Vampire film In The Blood is set to shoot in late 2017 after receiving production funding from Screen Australia and the South Australian Film Corporation.
Produced by Trevor Blainey (Noise, Cut Snake) and written by Nigel Karikari, the film will tell the story of Selina, a vampire who returns to a remote farmstead to destroy the last vestiges of her humanity.—.her long abandoned son..
Victoria Cocks, who wrote and directed web series Wastelander Panda, will make her feature directing debut.
.Genre is what I love and what I feel most passionate about as a director," she said. "Finding a script that is able to combine that with both a great dramatic premise and great characters you genuinely care about in equal measure is something I will never say no to taking on."
Screen Australia.s CEO Graeme Mason called Cocks and Karikari "exciting new talents" and said the feature could...
Produced by Trevor Blainey (Noise, Cut Snake) and written by Nigel Karikari, the film will tell the story of Selina, a vampire who returns to a remote farmstead to destroy the last vestiges of her humanity.—.her long abandoned son..
Victoria Cocks, who wrote and directed web series Wastelander Panda, will make her feature directing debut.
.Genre is what I love and what I feel most passionate about as a director," she said. "Finding a script that is able to combine that with both a great dramatic premise and great characters you genuinely care about in equal measure is something I will never say no to taking on."
Screen Australia.s CEO Graeme Mason called Cocks and Karikari "exciting new talents" and said the feature could...
- 4/26/2017
- by Harry Windsor
- IF.com.au
'Restoration' (Photo credit: Jeff Paine)..
Rockzeline, the Paris-based sales agent which reps the likes of The Wizards of Aus, Airlock and Wastelander Panda, has picked up two Aussie titles: multiplatform sci-fi thriller Restoration and web series Jade of Death.
Rockzeline has offices in Paris, Los Angeles, Montreal and Sydney, and specialises in digital short-form projects..
They also produce original content in Australia through their production subsidiary Deadrock, a partnership between Enzo Tedeschi.s Deadhouse Films and Rockzeline.
Directed by Stuart Willis and produced by Midnight Snack Productions, Restoration is set in a near-future world where humans have their memories downloaded for backup via a new and dangerous technology.
The one-hour film, which stars Craig McLachlan, premiered on Nine in August last year, and in New Zealand on Sky TV.s sci-fi channel The Zone in December. It also secured a berth on Stan, where it.s currently available to stream.
Rockzeline, the Paris-based sales agent which reps the likes of The Wizards of Aus, Airlock and Wastelander Panda, has picked up two Aussie titles: multiplatform sci-fi thriller Restoration and web series Jade of Death.
Rockzeline has offices in Paris, Los Angeles, Montreal and Sydney, and specialises in digital short-form projects..
They also produce original content in Australia through their production subsidiary Deadrock, a partnership between Enzo Tedeschi.s Deadhouse Films and Rockzeline.
Directed by Stuart Willis and produced by Midnight Snack Productions, Restoration is set in a near-future world where humans have their memories downloaded for backup via a new and dangerous technology.
The one-hour film, which stars Craig McLachlan, premiered on Nine in August last year, and in New Zealand on Sky TV.s sci-fi channel The Zone in December. It also secured a berth on Stan, where it.s currently available to stream.
- 3/8/2017
- by Harry Windsor
- IF.com.au
Exclusive: Stu Willis directed story in multiple formats.
Paris-based Rockzeline will sell Restoration in its original 50-minute single episode broadcast format in addition to two 25-minute and five 10-minute episodes.
The deal covers all territories excluding Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, where the film has already secured distribution.
Willis directed Restoration and Midnight Snack Productions’ Toby Gibson produced. The story takes place in a near-future world where human memories are backed up via a dangerous new technology.
Craig McLachlan, Grant Cartwright, Nadia Townsend, Stephen Carracher, Rosie Lourde, Elizabeth Nabben and Ailís Logan star.
Producers Midnight Snack Productions hatched a production plan to develop the project across multiple formats for different release platforms in order to reach as wide an audience as possible.
“Rockzeline is proud to include Restoration in the top bracket of shows we represent and along with sales in its current format,” Rockzeline co-founder Antoine Disle said.
“We hope to...
