrace the steps of legendary mountaineer and photographer Brad Washburn.
Inspired by Washburn’s photographs of Denali National Park in Alaska from 75 years ago, the group plan to scale the range’s forbidding Mooses Tooth massif sideways,...
Visit Films has struck a US deal with Greenwich Entertainment on its EFM sales title and adventure documentary The Sanctity Of Space directed by Meru cinematographer Renan Ozturk and Freddie Wilkinson.
The film received its world premiere at Vancouver International Film Festival last year and follows climbers Ozturk and Wilkinson, a journalist and adventure writer, as they retrace the steps of legendary mountaineer and photographer Brad Washburn.
Inspired by Washburn’s photographs of Denali National Park in Alaska from 75 years ago, the group plan to scale the range’s forbidding Mooses Tooth massif sideways,...
- 2/10/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Traditional distribution pathways may have been upended by Covid-19, but in some ways, the pandemic has strengthened the landscape for social impact documentary.
That’s according to Leeanne Torpey, Jungle Entertainment’s communications and impact manager, who has led the impact campaign for the company’s doco Big Deal, about the influence of money on politics.
“Community connections are becoming more important. And if [a project] is addressing a real need in the community, then an audience is going to exist passionately whether or not it’s convenient to get to the cinema,” she tells If.
Big Deal, directed by Craig Reucassel and presented by Christiaan Van Vuuren, marks Jungle’s first social impact documentary. Aline Jacques produces, while executive producers include Jason Burrows, Jen Peedom, Bridget Callow-Wright, Malinda Wink, and Paul Wiegard.
The project follows Van Vuuren as he meets with a host of prominent parliamentary and media figures to understand...
That’s according to Leeanne Torpey, Jungle Entertainment’s communications and impact manager, who has led the impact campaign for the company’s doco Big Deal, about the influence of money on politics.
“Community connections are becoming more important. And if [a project] is addressing a real need in the community, then an audience is going to exist passionately whether or not it’s convenient to get to the cinema,” she tells If.
Big Deal, directed by Craig Reucassel and presented by Christiaan Van Vuuren, marks Jungle’s first social impact documentary. Aline Jacques produces, while executive producers include Jason Burrows, Jen Peedom, Bridget Callow-Wright, Malinda Wink, and Paul Wiegard.
The project follows Van Vuuren as he meets with a host of prominent parliamentary and media figures to understand...
- 10/19/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Essie Davis and Leah Purcell will battle it out in the best performance by an actress category at next month’s Asia Pacific Screen Awards, while Nitram lead Caleb Landry Jones and Australian/Afghan film When Pomegranates Howl are also among the nominees.
Films from Japan and the Islamic Republic of Iran lead the field for this year’s awards with six nominations each. Two films, both winners at Cannes this year, Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Drive My Car and Asghar Farhadi’s A Hero (Ghahreman), have garnered the most nominations, with both films up for the same four categories – Best Feature Film, Achievement in Directing, Best Screenplay and Best Performance by an Actor.
Purcell gets the nod for The Drovers Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson, for which she was also director and writer, with Davis recognised for her role in Gaysorn Thavat’s debut feature The Justice of Bunny King.
Films from Japan and the Islamic Republic of Iran lead the field for this year’s awards with six nominations each. Two films, both winners at Cannes this year, Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Drive My Car and Asghar Farhadi’s A Hero (Ghahreman), have garnered the most nominations, with both films up for the same four categories – Best Feature Film, Achievement in Directing, Best Screenplay and Best Performance by an Actor.
Purcell gets the nod for The Drovers Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson, for which she was also director and writer, with Davis recognised for her role in Gaysorn Thavat’s debut feature The Justice of Bunny King.
- 10/13/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Winners will be announced on November 11.
Cannes winners Drive My Car, directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, and Asghar Farhadi’s A Hero lead the nominations at the Asia Pacific Screen Academy (Apsa) awards.
Drive My Car is Japan’s entry for the best international feature Oscar and the Cannes 2021 Competition best screenplay winner. It follows a theatre actor and director who is grappling with grief for his lost wife.
A Hero, which won the grand prix at Cannes, is a French-Iranian co-production which looks at what happens when an unlikely hero finds himself caught up in a social media storm.
Both...
Cannes winners Drive My Car, directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, and Asghar Farhadi’s A Hero lead the nominations at the Asia Pacific Screen Academy (Apsa) awards.
Drive My Car is Japan’s entry for the best international feature Oscar and the Cannes 2021 Competition best screenplay winner. It follows a theatre actor and director who is grappling with grief for his lost wife.
A Hero, which won the grand prix at Cannes, is a French-Iranian co-production which looks at what happens when an unlikely hero finds himself caught up in a social media storm.
Both...
- 10/13/2021
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
By his own admission, Christiaan Van Vuuren is no political expert.
Despite this, the perspective of the Soul Mates and Bondi Hipsters comedian is central to Big Deal, a two-part ABC factual series examining Australia’s billion-dollar political lobbying industry.
As the presenter of Craig Reucassel’s directorial debut, Van Vuuren sits down with a host of prominent parliamentary and media figures, including Jason Falinski, Sam Dastyari, Scott Ryan, Kate McClymont, Andrew Leigh, Helen Haines, Jacqui Lambie, Katharine Murphy, Linda Burney, and Zali Steggall.
He told If the distance of departure from his previous work was not lost on him.
“It was pretty terrifying,” he said.
“There is an emotional safety when you have control of an edit and you’re in character and it’s comedic.
“This is scarier because you are a bit more out there. It was challenging in that I was talking to people who know...
Despite this, the perspective of the Soul Mates and Bondi Hipsters comedian is central to Big Deal, a two-part ABC factual series examining Australia’s billion-dollar political lobbying industry.
As the presenter of Craig Reucassel’s directorial debut, Van Vuuren sits down with a host of prominent parliamentary and media figures, including Jason Falinski, Sam Dastyari, Scott Ryan, Kate McClymont, Andrew Leigh, Helen Haines, Jacqui Lambie, Katharine Murphy, Linda Burney, and Zali Steggall.
He told If the distance of departure from his previous work was not lost on him.
“It was pretty terrifying,” he said.
“There is an emotional safety when you have control of an edit and you’re in character and it’s comedic.
“This is scarier because you are a bit more out there. It was challenging in that I was talking to people who know...
- 10/8/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Presented by comedian Christiaan Van Vuuren and directed by Craig Reucassel, Big Deal takes a look at Australia’s billion-dollar political lobbying industry. For every federal politician, there’s millions of dollars devoted just to swinging their opinion, or their vote.
The two-part factual series Big Deal premieres on the ABC October 19 following its theatrical run via Madman Entertainment, with both episodes instantly available to binge on ABC iview.
In the series, Christiaan meets with a range of politicians, journalists, and experts, such as Malcolm Turnbull, Jason Falinski, Sam Dastyari, Scott Ryan, Kate McClymont, Dr Andrew Leigh, Helen Haines, Jacqui Lambie, Katharine Murphy, Linda Burney, and Zali Steggall, to ask, ‘Is Australia’s democracy for sale?’
Big Deal is produced by Aline Jacques, and executive produced by Jen Peedom, Bridget Callow-Wright, Jason Burrows, Malinda Wink and Paul Wiegard. Principal production funding from Screen Australia in association with Screen Nsw.
The...
The two-part factual series Big Deal premieres on the ABC October 19 following its theatrical run via Madman Entertainment, with both episodes instantly available to binge on ABC iview.
