Hulu’s Hellraiser, a reimagining of Clive Barker’s 1987 horror classic from director David Bruckner, is available now exclusively on Hulu.
In the new Hellraiser movie from Hulu, “A young woman struggling with addiction comes into possession of an ancient puzzle box, unaware that its purpose is to summon the Cenobites, a group of sadistic supernatural beings from another dimension.”
The film summons forth a new batch of Cenobites, led by Jamie Clayton’s Hell Priest. Bruckner’s vision for the iconic Cenobites forgoes the leather and pushes the self-mutilation even further. In the Priest’s case, it results in extravagant robes made of flesh.
Bloody Disgusting spoke with Bruckner on the new look of the Cenobites, from concept art through to practical effects prosthetics.
“I didn’t know how to replicate the original Hellraiser,” Bruckner explained the initial concept change. “It’s too good of a movie to copy it in some way.
In the new Hellraiser movie from Hulu, “A young woman struggling with addiction comes into possession of an ancient puzzle box, unaware that its purpose is to summon the Cenobites, a group of sadistic supernatural beings from another dimension.”
The film summons forth a new batch of Cenobites, led by Jamie Clayton’s Hell Priest. Bruckner’s vision for the iconic Cenobites forgoes the leather and pushes the self-mutilation even further. In the Priest’s case, it results in extravagant robes made of flesh.
Bloody Disgusting spoke with Bruckner on the new look of the Cenobites, from concept art through to practical effects prosthetics.
“I didn’t know how to replicate the original Hellraiser,” Bruckner explained the initial concept change. “It’s too good of a movie to copy it in some way.
- 10/11/2022
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
Director David Bruckner reteams with The Night House writers Ben Collins and Luke Piotrowski for a new, highly anticipated installment of Hellraiser, now streaming only on Hulu.
In Hellraiser, Odessa A’zion stars as Riley, “A young woman struggling with addiction comes into possession of an ancient puzzle box, unaware that its purpose is to summon the Cenobites, a group of sadistic supernatural beings from another dimension.”
That puzzle box features six configurations, each offering a new puzzle to solve and a sharp hook that demands a blood sacrifice. It’s a brand-new iteration of the iconic puzzle box, which meant multiple variations to create for the film.
Speaking with Bloody Disgusting, Bruckner talked about the talent involved in the new puzzle box’s creation and juggling multiple iterations for the screen.
Bruckner’s search for the puzzle box’s concept artist led him to the realm of video games.
“Martin Emborg,...
In Hellraiser, Odessa A’zion stars as Riley, “A young woman struggling with addiction comes into possession of an ancient puzzle box, unaware that its purpose is to summon the Cenobites, a group of sadistic supernatural beings from another dimension.”
That puzzle box features six configurations, each offering a new puzzle to solve and a sharp hook that demands a blood sacrifice. It’s a brand-new iteration of the iconic puzzle box, which meant multiple variations to create for the film.
Speaking with Bloody Disgusting, Bruckner talked about the talent involved in the new puzzle box’s creation and juggling multiple iterations for the screen.
Bruckner’s search for the puzzle box’s concept artist led him to the realm of video games.
“Martin Emborg,...
- 10/10/2022
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
Hounds of Love..
In a David and Goliath battle, the screenplays for Ben Young.s debut feature Hounds of Love and Mel Gibson.s Hacksaw Ridge will compete for the original feature film prize at this year.s Awgie Awards.
That pits a low-budgeted film scripted by Young, which has grossed $125,000 in three weeks at six Australian cinemas, against the $US40 million WW2 drama written by Andrew Knight with Robert Schenkkan, which has amassed $US175.3 million worldwide.
There is only one nomination for the feature film adaptation category so the winner almost certainly will be Luke Davies for Lion, based on Saroo Brierley.s memoir.
The 50th Annual Awgie Awards presented by the Australian Writers. Guild will be handed out in Sydney on Friday August 25.
Individual category winners will be eligible for the Major Award, given to the most outstanding script of the year. Past winners have included the writers...
In a David and Goliath battle, the screenplays for Ben Young.s debut feature Hounds of Love and Mel Gibson.s Hacksaw Ridge will compete for the original feature film prize at this year.s Awgie Awards.
That pits a low-budgeted film scripted by Young, which has grossed $125,000 in three weeks at six Australian cinemas, against the $US40 million WW2 drama written by Andrew Knight with Robert Schenkkan, which has amassed $US175.3 million worldwide.
There is only one nomination for the feature film adaptation category so the winner almost certainly will be Luke Davies for Lion, based on Saroo Brierley.s memoir.
The 50th Annual Awgie Awards presented by the Australian Writers. Guild will be handed out in Sydney on Friday August 25.
Individual category winners will be eligible for the Major Award, given to the most outstanding script of the year. Past winners have included the writers...
- 6/20/2017
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Blue Murder: Killer Cop..
The Seven Network has revealed its programming slate for the coming 18 months. Among it are a number of new Australia dramas, including: Olivia Newton-John, Warnie, Hoges: The Paul Hogan Story and the anticipated Blue Murder: Killer Cop, which sees Richard Roxburgh reprise his role as Roger Rogerson.
The network has also confirmed that The Secret Daughter, Wanted and 800 Words will return in 2017.
Also new for Seven are Million Dollar Cold Case, Yummy Mummies, The Aussie Property Flippers and Murder Uncovered. The network has also touted a controversial new show.—..now being filmed under a veil of secrecy..—.which it claims will be the most talked about program of 2017.
Seven has confirmed reality mainstays.My Kitchen Rules, House Rules, First Dates and Seven Year Switch for new seasons.
New international titles secured by the network include Trial and Error and Training Day.
Seven.s...
The Seven Network has revealed its programming slate for the coming 18 months. Among it are a number of new Australia dramas, including: Olivia Newton-John, Warnie, Hoges: The Paul Hogan Story and the anticipated Blue Murder: Killer Cop, which sees Richard Roxburgh reprise his role as Roger Rogerson.
The network has also confirmed that The Secret Daughter, Wanted and 800 Words will return in 2017.
Also new for Seven are Million Dollar Cold Case, Yummy Mummies, The Aussie Property Flippers and Murder Uncovered. The network has also touted a controversial new show.—..now being filmed under a veil of secrecy..—.which it claims will be the most talked about program of 2017.
Seven has confirmed reality mainstays.My Kitchen Rules, House Rules, First Dates and Seven Year Switch for new seasons.
New international titles secured by the network include Trial and Error and Training Day.
Seven.s...
- 10/27/2016
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
The Secret Daughter.
Seven has announced that The Secret Daughter, starring Jessica Mauboy, will premiere October 3.
Mauboy leads series cast as Billie Carter, a part-time country pub singer whose life changes forever after a chance meeting with wealthy city hotelier Jack Norton, played by Colin Friels.
The drama also stars Bonnie Sveen (Home and Away), Matt Levett (A Place To Call Home, Devil.s Playground), David Field (Catching Milat, No Activity), Rachel Gordon (Winter, The Moodys, Blue Heelers), Salvatore Coco (The Principal, Catching Milat) and Jared Turner (The Almighty Johnsons, The Shannara Chronicles).
The Secret Daughter is a Screentime, a Banijay Group company, production for Channel Seven produced with the financial assistance of Screen Australia and Screen Nsw.
The series was directed by Leah Purcell, Geoff Bennett and Paul Moloney, and written by Justin Monjo, Greg Haddrick, Louise Bowes and Keith Thompson.
Seven has announced that The Secret Daughter, starring Jessica Mauboy, will premiere October 3.
Mauboy leads series cast as Billie Carter, a part-time country pub singer whose life changes forever after a chance meeting with wealthy city hotelier Jack Norton, played by Colin Friels.
The drama also stars Bonnie Sveen (Home and Away), Matt Levett (A Place To Call Home, Devil.s Playground), David Field (Catching Milat, No Activity), Rachel Gordon (Winter, The Moodys, Blue Heelers), Salvatore Coco (The Principal, Catching Milat) and Jared Turner (The Almighty Johnsons, The Shannara Chronicles).
The Secret Daughter is a Screentime, a Banijay Group company, production for Channel Seven produced with the financial assistance of Screen Australia and Screen Nsw.
The series was directed by Leah Purcell, Geoff Bennett and Paul Moloney, and written by Justin Monjo, Greg Haddrick, Louise Bowes and Keith Thompson.
- 9/19/2016
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
John Cornell and Paul Hogan on The Paul Hogan Show.
Josh Lawson will play Paul Hogan in Hoges, Fremantle Media's mini for Channel Seven.
Joining Lawson are Justine Clarke as Hogan's partner Noelene and Ryan Corr as John Cornell, his best friend and manager.
Also starring are Laura Gordon (Ms Fisher.s Murder Mysteries) as Linda Kozlowski, Nikki Osborn (Granny Smith) as Delvene Delaney, Sean Keenan (Puberty Blues, Glitch) as Young Paul and Marny Kennedy (The Saddle Club) as Young Noelene.