Paris-based Rockzeline will sell Restoration in its original 50-minute single episode broadcast format in addition to two 25-minute and five 10-minute episodes.
The deal covers all territories excluding Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, where the film has already secured distribution.
Willis directed Restoration and Midnight Snack Productions’ Toby Gibson produced. The story takes place in a near-future world where human memories are backed up via a dangerous new technology.
Craig McLachlan, Grant Cartwright, Nadia Townsend, Stephen Carracher, Rosie Lourde, Elizabeth Nabben and Ailís Logan star.
Producers Midnight Snack Productions hatched a production plan to develop the project across multiple formats for different release platforms in order to reach as wide an audience as possible.
“Rockzeline is proud to include Restoration in the top bracket of shows we represent and along with sales in its current format,” Rockzeline co-founder Antoine Disle said.
“We hope to...
- 3/2/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Four years ago, Danger 5 screened at Fantastic Fest to a welcome response. In 2014, Wastelander Panda was met with similar acclaim. Now, a similarly entertaining and fairly wacky television show arrives, this time from Housebound writer/director Gerard Johnstone no less. We’d like to introduce Terry Teo.
Whether you’re familiar with book series that inspired this (and the popular ’80s children’s television series it spawned) is irrelevant. In less than 60 seconds, we learn a whole lot about Terry, the teenage cat burglar, as soon as he opens his mouth. After entering a property that is clearly not his dwelling, Terry takes off his shoes and proclaims, “I know I’m robbing the place, but that’s no reason to be disrespectful.” And so begins the trials of a self-aware, witty and, at times, fourth wall breaking New Zealander with a skateboard and a heart of gold.
Programmed...
Whether you’re familiar with book series that inspired this (and the popular ’80s children’s television series it spawned) is irrelevant. In less than 60 seconds, we learn a whole lot about Terry, the teenage cat burglar, as soon as he opens his mouth. After entering a property that is clearly not his dwelling, Terry takes off his shoes and proclaims, “I know I’m robbing the place, but that’s no reason to be disrespectful.” And so begins the trials of a self-aware, witty and, at times, fourth wall breaking New Zealander with a skateboard and a heart of gold.
Programmed...
- 9/26/2016
- by Marc Ciafardini
- The Film Stage
Epic Films and Madman Production Company have selected Marcus McKenzie.s The Projectionist for development as part of their Million Dollar Babies low budget feature film initiative, launched last year for South Australian writers and directors.
The decision follows on from a three-day development workshop in which six participants developed their feature film concepts and discussed the practical and commercial realities of production and distribution.
Each writer then expanded their initial concept into a feature film treatment, from which The Projectionist was selected.
McKenzie has recently completed post-production on a self-funded feature film, Crew Cut, a crime drama set in the heart of outback Australia. Previously he has written and directed several short films and music videos, and co-created the ABC iview series Wastelander Panda.
The Projectionist is an original time travel drama in which a recent widower, longing for the past, is transported into the home movies he shot 40 years ago.
The decision follows on from a three-day development workshop in which six participants developed their feature film concepts and discussed the practical and commercial realities of production and distribution.
Each writer then expanded their initial concept into a feature film treatment, from which The Projectionist was selected.
McKenzie has recently completed post-production on a self-funded feature film, Crew Cut, a crime drama set in the heart of outback Australia. Previously he has written and directed several short films and music videos, and co-created the ABC iview series Wastelander Panda.
The Projectionist is an original time travel drama in which a recent widower, longing for the past, is transported into the home movies he shot 40 years ago.
- 8/3/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
.
Filming has started on Goober (May 13), the first of five new South Australian projects being produced through the joint $500,000 Safc/ABC TV Labs iview originals initiative.
Goober tells the story of Harry, an Uber driver, who lies somewhere on the autism spectrum and can.t hold down any other job, but wants to make friends and a bit of money.
Harry is eternally optimistic - especially about his love for Wendy, the girl from his favourite drive-through restaurant..
Harry spends his life trying to turn passengers into friends, and Wendy into his girlfriend.
The series of 6 x 5 minute episodes features a South Australian cast and crew along with acclaimed Australian actor Shane Jacobson (Kenny, The Dressmaker) providing the voice of Harry.s Dad.