In the series, Christiaan meets with a range of politicians, journalists, and experts, such as Malcolm Turnbull, Jason Falinski, Sam Dastyari, Scott Ryan, Kate McClymont, Dr Andrew Leigh, Helen Haines, Jacqui Lambie, Katharine Murphy, Linda Burney, and Zali Steggall, to ask, ‘Is Australia’s democracy for sale?’
Big Deal is produced by Aline Jacques, and executive produced by Jen Peedom, Bridget Callow-Wright, Jason Burrows, Malinda Wink and Paul Wiegard. Principal production funding from Screen Australia in association with Screen Nsw.
The...
- 9/24/2021
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Larissa Behrendt’s documentary Araatika: Rise Up!, to make its world premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival, explores how a group of Nrl greats came together to invent a new pre-game ceremony in response to the Maori Haka – one that could celebrate First Nation cultures.
After fellow Indigenous players Preston Campbell, Timana Tahu and George Rose devised their own pre-game performance, Dean Widders began a journey to bring this dance – and First Nations pride more broadly – to the game.
So far, his advocacy has garnered support from the Indigenous All Stars league, but his dream is to have Australia’s national team adopt this unifying battle cry.
Araatika: Rise Up! will be released theatrically via Madman Entertainment, before airing on Nitv. It is produced by Sam Griffin for Eq Media Group, and executive produced by Brendan Dahill and Paul Wiegard. Financed with support Screen Australia, Screen Nsw and the Nrl.
After fellow Indigenous players Preston Campbell, Timana Tahu and George Rose devised their own pre-game performance, Dean Widders began a journey to bring this dance – and First Nations pride more broadly – to the game.
So far, his advocacy has garnered support from the Indigenous All Stars league, but his dream is to have Australia’s national team adopt this unifying battle cry.
Araatika: Rise Up! will be released theatrically via Madman Entertainment, before airing on Nitv. It is produced by Sam Griffin for Eq Media Group, and executive produced by Brendan Dahill and Paul Wiegard. Financed with support Screen Australia, Screen Nsw and the Nrl.
- 7/29/2021
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
“There is a creature alive today which has survived millions of years of evolution…without change, without passion, without logic. It lives to kill. A mindless eating machine, it will attack and devour anything. Try to imagine meeting the Devil…with Jaws.” – Jaws trailer
Ron and Valerie Taylor are the only names that come to mind when you think of the real shark footage in Steven Spielberg’s Summer Blockbuster Jaws. The film was released on an unsuspecting public June 1975 and the horrifying images of the film instilled fear into beachgoers that summer along with the phrase “See it before you go swimming.” The Taylors were synonymous with real shark footage and worked on other ocean themed movies such as Orca, Jaws 2, and The Blue Lagoon.
Valerie’s late husband Ron’s cinematography and exquisite compositions have certainly stood the test of time. From the birth of scuba with...
Ron and Valerie Taylor are the only names that come to mind when you think of the real shark footage in Steven Spielberg’s Summer Blockbuster Jaws. The film was released on an unsuspecting public June 1975 and the horrifying images of the film instilled fear into beachgoers that summer along with the phrase “See it before you go swimming.” The Taylors were synonymous with real shark footage and worked on other ocean themed movies such as Orca, Jaws 2, and The Blue Lagoon.
Valerie’s late husband Ron’s cinematography and exquisite compositions have certainly stood the test of time. From the birth of scuba with...
- 6/29/2021
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Matt Nable will make his directorial debut with Stan Original feature Transfusion, a thriller set to star Sam Worthington and Phoebe Tonkin.
Shooting now in Sydney, the film sees Worthington play Ryan Logan, a former Special Forces operative who is battling to cope with life after the loss of his wife (Tonkin) and is thrust into the criminal underworld to keep his only son from being taken from him.
Nable directs from his own script and will play a character known as Johnny. Also starring is new talent Edward Carmody, who will play Billy Logan, Ryan’s son.
John and Michael Schwarz from Deeper Water Films are the producers, with Transfusion marking the second Stan original film for the company following Anthony Hayes’ Gold.
Cailah Scobie, Paul Wiegard, Will Clarke, Andy Mayson and Mike Runagall are the executive producers.
Michael Schwarz said: “In Transfusion we’ve found a movie that...
Shooting now in Sydney, the film sees Worthington play Ryan Logan, a former Special Forces operative who is battling to cope with life after the loss of his wife (Tonkin) and is thrust into the criminal underworld to keep his only son from being taken from him.
Nable directs from his own script and will play a character known as Johnny. Also starring is new talent Edward Carmody, who will play Billy Logan, Ryan’s son.
John and Michael Schwarz from Deeper Water Films are the producers, with Transfusion marking the second Stan original film for the company following Anthony Hayes’ Gold.
Cailah Scobie, Paul Wiegard, Will Clarke, Andy Mayson and Mike Runagall are the executive producers.
Michael Schwarz said: “In Transfusion we’ve found a movie that...
- 6/18/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Sam Worthington (“Avatar”) has signed on for crime thriller “Transfusion.” Altitude Media Group will represent the project at the upcoming Cannes Marche du Film (June 21-25).
The feature is helmed by actor, writer and director Matt Nable (“Arrow”) and represents his directorial debut. He previously wrote biker film “Outlaws”.
It began shooting in Sydney, Australia earlier this week.
Worthington is joined by fellow Australian Phoebe Tonkin (“The Vampire Diaries”) in the film, about a former Special Forces operative who finds himself in a criminal underworld as he tries to keep his son from being abducted.
“Transfusion” is produced by John Schwarz and Michael Schwarz of Deeper Water Films. Cailah Scobie from Stan and Paul Wiegard from Madman Entertainment will executive produce. Altitude Media’s Will Clarke, Andy Mayson and Mike Runagall will also executive produce.
“In ‘Transfusion’ we’ve found a movie that has that special combination of visceral action and achingly beautiful emotion,...
The feature is helmed by actor, writer and director Matt Nable (“Arrow”) and represents his directorial debut. He previously wrote biker film “Outlaws”.
It began shooting in Sydney, Australia earlier this week.
Worthington is joined by fellow Australian Phoebe Tonkin (“The Vampire Diaries”) in the film, about a former Special Forces operative who finds himself in a criminal underworld as he tries to keep his son from being abducted.
“Transfusion” is produced by John Schwarz and Michael Schwarz of Deeper Water Films. Cailah Scobie from Stan and Paul Wiegard from Madman Entertainment will executive produce. Altitude Media’s Will Clarke, Andy Mayson and Mike Runagall will also executive produce.
“In ‘Transfusion’ we’ve found a movie that has that special combination of visceral action and achingly beautiful emotion,...
- 6/17/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Sam Worthington and Phoebe Tonkin are starring in Matt Nable’s directorial debut, Transfusion. The thriller, which also features Nable, is about a former Special Forces operative thrust into the criminal underworld to keep his only son from being taken from him. Production began in Sydney earlier this week and Altitude has added it to its slate with international sales launching at the Cannes Market.
Transfusion is produced by John Schwarz and Michael Schwarz through Deeper Water Films, with executive producers Cailah Scobie from Stan, Paul Wiegard from Madman Entertainment and Will Clarke, Andy Mayson and Mike Runagall of Altitude Media.
The Stan Original Film will premiere on Stan in Australia in 2022 after a theatrical release through Madman Entertainment in Australia and New Zealand.
Nable is also a writer and actor who recently appeared in Oz hit The Dry. Other acting credits include Mel Gibson’s Hacksaw Ridge and FX series Mr Inbetween.