.Paul Hogan has always been one of my heroes", Lawson said in a statement, "so this role is as exciting as it is challenging.".
"He.s such an iconic figure. Everyone loves Hoges and one of his great gifts was making audiences feel like we really knew him. But there.s so much of his life that many people don.t know about and I.m thrilled that...
Josh Lawson will play Paul Hogan in Hoges, Fremantle Media's mini for Channel Seven.
Joining Lawson are Justine Clarke as Hogan's partner Noelene and Ryan Corr as John Cornell, his best friend and manager.
Also starring are Laura Gordon (Ms Fisher.s Murder Mysteries) as Linda Kozlowski, Nikki Osborn (Granny Smith) as Delvene Delaney, Sean Keenan (Puberty Blues, Glitch) as Young Paul and Marny Kennedy (The Saddle Club) as Young Noelene.
.Paul Hogan has always been one of my heroes", Lawson said in a statement, "so this role is as exciting as it is challenging.".
"He.s such an iconic figure. Everyone loves Hoges and one of his great gifts was making audiences feel like we really knew him. But there.s so much of his life that many people don.t know about and I.m thrilled that...
- 5/29/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Hit Australian musical drama "The Sapphires" is being turned into a twenty-six part animated series by Goalpost Pictures, Sticky Pictures, ABC and Screen Nsw.
The Wayne Blair-directed film, an adaptation of a musical stage play by Tony Briggs, followed four Aboriginal girls from an Outback town who who went to Vietnam to entertain American troops fighting in the Vietnam War.
Premiering at Cannes in 2012, the film went on to collect 12 Aacta awards and became a box-office success domestically. Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson return as writers for the TV series which will be lighter and aimed at kids and family audiences as it follows the girls through musical misadventures in a small Australian town.
Source: Variety...
The Wayne Blair-directed film, an adaptation of a musical stage play by Tony Briggs, followed four Aboriginal girls from an Outback town who who went to Vietnam to entertain American troops fighting in the Vietnam War.
Premiering at Cannes in 2012, the film went on to collect 12 Aacta awards and became a box-office success domestically. Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson return as writers for the TV series which will be lighter and aimed at kids and family audiences as it follows the girls through musical misadventures in a small Australian town.
Source: Variety...
- 2/3/2016
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
(L-r) Gail, Julie, Cynthia, Kay in The Sapphires.
Goalpost Pictures and Sticky Pictures are in the final stages of development on The Sapphires, an animated series based on Goalpost's 2012 feature.
Developed as a 26 x 22 minute series with ABC TV Australia, The Sapphires will be aimed at a kids (7-12 years) and families. .
.The Sapphires has been a wonderful journey and we are delighted Sticky Pictures is partnering with us to reach a brand new audience", said Kylie du Fresne from Goalpost Pictures.
"We are thrilled to be working again with writers Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson; the magic that was created on screen for the original movie looks certain to appear again with the TV series, which, like the movie, will have a phenomenal soundtrack. .The characters in The Sapphires are strong and inspiring role models and it is exciting for us to see the connection with a young audience...
Goalpost Pictures and Sticky Pictures are in the final stages of development on The Sapphires, an animated series based on Goalpost's 2012 feature.
Developed as a 26 x 22 minute series with ABC TV Australia, The Sapphires will be aimed at a kids (7-12 years) and families. .
.The Sapphires has been a wonderful journey and we are delighted Sticky Pictures is partnering with us to reach a brand new audience", said Kylie du Fresne from Goalpost Pictures.
"We are thrilled to be working again with writers Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson; the magic that was created on screen for the original movie looks certain to appear again with the TV series, which, like the movie, will have a phenomenal soundtrack. .The characters in The Sapphires are strong and inspiring role models and it is exciting for us to see the connection with a young audience...
- 2/2/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
(L-r) Gail, Julie, Cynthia, Kay in The Sapphires.
Goalpost Pictures and Sticky Pictures are in the final stages of development on The Sapphires, an animated series based on Goalpost's 2012 feature.
Developed as a 26 x 22 minute series for the ABC, The Sapphires will be aimed at a kids (7-12 years) and families. .
.The Sapphires has been a wonderful journey and we are delighted Sticky Pictures is partnering with us to reach a brand new audience", said Kylie du Fresne from Goalpost Pictures.
"We are thrilled to be working again with writers Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson; the magic that was created on screen for the original movie looks certain to appear again with the TV series, which, like the movie, will have a phenomenal soundtrack. .The characters in The Sapphires are strong and inspiring role models and it is exciting for us to see the connection with a young audience..
Sticky...
Goalpost Pictures and Sticky Pictures are in the final stages of development on The Sapphires, an animated series based on Goalpost's 2012 feature.
Developed as a 26 x 22 minute series for the ABC, The Sapphires will be aimed at a kids (7-12 years) and families. .
.The Sapphires has been a wonderful journey and we are delighted Sticky Pictures is partnering with us to reach a brand new audience", said Kylie du Fresne from Goalpost Pictures.
"We are thrilled to be working again with writers Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson; the magic that was created on screen for the original movie looks certain to appear again with the TV series, which, like the movie, will have a phenomenal soundtrack. .The characters in The Sapphires are strong and inspiring role models and it is exciting for us to see the connection with a young audience..
Sticky...
- 2/2/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Screen Australia and Screen Queensland have greenlit the upcoming Paul Hogan biographical project from FremantleMedia Australia for Channel Seven.
Screen Australia and Screen Queensland will provide "signfiicant" funding to The Paul Hogan project (working title), an intimate story of how an Aussie tradie from the wrong-side-of-the-tracks evolves into an Oscar-nominated superstar..
Kevin Carlin, whose work includes Wentworth and Seven.s upcoming miniseries Molly, will direct..
The script is by Keith Thompson (The Sapphires) and Marieke Hardy (Packed To The Rafters, The Family Law)..
FremantleMedia director of drama and executive producer, Jo Porter, has assembled the creative team, with shooting set to commence early next year.
Casting of the lead role is underway and highly contested, according to a Channel Seven statement.
Seven.s head of drama, Julie McGauran, said the The Paul Hogan project would be a celebration of a beloved icon.
"An Aussie battler with a larrikin heart who experienced an unexpected,...
Screen Australia and Screen Queensland will provide "signfiicant" funding to The Paul Hogan project (working title), an intimate story of how an Aussie tradie from the wrong-side-of-the-tracks evolves into an Oscar-nominated superstar..
Kevin Carlin, whose work includes Wentworth and Seven.s upcoming miniseries Molly, will direct..
The script is by Keith Thompson (The Sapphires) and Marieke Hardy (Packed To The Rafters, The Family Law)..
FremantleMedia director of drama and executive producer, Jo Porter, has assembled the creative team, with shooting set to commence early next year.
Casting of the lead role is underway and highly contested, according to a Channel Seven statement.
Seven.s head of drama, Julie McGauran, said the The Paul Hogan project would be a celebration of a beloved icon.
"An Aussie battler with a larrikin heart who experienced an unexpected,...
- 12/7/2015
- by Inside Film Correspondent
- IF.com.au
Andrew Anastasios and Andrew Knight.s The Water Diviner won the top prize and the gong for best original feature at the 2015 Awgie Awards.
It was the first time a feature collected the Australian Writers' Guild's Major Award and the gong for original feature since 2012 when Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson won with The Sapphires.
The prize for feature film adaptation was shared by Brendan Cowell for Scarlett Productions'. Ruben Guthrie and Tommy Murphy for Matchbox Pictures' Holding the Man.
Matchbox and Full Clip.s Deadline Gallipoli was named best original TV miniseries, acknowledging the work of writers Jacquelin Perske (also script producer), Stuart Beattie, Shaun Grant and Cate Shortland.
FremantleMedia.s Wentworth Season 3, Episode 3 The Governor.s Pleasure by Stuart Page shared the TV series award with Endemol Australia.s Offspring Episode 511 by Michael Lucas. Jan Sardi and Mac Gudgeon took the award for best miniseries adaptation for...
It was the first time a feature collected the Australian Writers' Guild's Major Award and the gong for original feature since 2012 when Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson won with The Sapphires.
The prize for feature film adaptation was shared by Brendan Cowell for Scarlett Productions'. Ruben Guthrie and Tommy Murphy for Matchbox Pictures' Holding the Man.
Matchbox and Full Clip.s Deadline Gallipoli was named best original TV miniseries, acknowledging the work of writers Jacquelin Perske (also script producer), Stuart Beattie, Shaun Grant and Cate Shortland.
FremantleMedia.s Wentworth Season 3, Episode 3 The Governor.s Pleasure by Stuart Page shared the TV series award with Endemol Australia.s Offspring Episode 511 by Michael Lucas. Jan Sardi and Mac Gudgeon took the award for best miniseries adaptation for...
