Stars: Teagan Croft, Cliff Curtis, Alyla Browne, Josh Lawson, Anna Paquin | Written by Cathy Randall, Rebecca Banner, Sarah Spillane | Directed by Sarah Spillane
An Australian teenager plans to become the youngest sailor to have travelled the world alone. In doing so, the intrepid 16-year-old not only seeks to fulfil her dream, she also faces her greatest fears at the same time.
Even people who are fascinated by sailing are sure to find Sarah Spillane‘s True Spirit to be an extremely cheaply made, tiresome bore that is never quite able to strongly tell the amazing true story of an Australian teenager named Jessica Watson, who was the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop around the world.
There’s a certain quality to this movie that makes it feel like it was made on a college student’s budget, even though this is a Netflix film. The cinematography by Danny Ruhlmann...
An Australian teenager plans to become the youngest sailor to have travelled the world alone. In doing so, the intrepid 16-year-old not only seeks to fulfil her dream, she also faces her greatest fears at the same time.
Even people who are fascinated by sailing are sure to find Sarah Spillane‘s True Spirit to be an extremely cheaply made, tiresome bore that is never quite able to strongly tell the amazing true story of an Australian teenager named Jessica Watson, who was the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop around the world.
There’s a certain quality to this movie that makes it feel like it was made on a college student’s budget, even though this is a Netflix film. The cinematography by Danny Ruhlmann...
- 2/10/2023
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
This film’s daytime-soap vibes render an unquestionably inspiring true story into an experience that feels entirely false
There is much to be inspired by in the real-life story of Jessica Watson, who, at 16, famously set out to become the youngest person to sail solo, nonstop and unassisted around the world. But translating that solitude-filled 210 day voyage into interesting drama for the screen is no easy task - as director Sarah Spillane’s gloppy, goofily executed and terribly twee Netflix film reminds us. It’s impossible to predict how any title will fare on the streaming platform, but I’ll be surprised if this one isn’t quickly lost in the algorithms.
Every narrative involving arduously long trips across intimidatingly large bodies of water must at some point reiterate the traveller’s loneliness. In the 2003 Australian thriller Visitors, Radha Mitchell delivers a rousing performance as a young woman also sailing solo around the world,...
There is much to be inspired by in the real-life story of Jessica Watson, who, at 16, famously set out to become the youngest person to sail solo, nonstop and unassisted around the world. But translating that solitude-filled 210 day voyage into interesting drama for the screen is no easy task - as director Sarah Spillane’s gloppy, goofily executed and terribly twee Netflix film reminds us. It’s impossible to predict how any title will fare on the streaming platform, but I’ll be surprised if this one isn’t quickly lost in the algorithms.
Every narrative involving arduously long trips across intimidatingly large bodies of water must at some point reiterate the traveller’s loneliness. In the 2003 Australian thriller Visitors, Radha Mitchell delivers a rousing performance as a young woman also sailing solo around the world,...
- 2/3/2023
- by Luke Buckmaster
- The Guardian - Film News
True Spirit is a Netflix movie directed by Sarah Spillane starring Teagan Croft and Anna Paquin.
If you don´t know this story of Jessica Watson, this is a great chance to find out about it and share with this girl the incredible life experiences in the style of The Life of Pi, but without a tiger or philosophy… and more of a family watching the live show.
This is a story that had it been told in another way, would have been epic and in this case it settles for being a faithful portrayal for all kinds of audiences that will (perhaps) be enjoyed by the average audience.
True Spirit (2023)
At least this is what it attempts to do.
About the Movie
This is a story that deserved to be told… perhaps in some other way. This is a movie that strives to be pleasant at all times and...
If you don´t know this story of Jessica Watson, this is a great chance to find out about it and share with this girl the incredible life experiences in the style of The Life of Pi, but without a tiger or philosophy… and more of a family watching the live show.
This is a story that had it been told in another way, would have been epic and in this case it settles for being a faithful portrayal for all kinds of audiences that will (perhaps) be enjoyed by the average audience.
True Spirit (2023)
At least this is what it attempts to do.
About the Movie
This is a story that deserved to be told… perhaps in some other way. This is a movie that strives to be pleasant at all times and...
- 2/3/2023
- by Sara York
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Netflix’s list of films premiering on the streaming service in 2023 isn’t nearly as long as their ambitious 2022 film slate. Yet even with a slimmed-down slate, the lineup of movies arriving this year is impressive and checks off nearly every genre.