Transfusion is produced by John Schwarz and Michael Schwarz through Deeper Water Films, with executive producers Cailah Scobie from Stan, Paul Wiegard from Madman Entertainment and Will Clarke, Andy Mayson and Mike Runagall of Altitude Media.
The Stan Original Film will premiere on Stan in Australia in 2022 after a theatrical release through Madman Entertainment in Australia and New Zealand.
Nable is also a writer and actor who recently appeared in Oz hit The Dry. Other acting credits include Mel Gibson’s Hacksaw Ridge and FX series Mr Inbetween.
- 6/17/2021
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Production underway earlier this week in Australia.
UK firm Altitude will launch international sales on Australian writer-director Matt Nable’s thriller Transfusion at the online Pre-Cannes Screenings next week (June 21-25).
The film began production in Sydney earlier this week and stars Sam Worthington, Phoebe Tonkin and Nable in the story of a former Special Forces operative thrust into the criminal underworld in an effort to keep his only son from being taken from him.
John Schwarz and Michael Schwarz are producing for Australia’s Deeper Water Films, with executive producers Cailah Scobie from Australian streaming service Stan, Paul Wiegard...
UK firm Altitude will launch international sales on Australian writer-director Matt Nable’s thriller Transfusion at the online Pre-Cannes Screenings next week (June 21-25).
The film began production in Sydney earlier this week and stars Sam Worthington, Phoebe Tonkin and Nable in the story of a former Special Forces operative thrust into the criminal underworld in an effort to keep his only son from being taken from him.
John Schwarz and Michael Schwarz are producing for Australia’s Deeper Water Films, with executive producers Cailah Scobie from Australian streaming service Stan, Paul Wiegard...
- 6/17/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Altitude Film Sales has also closed sales for Latin America and the Middle East.
Altitude Film Sales has closed a raft of deals in major territories across Europe and Asia for Anthony Hayes’ upcoming survival thriller Gold, starring Zac Efron.
The film has been acquired for German-speaking Europe (Leonine Studios), Italy (Adler), Benelux (Just Entertainment), Spain (Youplane), Scandinavia (MisLabel), Cis (Exponenta Films) and Latin America (CDC).
Further deals have been struck for South Korea (Joy N Contents Group), Taiwan (MovieCloud), Greece (Spentzos), Hungary (Ads), Poland (Best Film), former Yugoslavia (McF), Baltics (Latvian Theatrical), Middle East (Phars), Turkey (Filmarti), Thailand (Sahamongkolfilm...
Altitude Film Sales has closed a raft of deals in major territories across Europe and Asia for Anthony Hayes’ upcoming survival thriller Gold, starring Zac Efron.
The film has been acquired for German-speaking Europe (Leonine Studios), Italy (Adler), Benelux (Just Entertainment), Spain (Youplane), Scandinavia (MisLabel), Cis (Exponenta Films) and Latin America (CDC).
Further deals have been struck for South Korea (Joy N Contents Group), Taiwan (MovieCloud), Greece (Spentzos), Hungary (Ads), Poland (Best Film), former Yugoslavia (McF), Baltics (Latvian Theatrical), Middle East (Phars), Turkey (Filmarti), Thailand (Sahamongkolfilm...
- 6/10/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Anthony Hayes’ Zac Efron-starrer Gold has been snapped up by Screen Media, who has taken all North American rights.
The survival thriller was subject to a bidding war following last year’s American Film Market (AFM), out of which the Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment company came out on top.
The South Australian-shot film follows two men, travelling through remote desert, who stumble across the biggest gold nugget ever found. They hatch a plan to protect and excavate the gold, which sees one leave to secure equipment while the other stays behind to protect the discovery… at all costs.
Starring alongside Efron are Hayes and Susie Porter. Hayes directed from a script he co-wrote with Polly Smyth.
Producers include John Schwarz, Michael Schwarz and Hayes, with executive producers Andrew Mann, Peter Touche, Simon Williams, Paul Wiegard, Will Clarke, Andy Mayson, Nick Forward and Mike Runagall.
The Dop was Ross Giardina,...
The survival thriller was subject to a bidding war following last year’s American Film Market (AFM), out of which the Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment company came out on top.
The South Australian-shot film follows two men, travelling through remote desert, who stumble across the biggest gold nugget ever found. They hatch a plan to protect and excavate the gold, which sees one leave to secure equipment while the other stays behind to protect the discovery… at all costs.
Starring alongside Efron are Hayes and Susie Porter. Hayes directed from a script he co-wrote with Polly Smyth.
Producers include John Schwarz, Michael Schwarz and Hayes, with executive producers Andrew Mann, Peter Touche, Simon Williams, Paul Wiegard, Will Clarke, Andy Mayson, Nick Forward and Mike Runagall.
The Dop was Ross Giardina,...
- 6/8/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
The Zac Efron survival thriller “Gold” has sold to Screen Media following a competitive bidding situation that saw several studios and distributors circling the project.
The film co-stars Anthony Hayes who co-wrote the script in addition to directing the picture. Susie Porter rounds out the cast.
“Gold” centers on two men who stumble across the biggest gold nugget ever found while traveling through a remote desert. They hatch a plan to protect and excavate the gold, a scheme that requires one man to leave to secure equipment while the other stays behind to protect the discovery… at all costs. “Gold” was filmed in South Australia late last year and is currently in post-production.
“It is always every filmmaker’s dream to make a film and snag a large North American release for their film and a bidding war is even more rare,” said Hayes. “It is a testament to our...
The film co-stars Anthony Hayes who co-wrote the script in addition to directing the picture. Susie Porter rounds out the cast.
“Gold” centers on two men who stumble across the biggest gold nugget ever found while traveling through a remote desert. They hatch a plan to protect and excavate the gold, a scheme that requires one man to leave to secure equipment while the other stays behind to protect the discovery… at all costs. “Gold” was filmed in South Australia late last year and is currently in post-production.
“It is always every filmmaker’s dream to make a film and snag a large North American release for their film and a bidding war is even more rare,” said Hayes. “It is a testament to our...
- 6/7/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Documentary follows Zimbabwean refugees who entered the world of competitive wine tasting.
UK outfit Protagonist Pictures is to launch sales of Warwick Ross and Rob Coe’s Blind Ambition, which will world premiere at Tribeca Film Festival next month.
Protagonist will launch global sales at Tribeca, where the feature will screen in the documentary competition on June 10. This year’s hybrid festival will offer titles online as well as through a series of outdoor, Covid-compliant screenings across New York.
Blind Ambition tells the story of four Zimbabwean refugees-turned-sommeliers who shook up the international wine establishment and made history when they...
UK outfit Protagonist Pictures is to launch sales of Warwick Ross and Rob Coe’s Blind Ambition, which will world premiere at Tribeca Film Festival next month.
Protagonist will launch global sales at Tribeca, where the feature will screen in the documentary competition on June 10. This year’s hybrid festival will offer titles online as well as through a series of outdoor, Covid-compliant screenings across New York.
Blind Ambition tells the story of four Zimbabwean refugees-turned-sommeliers who shook up the international wine establishment and made history when they...
- 5/17/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Documentary follows Zimbabwean refugees who entered the world of competitive wine tasting.
UK outfit Protagonist Pictures has boarded sales of Warwick Ross and Rob Coe’s Blind Ambition, which will world premiere at Tribeca Film Festival next month.