- 9/14/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Fans of legendary author H.P. Lovecraft know how closely the ideas of sound, music and strange vibrations are woven into his literary works – from the supernatural serenade called forth in "The Music of Erich Zann" to the sonic “resonator” that opens a dimensional portal in From Beyond. Many musicians have tapped into Lovecraft's tales for inspiration – sometimes purely for fun, as in the case of Re-Animator: The Musical, co-produced for the stage by another horror icon, Stuart Gordon. As you know, Gordon's long association with Lovecraft's work began in earnest with the 1985 classic Re-Animator, and includes a memorable episode of the Showtime series Masters of Horror: “Dreams in the Witch House.” That same tale, which Lovecraft penned in 1932, is now the basis of an epic rock opera produced in association with the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society. While Gordon is not involved in this project, it does feature one...
- 10/15/2013
- by Gregory Burkart
- FEARnet
Dylan Pope.s Meteor Marmalade took the prize for best film and video at the 13th Uts Golden Eye awards presented on Monday night.
The bi-annual awards showcase film, video, sound and new media work produced by the students of the Uts Media Arts & Production and Masters of Animation programs.
This year.s judges included Rosemary Blight, Keith Thompson, Dany Cooper, Steve Arnold, Antony Partos, Tom Zubricki, Megan Elliott, Tony Krawtiz and Susan Boehm.
Prizes and sponsorship worth more than $33,000 were presented to the winners in 18 categories. James Vaughan collected the directing and editing gong for You Like It, I Love It.. Best script went to Desmond Hoo for Black Dog Seduce Me.
Here is the full list of winners:
Cinematography. If I am Thinking I Exist. Alyson Rothwell and Tom Westley
Screen Music Screen composed for Alice.s Trip. Peewee Ferris
Production Design. Entropy.. Diva Abrahamian
Script and Sound...
The bi-annual awards showcase film, video, sound and new media work produced by the students of the Uts Media Arts & Production and Masters of Animation programs.
This year.s judges included Rosemary Blight, Keith Thompson, Dany Cooper, Steve Arnold, Antony Partos, Tom Zubricki, Megan Elliott, Tony Krawtiz and Susan Boehm.
Prizes and sponsorship worth more than $33,000 were presented to the winners in 18 categories. James Vaughan collected the directing and editing gong for You Like It, I Love It.. Best script went to Desmond Hoo for Black Dog Seduce Me.
Here is the full list of winners:
Cinematography. If I am Thinking I Exist. Alyson Rothwell and Tom Westley
Screen Music Screen composed for Alice.s Trip. Peewee Ferris
Production Design. Entropy.. Diva Abrahamian
Script and Sound...
- 8/12/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Jason Solomons meets rising star Marine Vacth and Pelé, Terence Davies signs up Cynthia Nixon – plus the latest gossip from Cannes
Send the Marine!
Cannes has a great tradition of introducing new sex symbols to the world. Following in the dainty footsteps of Bardot, Deneuve and Paradis comes Marine Vacth (as in "pact"), whose performance in François Ozon's Jeune et Jolie had everyone asking, "Who's that girl?" In the film, she plays a gamine, bourgeois 17-year-old who suddenly takes up prostitution. Vacth followed Kate Moss as the face of Ysl perfume La Parisienne having been discovered in a branch of H&M when she was 15. When she did her first undressed shoot, her lorry-driver father sued the magazine and won. In her first-ever English interview, she told me: "My parents now leave me to do what I want. They haven't seen this film yet. But there's nothing they can do about it now.
Send the Marine!
Cannes has a great tradition of introducing new sex symbols to the world. Following in the dainty footsteps of Bardot, Deneuve and Paradis comes Marine Vacth (as in "pact"), whose performance in François Ozon's Jeune et Jolie had everyone asking, "Who's that girl?" In the film, she plays a gamine, bourgeois 17-year-old who suddenly takes up prostitution. Vacth followed Kate Moss as the face of Ysl perfume La Parisienne having been discovered in a branch of H&M when she was 15. When she did her first undressed shoot, her lorry-driver father sued the magazine and won. In her first-ever English interview, she told me: "My parents now leave me to do what I want. They haven't seen this film yet. But there's nothing they can do about it now.
- 5/18/2013
- by Jason Solomons
- The Guardian - Film News
Chicago – “The Sapphires” is inspired by a true story, about an Australian girl group who entertains the troops in 1968 Viet Nam. There is little feeling regarding the era the film is portraying, and it’s essentially used as a vehicle for period pop songs that have been heard before.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
The attempt to create some heat in the film is sincere, including the addition of comic actor Chris O’Dowd (the cop in “Bridesmaids), but the presentation is hampered by the obvious lack of experience in the actresses portraying the girl group and the budgetary limitations of recreating the 1960s, including Viet Nam. There is no big moment in the film that seems honest, it’s just a backstage story of group-comes-together, group-goes-through-trials and group-wows-the-naysayers. There is a barely explored subplot involving racism issues in 1960s Australian, and calculated romance, but none of those themes are enough to propel the film,...
Rating: 3.0/5.0
The attempt to create some heat in the film is sincere, including the addition of comic actor Chris O’Dowd (the cop in “Bridesmaids), but the presentation is hampered by the obvious lack of experience in the actresses portraying the girl group and the budgetary limitations of recreating the 1960s, including Viet Nam. There is no big moment in the film that seems honest, it’s just a backstage story of group-comes-together, group-goes-through-trials and group-wows-the-naysayers. There is a barely explored subplot involving racism issues in 1960s Australian, and calculated romance, but none of those themes are enough to propel the film,...
- 3/30/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
"The Sapphires" is an unpolished gem of a musical, a dramedy with a familiar '60s girl-group-on-the-rise story pasted over a backdrop of Australian racism and America's long war in Vietnam.
It's a tribute to the filmmakers (director Wayne Blair, working from a Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson script) that this confection often manages to connect the jaunty, sassy musical elements to the serious comment on Australian history.
A prologue captures a group of Aboriginal girls singing for family and friends in the Outback of the 1950s. This was an era when Australia routinely "stole" light-skinned aboriginal children to be raised in institutions and taught "white ways." So that quartet, when we next see them 10 years later, is only a trio.
Gail, given a sneering fierceness by Deborah Mailman of "Bran Nue Day" and "Rabbit-Proof Fence," plays guitar and bosses sister Cynthia (Miranda Tapsell) around. They're off to a town talent show,...
It's a tribute to the filmmakers (director Wayne Blair, working from a Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson script) that this confection often manages to connect the jaunty, sassy musical elements to the serious comment on Australian history.
A prologue captures a group of Aboriginal girls singing for family and friends in the Outback of the 1950s. This was an era when Australia routinely "stole" light-skinned aboriginal children to be raised in institutions and taught "white ways." So that quartet, when we next see them 10 years later, is only a trio.
Gail, given a sneering fierceness by Deborah Mailman of "Bran Nue Day" and "Rabbit-Proof Fence," plays guitar and bosses sister Cynthia (Miranda Tapsell) around. They're off to a town talent show,...
- 3/28/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Chicago – In other countries and cultures, there are parallel moments going on that are interesting mirrors to U.S. history. In “The Sapphires,” a girl group from Australia entertains the troops in Viet Nam, with many of the same U.S. issues of war, peace and social discord. The film is directed by Wayne Blair and features Jessica Mauboy.
Based on a true story, the film reflects on the practice in Australia of the “stolen generation,” when lighter skinned native Aborigines were stolen from their darker skinned families and assimilated into the white society. This is a thread in “The Sapphires,” as a stolen cousin rejoins the singing group before they go into Viet Nam. The film co-stars Chris O’Dowd (the cop in “Bridesmaids”), who is the manager of the group, and falls in love with one of the singers.
Jessica Mauboy as Julie in ‘The Sapphires’
Photo credit:...
Based on a true story, the film reflects on the practice in Australia of the “stolen generation,” when lighter skinned native Aborigines were stolen from their darker skinned families and assimilated into the white society. This is a thread in “The Sapphires,” as a stolen cousin rejoins the singing group before they go into Viet Nam. The film co-stars Chris O’Dowd (the cop in “Bridesmaids”), who is the manager of the group, and falls in love with one of the singers.
Jessica Mauboy as Julie in ‘The Sapphires’
Photo credit:...
- 3/25/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Outside of largely being a comedy with musical elements, The Sapphires does have a few things to say about race and the treatment of the "Stolen Generation" of Australia's Aborigines. But, for the most part, it's just a crowd-pleasing story of four young, talented Aborigine girls given the opportunity to sing for the troops in Vietnam under the guidance of their kind-hearted, soul-loving, lost-in-his-own-way manager played by Chris O'Dowd (Bridesmaids) who steals the show and proves necessary for it to succeed. Picked up by The Weinstein Co. in advance of this year's Cannes Film Festival, The Sapphires suddenly became something worth seeking out. Directed by first time feature helmer Wayne Blair and written by Keith Thompson and Tony Briggs, the latter of which is the son of one of the four women that inspired the story, this is a feel good movie through-and-through. It is a bit messy in its...