Goober will be the first major acting role for South Australian Brendan Williams, who plays Harry. He stars alongside another South Australian, Ashton Malcolm.
The series is...
Filming has started on Goober (May 13), the first of five new South Australian projects being produced through the joint $500,000 Safc/ABC TV Labs iview originals initiative.
Goober tells the story of Harry, an Uber driver, who lies somewhere on the autism spectrum and can.t hold down any other job, but wants to make friends and a bit of money.
Harry is eternally optimistic - especially about his love for Wendy, the girl from his favourite drive-through restaurant..
Harry spends his life trying to turn passengers into friends, and Wendy into his girlfriend.
The series of 6 x 5 minute episodes features a South Australian cast and crew along with acclaimed Australian actor Shane Jacobson (Kenny, The Dressmaker) providing the voice of Harry.s Dad.
Goober will be the first major acting role for South Australian Brendan Williams, who plays Harry. He stars alongside another South Australian, Ashton Malcolm.
The series is...
- 5/16/2016
- by Brian Karlovsky
- IF.com.au
Road movie All About E will premiere at Trundle in Far West Nsw, where the film was shot, on October 24, before a national roll-out via on-demand platform Tugg.
Director Louise Wadley,. producer Jay Rutovitz and cast members. Mandahla Rose, Simon Bolton and Brett Rogers will attend the screening at Trundle Memorial Hall.
Rose (Wastelander Panda) plays young Arabic Australian Elmira, or E as she insists on being called, a sexy DJ at Sydney's top gay nightclub who has her pick of the girls.
But she doesn't have a clue about how much of a mess her life has become. She's not .out. to her traditional Lebanese family, she's abandoned her beloved classical music and she's lost Trish (Julia Billington), the one relationship that really mattered to her.
When she stumbles on a stash of cash, she and her best gay friend and husband of convenience, Irishman Matt (Rogers) are forced...
Director Louise Wadley,. producer Jay Rutovitz and cast members. Mandahla Rose, Simon Bolton and Brett Rogers will attend the screening at Trundle Memorial Hall.
Rose (Wastelander Panda) plays young Arabic Australian Elmira, or E as she insists on being called, a sexy DJ at Sydney's top gay nightclub who has her pick of the girls.
But she doesn't have a clue about how much of a mess her life has become. She's not .out. to her traditional Lebanese family, she's abandoned her beloved classical music and she's lost Trish (Julia Billington), the one relationship that really mattered to her.
When she stumbles on a stash of cash, she and her best gay friend and husband of convenience, Irishman Matt (Rogers) are forced...
- 10/7/2015
- by Staff writer
- IF.com.au
Screen Australia has provided $170,000 funding for eight filmmakers to work as .attachments. on a range of screen projects..
The investment will help develop the skills, contacts and expertise of some of Australia.s gifted screen practitioners, and connect them into the local and international film industry.
Screen Australia senior development executive, Nerida Moore, said talent development was one of the most important aspects Screen Australia's work.
"It.s wonderful to be able to support it in a tangible and meaningful way," she said..
"This funding is very specific . it will enable particular people to work on projects that suit their unique talents and pathways..
"Film is a global industry and it.s important that we help Australian filmmakers find opportunities here and internationally. We look forward to seeing where these opportunities take them!.
Producer Michael Cody (Ruin, Hail) will work across the development, financing, production and distribution slate of Plan B Entertainment (The Departed,...
The investment will help develop the skills, contacts and expertise of some of Australia.s gifted screen practitioners, and connect them into the local and international film industry.
Screen Australia senior development executive, Nerida Moore, said talent development was one of the most important aspects Screen Australia's work.
"It.s wonderful to be able to support it in a tangible and meaningful way," she said..
"This funding is very specific . it will enable particular people to work on projects that suit their unique talents and pathways..
"Film is a global industry and it.s important that we help Australian filmmakers find opportunities here and internationally. We look forward to seeing where these opportunities take them!.
Producer Michael Cody (Ruin, Hail) will work across the development, financing, production and distribution slate of Plan B Entertainment (The Departed,...