Protagonist will launch global sales at Tribeca, where the feature will screen in the documentary competition on June 10. This year’s hybrid festival will offer titles online as well as through a series of outdoor, Covid-compliant screenings across New York.
Blind Ambition tells the story of four Zimbabwean refugees-turned-sommeliers who shook up the international wine establishment and made history when they entered...
UK outfit Protagonist Pictures has boarded sales of Warwick Ross and Rob Coe’s Blind Ambition, which will world premiere at Tribeca Film Festival next month.
Protagonist will launch global sales at Tribeca, where the feature will screen in the documentary competition on June 10. This year’s hybrid festival will offer titles online as well as through a series of outdoor, Covid-compliant screenings across New York.
Blind Ambition tells the story of four Zimbabwean refugees-turned-sommeliers who shook up the international wine establishment and made history when they entered...
- 5/17/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
The Australian federal government has extended two key film and funding initiatives. These are expected to help the country’s screen production sector remain active and continue to recover from the disruptions caused by Covid-19.
“The highly effective A$50 million ($38 million) Temporary Interruption Fund will be extended for a further six months, to provide coverage for productions that commence principal photography prior to 31 December 2021,” said Paul Fletcher, federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, on Sunday.
In a second move, Fletcher said: “The Morrison Government will also retain at 40% the Producer Offset rate for feature films with a theatrical release. In addition, as announced last year, the Government will raise the Producer Offset rate from 20% to 30% for other eligible formats such as drama and documentary content for television and streaming platforms.”
The Tif is a revolving pool of finance administered by Screen Australia that allows projects to...
“The highly effective A$50 million ($38 million) Temporary Interruption Fund will be extended for a further six months, to provide coverage for productions that commence principal photography prior to 31 December 2021,” said Paul Fletcher, federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, on Sunday.
In a second move, Fletcher said: “The Morrison Government will also retain at 40% the Producer Offset rate for feature films with a theatrical release. In addition, as announced last year, the Government will raise the Producer Offset rate from 20% to 30% for other eligible formats such as drama and documentary content for television and streaming platforms.”
The Tif is a revolving pool of finance administered by Screen Australia that allows projects to...
- 4/12/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
As the Australian International Documentary Conference (Aidc) heads into its 35th year, Natasha Gadd has been promoted by the board to CEO/creative director, succeeding Alice Burgin.
Most recently Aidc’s partnerships and industry development manager, Gadd has more than two decades of experience in the non-fiction sector, working across production, programming and distribution.
In 2005, she co-founded Daybreak Films, and her debut feature documentary, Words From the City was nominated for five AFI Awards. Her other credits include projects such as Murundak: Songs of Freedom and Anatomy: Muscle.
Over her career, she has worked worked as a cinema programs and public programs manager at the Acmi, festival director of the Real: Life on Film festival and board member of the National Film and Sound Archive (Nfsa).
At Aidc, Gadd has helped to steer an industry development program that unlocked $1.4 million in project and professional development funding for delegates across a three-year period.
Most recently Aidc’s partnerships and industry development manager, Gadd has more than two decades of experience in the non-fiction sector, working across production, programming and distribution.
In 2005, she co-founded Daybreak Films, and her debut feature documentary, Words From the City was nominated for five AFI Awards. Her other credits include projects such as Murundak: Songs of Freedom and Anatomy: Muscle.
Over her career, she has worked worked as a cinema programs and public programs manager at the Acmi, festival director of the Real: Life on Film festival and board member of the National Film and Sound Archive (Nfsa).
At Aidc, Gadd has helped to steer an industry development program that unlocked $1.4 million in project and professional development funding for delegates across a three-year period.
- 3/31/2021
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Impending changes to the regulatory environment could negatively impact the type of stories that are told by documentary filmmakers, but the sector’s ability to adapt should not be underestimated, according to a Screen Forever panel.
The challenges facing documentary makers were discussed at length today as part of a session entitled ‘How to Find Money for Your Must-Tell Doco’.
Wildbear Entertainment executive producer and principal Veronica Fury, Docplay and Madman Entertainment CEO Paul Wiegard, and Screen Australia investment and development manager Andrew Arbuthnot gave their views on what it takes to get projects off the ground in today’s climate.
Towards the end of the forum, the speakers were asked whether they thought the harmonising of the Producer Offset at 30 per cent would lead to more documentaries being financed.
Fury, whose company Wildbear works across film and TV, said while the proposed changes were “foundational”, there was hope that...
The challenges facing documentary makers were discussed at length today as part of a session entitled ‘How to Find Money for Your Must-Tell Doco’.
Wildbear Entertainment executive producer and principal Veronica Fury, Docplay and Madman Entertainment CEO Paul Wiegard, and Screen Australia investment and development manager Andrew Arbuthnot gave their views on what it takes to get projects off the ground in today’s climate.
Towards the end of the forum, the speakers were asked whether they thought the harmonising of the Producer Offset at 30 per cent would lead to more documentaries being financed.
Fury, whose company Wildbear works across film and TV, said while the proposed changes were “foundational”, there was hope that...
- 2/17/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Two feature films, three TV dramas, one children’s series, and one online project will share in $5.9 million of production funding from Screen Australia.
The projects include feature How To Please A Woman about a woman’s choice to take her all-male housecleaning business to a more intimate level; the previously announced ABC anthology drama series Fires, set during last summer’s devastating bushfires; Stan feature Gold, and a comedy about a single woman and her database of potential sexual partners in Spreadsheet for Viacom CBS.
Screen Australia’s head of content Sally Caplan said it was a testament to the resilience of the screen industry to have so many projects move into production during such a challenging period.
“It’s fantastic to kick off 2021 with such a great sample of the premium dramas that have been greenlit across the country,” she said.
“We’re so pleased to have supported...
The projects include feature How To Please A Woman about a woman’s choice to take her all-male housecleaning business to a more intimate level; the previously announced ABC anthology drama series Fires, set during last summer’s devastating bushfires; Stan feature Gold, and a comedy about a single woman and her database of potential sexual partners in Spreadsheet for Viacom CBS.
Screen Australia’s head of content Sally Caplan said it was a testament to the resilience of the screen industry to have so many projects move into production during such a challenging period.
“It’s fantastic to kick off 2021 with such a great sample of the premium dramas that have been greenlit across the country,” she said.
“We’re so pleased to have supported...
- 2/3/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
National Geographic Documentary Films has acquired the worldwide rights to Sally Aitken’s documentary about Australian diver and filmmaker Valerie Taylor following its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
Chosen as one of only 10 films from around the world for the World Cinema Documentary Competition section, Playing with Sharks charts Taylor’s transformation from a champion slayer to a passionate marine conservationist through remastered film footage taken across 50 years.
The film was created and produced by Bettina Dalton, WildBear Entertainment, and written and directed by Aitken. The executive producers include Alan Erson for WildBear; Anna Godas and Oli Harbottle for TDog; and Paul Wiegard for Madman Entertainment.
Dalton tells If National Geographic Documentary Films is the “perfect home” for Playing with Sharks.
“National Geographic not only has a lot of gravitas, but also a lot of provenance and reach,” she says.
“They have the right ethos for this film, in...
Chosen as one of only 10 films from around the world for the World Cinema Documentary Competition section, Playing with Sharks charts Taylor’s transformation from a champion slayer to a passionate marine conservationist through remastered film footage taken across 50 years.
The film was created and produced by Bettina Dalton, WildBear Entertainment, and written and directed by Aitken. The executive producers include Alan Erson for WildBear; Anna Godas and Oli Harbottle for TDog; and Paul Wiegard for Madman Entertainment.