- 3/22/2013
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
"The Sapphires" is missing a lot – detailed characters, a unique narrative arc, half-plausible scenes of the Vietnam War – but it's got two uncommon things going for it: genuine charm and Chris O'Dowd. They are not mutually exclusive.
O'Dowd, the Irish comedic actor, has no proper business being in "The Sapphires," a film about four Aboriginal sisters in rural `60s Australia who set out to make it as a pop singing group. But this is the same actor who managed to play a Milwaukee police officer with his natural brogue in "Bridesmaids." His passport, thankfully, has some peculiar powers.
In "The Sapphires," he plays a heavy-drinking former cruise ship entertainer named Dave who has somehow wound up in an Australian backwater hosting a rinky-dink local talent show. The film first greets him passed out in the back of his car. When he wakes, he goes for his sunglasses and a pint before his pants.
O'Dowd, the Irish comedic actor, has no proper business being in "The Sapphires," a film about four Aboriginal sisters in rural `60s Australia who set out to make it as a pop singing group. But this is the same actor who managed to play a Milwaukee police officer with his natural brogue in "Bridesmaids." His passport, thankfully, has some peculiar powers.
In "The Sapphires," he plays a heavy-drinking former cruise ship entertainer named Dave who has somehow wound up in an Australian backwater hosting a rinky-dink local talent show. The film first greets him passed out in the back of his car. When he wakes, he goes for his sunglasses and a pint before his pants.
- 3/21/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
The Sapphires
Stars: Chris O’Dowd, Deborah Mailman, Jessica Maulboy, Shari Sebbens, Miranda Tapsell, Tory Kittles | Written by Tony Briggs, Keith Thompson | Directed by Wayne Blair
Four aborigine women with a great talent for singing struggle during the turbulent era of the late 1960s when it comes to equal rights. Their own country won’t accept them for who they are but when an Irish talent scout, Dave (O’Dowd), stumbles upon them, he brings them to Vietnam to perform for the troops (without the matter of race preventing their success).
The stage show of The Sapphires is lovingly referred to in many sequences of the film adaptation. Blair’s direction is very theatrical – whether it is in framing, sets, or prop and character positioning – and completely befitting of this type of film. The story based on factual events is extraordinary and at times seems hard to believe; this is...
Stars: Chris O’Dowd, Deborah Mailman, Jessica Maulboy, Shari Sebbens, Miranda Tapsell, Tory Kittles | Written by Tony Briggs, Keith Thompson | Directed by Wayne Blair
Four aborigine women with a great talent for singing struggle during the turbulent era of the late 1960s when it comes to equal rights. Their own country won’t accept them for who they are but when an Irish talent scout, Dave (O’Dowd), stumbles upon them, he brings them to Vietnam to perform for the troops (without the matter of race preventing their success).
The stage show of The Sapphires is lovingly referred to in many sequences of the film adaptation. Blair’s direction is very theatrical – whether it is in framing, sets, or prop and character positioning – and completely befitting of this type of film. The story based on factual events is extraordinary and at times seems hard to believe; this is...
- 2/26/2013
- by Piers McCarthy
- Nerdly
Sydney — Feel-good musical drama "The Sapphires" sparkled at Australia's premier film awards.
The tale of an Aboriginal family singing group entertaining American troops in the Vietnam War won best film and five other awards at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts ceremony Wednesday night.
Best Lead Actress Deborah Mailman and Best Supporting Actress Jessica Mauboy won for playing sisters in the group. The award for lead actor went to Chris O'Dowd, who played "The Sapphires" talent manager and is perhaps best known for his role as a police officer in the smash comedy "Bridesmaids."
The academy also recognized "The Sapphires" director Wayne Blair and writers, Keith Thompson and Tony Briggs, who adapted the screenplay from Briggs' stage production inspired by his mother's experiences.
"The Sapphires" won 11 awards in all, including technical categories announced earlier. Backstage, Blair said he never thought such a result would be possible, "not in my wildest dreams.
The tale of an Aboriginal family singing group entertaining American troops in the Vietnam War won best film and five other awards at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts ceremony Wednesday night.
Best Lead Actress Deborah Mailman and Best Supporting Actress Jessica Mauboy won for playing sisters in the group. The award for lead actor went to Chris O'Dowd, who played "The Sapphires" talent manager and is perhaps best known for his role as a police officer in the smash comedy "Bridesmaids."
The academy also recognized "The Sapphires" director Wayne Blair and writers, Keith Thompson and Tony Briggs, who adapted the screenplay from Briggs' stage production inspired by his mother's experiences.
"The Sapphires" won 11 awards in all, including technical categories announced earlier. Backstage, Blair said he never thought such a result would be possible, "not in my wildest dreams.
- 1/31/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
It was a glorious evening for The Sapphires at the 2nd Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards Ceremony last night, with the feature film bagging six Aacta awards, including Best Film and Best Director.
The awards top off what has been a sparkling year for the Sapphires team, who have already won a host of international audience choice awards and enjoyed great box office success in Australia.
Other than Best Film and Best Director (Wayne Blair), the musical drama took home the Aacta award for Best Lead Actress (Deborah Mailman), Best Lead Actor (Chris O'Dowd), Best Supporting Actress (Jessica Mauboy) and Best Adapted Screenplay (Keith Thompson, Tony Briggs), bringing their Aacta award total to eleven. (The film picked up a further five awards at the Aacta luncheon held on Monday.)
The film also bagged the news.com.au Audience Choice Award for Most Memorable Screen Moment.
The...
The awards top off what has been a sparkling year for the Sapphires team, who have already won a host of international audience choice awards and enjoyed great box office success in Australia.
Other than Best Film and Best Director (Wayne Blair), the musical drama took home the Aacta award for Best Lead Actress (Deborah Mailman), Best Lead Actor (Chris O'Dowd), Best Supporting Actress (Jessica Mauboy) and Best Adapted Screenplay (Keith Thompson, Tony Briggs), bringing their Aacta award total to eleven. (The film picked up a further five awards at the Aacta luncheon held on Monday.)
The film also bagged the news.com.au Audience Choice Award for Most Memorable Screen Moment.
The...
- 1/31/2013
- by Emily Blatchford
- IF.com.au
Vietnam war period movie The Sapphires dominated the Aacta’s last night, winning best film, best director (Wayne Blair), best actress (Deborah Mailman), best actor (Chris O'Dowd) and best supporting actress (Jessica Mauboy).
The film about an aboriginal troupe of entertainers who performed for American – and not Australian – soldiers swept the awards, and also won the best screenplay (Keith Thompson and Tony Briggs).
The event staged at Sydney’s Star casino and hosted by Russell Crowe was televised on delay by the Ten Network, but failed to make a dent in OzTam ratings.
It had just 318,000 viewers. But Ten claimed to be was happy as it was a 9.3% increase on the broadcast in 2012 on rival Nine.
The complete list of winners announced at the second AACTAs.
Byron Kennedy Award
Sarah Watt
Aacta Award For Best Young Actor
Saskia Rosendahl. Lore.
Television
Aacta Award For Best Television Drama Series
Puberty Blues.
The film about an aboriginal troupe of entertainers who performed for American – and not Australian – soldiers swept the awards, and also won the best screenplay (Keith Thompson and Tony Briggs).
The event staged at Sydney’s Star casino and hosted by Russell Crowe was televised on delay by the Ten Network, but failed to make a dent in OzTam ratings.
It had just 318,000 viewers. But Ten claimed to be was happy as it was a 9.3% increase on the broadcast in 2012 on rival Nine.
The complete list of winners announced at the second AACTAs.
Byron Kennedy Award
Sarah Watt
Aacta Award For Best Young Actor
Saskia Rosendahl. Lore.
Television
Aacta Award For Best Television Drama Series
Puberty Blues.
- 1/30/2013
- by Marcus Casey
- Encore Magazine
Don Groves is a Deadline contributor based in Sydney Nominated for 12 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, The Sapphires won six gongs at a ceremony hosted by Russell Crowe in Sydney on Wednesday night. The musical drama about four Aboriginal girls who formed a singing group in the 1960s won best director (Wayne Blair), lead actress (Deborah Mailman), lead actor (Chris O’Dowd), supporting actress (Jessica Mauboy) and adapted screenplay (Keith Thompson, Tony Briggs). That’s in addition to five craft awards presented on Monday. The Weinstein Co. will release the film in the U.S. on March 22. Thriller Wish You Were Here took the Aacta original screenplay award for husband-and-wife creative team Kieran Darcy-Smith and Felicity Price, and supporting actor for Antony Starr. German actress Saskia Rosendahl received the best young actor trophy for Cate Shortland’s Lore, which was Australia’s entry for the foreign language Oscar.