- 7/30/2015
- by Inside Film Correspondent
- IF.com.au
Though you may not recognize Marcus McKenzie's name you almost certainly are familiar with his work if you're a regular reader of Twitch. McKenzie, you see, is the co-creator of Wastelander Panda - the Australian post-apocalyptic web series that became a true online phenomenon thanks to its gorgeous - and remarkably straight faced - execution of it's very odd premise. Yes, they made a Zatoichi and Lone Wolf And Cub inspired tale of a anthropomorphic, highly intelligent panda roaming a blasted post-apocalyptic landscape. And, yes, they took it seriously. How do you follow that up? Well, if you're McKenzie you don't wait for anybody else to give you permission or funding. You just dig deep into your own pockets, recruit a talented group of friends...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 6/10/2015
- Screen Anarchy
Jennifer Kent has won Best Direction in a Feature Film for The Babadook at the 2015 Australian Directors Guild Awards, held in Melbourne on Friday night.
The Awards celebrate the outstanding work of Australian screen directors over the past year, across 15 categories including film, television , Tvc and content created for the internet.
Other winners included Tony Krawitz for Best Direction in a TV Mini Series for episode five of Devil.s Playground and Matthew Saville for Best Direction in a TV Comedy for Please Like Me.
The ceremony, ordinarily held in Sydney, switched it up this year and took place at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.
Hosted by The Chaser.s Chris Taylor, the event honoured the 30th anniversary of Neighbours, with long-serving cast members Jackie Woodburne and Alan Fletcher in attendance along with Ariel Kaplan and Harley Bonner.
This year, the Adg presented both the Michael Carson Award and the Adg/DGA Finders Award.
The Awards celebrate the outstanding work of Australian screen directors over the past year, across 15 categories including film, television , Tvc and content created for the internet.
Other winners included Tony Krawitz for Best Direction in a TV Mini Series for episode five of Devil.s Playground and Matthew Saville for Best Direction in a TV Comedy for Please Like Me.
The ceremony, ordinarily held in Sydney, switched it up this year and took place at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.
Hosted by The Chaser.s Chris Taylor, the event honoured the 30th anniversary of Neighbours, with long-serving cast members Jackie Woodburne and Alan Fletcher in attendance along with Ariel Kaplan and Harley Bonner.
This year, the Adg presented both the Michael Carson Award and the Adg/DGA Finders Award.
- 5/11/2015
- by Emily Blatchford
- IF.com.au
Matt Saville has been nominated in two categories at the 2015 Australian Directors Guild Awards, for his feature Felony and an episode of Josh Thomas. ABC-tv comedy Please Like Me.
The other nominees in the feature film category are Sophie Hyde for 52 Tuesdays, Jennifer Kent for The Babadook and Robert Connolly for Paper Planes.
There are two nominees for Rake for TV drama series: Jessica Hobbs and Rowan Woods. Also in the running are Shawn Seet for The Code, Geoff Bennett for Love Child and Kevin Carlin for Wentworth.
Kate Dennis and Peter Salmon are both nominated for Secrets & Lies in the TV miniseries category, together with Tony Krawitz (Devil.s Playground). and Ian Watson (Anzac Girls).
The telemovie award is a toss-up between Samantha Lang for Carlotta and Jeffrey Walker for Jack Irish: Dead Point.
In the 30th year of Neighbours, Chris Langman has been nominated in the TV drama...
The other nominees in the feature film category are Sophie Hyde for 52 Tuesdays, Jennifer Kent for The Babadook and Robert Connolly for Paper Planes.
There are two nominees for Rake for TV drama series: Jessica Hobbs and Rowan Woods. Also in the running are Shawn Seet for The Code, Geoff Bennett for Love Child and Kevin Carlin for Wentworth.
Kate Dennis and Peter Salmon are both nominated for Secrets & Lies in the TV miniseries category, together with Tony Krawitz (Devil.s Playground). and Ian Watson (Anzac Girls).
The telemovie award is a toss-up between Samantha Lang for Carlotta and Jeffrey Walker for Jack Irish: Dead Point.
In the 30th year of Neighbours, Chris Langman has been nominated in the TV drama...
- 4/9/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Madman.s Nick Batzias and writer-director Matthew Saville have been keen to work together again since Madman released Saville.s 2003 telemovie Roy Hollsdotter Live and his 2007 crime thriller Noise.