Dalton tells If National Geographic Documentary Films is the “perfect home” for Playing with Sharks.
“National Geographic not only has a lot of gravitas, but also a lot of provenance and reach,” she says.
“They have the right ethos for this film, in...
- 2/3/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
National Geographic Documentary Films said Tuesday that it has acquired Playing with Sharks, the feature documentary about Australian icon, conservationist and filmmaker Valerie Taylor that had its world premiere last week at the Sundance Film Festival. The pic is written and directed by Sally Aitken and is produced by WildBear Entertainment and Dogwoof. No release date plans or deal details were announced.
Playing with Sharks is created and produced by Bettina Dalton and WildBear Alan Erson for WildBear, Anna Godas and Oli Harbottle for TDog and Paul Wiegard for Madman Entertainment are executive producers.
Nat Geo Doc Films previously acquired the Science Fair at Sundance 2018, and is behind the Oscar-winning doc Free Solo and this year’s Rebuilding Paradise from Ron Howard.
Playing with Sharks is created and produced by Bettina Dalton and WildBear Alan Erson for WildBear, Anna Godas and Oli Harbottle for TDog and Paul Wiegard for Madman Entertainment are executive producers.
Nat Geo Doc Films previously acquired the Science Fair at Sundance 2018, and is behind the Oscar-winning doc Free Solo and this year’s Rebuilding Paradise from Ron Howard.
- 2/2/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
National Geographic Documentary Films negotiated deal with Dogwoof.
National Geographic Documentary Films has acquired worldwide rights to Sundance documentary Playing With Sharks.
Sally Aitken directed the WildBear Entertainment film, which chronicles the life of Australian conservationist and filmmaker Valerie Taylor.
Playing With Sharks follows Taylor from her days as a champion spear fisher in the 1950s to her work as passionate shark protector who also shot all the underwater scenes in Jaws.
Producer Bettina Dalton pitched the project during Sundance 2019 to Dogwoof, which became one of the film’s backers through its production fund TDog Productions.
Playing With Sharks is a WildBear Entertainment production,...
National Geographic Documentary Films has acquired worldwide rights to Sundance documentary Playing With Sharks.
Sally Aitken directed the WildBear Entertainment film, which chronicles the life of Australian conservationist and filmmaker Valerie Taylor.
Playing With Sharks follows Taylor from her days as a champion spear fisher in the 1950s to her work as passionate shark protector who also shot all the underwater scenes in Jaws.
Producer Bettina Dalton pitched the project during Sundance 2019 to Dogwoof, which became one of the film’s backers through its production fund TDog Productions.
Playing With Sharks is a WildBear Entertainment production,...
- 2/2/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
National Geographic Documentary Films has acquired the worldwide rights to Sally Aitken’s documentary “Playing with Sharks,” an individual with knowledge of the deal told TheWrap.
The documentary follows the life of Australian icon, conservationist and filmmaker Valerie Taylor, who is the reason why we know so much about sharks — she was the one who obtained first-ever footage of a great white under water.
Aitken wrote and directed the documentary, while Bettina Dalton of WildBear Entertainment produced. Executive producers are Alan Erson for WildBear, Anna Godas and Oli Harbottle for TDog and Paul Wiegard for Madman Entertainment.
“We couldn’t be happier to partner with Nat Geo Doc Films. It is the perfect home for ‘Playing with Sharks’ and we know Nat Geo will embrace and promote its important themes of shark conservation and trailblazing women,” Dalton of WildBear Entertainment said.
Nat Geo’s Carolyn Bernstein added: “I can’t...
The documentary follows the life of Australian icon, conservationist and filmmaker Valerie Taylor, who is the reason why we know so much about sharks — she was the one who obtained first-ever footage of a great white under water.
Aitken wrote and directed the documentary, while Bettina Dalton of WildBear Entertainment produced. Executive producers are Alan Erson for WildBear, Anna Godas and Oli Harbottle for TDog and Paul Wiegard for Madman Entertainment.
“We couldn’t be happier to partner with Nat Geo Doc Films. It is the perfect home for ‘Playing with Sharks’ and we know Nat Geo will embrace and promote its important themes of shark conservation and trailblazing women,” Dalton of WildBear Entertainment said.
Nat Geo’s Carolyn Bernstein added: “I can’t...
- 2/2/2021
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Altitude launched the project at last month’s AFM.
Screen can exclusively reveal a first look at Zac Efron in Anthony Hayes’ Gold, which Altitude launched to buyers at last month’s American Film Market.
The film is in week three of production in the Flinders Ranges region of South Australia, with the shoot due to wrap in late December; UK-based Altitude is handling international sales and co-representing domestic with CAA Media Finance.
Efron plays one of two strangers who stumble across the biggest gold nugget ever found when travelling through the desert. The pair hatch a plan to protect and excavate their bounty,...
Screen can exclusively reveal a first look at Zac Efron in Anthony Hayes’ Gold, which Altitude launched to buyers at last month’s American Film Market.
The film is in week three of production in the Flinders Ranges region of South Australia, with the shoot due to wrap in late December; UK-based Altitude is handling international sales and co-representing domestic with CAA Media Finance.
Efron plays one of two strangers who stumble across the biggest gold nugget ever found when travelling through the desert. The pair hatch a plan to protect and excavate their bounty,...
- 12/7/2020
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Zac Efron will headline the cast of Anthony Hayes’ Gold, due to kick off in South Australia this month.
Hayes will direct from his own script, co-written with Polly Smyth, and will also star with Susie Porter.
The thriller follows two drifters travelling through the outback who tumble across the biggest gold nugget ever found.
They hatch a plan to protect and excavate their bounty. One man leaves to secure the necessary equipment, while the other man remains, enduring the harsh desert climate, preying wolves and intruders, and battling the creeping doubt that he has been abandoned to his own fate.
Efron has been living in Australia during the coronavirus pandemic. Originally Sam Worthington was attached in the role.
Hayes promises Gold will be “an exciting, gripping and timely tale about greed, humanity, who we are, what we’ve done to the world and where we are heading if we aren’t careful.
Hayes will direct from his own script, co-written with Polly Smyth, and will also star with Susie Porter.
The thriller follows two drifters travelling through the outback who tumble across the biggest gold nugget ever found.
They hatch a plan to protect and excavate their bounty. One man leaves to secure the necessary equipment, while the other man remains, enduring the harsh desert climate, preying wolves and intruders, and battling the creeping doubt that he has been abandoned to his own fate.
Efron has been living in Australia during the coronavirus pandemic. Originally Sam Worthington was attached in the role.
Hayes promises Gold will be “an exciting, gripping and timely tale about greed, humanity, who we are, what we’ve done to the world and where we are heading if we aren’t careful.
- 11/5/2020
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Zac Efron is set to star in “Gold,” a survival thriller from director Anthony Hayes that will be introduced to buyers at the upcoming American Film Market.
Altitude Film Sales and CAA Media Finance will co-represent domestic sales on the film, and production is expected to begin in Australia later this month.
Hayes (“Animal Kingdom”) will also co-star in the film alongside Efron in a film about two strangers who together find a giant gold nugget while traveling through the desert. While one man leaves to go find supplies and return, the other is left to guard the gold, which puts him up against the elements of the desert, ravenous wild dogs, mysterious intruders and his own sanity that he’s been left here to die.
Hayes also co-wrote “Gold” with Polly Smyth, and he’ll produce for Rogue Star Pictures along with John Schwarz and Michael Schwarz through their Deeper Water Films banner.