- 1/30/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Digital Spy presents a list of nominees for the second annual Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (Aacta) Awards, to be held in Sydney on January 30, 2013. The awards celebrate achievement in film, television, short film and documentary filmmaking during 2012. Film
['The Sapphires' still] Best Film
Burning Man
Lore
The Sapphires
Wish You Were Here Best Direction
Jonathan Teplitzky (Burning Man)
Cate Shortland (Lore)
Wayne Blair (The Sapphires)
Kieran Darcy-Smith (Wish You Were Here) Best Original Screenplay
Jonathan Teplitzky (Burning Man)
Pj Hogan (Mental)
Michael Lucas (Not Suitable for Children)
Kieran Darcy-Smith, Felicity Price (Wish You Were Here) Best Adapted Screenplay
Cate Shortland, Robin Mukherjee (Lore)
Keith Thompson, (more)...
['The Sapphires' still] Best Film
Burning Man
Lore
The Sapphires
Wish You Were Here Best Direction
Jonathan Teplitzky (Burning Man)
Cate Shortland (Lore)
Wayne Blair (The Sapphires)
Kieran Darcy-Smith (Wish You Were Here) Best Original Screenplay
Jonathan Teplitzky (Burning Man)
Pj Hogan (Mental)
Michael Lucas (Not Suitable for Children)
Kieran Darcy-Smith, Felicity Price (Wish You Were Here) Best Adapted Screenplay
Cate Shortland, Robin Mukherjee (Lore)
Keith Thompson, (more)...
- 12/4/2012
- by By Kate Goodacre
- Digital Spy
Hit musical drama The Sapphires has scored 12 nominations at the 2012 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (Aacta) Awards including in the coveted best feature film category.
The Sapphires, which follows four indigenous singers during the Vietnam war, has grossed more than $14 million in Australia to become the biggest local film of the year.
Three other films will be also be vying for the best feature film award: Burning Man (10 nominations in total), Lore (eight nominations in total) and Wish You Were Here (eight nominations in total) at the main Aacta ceremony, which will be held on January 30, 2013, at The Star Event Centre. Last year's event was held at the iconic Sydney Opera House.
P.J. Hogan's Mental also scored eight nominations including Best Lead Actress (Toni Collette), Best Supporting Actor (Liev Schreiber) Best Young Actor (Lily Sullivan) and Best Supporting Actress for Rebecca Gibney and Deborah Mailman.
Not Suitable for Children...
The Sapphires, which follows four indigenous singers during the Vietnam war, has grossed more than $14 million in Australia to become the biggest local film of the year.
Three other films will be also be vying for the best feature film award: Burning Man (10 nominations in total), Lore (eight nominations in total) and Wish You Were Here (eight nominations in total) at the main Aacta ceremony, which will be held on January 30, 2013, at The Star Event Centre. Last year's event was held at the iconic Sydney Opera House.
P.J. Hogan's Mental also scored eight nominations including Best Lead Actress (Toni Collette), Best Supporting Actor (Liev Schreiber) Best Young Actor (Lily Sullivan) and Best Supporting Actress for Rebecca Gibney and Deborah Mailman.
Not Suitable for Children...
- 12/3/2012
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
The Sapphires has led the Academy of Australian Cinema and Television Arts Awards nominations being nominated in 12 categories.
Awards will be handed out over two events, with an awards luncheon, focused on craft categories on Monday January 28 and the main event on January 30. Both events will be held at the Star Event Centre, the first public events for the venue.
The Sapphires, distributed by Hopscotch/eOne has been nominated for Best Film, Best Direction and best adapted screenplay as well as Best Lead Actor and Actress for Chris O’Dowd and Deborah Mailman, and Best Supporting Actress for Jessica Mauboy.
Burning Man was not far behind on 10 nominations including best film and best direction as well as best lead actor for Matthre Goode and Best Supporting Actress for Essie Davis.
Three more films, Lore, Mental and Wish You Were Here received eight nominations while Not Suitable For Children received four.
Awards will be handed out over two events, with an awards luncheon, focused on craft categories on Monday January 28 and the main event on January 30. Both events will be held at the Star Event Centre, the first public events for the venue.
The Sapphires, distributed by Hopscotch/eOne has been nominated for Best Film, Best Direction and best adapted screenplay as well as Best Lead Actor and Actress for Chris O’Dowd and Deborah Mailman, and Best Supporting Actress for Jessica Mauboy.
Burning Man was not far behind on 10 nominations including best film and best direction as well as best lead actor for Matthre Goode and Best Supporting Actress for Essie Davis.
Three more films, Lore, Mental and Wish You Were Here received eight nominations while Not Suitable For Children received four.
- 12/3/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
The Australian Writers. Guild (Awg) released their first line-up announcement for the biennial National Screenwriters Conference, which will take place at Mornington Peninsula in Victoria from 20-22 February 2013. Shameless creator Paul Abbott, announced as international headliner last month, will be joined by a host of industry elite including John Collee (Happy Feet, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World), Craig Pearce (The Great Gatsby, Moulin Rouge!, Romeo + Juliet, Strictly Ballroom), Stephan Elliott (The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Easy Virtue), Jacquelin Perske (Spirited, Love My Way, Little Fish, The Secret Life of Us), Keith Thompson & Tony Briggs (The Sapphires), Ian Simmons (Good News World, Good News Week, The Sideshow) and Peter Moon (Fast Forward, Full Frontal). "We bring together an unrivalled number of preeminent writers at the top of their game for the Nsc, which is a not-for-profit event. The retreat-like setting creates a hothouse of ideas,...
- 10/26/2012
- by Inside Film Correspondent
- IF.com.au
Debuting at Cannes to excellent early reviews, Wayne Blair’s The Sapphires is sure to be a big hit amongst audiences when it arrives in the UK in just a few weeks’ time – you can read our review here.
The film premiered in the UK at the BFI London Film Festival last week, where I was lucky enough to watch it, and it really is a terrific blend of music, comedy, and drama, and as Dave says in his review, it has a lot of heart, and so much soul.
Chris O’Dowd takes the lead in the brilliant 1968-set film, based on a true story, and MSN have debuted a great new clip in which he teaches his female quartet about soul.
“Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids) takes centre-stage as a band manager with a penchant for whisky and a passion for soul music, who spots the sparkling talent of...
The film premiered in the UK at the BFI London Film Festival last week, where I was lucky enough to watch it, and it really is a terrific blend of music, comedy, and drama, and as Dave says in his review, it has a lot of heart, and so much soul.
Chris O’Dowd takes the lead in the brilliant 1968-set film, based on a true story, and MSN have debuted a great new clip in which he teaches his female quartet about soul.
“Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids) takes centre-stage as a band manager with a penchant for whisky and a passion for soul music, who spots the sparkling talent of...
- 10/23/2012
- by Kenji Lloyd
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The Sapphires
Stars: Chris O’Dowd, Deborah Mailman, Jessica Maulboy, Shari Sebbens, Miranda Tapsell, Tory Kittles | Written by Tony Briggs, Keith Thompson | Directed by Wayne Blair
Four aborigine women with a great talent for singing struggle during the turbulent era of the late 1960s when it comes to equal rights. Their own country won’t accept them for who they are but when an Irish talent scout, Dave (O’Dowd), stumbles upon them, he brings them to Vietnam to perform for the troops (without the matter of race preventing their success).
The stage show of The Sapphires is lovingly referred to in many sequences of the film adaptation. Blair’s direction is very theatrical – whether it is in framing, sets, or prop and character positioning – and completely befitting of this type of film. The story based on factual events is extraordinary and at times seems hard to believe; this is...
Stars: Chris O’Dowd, Deborah Mailman, Jessica Maulboy, Shari Sebbens, Miranda Tapsell, Tory Kittles | Written by Tony Briggs, Keith Thompson | Directed by Wayne Blair
Four aborigine women with a great talent for singing struggle during the turbulent era of the late 1960s when it comes to equal rights. Their own country won’t accept them for who they are but when an Irish talent scout, Dave (O’Dowd), stumbles upon them, he brings them to Vietnam to perform for the troops (without the matter of race preventing their success).
The stage show of The Sapphires is lovingly referred to in many sequences of the film adaptation. Blair’s direction is very theatrical – whether it is in framing, sets, or prop and character positioning – and completely befitting of this type of film. The story based on factual events is extraordinary and at times seems hard to believe; this is...
- 10/18/2012
- by Piers McCarthy
- Nerdly
AFI Fest 2012 presented by Audi, a program of the American Film Institute, today announced the remaining sections and films that will screen in the festival.s World Cinema, Breakthrough, Midnight and Shorts programs. AFI Fest, which annually presents the best of world cinema in the movie capital of the world, will take place November 1 through 8 at the historic Grauman.s Chinese Theatre, the Chinese 6 Theatres, the Egyptian Theatre and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
World Cinema showcases the most anticipated and prize-winning international films of the year, Breakthrough highlights work discovered only through the submission process and Midnight.s selections are always haunting. Both World Cinema and Breakthrough feature a number of films making their North American or U.S. Premieres, including The Angels. Share, Greatest Hits, Laurence Anyways, Nairobi Half Life, Pieta, White Elephant and Zaytoun.