The streamer will be dipping back into familiar territory with sequels to Murder Mystery and Extraction. Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon, Sam Esmail’s Leave the World Behind, and David Yates’ The Pain Hustlers will premiere this year, as will the film continuation of Luther starring Idris Elba. And two romantic comedies with big-name casts made their way into the lineup: Your Place or Mine (Ashton Kutcher and Reese Witherspoon) and A Family Affair.
Netflix’s announcement of their 2023 film slate was accompanied by a trailer showcasing 16 titles including You People, The Mother, Heart of Stone, The Killer, and Leo.
The following list, courtesy of Netflix, includes basic plot details,...
The streamer will be dipping back into familiar territory with sequels to Murder Mystery and Extraction. Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon, Sam Esmail’s Leave the World Behind, and David Yates’ The Pain Hustlers will premiere this year, as will the film continuation of Luther starring Idris Elba. And two romantic comedies with big-name casts made their way into the lineup: Your Place or Mine (Ashton Kutcher and Reese Witherspoon) and A Family Affair.
Netflix’s announcement of their 2023 film slate was accompanied by a trailer showcasing 16 titles including You People, The Mother, Heart of Stone, The Killer, and Leo.
The following list, courtesy of Netflix, includes basic plot details,...
- 1/18/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Adam Demos and US star Victoria Justice (Afterlife of the Party) will lead a new Netflix rom-com to be filmed in Queensland, helmed by Stuart McDonald.
The yet-to-be-titled feature follows an LA wine-company executive who travels to an Australian sheep station in an attempt to land a major client. While working as a ranch hand, she forms a connection with a rugged local.
The script is penned by Elizabeth Hackett and Hilary Galanoy, with the film to be produced by Hoodlum Entertainment’s Deborah Glover and Tracey Vieira, alongside Robyn Snyder and Deborah Evans.
Hackett is also executive producing with Hoodlum’s Tracey Robertson and Nathan Mayfield, as well as Hilary Galanoy and Fernando Szew.
The film will be shot on location in Queensland, where it will be supported by the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy, and is expected to create approximately 120 jobs.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk...
The yet-to-be-titled feature follows an LA wine-company executive who travels to an Australian sheep station in an attempt to land a major client. While working as a ranch hand, she forms a connection with a rugged local.
The script is penned by Elizabeth Hackett and Hilary Galanoy, with the film to be produced by Hoodlum Entertainment’s Deborah Glover and Tracey Vieira, alongside Robyn Snyder and Deborah Evans.
Hackett is also executive producing with Hoodlum’s Tracey Robertson and Nathan Mayfield, as well as Hilary Galanoy and Fernando Szew.
The film will be shot on location in Queensland, where it will be supported by the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy, and is expected to create approximately 120 jobs.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk...
- 8/11/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Netflix has set the adult cast of their upcoming Australian family movie True Spirit with Oscar winner Anna Paquin, Avatar franchise star Cliff Curtis and Oscar nominee Josh Lawson.
True Spirit is based on the true story of Jessica Watson, a 16-year-old Australian who in 2010 became the youngest person to sail solo, nonstop and unassisted around the world. She accomplished what many thought impossible, navigating some of the world’s most challenging stretches of ocean and surviving seven knockdowns while at sea for 210 days. Watson will consult on the biopic.
The trio join previously announced Teagan Croft, who’ll portray Watson. Paquin is set to play Jessica’s mum, Julie Watson; Lawson is Jessica’s dad, Roger Watson, and Curtis is Jessica’s coach, Ben Bryant.
The movie will be shot in Queensland and Sydney later this year with a predominantly local cast and crew. The production is backed by...
True Spirit is based on the true story of Jessica Watson, a 16-year-old Australian who in 2010 became the youngest person to sail solo, nonstop and unassisted around the world. She accomplished what many thought impossible, navigating some of the world’s most challenging stretches of ocean and surviving seven knockdowns while at sea for 210 days. Watson will consult on the biopic.
The trio join previously announced Teagan Croft, who’ll portray Watson. Paquin is set to play Jessica’s mum, Julie Watson; Lawson is Jessica’s dad, Roger Watson, and Curtis is Jessica’s coach, Ben Bryant.
The movie will be shot in Queensland and Sydney later this year with a predominantly local cast and crew. The production is backed by...
- 7/21/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Josh Lawson, Anna Paquin, and Cliff Curtis have been added to the cast of Sarah Spillane’s True Spirit, which is set to begin filming for Netflix later this year.
They will join Teagan Croft in the adaptation of Jessica Watson’s memoir, with the story to detail the then 16-year-old’s 2010 journey to become the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around the world.