Altitude Film Sales and CAA Media Finance will co-represent domestic sales on the film, and production is expected to begin in Australia later this month.
Hayes (“Animal Kingdom”) will also co-star in the film alongside Efron in a film about two strangers who together find a giant gold nugget while traveling through the desert. While one man leaves to go find supplies and return, the other is left to guard the gold, which puts him up against the elements of the desert, ravenous wild dogs, mysterious intruders and his own sanity that he’s been left here to die.
Hayes also co-wrote “Gold” with Polly Smyth, and he’ll produce for Rogue Star Pictures along with John Schwarz and Michael Schwarz through their Deeper Water Films banner.
- 11/5/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Zac Efron (The Greatest Showman) has boarded survival thriller Gold, which Altitude Film Sales will introduce to buyers at the upcoming AFM virtual market and will co-rep domestic sales on with CAA Media Finance.
Actor Anthony Hayes (Animal Kingdom) will direct and co-star, based on a screenplay he co-wrote with Polly Smyth. John Schwarz and Michael Schwarz will produce through their Deeper Water Films banner (Danger Close: The Battle Of Long Tan), alongside Hayes for Rogue Star Pictures.
The film will follow two strangers traveling through a desert who stumble across the biggest gold nugget ever found. They hatch a plan to protect and excavate their bounty with one man leaving to secure the necessary equipment. The other man remains and must endure harsh desert elements, ravenous wild dogs and mysterious intruders, whilst battling the sinking suspicion that he has been abandoned to his own fate.
Shoot is due to...
Actor Anthony Hayes (Animal Kingdom) will direct and co-star, based on a screenplay he co-wrote with Polly Smyth. John Schwarz and Michael Schwarz will produce through their Deeper Water Films banner (Danger Close: The Battle Of Long Tan), alongside Hayes for Rogue Star Pictures.
The film will follow two strangers traveling through a desert who stumble across the biggest gold nugget ever found. They hatch a plan to protect and excavate their bounty with one man leaving to secure the necessary equipment. The other man remains and must endure harsh desert elements, ravenous wild dogs and mysterious intruders, whilst battling the sinking suspicion that he has been abandoned to his own fate.
Shoot is due to...
- 11/5/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Zac Efron has joined survival thriller “Gold,” an original film out of Australian streamer Stan.
Shopped to buyers at next week’s American Film Market (AFM), the film turns on two strangers traveling through a desert who stumble upon the biggest gold nugget ever found. When dreams of unimaginable wealth take hold, they devise a plan to protect and excavate their bounty with one man leaving to secure the necessary equipment.
Efron plays the man left behind, who comes up against unforgiving desert elements, ravenous wild dogs and mysterious intruders, all while wondering whether his partner is ever going to come back for him. Principal photography on the movie will begin in Australia this month — where film and TV production has been able to continue relatively unscathed during the Covid-19 crisis.
London-headquartered Altitude Film Sales will co-represent domestic sales on the film with CAA Media Finance. “Gold” will be released...
Shopped to buyers at next week’s American Film Market (AFM), the film turns on two strangers traveling through a desert who stumble upon the biggest gold nugget ever found. When dreams of unimaginable wealth take hold, they devise a plan to protect and excavate their bounty with one man leaving to secure the necessary equipment.
Efron plays the man left behind, who comes up against unforgiving desert elements, ravenous wild dogs and mysterious intruders, all while wondering whether his partner is ever going to come back for him. Principal photography on the movie will begin in Australia this month — where film and TV production has been able to continue relatively unscathed during the Covid-19 crisis.
London-headquartered Altitude Film Sales will co-represent domestic sales on the film with CAA Media Finance. “Gold” will be released...
- 11/5/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Anthony Hayes will co-star in and direct the survival thriller.
Zac Efron is to star in the upcoming Australian survival thriller Gold, which Altitude Film Sales will introduce to international buyers at the virtual AFM next week.
UK-based Altitude is co-representing domestic sales with CAA Media Finance. Principal photography is set to begin in Australia this month.
Anthony Hayes (Animal Kingdom) will direct and co-star in the film about two men travelling through a remote desert who stumble across the biggest gold nugget ever found.
They hatch a plan to excavate the treasure. One leaves to secure equipment while the...
Zac Efron is to star in the upcoming Australian survival thriller Gold, which Altitude Film Sales will introduce to international buyers at the virtual AFM next week.
UK-based Altitude is co-representing domestic sales with CAA Media Finance. Principal photography is set to begin in Australia this month.
Anthony Hayes (Animal Kingdom) will direct and co-star in the film about two men travelling through a remote desert who stumble across the biggest gold nugget ever found.
They hatch a plan to excavate the treasure. One leaves to secure equipment while the...
- 11/5/2020
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
The 6-day conference will run online from November 20-26.
Singaporean filmmaker Anthony Chen, and Mouly Surya from Indonesia are among the speakers confirmed for the second annual Asia Pacific Screen Forum, which will run online from November 20-26.
Events in the six-day conference will be accessible to participants across the continent, as well as in-person at the Home Of The Arts venue in Gold Coast, Australia.
The schedule includes panels, smaller-scale roundtable discussions, and a screening programme.
Chen, whose second feature Wet Season was recently selected as Singapore’s entry for the 2020 Oscar international feature award, will take part in...
Singaporean filmmaker Anthony Chen, and Mouly Surya from Indonesia are among the speakers confirmed for the second annual Asia Pacific Screen Forum, which will run online from November 20-26.
Events in the six-day conference will be accessible to participants across the continent, as well as in-person at the Home Of The Arts venue in Gold Coast, Australia.
The schedule includes panels, smaller-scale roundtable discussions, and a screening programme.
Chen, whose second feature Wet Season was recently selected as Singapore’s entry for the 2020 Oscar international feature award, will take part in...
- 10/27/2020
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
‘The Furnace.’
Most independent Australian distributors are doing it tough, forced to postpone releases while the exhibition business languishes with Victorian cinemas closed and seating capacity restricted in the rest of the country.
They fear the Federal Government’s media reforms, which will lower the Producer Offset for films to 30 per cent and double the minimum qualifying Australian production expenditure (Qape) threshold for features to $1 million, will lead to fewer narrative features and feature documentaries.
Another concern is that removing the obligation to release films in cinemas will further deplete the number of titles available to distributors next year.
However most are confident the cinema business will rebound from Boxing Day onwards with the launches of Warner Bros’ Wonder Woman 1984, Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s The Croods: A New Age and Sony’s Peter Rabbit 2, and that 2021 will be a strong year.
“Business is not what it used to be...
Most independent Australian distributors are doing it tough, forced to postpone releases while the exhibition business languishes with Victorian cinemas closed and seating capacity restricted in the rest of the country.
They fear the Federal Government’s media reforms, which will lower the Producer Offset for films to 30 per cent and double the minimum qualifying Australian production expenditure (Qape) threshold for features to $1 million, will lead to fewer narrative features and feature documentaries.
Another concern is that removing the obligation to release films in cinemas will further deplete the number of titles available to distributors next year.
However most are confident the cinema business will rebound from Boxing Day onwards with the launches of Warner Bros’ Wonder Woman 1984, Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s The Croods: A New Age and Sony’s Peter Rabbit 2, and that 2021 will be a strong year.
“Business is not what it used to be...
- 10/14/2020
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
‘The Furnace.’