After years of development they.ll start shooting A Month of Sundays, a comedic relationships drama starring Anthony Lapaglia, Justine Clarke, Julia Blake and John Clarke, in Adelaide on January 12.
Lapaglia plays Frank Mollard, a real estate agent whose life takes an unexpected turn when he receives a call from his dead mother, sending him on a journey of redemption. Justine is his estranged wife, with John Clarke as his boss/friend and Blake as the woman at the heart of a life-changing new relationship. Indiana Crowther plays Frank.s teenage son.
Saville, whose last feature was Felony, wrote the screenplay, inspired by his family.s experiences. It.s the first narrative feature from Madman Production Company, produced by Batzias and Kirsty Stark,...
After years of development they.ll start shooting A Month of Sundays, a comedic relationships drama starring Anthony Lapaglia, Justine Clarke, Julia Blake and John Clarke, in Adelaide on January 12.
Lapaglia plays Frank Mollard, a real estate agent whose life takes an unexpected turn when he receives a call from his dead mother, sending him on a journey of redemption. Justine is his estranged wife, with John Clarke as his boss/friend and Blake as the woman at the heart of a life-changing new relationship. Indiana Crowther plays Frank.s teenage son.
Saville, whose last feature was Felony, wrote the screenplay, inspired by his family.s experiences. It.s the first narrative feature from Madman Production Company, produced by Batzias and Kirsty Stark,...
- 1/7/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Touch and Anzac Girls have won key prizes at the 2014 Australian Cinematographers Society awards for South Australia and Western Australia.
Aaron Gully took the best cinema feature award for Touch, a mystery starring Leeanna Walsman, Matt Day and newcomer Onor Nottle, produced by Triptych Pictures. Julie Byrne and directed by Christopher Houghton.
The best telefeature, series, TV drama or comedy trophy went to Geoffrey Hall Acs for episode four of Screentime.s Anzac Girls. Hall also collected the Milton Ingerson award for best entry overall.
Jim Frater Acs took the dual prize for best dramatised documentary for The War That Changed Us episode 1 and for Desert War- Alamein, both produced by Electric Pictures. Andrew Ogilvie. Here is the full list of winners: Student Cinematography Gold: Jordan Agutter ~ The Crane Wife ~ Sa Silver: Caroline Fisher ~ Source to Sea ~ Sa Bronze: Molly O.Connor ~ Damsels ~ Sa Experimental & Specialised Gold: Malcolm Ludgate...
Aaron Gully took the best cinema feature award for Touch, a mystery starring Leeanna Walsman, Matt Day and newcomer Onor Nottle, produced by Triptych Pictures. Julie Byrne and directed by Christopher Houghton.
The best telefeature, series, TV drama or comedy trophy went to Geoffrey Hall Acs for episode four of Screentime.s Anzac Girls. Hall also collected the Milton Ingerson award for best entry overall.
Jim Frater Acs took the dual prize for best dramatised documentary for The War That Changed Us episode 1 and for Desert War- Alamein, both produced by Electric Pictures. Andrew Ogilvie. Here is the full list of winners: Student Cinematography Gold: Jordan Agutter ~ The Crane Wife ~ Sa Silver: Caroline Fisher ~ Source to Sea ~ Sa Bronze: Molly O.Connor ~ Damsels ~ Sa Experimental & Specialised Gold: Malcolm Ludgate...
- 11/4/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Justine Clarke will play the female lead in A Month of Sundays, director Matt Saville.s follow-up to Felony.
Anthony Lapaglia will star as Frank Mollard, a real estate agent whose life takes an unexpected turn when he receives a call from his dead mother, sending him on a journey of redemption.
Clarke, whose film credits include Healing and the upcoming Maya the Bee Movie, will play Frank.s estranged wife. Saville wrote the screenplay, inspired by his family.s experiences. Screen Australia is co-funding the project, the first narrative feature from Madman Productions.
The producers are Nick Batzias and Kirsty Stark. Voltage Pictures is handling international sales. Stark and Batzias collaborated on the webseries Wastelander Panda commissioned by ABC iview.