Two of the shorts in competition are from AFI Conservatory.s recent class of...
World Cinema showcases the most anticipated and prize-winning international films of the year, Breakthrough highlights work discovered only through the submission process and Midnight.s selections are always haunting. Both World Cinema and Breakthrough feature a number of films making their North American or U.S. Premieres, including The Angels. Share, Greatest Hits, Laurence Anyways, Nairobi Half Life, Pieta, White Elephant and Zaytoun.
Two of the shorts in competition are from AFI Conservatory.s recent class of...
- 10/16/2012
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Today, AFI 2012 announced its complete lineup, after previously debuting its New Auteurs, Young Americans, Galas and Special Screenings we finally get a look at the Midnight, Breakthrough, Shorts, and deliriously good World Cinema Selections.
The Shorts section, with almost too many to count, features new work from Nacho Vigalando, Nicolas Provost, and even Shia Labeouf (Cannes selected), among many others. The four Midnight titles all played in Tiff 2012’s Midnight Madness selection, and here we see John Dies at the End making a stop here after originally premiering at Sundance. They’ve nabbed three North American premieres in their Breakthrough section, including Kid from Fien Troch, Nairobi Half Life from David Tosh Gitonga, and Oh Boy from Jan Ole Gerster. But AFI has managed to really impress with it’s World Cinema selections. Just as they nabbed Cannes premiere Holy Motors for their Special Screenings, they’ve nabbed several high...
The Shorts section, with almost too many to count, features new work from Nacho Vigalando, Nicolas Provost, and even Shia Labeouf (Cannes selected), among many others. The four Midnight titles all played in Tiff 2012’s Midnight Madness selection, and here we see John Dies at the End making a stop here after originally premiering at Sundance. They’ve nabbed three North American premieres in their Breakthrough section, including Kid from Fien Troch, Nairobi Half Life from David Tosh Gitonga, and Oh Boy from Jan Ole Gerster. But AFI has managed to really impress with it’s World Cinema selections. Just as they nabbed Cannes premiere Holy Motors for their Special Screenings, they’ve nabbed several high...
- 10/16/2012
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
I’m probably not the only one who never thought we’d see the day when Irish comedian / actor Chris O’Dowd would head off to Australia to make a movie set in the late 60′s about a group of Aborigine singers but that day is here! The Sapphires is playing at the 2012 London Film Festival and we got an early screening to see if this movie is as good as we heard. Not much has been released for it yet but a trailer is viewable here.
The Sapphires is a movie inspired by a true story about a group of four Aborigine sisters who use their gift of singing to entertain the troops in Vietnam during the war. Director Wayne Blair takes the reins on it with a script from writers Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson.
The four ‘sisters’ are made up of Jessica Mauboy (Julie), Deborah Mailman (Gail...
The Sapphires is a movie inspired by a true story about a group of four Aborigine sisters who use their gift of singing to entertain the troops in Vietnam during the war. Director Wayne Blair takes the reins on it with a script from writers Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson.
The four ‘sisters’ are made up of Jessica Mauboy (Julie), Deborah Mailman (Gail...
- 9/26/2012
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
While most of Austin, Texas is currently busy gearing up for Fantastic Fest (including our own Fantastic Fest Death Squad), we’d be remiss to not mention that another one of Atx’s homegrown film festivals, the concisely-named Austin Film Festival, has just released their lineup. And it’s a real beauty! The festival, kicking off in just under a month, will open with David Chase’s Not Fade Away and will also include screenings of such buzzed-about titles as Flight, Silver Linings Playbook, The Sessions, Quartet, and The Sapphires. The festival has yet to announce their Closing Night Film, but with such an already-strong lineup, it should be a doozy. After the break, take a look at the current feature-length lineup for the 2012 Austin Film Festival and Conference, including listings for their comedy and documentary sections. Marquee Screenings: Not Fade Away – David Chase (Writer/Director); David Chase in attendance Flight – John Gatins (Writer), Robert Zemeckis (Director...
- 9/19/2012
- by Kate Erbland
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
New Tiff 2012 movie trailer for Wayne Blair's The Sapphires, starring Chris O'Dowd, Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy Shari Siebens and Miranda Tapsell The musical drama/comedy from The Weinstein Company, which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival this year, can be seen at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday, September 9th at the Winter Garden Theatre, followed by a Tuesday run at Tiff Bell Lightbox 1. Wayne Blair makes his feature directorial debut on the project, helming from the script by Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson. The Sapphires is produced by Kylie Du Fresne and Rosemary Blight, and executive-produced by Ben Grant, Soon Kie Lee, Harvey Weinstein, Bob Weinstein and Tristan Whalley.
- 9/4/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
New Tiff 2012 movie trailer for Wayne Blair's The Sapphires, starring Chris O'Dowd, Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy Shari Siebens and Miranda Tapsell The musical drama/comedy from The Weinstein Company, which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival this year, can be seen at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday, September 9th at the Winter Garden Theatre, followed by a Tuesday run at Tiff Bell Lightbox 1. Wayne Blair makes his feature directorial debut on the project, helming from the script by Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson. The Sapphires is produced by Kylie Du Fresne and Rosemary Blight, and executive-produced by Ben Grant, Soon Kie Lee, Harvey Weinstein, Bob Weinstein and Tristan Whalley.
- 9/4/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Australian film-maker Jan Sharp was honoured at the Telluride Film Festival. The festival was dedicated to both Sharp and Us producer Bingham Ray. Sharp’s film credits include Wide Sargasso Sea and Echoes of Paradise.
Accompanying The Sapphires and documentary On Borrowed Time by David Bradbury about film-maker Paul Cox and his life on a liver transplant waiting list were short films Rain by Tom and Sam McKeith, Barn Owl by Anna Spencer and Boo! by Rupert Reid.
The announcement:
Colorado’s Telluride Film Festival ending today was dedicated to the late Australian writer/producer/director Jan Sharp, as well as to the late Us producer Bingham Ray.
Jan’s long career began at Film Australia and included credits Wild Sargasso Sea and The Good Wife.
Bingham was a co-founder of October Films, a leading independent distribution company of the 1990s, and a former president of United Artists.
Australian films...
Accompanying The Sapphires and documentary On Borrowed Time by David Bradbury about film-maker Paul Cox and his life on a liver transplant waiting list were short films Rain by Tom and Sam McKeith, Barn Owl by Anna Spencer and Boo! by Rupert Reid.
The announcement:
Colorado’s Telluride Film Festival ending today was dedicated to the late Australian writer/producer/director Jan Sharp, as well as to the late Us producer Bingham Ray.
Jan’s long career began at Film Australia and included credits Wild Sargasso Sea and The Good Wife.
Bingham was a co-founder of October Films, a leading independent distribution company of the 1990s, and a former president of United Artists.
Australian films...
- 9/4/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Here’s the Toronto International Film Festival trailer for The Weinstein Company’s comedy The Sapphires, which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in May and received rapturous applause and a standing ovation.
Based on the play of the same name, screenplay is by the same playwright Tony Briggs, whose mother and family members were part of the original Sapphires, and Keith Thompson.
Directed by Wayne Blair (The Djam Djams), The Sapphires follows four young and talented Aboriginal girls from a remote mission as they learn about love-friendship and war when their all girl group entertains the U.S. troops in Vietnam in 1968. Cynthia (Miranda Tapsell), Gail (Deborah Mailman), Julie (Jessica Mauboy) and Kay (Shari Sebbens) are discovered by Dave (Chris O’Dowd), a talent scout always of good humor with a kind heart, very little rhythm, but a wealth of knowledge on soul music.
Here’s the official synopsis:
They’re sexy,...
Based on the play of the same name, screenplay is by the same playwright Tony Briggs, whose mother and family members were part of the original Sapphires, and Keith Thompson.
Directed by Wayne Blair (The Djam Djams), The Sapphires follows four young and talented Aboriginal girls from a remote mission as they learn about love-friendship and war when their all girl group entertains the U.S. troops in Vietnam in 1968. Cynthia (Miranda Tapsell), Gail (Deborah Mailman), Julie (Jessica Mauboy) and Kay (Shari Sebbens) are discovered by Dave (Chris O’Dowd), a talent scout always of good humor with a kind heart, very little rhythm, but a wealth of knowledge on soul music.
Here’s the official synopsis:
They’re sexy,...
- 8/31/2012
- by Nick Martin
- Filmofilia
The Australian Writers’ Guild held its annual awards ceremony on Friday 24 August. The Sapphires and screenwriters Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson won most outstanding script. Michael Lucas won two awards, in the feature film original category for Not Suitable For Children and in the TV series category for an episode of Offspring.