Paquin and Lawson will play Watson’s parents, Julie and Roger Watson, while Curtis is set to portray her coach Ben Bryant.
Lawson most recently starred in New Line Cinema’s Mortal Kombat, while New Zealand actors Curtis and Paquin have also garnered international attention throughout their careers, most recently through roles in Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw and The Irishman, respectively.
For True Spirit, the trio is set to film on location in Queensland and Sydney, with the former to house the majority of production.
They will join Teagan Croft in the adaptation of Jessica Watson’s memoir, with the story to detail the then 16-year-old’s 2010 journey to become the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around the world.
Paquin and Lawson will play Watson’s parents, Julie and Roger Watson, while Curtis is set to portray her coach Ben Bryant.
Lawson most recently starred in New Line Cinema’s Mortal Kombat, while New Zealand actors Curtis and Paquin have also garnered international attention throughout their careers, most recently through roles in Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw and The Irishman, respectively.
For True Spirit, the trio is set to film on location in Queensland and Sydney, with the former to house the majority of production.
- 7/21/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
The Queensland Government moved to consolidate the state’s booming screen industry in today’s budget, which included a further $71 million for production growth.
Part of the Economic Recovery Plan, the funds consist of $53 million over two years for Production Attraction Strategy; $4 million over two years for the Screen Finance Fund, and $4 million over four years for the new North Queensland Regional Program to expand screen opportunities in the north of the state.
There will also be $10 million over two years for the Post, Digital and Visual Effects (Pdv) Incentive, which will subsequently increase from 10 to 15 per cent.
Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich said the budget support would allow the agency to further maximise the current boom.
“[The funds] will stimulate crew jobs that flow from big productions like Thirteen Lives, Australian Survivor, and Young Rock, increase the volume of Queensland-grown screen projects we can finance, and support development programs we can offer to emerging creative talent,...
Part of the Economic Recovery Plan, the funds consist of $53 million over two years for Production Attraction Strategy; $4 million over two years for the Screen Finance Fund, and $4 million over four years for the new North Queensland Regional Program to expand screen opportunities in the north of the state.
There will also be $10 million over two years for the Post, Digital and Visual Effects (Pdv) Incentive, which will subsequently increase from 10 to 15 per cent.
Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich said the budget support would allow the agency to further maximise the current boom.
“[The funds] will stimulate crew jobs that flow from big productions like Thirteen Lives, Australian Survivor, and Young Rock, increase the volume of Queensland-grown screen projects we can finance, and support development programs we can offer to emerging creative talent,...
- 6/15/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Teagan Croft (The Osiris Child) will star as Jessica Watson in Sarah Spillane’s True Spirit, set to begin filming for Netflix later this year.
Adapted from Watson’s memoir of the same name, the story details the then 16-year-old’s 2010 journey to become the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around the world.
Filming will take place in both Sydney and Queensland, but predominantly in the latter, where it is being backed by Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy.
Spillane (Around the Block), who has been attached to direct the project since 2015, penned the script with Cathy Randall, and will also executive produce with Shahen Mekertichian (Lion) for Sunstar Entertainment, and Brent Emery and Suzanne Farwell for Resonate Entertainment.
Netflix announced it was boarding the project in July last year.
Debra Martin Chase (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) will produce for Martin Chase Productions, alongside Susan Cartsonis (What Women Want) for Resonate,...
Adapted from Watson’s memoir of the same name, the story details the then 16-year-old’s 2010 journey to become the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around the world.
Filming will take place in both Sydney and Queensland, but predominantly in the latter, where it is being backed by Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy.
Spillane (Around the Block), who has been attached to direct the project since 2015, penned the script with Cathy Randall, and will also executive produce with Shahen Mekertichian (Lion) for Sunstar Entertainment, and Brent Emery and Suzanne Farwell for Resonate Entertainment.
Netflix announced it was boarding the project in July last year.
Debra Martin Chase (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) will produce for Martin Chase Productions, alongside Susan Cartsonis (What Women Want) for Resonate,...
- 5/21/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Teagan Croft, who is best known for her role on HBO Max’s DC Entertainment series Titans, has been tapped to star in family film True Spirit for Netflix.
Based on Jessica Watson’s memoir of the same name, True Spirit follows the Australian sailor who in 2010, at just 16-years-old, became the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around the world, surviving seven knockdowns while at sea for 210 days.
Sarah Spillane is set to direct from a script she wrote with Cathy Randall and revisions by Rebecca Banner.
Debra Martin Chase will produce under Martin Chase Productions, along with Susan ...