Kenny.s Clayton Jacobson is attached to direct Don't Tell Mum I Work on the Rigs, a film adapted from the popular novels and diaries of former oil rigger...
Anthony Lapaglia will star as Frank Mollard, a real estate agent whose life takes an unexpected turn when he receives a call from his dead mother, sending him on a journey of redemption.
Clarke, whose film credits include Healing and the upcoming Maya the Bee Movie, will play Frank.s estranged wife. Saville wrote the screenplay, inspired by his family.s experiences. Screen Australia is co-funding the project, the first narrative feature from Madman Productions.
The producers are Nick Batzias and Kirsty Stark. Voltage Pictures is handling international sales. Stark and Batzias collaborated on the webseries Wastelander Panda commissioned by ABC iview.
Kenny.s Clayton Jacobson is attached to direct Don't Tell Mum I Work on the Rigs, a film adapted from the popular novels and diaries of former oil rigger...
- 10/12/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Fresh from its premiere at Fantastic Fest the complete run of Victoria Cocks' post-apocalyptic web series Wastelander Panda: Exile is now available online for free viewing worldwide! Here's how I pitched the series in my Fantastic Fest program notes: The Apocalypse has come and gone; its survivors forming small communities for protection. Banished to the vast Wasteland, Isaac - a giant humanoid panda - sets out to find a young girl and reinstate his family into the Tribe of Legion. The idea is preposterous on the surface - a web series fusing elements of Mad Max, Lone Wolf And Cub and Zatoichi revolving around a walking, talking, sword fighting panda bear. It's the sort of thing that simply should not work, not at all, or...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 9/24/2014
- Screen Anarchy
Fantastic Fest 2014 Review: Wastelander Panda: Exile Takes Its Anthropomorphic Oddity Very Seriously
Victoria Cocks' post-apocalyptic saga of an anthropomorphic panda trekking across a great barren wasteland in search of redemption is remarkably restrained in its treatment of this absurd concept. Wastelander Panda: Exile's greatest asset is, without a doubt, its commitment to world building, as well as its uncanny ability to remove any but the slightest hints of acknowledgment of its own insanity. I can't say for sure that I am 100% sold on the project, but it is that same commitment that gives me pause and keeps me from dismissing the thing out of hand. Wastelander Panda: Exile is a uniquely Australian oddity that should not exist, but it does, and that is an achievement in and of itself.Issac has commited a sin. The seven-foot panda with...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 9/23/2014
- Screen Anarchy
A week after his film Felony launched into Australian cinemas, Screen Australia has revealed that it is investing production funding in director Matt Saville’s third feature.
Comedy A Month of Sundays will be the next film from the production arm of distributor Madman.
Madman executive Nick Batzias is producing with Kirsty Stark, who worked with the company on the series Wastelander Panda.
While Felony was not written by Saville – lead actor Joel Edgerton was the writer – he will direct A Month of Sundays from his own script, which draws on personal experience: his father was a real estate agent and so is this film’s lead character, to be played by Anthony Lapaglia.
Screen Australia also confirmed that it is supporting Looking For Grace, in which Radha Mitchell and Richard Roxburgh play the on-screen mother and father of newcomer Odessa Young.
The fourth film director Sue Brooks (Japanese Story) is now in its second week of...
Comedy A Month of Sundays will be the next film from the production arm of distributor Madman.
Madman executive Nick Batzias is producing with Kirsty Stark, who worked with the company on the series Wastelander Panda.
While Felony was not written by Saville – lead actor Joel Edgerton was the writer – he will direct A Month of Sundays from his own script, which draws on personal experience: his father was a real estate agent and so is this film’s lead character, to be played by Anthony Lapaglia.
Screen Australia also confirmed that it is supporting Looking For Grace, in which Radha Mitchell and Richard Roxburgh play the on-screen mother and father of newcomer Odessa Young.
The fourth film director Sue Brooks (Japanese Story) is now in its second week of...
- 9/5/2014
- by Sandy.George@me.com (Sandy George)
- ScreenDaily
Madman Entertainment co-founders Tim Anderson and Paul Wiegard have vowed to grow the business after completing a management-led buy-out.
The deal with toy, clothing and confectionery company Funtastic, which bought the distributor for $34.5 million in 2006, was sealed on Thursday.