The announcement:
The 45th Annual Australian Writers’ Guild Awgie Awards were held on Friday 24th August at Doltone House in Sydney. The only Australian scriptwriting awards judged solely by writers on the basis of the script recognised a new crop of creative talent bringing Australian stories to our screens and stages.
The best of Australian performance writing across feature films, theatre, television, radio, interactive and animation were celebrated at a star-studded affair at Doltone House in Sydney last night as part of the golden 50-year anniversary of the Australian Writers’ Guild. The awards were hosted by iconic Australian...
The announcement:
The 45th Annual Australian Writers’ Guild Awgie Awards were held on Friday 24th August at Doltone House in Sydney. The only Australian scriptwriting awards judged solely by writers on the basis of the script recognised a new crop of creative talent bringing Australian stories to our screens and stages.
The best of Australian performance writing across feature films, theatre, television, radio, interactive and animation were celebrated at a star-studded affair at Doltone House in Sydney last night as part of the golden 50-year anniversary of the Australian Writers’ Guild. The awards were hosted by iconic Australian...
- 8/28/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
The 45th annual Australian Writer.s Guild Awgie Awards, held at Doltone House in Sydney, have honoured local productions including The Sapphires, Not Suitable for Children and The Slap.
Hosted by Roy and Hg.s John Doyle, the event was attended by key industry figures and featured Australian writing talent from across film, theatre, television, radio and animation.
Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson work on The Sapphires earned them an Awgie Award for Most Outstanding Script of 2012 and another for best Feature Film Adaption. Up-and-comer Michael Lucas also collected two awards, for an episode of the television show Offspring and in the Feature Film Original category for Not Suitable For Children.
The teams behind The Slap and The Straits won AWGIEs for Best Mini Series Adaption and Television Mini Series . Original respectively. Brides of Christ and The Leaving of Liverpool scribe Susan Smith cemented her place as a Australian scriptwriting...
Hosted by Roy and Hg.s John Doyle, the event was attended by key industry figures and featured Australian writing talent from across film, theatre, television, radio and animation.
Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson work on The Sapphires earned them an Awgie Award for Most Outstanding Script of 2012 and another for best Feature Film Adaption. Up-and-comer Michael Lucas also collected two awards, for an episode of the television show Offspring and in the Feature Film Original category for Not Suitable For Children.
The teams behind The Slap and The Straits won AWGIEs for Best Mini Series Adaption and Television Mini Series . Original respectively. Brides of Christ and The Leaving of Liverpool scribe Susan Smith cemented her place as a Australian scriptwriting...
- 8/27/2012
- by Anthony Soegito
- IF.com.au
Jessica Mauboy, Simon Crean, Deborah Mailman, Julie Collins, Wayne Blair
Indigenous Australians looking to enter the screen and print sector have had their opportunities bolstered with a new work and training program.
Launched by arts minister Simon Crean and Indigenous employment and economic development minister Julie Collins, the work and training program aims to create 40 new jobs across newspapers, new media, film and television.
Crean said: “The new employment program will help train and guide a new generation of Indigenous media professionals, whether they are on screen or in the media.”
“By investing to create new Indigenous employment opportunities in the media and screen industries, we’re not only diversifying workplaces, but investing in protecting and sharing our culture with many generations to come.”
Screen Australia received $1.1 million through the Federal Government’s Indigenous Employment Program to run the employment strategy which will be implemented by The Media Reconciliation Industry Network Group,...
Indigenous Australians looking to enter the screen and print sector have had their opportunities bolstered with a new work and training program.
Launched by arts minister Simon Crean and Indigenous employment and economic development minister Julie Collins, the work and training program aims to create 40 new jobs across newspapers, new media, film and television.
Crean said: “The new employment program will help train and guide a new generation of Indigenous media professionals, whether they are on screen or in the media.”
“By investing to create new Indigenous employment opportunities in the media and screen industries, we’re not only diversifying workplaces, but investing in protecting and sharing our culture with many generations to come.”
Screen Australia received $1.1 million through the Federal Government’s Indigenous Employment Program to run the employment strategy which will be implemented by The Media Reconciliation Industry Network Group,...
- 8/23/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
New Australian film The Sapphires has had a strong debut at the box office, taking the highest opening weekend by an Australian film this year.
The film, distributed by Hopscotch/eOne has grossed $2.34m at the most recent count, with figures being finalised, according to the Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia.
The Sapphires took a respectable screen average of $8387 across 279 screens.
The film’s cumulative total, including sneak previews bumps the film up to $2.59m.
Directed by Wayne Blair and produced by Rosemary Blight and Kylie Du Fresne, and written by Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson the film is about an all-girl Indigenous soul group going to Vietnam to entertain the troops.
It beat out previous 2012 Australian top film A Few Best Men which opened in January with $1.8m.
The Sapphires beat the Will Ferrell and Zack Galifianakis film The Campaign, distributed by Warner Bros, also in its opening weekend.
The film, distributed by Hopscotch/eOne has grossed $2.34m at the most recent count, with figures being finalised, according to the Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia.
The Sapphires took a respectable screen average of $8387 across 279 screens.
The film’s cumulative total, including sneak previews bumps the film up to $2.59m.
Directed by Wayne Blair and produced by Rosemary Blight and Kylie Du Fresne, and written by Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson the film is about an all-girl Indigenous soul group going to Vietnam to entertain the troops.
It beat out previous 2012 Australian top film A Few Best Men which opened in January with $1.8m.
The Sapphires beat the Will Ferrell and Zack Galifianakis film The Campaign, distributed by Warner Bros, also in its opening weekend.
- 8/13/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
This article originally appeared in If Magazine #147 (June-July 2012).
Two of director Wayne Blair.s most vivid memories of Cannes are being driven to the midnight screening of The Sapphires . .just breathe, just breathe,. he kept telling himself . and the sight of the Aboriginal Australian flag being flown at the Grand Hotel.
He.d been to the world.s most prestigious festival once before: in 2010 when the producers, Rosemary Blight and Kylie du Fresne, were financing the musical.
.It was one of those little fantasies you have: to get the money in Cannes and then be able to go back and present the film,. said Blair, one of 15 Australians who travelled to the South of France specifically for the film.s out-of-competition midnight screening.
This time around Blair was in Cannes for 10 days instead of three and, despite having to do between 20 and 30 media interviews, he said he enjoyed himself. He...
Two of director Wayne Blair.s most vivid memories of Cannes are being driven to the midnight screening of The Sapphires . .just breathe, just breathe,. he kept telling himself . and the sight of the Aboriginal Australian flag being flown at the Grand Hotel.
He.d been to the world.s most prestigious festival once before: in 2010 when the producers, Rosemary Blight and Kylie du Fresne, were financing the musical.
.It was one of those little fantasies you have: to get the money in Cannes and then be able to go back and present the film,. said Blair, one of 15 Australians who travelled to the South of France specifically for the film.s out-of-competition midnight screening.
This time around Blair was in Cannes for 10 days instead of three and, despite having to do between 20 and 30 media interviews, he said he enjoyed himself. He...
- 8/7/2012
- by Sandy George
- IF.com.au
Rachel Griffiths and Mandy McElhinney have been cast in the follow up to Paper Giants: the Birth of Cleo, Paper Giants: Magazine Wars.
Griffiths will play Dulcie Boling, editor of New Idea with McElhinney playing Nene King, Boling’s former deputy editor and the new editor of Packer’s Women’s Day.
The story follows the rivalry of the women as a battle between the magazines give rise to celebrities, gossip and chequebook journalism. As the press release reads: “It’s 1987. Hair is big. Shoulder pads are wide. The Royals are still a family.”
Produced by Southern Star’s Mimi Butler and John Edwards, the series will see the return of Rob Carlton as Kerry Packer. Carlton won a Logie for his portrayal of the late Acp boss in Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo.
Written by Justin Monjo and Keith Thompson, the series will be directed by Daina Reid,...
Griffiths will play Dulcie Boling, editor of New Idea with McElhinney playing Nene King, Boling’s former deputy editor and the new editor of Packer’s Women’s Day.
The story follows the rivalry of the women as a battle between the magazines give rise to celebrities, gossip and chequebook journalism. As the press release reads: “It’s 1987. Hair is big. Shoulder pads are wide. The Royals are still a family.”
Produced by Southern Star’s Mimi Butler and John Edwards, the series will see the return of Rob Carlton as Kerry Packer. Carlton won a Logie for his portrayal of the late Acp boss in Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo.
Written by Justin Monjo and Keith Thompson, the series will be directed by Daina Reid,...
- 7/30/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
David Michod
David Michod’s new film has received funding from Screen Australia, as part of almost $20m of investment from the screen agency.
The investment is expected to trigger $100m worth of production across four feature films, five TV dramas and three children’s dramas.