Most independent Australian distributors are doing it tough, forced to postpone releases while the exhibition business languishes with Victorian cinemas closed and seating capacity restricted in the rest of the country.
They fear the Federal Government’s media reforms, which will lower the Producer Offset for films to 30 per cent and double the minimum qualifying Australian production expenditure (Qape) threshold for features to $1 million, will lead to fewer narrative features and feature documentaries.
Another concern is that removing the obligation to release films in cinemas will further deplete the number of titles available to distributors next year.
However most are confident the cinema business will rebound from Boxing Day onwards with the launches of Warner Bros’ Wonder Woman 1984, Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s The Croods: A New Age and Sony’s Peter Rabbit 2, and that 2021 will be a strong year.
“Business is not what it used to be...
Most independent Australian distributors are doing it tough, forced to postpone releases while the exhibition business languishes with Victorian cinemas closed and seating capacity restricted in the rest of the country.
They fear the Federal Government’s media reforms, which will lower the Producer Offset for films to 30 per cent and double the minimum qualifying Australian production expenditure (Qape) threshold for features to $1 million, will lead to fewer narrative features and feature documentaries.
Another concern is that removing the obligation to release films in cinemas will further deplete the number of titles available to distributors next year.
However most are confident the cinema business will rebound from Boxing Day onwards with the launches of Warner Bros’ Wonder Woman 1984, Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s The Croods: A New Age and Sony’s Peter Rabbit 2, and that 2021 will be a strong year.
“Business is not what it used to be...
- 10/14/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘High Ground’.
With Melbourne cinemas closed and most of those still in operation averaging capacities of 10 – 20 per cent, Madman Entertainment sensibly has decided to release Stephen Johnson’s High Ground next year.
The 1930s-set drama, which stars Simon Baker, Jacob Junior Nayinggul, Jack Thompson, Callan Mulvey, Aaron Pedersen, Caren Pistorius and Ryan Corr, was originally slated to open on July 9.
It will join a number of other Aussie titles dated for 2021, including Glendyn Ivin’s Penguin Bloom (January 1) and Robert Connolly’s The Dry (April 8), both Roadshow releases.
Inspired by true events, scripted by Chris Anastassiades and produced by Maggie Miles, Yothu Yindi co-founder Witiyana Marika, Johnson, David Jowsey and Greer Simpkin, High Ground has its world premiere in the Berlinale Special screenings section of the Berlin International Film Festival.
“High Ground obviously has had its trajectory post-Berlinale world premiere impacted by Covid-19,” Madman MD Paul Wiegard tells If.
“With...
With Melbourne cinemas closed and most of those still in operation averaging capacities of 10 – 20 per cent, Madman Entertainment sensibly has decided to release Stephen Johnson’s High Ground next year.
The 1930s-set drama, which stars Simon Baker, Jacob Junior Nayinggul, Jack Thompson, Callan Mulvey, Aaron Pedersen, Caren Pistorius and Ryan Corr, was originally slated to open on July 9.
It will join a number of other Aussie titles dated for 2021, including Glendyn Ivin’s Penguin Bloom (January 1) and Robert Connolly’s The Dry (April 8), both Roadshow releases.
Inspired by true events, scripted by Chris Anastassiades and produced by Maggie Miles, Yothu Yindi co-founder Witiyana Marika, Johnson, David Jowsey and Greer Simpkin, High Ground has its world premiere in the Berlinale Special screenings section of the Berlin International Film Festival.
“High Ground obviously has had its trajectory post-Berlinale world premiere impacted by Covid-19,” Madman MD Paul Wiegard tells If.
“With...
- 7/22/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Dean Widders.
With support from Screen Australia, Nitv has commissioned Nrl feature documentary The Fight Together, directed by Larissa Behrendt and produced by Sam Griffin for Essential Media.
The film will document how a group of Nrl greats came together to invent a new pre-game ceremony in response to the Maori Haka – one that could celebrate Aboriginal cultures and help to counter racism in rugby league.
Specifically, The Fight Together follows Nrl star Dean Widders’ journey to make that happen. His efforts have already culminated in the new Indigenous war cry being added to the start of the 2019 Nrl Indigenous All Stars – the first step in Widders aim to see the Australian Kangaroos perform the dance before their test matches.
The film will feature other Nrl greats Timana Tahu, Preston Campbell and George Rose, as well as Stan Grant, Adam Goodes and Russell Crowe.
The Fight Together will receive a theatrical release via Madman Entertainment,...
With support from Screen Australia, Nitv has commissioned Nrl feature documentary The Fight Together, directed by Larissa Behrendt and produced by Sam Griffin for Essential Media.
The film will document how a group of Nrl greats came together to invent a new pre-game ceremony in response to the Maori Haka – one that could celebrate Aboriginal cultures and help to counter racism in rugby league.
Specifically, The Fight Together follows Nrl star Dean Widders’ journey to make that happen. His efforts have already culminated in the new Indigenous war cry being added to the start of the 2019 Nrl Indigenous All Stars – the first step in Widders aim to see the Australian Kangaroos perform the dance before their test matches.
The film will feature other Nrl greats Timana Tahu, Preston Campbell and George Rose, as well as Stan Grant, Adam Goodes and Russell Crowe.
The Fight Together will receive a theatrical release via Madman Entertainment,...
- 7/16/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Exclusive: Film Constellation has boarded sales on Girls Can’t Surf, a feature doc from Christopher Nelius.
Set during the 1980s in the world of professional surfing, it tracks a band of renegade female surfers who took on the male-dominated sport to achieve equality.
Surf greats featuring include Jodie Cooper, Frieda Zamba, Pauline Menczer, Lisa Andersen, Pam Burridge, Wendy Botha, and Layne Beachley.
Director Nelius co-wrote the pic with Anne De Ruvo. It is produced by Michaela Perske of Pursekey Productions with Nelius. Executive producers are Chef’s Table, Rob Galluzzo and Michael Hilliard of Finch, and Paul Wiegard of Madman Entertainment with Ghislaine Couvillat from Whipped Sea acting as a co-producer.
The film was developed and financed by Screen Australia, Screen Nsw and is being distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Madman Entertainment.
“Now a billion-dollar global sport that has spread to all shores of the world,...
Set during the 1980s in the world of professional surfing, it tracks a band of renegade female surfers who took on the male-dominated sport to achieve equality.
Surf greats featuring include Jodie Cooper, Frieda Zamba, Pauline Menczer, Lisa Andersen, Pam Burridge, Wendy Botha, and Layne Beachley.
Director Nelius co-wrote the pic with Anne De Ruvo. It is produced by Michaela Perske of Pursekey Productions with Nelius. Executive producers are Chef’s Table, Rob Galluzzo and Michael Hilliard of Finch, and Paul Wiegard of Madman Entertainment with Ghislaine Couvillat from Whipped Sea acting as a co-producer.
The film was developed and financed by Screen Australia, Screen Nsw and is being distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Madman Entertainment.
“Now a billion-dollar global sport that has spread to all shores of the world,...
- 6/19/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
However the total box office for the week was just 17% of the comparable week last year.
The Trip To Greece – the fourth and final film in Michael Winterbottom’s The Trip franchise – has led the New Zealand box office chart after the first week since all Covid-19 restrictions were lifted.
Starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon and distributed in New Zealand by Madman Entertainment, the UK comedy took Nz$82,128 in its first seven days on 74 screens.
The top five was rounded out by Love Sarah, Sonic The Hedgehog, The Assistant and Bloodshot.
Total cinema box office revenue for the week...