A consortium of investors led by the co-founders and trading as Madman Film and Media Pty Ltd paid $21.5 million.
The other shareholders are Brett Chenoweth, the former CEO of Apn News & Media who was general manager/VP of Village Roadshow Pictures and head of business development for ninemsn in the 1990s; Charbel Nader, an investment banker who is chairman of Metro Media Publishing; and Adrian McKenzie, the former Cvc Asia Pacific managing partner who led the buyout of the Nine Network from Pbl..
"These guys bring a great web of contacts and experience," Wiegard told If. "We had autonomy at Funtastic but we had financial constraints. Being a media and content...
The deal with toy, clothing and confectionery company Funtastic, which bought the distributor for $34.5 million in 2006, was sealed on Thursday.
A consortium of investors led by the co-founders and trading as Madman Film and Media Pty Ltd paid $21.5 million.
The other shareholders are Brett Chenoweth, the former CEO of Apn News & Media who was general manager/VP of Village Roadshow Pictures and head of business development for ninemsn in the 1990s; Charbel Nader, an investment banker who is chairman of Metro Media Publishing; and Adrian McKenzie, the former Cvc Asia Pacific managing partner who led the buyout of the Nine Network from Pbl..
"These guys bring a great web of contacts and experience," Wiegard told If. "We had autonomy at Funtastic but we had financial constraints. Being a media and content...
- 7/31/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Mandahla Rose.
.
Very few Australian films in recent years have focussed on strong female characters, according to writer-director Louise Wadley.
Wadley is doing her bit to redress the gender balance with The Trouble with E, a road movie/romance/thriller with two female protagonists.
Adelaide actress Mandahla Rose will play E, a beautiful, sexy DJ who stumbles on a stash of cash and is forced on the run into the Outback. An actress whose contract is being finalised will play Trish, E.s girlfriend, with whom she has a messy break-up.
The cast includes Brett Rodgers as Matt, E.s gay best friend who marries her to get a visa, Kim Antonia-Hayes as her mother Nadine and Simon Bolton as Johnny Rock, a villain who runs a nightclub as a front for peddling drugs.
Wadley developed the project with the assistance of Outfest Los Angeles, which picked her screenplay for its mentoring program.
.
Very few Australian films in recent years have focussed on strong female characters, according to writer-director Louise Wadley.
Wadley is doing her bit to redress the gender balance with The Trouble with E, a road movie/romance/thriller with two female protagonists.
Adelaide actress Mandahla Rose will play E, a beautiful, sexy DJ who stumbles on a stash of cash and is forced on the run into the Outback. An actress whose contract is being finalised will play Trish, E.s girlfriend, with whom she has a messy break-up.
The cast includes Brett Rodgers as Matt, E.s gay best friend who marries her to get a visa, Kim Antonia-Hayes as her mother Nadine and Simon Bolton as Johnny Rock, a villain who runs a nightclub as a front for peddling drugs.
Wadley developed the project with the assistance of Outfest Los Angeles, which picked her screenplay for its mentoring program.
- 9/30/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
The post-apocalyptic panda returns with a trio of new episodes arriving online from Victoria Cocks' Wastelander Panda. A project that began as a joke during a university lecture, Wastelander Panda first emerged into the public eye with the release of a prologue video that garnered a huge response online. Word of mouth spread initially due to the bizarre concept - the wandering adventures of a panda bear warrior in a post apocalyptic landscape - but then grew exponentially once people realized this was actually really, really good.The project has expanded since, with the current goal being a full television series in an expansive world where, no, pandas with not be the only anthropomorphized animals roaming about. And that goal came a lot closer to fruition...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 5/27/2013
- Screen Anarchy
The nominees for the South Australian Screen Awards have been announced.
The announcement:
2012 South Australian Screen Awards Nominees Announced
The Media Resource Centre – South Australia’s centre for screen culture development – is pleased to announce the nominations for the 2012 South Australian Screen Awards (Sasa).
Now in its 13th year as Sa’s premier screen awards, Sasa continues to reward excellence and outstanding achievement from South Australian-based filmmakers.
With thousands of dollar in cash and prizes, Sasa provides an exciting platform for South Australian screen practitioners to showcase their work across drama, comedy, documentary, animation, music video, non-narrative and digital media.