The Rover is written and directed by Michod, with a story by Michod and Joel Edgerton.
The film has cast Guy Pearce and Robert Pattinson in the lead roles.
Michod will also produce the film alongside his Animal Kingdom producing partner Liz Watts for Porchlight Films and David Linde, Ep on Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon for his Lava Bear Films.
The film will be distributed by Village Roadshow with international sales by FilmNation.
The Rover, set in the Australian desert in the dangerous near-future sees Eric, a man who has lost almost everything in life, have his car stolen by a gang of criminals.
David Michod’s new film has received funding from Screen Australia, as part of almost $20m of investment from the screen agency.
The investment is expected to trigger $100m worth of production across four feature films, five TV dramas and three children’s dramas.
The Rover is written and directed by Michod, with a story by Michod and Joel Edgerton.
The film has cast Guy Pearce and Robert Pattinson in the lead roles.
Michod will also produce the film alongside his Animal Kingdom producing partner Liz Watts for Porchlight Films and David Linde, Ep on Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon for his Lava Bear Films.
The film will be distributed by Village Roadshow with international sales by FilmNation.
The Rover, set in the Australian desert in the dangerous near-future sees Eric, a man who has lost almost everything in life, have his car stolen by a gang of criminals.
- 7/26/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Screen Australia will invest almost $20 million across 12 screen projects including futuristic Western The Rover, starring Robert Pattinson and Guy Pearce.
The film is the latest collaboration between producer Liz Watts and writer-director David Michôd, following the success of their crime-thriller Animal Kingdom in 2010. FilmNation Entertainment acquired the majority of worldwide rights to The Rover at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year while Village Roadshow will distribute the film in Australia.
Screen Australia has also backed three other feature films: drama Felony, written by Joel Edgerton and directed by Matthew Saville (Noise); Healing, a redemptive prison drama starring Don Hany (East West 101) and Hugo Weaving; and Aim High in Creation, a hybrid documentary-drama about the late Kim Jong-il from writer/director Anna Broinowski (Forbidden Lie$).
Screen Australia chief executive Ruth Harley said the four Australian features have huge potential. "The Rover is a powerful, well-crafted script from a talented team with an impressive cast,...
The film is the latest collaboration between producer Liz Watts and writer-director David Michôd, following the success of their crime-thriller Animal Kingdom in 2010. FilmNation Entertainment acquired the majority of worldwide rights to The Rover at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year while Village Roadshow will distribute the film in Australia.
Screen Australia has also backed three other feature films: drama Felony, written by Joel Edgerton and directed by Matthew Saville (Noise); Healing, a redemptive prison drama starring Don Hany (East West 101) and Hugo Weaving; and Aim High in Creation, a hybrid documentary-drama about the late Kim Jong-il from writer/director Anna Broinowski (Forbidden Lie$).
Screen Australia chief executive Ruth Harley said the four Australian features have huge potential. "The Rover is a powerful, well-crafted script from a talented team with an impressive cast,...
- 7/25/2012
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
The finalists have been announced for the Australian Writers’ Guild awards – or Awgies.
Wish You Were Here is up for best feature film, along with Last Dance and Not Suitable For Children.
The Slap and Underbelly: Razor are up for best TV mini-series.
The short list in full:
Telemovie Original
Beaconsfield – Judi McCrossin
Mabo – Susan Smith
Television Mini-series – Adaptation
The Slap – Emily Ballou, Alice Bell, Brendan Cowell, Kris Mrksa with Cate Shortland
Underbelly: Razor – Peter Gawler, Michaeley O’Brien, Felicity Packard and Jeffrey Truman
Television Mini-series – Original
Only one nomination and the winner will be announced on the night.
Television – Series
Spirited: If You See Her Say Hello – Alice Bell
Offspring: Episode 206 – Michael Lucas
Spirited: Living In Oblivion – Ian Meadows
Spirited: I’ll Close My Eyes – Jacquelin Perske
Television – Serial
Home & Away 5437- Louise Bowes
Home & Away 5391 – Fiona Bozic
Neighbours 6231 (Jim’s Death) – Pete McTighe
Comedy...
Wish You Were Here is up for best feature film, along with Last Dance and Not Suitable For Children.
The Slap and Underbelly: Razor are up for best TV mini-series.
The short list in full:
Telemovie Original
Beaconsfield – Judi McCrossin
Mabo – Susan Smith
Television Mini-series – Adaptation
The Slap – Emily Ballou, Alice Bell, Brendan Cowell, Kris Mrksa with Cate Shortland
Underbelly: Razor – Peter Gawler, Michaeley O’Brien, Felicity Packard and Jeffrey Truman
Television Mini-series – Original
Only one nomination and the winner will be announced on the night.
Television – Series
Spirited: If You See Her Say Hello – Alice Bell
Offspring: Episode 206 – Michael Lucas
Spirited: Living In Oblivion – Ian Meadows
Spirited: I’ll Close My Eyes – Jacquelin Perske
Television – Serial
Home & Away 5437- Louise Bowes
Home & Away 5391 – Fiona Bozic
Neighbours 6231 (Jim’s Death) – Pete McTighe
Comedy...
- 7/11/2012
- by Robin Hicks
- Encore Magazine
The Australian Writers’ Guild has announced the nominations for the 45th annual Awgie Awards. Among the nominated is Michael Lucas for his feature film Not Suitable For Children, Kieran Darcy-Smith for Wish You Were Here, the writing teams behind The Slap and Underbelly: Razor and in the comedy division, the teams behind Laid 2, Agony Uncles and At Home With Julia.
The announcement:
The nominees this year reflect the abundance of high quality screenwriters Australia has produced.
“The Awgies are a unique opportunity to celebrate the writers whose stories have shaped our national culture including feature films, theatre, TV series and serials, mini-series, radio, interactive, animation and children’s programs,” says Awg’s President and Academy Award nominee Jan Sardi. “This rich crop of writers is a sure sign Australia can match it with the best from anywhere in the world when it comes to performance writing, and that’s something to celebrate in this,...
The announcement:
The nominees this year reflect the abundance of high quality screenwriters Australia has produced.
“The Awgies are a unique opportunity to celebrate the writers whose stories have shaped our national culture including feature films, theatre, TV series and serials, mini-series, radio, interactive, animation and children’s programs,” says Awg’s President and Academy Award nominee Jan Sardi. “This rich crop of writers is a sure sign Australia can match it with the best from anywhere in the world when it comes to performance writing, and that’s something to celebrate in this,...
- 7/11/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
The nominees for this year's Awgie awards include the scribes behind local films such as The Sapphires, The Eye of the Storm, Wish You Were Here and TV programs such as Mabo, Beaconsfield, and Underbelly.
Battling in the feature film adaptation category will be Judy Morris. The Eye of the Storm, starring Geoffrey Rush and Judy Davies, and The Sapphires from Keith Thompson and Tony Briggs. Michael Lucas has also been nominated for his first original feature, Not Suitable for Children while Last Dance by Terence Hammond and David Pulbrook and drama Wish You Were Here, written by Kieran Darcy-Smith and Felicity Price, have also been nominated.
Among television nominees, the team of writers behind The Slap and Underbelly: Razor have been nominated as well as Susan Smith for indigenous telemovie Mabo, and Judi McCrossin for Beaconsfield. Michael Lucas was also nominated for the television series Offspring while three scripts...
Battling in the feature film adaptation category will be Judy Morris. The Eye of the Storm, starring Geoffrey Rush and Judy Davies, and The Sapphires from Keith Thompson and Tony Briggs. Michael Lucas has also been nominated for his first original feature, Not Suitable for Children while Last Dance by Terence Hammond and David Pulbrook and drama Wish You Were Here, written by Kieran Darcy-Smith and Felicity Price, have also been nominated.
Among television nominees, the team of writers behind The Slap and Underbelly: Razor have been nominated as well as Susan Smith for indigenous telemovie Mabo, and Judi McCrossin for Beaconsfield. Michael Lucas was also nominated for the television series Offspring while three scripts...
- 7/10/2012
- by Staff reporter
- IF.com.au
Before the Cannes Film Festival even began this year, The Weinstein Company made their usual round of high-profile acquisitions, and among the more curious selections, a largely unknown Aussie flick called “The Sapphires” made its way into the mix. As more info was released, it became clear that TWC found the film to be exactly the crowd-pleaser they needed among their quirkier offerings, and now a few new images have hit the web to give a glimpse of exactly what caused the sale. Set in Australia as the Vietnam War looms, “The Sapphires” follows four Aboriginal sisters who battle racism from locals to perform for soldiers in combat overseas. Once they meet a chronically soused, white keyboardist/manager, played by Chris O'Dowd, he takes them under his questionable wing, and provides the final element for the girls' dream to finally come true. The Wayne Blair-directed flick was written by Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson,...
- 7/5/2012
- by Charlie Schmidlin
- The Playlist
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