The Trip To Greece – the fourth and final film in Michael Winterbottom’s The Trip franchise – has led the New Zealand box office chart after the first week since all Covid-19 restrictions were lifted.
Starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon and distributed in New Zealand by Madman Entertainment, the UK comedy took Nz$82,128 in its first seven days on 74 screens.
The top five was rounded out by Love Sarah, Sonic The Hedgehog, The Assistant and Bloodshot.
Total cinema box office revenue for the week...
- 6/18/2020
- by 1100453¦Michael Rosser¦9¦
- ScreenDaily
‘Brock: Over the Top.’
Kriv Stenders’ feature documentary on motor racing legend Peter Brock, Brock: Over the Top will start to roll out in cinemas on Thursday before its Premium VOD release on July 3.
The movie produced by WildBear Entertainment’s Veronica Fury and other PVOD releases such as Ben Lawrence’s Hearts and Bones and Alexs Stadermann’s animated feature 100% Wolf are benefiting from the willingness of some independent cinemas to screen films just before or while they are available on home entertainment.
This is a boon for the VOD platforms recently launched by Dendy Cinemas, the Ritz Cinema in Sydney and Melbourne’s Classic, Lido and Cameo Cinemas and the Golden Age Cinema.
However the usual 90-day theatrical window is expected to be reinstated when cinemas around the country are back in business, except for alternate content releases such as musical concerts and National Theatre Live.
Bonsai Films’ Jonathan Page,...
Kriv Stenders’ feature documentary on motor racing legend Peter Brock, Brock: Over the Top will start to roll out in cinemas on Thursday before its Premium VOD release on July 3.
The movie produced by WildBear Entertainment’s Veronica Fury and other PVOD releases such as Ben Lawrence’s Hearts and Bones and Alexs Stadermann’s animated feature 100% Wolf are benefiting from the willingness of some independent cinemas to screen films just before or while they are available on home entertainment.
This is a boon for the VOD platforms recently launched by Dendy Cinemas, the Ritz Cinema in Sydney and Melbourne’s Classic, Lido and Cameo Cinemas and the Golden Age Cinema.
However the usual 90-day theatrical window is expected to be reinstated when cinemas around the country are back in business, except for alternate content releases such as musical concerts and National Theatre Live.
Bonsai Films’ Jonathan Page,...
- 6/15/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Ryan Corr in ‘Below’ (Photo credit: David Dare Parker).
Madman Entertainment will release Maziar Lahooti’s debut feature Below on digital platforms and on DVD on July 8, bypassing cinemas.
Ryan Corr and Anthony Lapaglia star in the refugee detention centre action-drama produced by Nick Batzias of Good Thing Productions, Veronica Gleeson and Kate Neylon.
It will be the third Australian title to go straight to home entertainment since Covid-19 disrupted the film industry. Ben Lawrence’s Hearts and Bones went out as a Premium VOD release via Madman on May 6.
Flying Bark Productions’ animated feature 100% Wolf, scripted by Fin Edquist and directed by Alexs Stadermann and produced by Barbara Stephen and Alexia Gates-Foale, is taking the Pvod route from tomorrow. The voice cast is headed by Jai Courtney, Rhys Darby, Jane Lynch, Samara Weaving, Magda Szubanksi and Akmal Saleh.
In the pre-pandemic era, all three would have played in cinemas.
Madman Entertainment will release Maziar Lahooti’s debut feature Below on digital platforms and on DVD on July 8, bypassing cinemas.
Ryan Corr and Anthony Lapaglia star in the refugee detention centre action-drama produced by Nick Batzias of Good Thing Productions, Veronica Gleeson and Kate Neylon.
It will be the third Australian title to go straight to home entertainment since Covid-19 disrupted the film industry. Ben Lawrence’s Hearts and Bones went out as a Premium VOD release via Madman on May 6.
Flying Bark Productions’ animated feature 100% Wolf, scripted by Fin Edquist and directed by Alexs Stadermann and produced by Barbara Stephen and Alexia Gates-Foale, is taking the Pvod route from tomorrow. The voice cast is headed by Jai Courtney, Rhys Darby, Jane Lynch, Samara Weaving, Magda Szubanksi and Akmal Saleh.
In the pre-pandemic era, all three would have played in cinemas.
- 5/28/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘Hearts and Bones.’
Madman Entertainment had dated Ben Lawrence’s debut feature Hearts and Bones for an April 30 premiere on 40 screens, the marketing campaign was ready and Hugo Weaving was set do a a publicity tour.
That was until the sky fell in – all cinemas closed due to the pandemic – so the distributor and producer Matt Reeder had to rethink their strategy.
The upshot: The drama which follows Weaving’s war photographer and a South Sudanese refugee (newcomer Andrew Luri), who discovers a photograph that threatens to destroy them both, will be available to buy on digital platforms for $19.95 from May 6.
“Matt and Ben are fully on board with the decision; this is a great time to experiment,” says Madman Entertainment MD Paul Wiegard.
Wiegard is confident the download-to-own offer will get significant take-up through iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, Sony PlayStation, Telstra and Fetch TV. That will be followed by...
Madman Entertainment had dated Ben Lawrence’s debut feature Hearts and Bones for an April 30 premiere on 40 screens, the marketing campaign was ready and Hugo Weaving was set do a a publicity tour.
That was until the sky fell in – all cinemas closed due to the pandemic – so the distributor and producer Matt Reeder had to rethink their strategy.
The upshot: The drama which follows Weaving’s war photographer and a South Sudanese refugee (newcomer Andrew Luri), who discovers a photograph that threatens to destroy them both, will be available to buy on digital platforms for $19.95 from May 6.
“Matt and Ben are fully on board with the decision; this is a great time to experiment,” says Madman Entertainment MD Paul Wiegard.
Wiegard is confident the download-to-own offer will get significant take-up through iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, Sony PlayStation, Telstra and Fetch TV. That will be followed by...
- 4/19/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘Parasite.’
Madman Entertainment, the UK’s Curzon and Benelux distributor Cinéart have launched a film development fund.
The $US1.6 million fund aims to support a slate of 16 projects over three years. After that the partners will have the option to roll into a second five-year plan, exit to be replaced by another partner.
The trio will look to coordinate release plans for the supported titles where they option the rights for their respective territories.
The fund will be run out of Curzon’s London office, headed by producer Kristian Brodie, who produced Michael Pearce’s 2017 crime drama Beast.
The initiative stems from the strong relationship between the three companies, which often acquire the same upscale films.
Both Madman and Curzon released Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite, which expanded to 101 screens in Australia yesterday after its historic four Oscar wins, bringing the total to $3.08 million.
All three distributed Celine Sciamma’s Portrait Of A Lady On Fire,...
Madman Entertainment, the UK’s Curzon and Benelux distributor Cinéart have launched a film development fund.
The $US1.6 million fund aims to support a slate of 16 projects over three years. After that the partners will have the option to roll into a second five-year plan, exit to be replaced by another partner.
The trio will look to coordinate release plans for the supported titles where they option the rights for their respective territories.
The fund will be run out of Curzon’s London office, headed by producer Kristian Brodie, who produced Michael Pearce’s 2017 crime drama Beast.
The initiative stems from the strong relationship between the three companies, which often acquire the same upscale films.
Both Madman and Curzon released Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite, which expanded to 101 screens in Australia yesterday after its historic four Oscar wins, bringing the total to $3.08 million.
All three distributed Celine Sciamma’s Portrait Of A Lady On Fire,...
- 2/13/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
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