Sasa also recognises the invaluable contribution made by Sa key ‘creatives’, offering awards in eight craft categories, as well as two jury prizes recognising notable contributions from Sa’s up-and-coming young filmmakers.
Sasa continues to grow in size and scope along with the quality of short form screen production in this state.
The announcement:
2012 South Australian Screen Awards Nominees Announced
The Media Resource Centre – South Australia’s centre for screen culture development – is pleased to announce the nominations for the 2012 South Australian Screen Awards (Sasa).
Now in its 13th year as Sa’s premier screen awards, Sasa continues to reward excellence and outstanding achievement from South Australian-based filmmakers.
With thousands of dollar in cash and prizes, Sasa provides an exciting platform for South Australian screen practitioners to showcase their work across drama, comedy, documentary, animation, music video, non-narrative and digital media.
Sasa also recognises the invaluable contribution made by Sa key ‘creatives’, offering awards in eight craft categories, as well as two jury prizes recognising notable contributions from Sa’s up-and-coming young filmmakers.
Sasa continues to grow in size and scope along with the quality of short form screen production in this state.
- 3/15/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Short film The Palace has led the nominations at this year's South Australian Screen Arts Awards with seven nominations, including Best Picture.
The Cyprian-Australian co-production was also nominated for Best Drama while writer-director Anthony Maras was nominated for Best Direction, Best Screenplay and Best Editing. Nick Matthews was nominated for Best Cinematography.
Maras was raised in Adelaide but studied film production at the University of California before returning to Australia to direct critically acclaimed films Azadi and Spike Up. He then directed The Palace, which has garnered an array of awards including the Aacta Award for Best Short Fiction Film, as well as the Australia.s Writer.s Guild and the Flickerfest awards for Best Australian Short Film. Maras also picked up last year's If Award for Rising Talent.
Other films nominated at the South Australian Screen Arts Awards include Suburban Samarai, Horace in Slow Motion, Stunt Love and A Tale of Obsession.
The Cyprian-Australian co-production was also nominated for Best Drama while writer-director Anthony Maras was nominated for Best Direction, Best Screenplay and Best Editing. Nick Matthews was nominated for Best Cinematography.
Maras was raised in Adelaide but studied film production at the University of California before returning to Australia to direct critically acclaimed films Azadi and Spike Up. He then directed The Palace, which has garnered an array of awards including the Aacta Award for Best Short Fiction Film, as well as the Australia.s Writer.s Guild and the Flickerfest awards for Best Australian Short Film. Maras also picked up last year's If Award for Rising Talent.
Other films nominated at the South Australian Screen Arts Awards include Suburban Samarai, Horace in Slow Motion, Stunt Love and A Tale of Obsession.
- 3/15/2012
- by Matthew Worboys
- IF.com.au
Wastelander Panda Prologue. Victoria Cocks‘ Wastelander Panda TV show prologue video stars Marcus McKenzie and Roger Newcombe. Wastelander Panda‘s plot synopsis: This prologue is based on a TV series being developed: its the “tale of the last remaining panda [named Arcayus] in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.”
What a zany idea and guess what, Epic Films might even pull it off. You take one story leap of faith, that Arcayus is the result of mutation (think Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and you are there. I would not hurt if you have seen The Book of Eli and The Road either, as Wastelander Panda seems to be influenced by both.
Watch Wastelander Panda TV show prologue video and leave your thoughts on it below in the comments section. For more Wastelander Panda photos, videos, and information, visit our Wastelander Panda Page. Wastelander Panda is currently in the development phase.
Source: Quietearth...
What a zany idea and guess what, Epic Films might even pull it off. You take one story leap of faith, that Arcayus is the result of mutation (think Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and you are there. I would not hurt if you have seen The Book of Eli and The Road either, as Wastelander Panda seems to be influenced by both.
Watch Wastelander Panda TV show prologue video and leave your thoughts on it below in the comments section. For more Wastelander Panda photos, videos, and information, visit our Wastelander Panda Page. Wastelander Panda is currently in the development phase.
Source: Quietearth...
- 2/12/2012
- by filmbook
- Film-Book
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