Based on Jessica Watson’s memoir of the same name, True Spirit follows the Australian sailor who in 2010, at just 16-years-old, became the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around the world, surviving seven knockdowns while at sea for 210 days.
Sarah Spillane is set to direct from a script she wrote with Cathy Randall and revisions by Rebecca Banner.
Debra Martin Chase will produce under Martin Chase Productions, along with Susan ...
- 5/21/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Teagan Croft, who is best known for her role on HBO Max’s DC Entertainment series Titans, has been tapped to star in family film True Spirit for Netflix.
Based on Jessica Watson’s memoir of the same name, True Spirit follows the Australian sailor who in 2010, at just 16-years-old, became the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around the world, surviving seven knockdowns while at sea for 210 days.
Sarah Spillane is set to direct from a script she wrote with Cathy Randall and revisions by Rebecca Banner.
Debra Martin Chase will produce under Martin Chase Productions, along with Susan ...
Based on Jessica Watson’s memoir of the same name, True Spirit follows the Australian sailor who in 2010, at just 16-years-old, became the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around the world, surviving seven knockdowns while at sea for 210 days.
Sarah Spillane is set to direct from a script she wrote with Cathy Randall and revisions by Rebecca Banner.
Debra Martin Chase will produce under Martin Chase Productions, along with Susan ...
- 5/21/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Debra Martin Chase and Sarah Spillane.
Sarah Spillane was teaching an acting class at the Hollywood Theatre of Arts when one of the students suggested she read the latest novel in The Mediator young adult series by Meg Cabot as well as the earlier editions.
Little did the LA-based writer-director realise this would lead to her teaming up with hot-shot Hollywood producer Debra Martin Chase and a movie franchise deal with Netflix.
The series follows Susannah “Suze” Simon, a teenage mediator who has the power to see, touch and talk to ghosts. Her main goal is to help them get to the “Great Beyond” (after life).
“I describe it as The Sixth Sense meets Twilight with an edgy bad-ass female lead,” Sarah tells If. “I have delivered the first draft of movie one to Netflix and am attached to write and direct the franchise.”
Spillane and Martin were hoping to...
Sarah Spillane was teaching an acting class at the Hollywood Theatre of Arts when one of the students suggested she read the latest novel in The Mediator young adult series by Meg Cabot as well as the earlier editions.
Little did the LA-based writer-director realise this would lead to her teaming up with hot-shot Hollywood producer Debra Martin Chase and a movie franchise deal with Netflix.
The series follows Susannah “Suze” Simon, a teenage mediator who has the power to see, touch and talk to ghosts. Her main goal is to help them get to the “Great Beyond” (after life).
“I describe it as The Sixth Sense meets Twilight with an edgy bad-ass female lead,” Sarah tells If. “I have delivered the first draft of movie one to Netflix and am attached to write and direct the franchise.”
Spillane and Martin were hoping to...
- 7/20/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Sarah Spillane and Jessica Watson.
Sarah Spillane is set to direct a biopic for Netflix based on the true story of Jessica Watson, who in 2009 at 16 years old became the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world.
Spillane is writing the script, based on Watson’s memoir True Spirit, with Cathy Randall, and Watson will consult on the film.
The producers for the family film are Debra Martin Chase for Martin Chase Productions and Andrew Fraser (Lion) of Sydney’s Sunstar Entertainment, with Shahen Mekertichian and Spillane executive producers.
During her time at sea, Watson navigated some of the world’s most challenging stretches of oceans and survived seven knockdowns.
Her experiences were documented in her self-filmed documentary, 210 Days, which was narrated by Sir Richard Branson. It too was produced by Sunstar Entertainment, which also represents Watson via its talent management arm. The company has been...
Sarah Spillane is set to direct a biopic for Netflix based on the true story of Jessica Watson, who in 2009 at 16 years old became the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world.
Spillane is writing the script, based on Watson’s memoir True Spirit, with Cathy Randall, and Watson will consult on the film.
The producers for the family film are Debra Martin Chase for Martin Chase Productions and Andrew Fraser (Lion) of Sydney’s Sunstar Entertainment, with Shahen Mekertichian and Spillane executive producers.
During her time at sea, Watson navigated some of the world’s most challenging stretches of oceans and survived seven knockdowns.
Her experiences were documented in her self-filmed documentary, 210 Days, which was narrated by Sir Richard Branson. It too was produced by Sunstar Entertainment, which also represents Watson via its talent management arm. The company has been...
- 7/16/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Netflix is setting sail with its latest biopic, about the remarkable true story of Jessica Watson, who at the age of 16 became the youngest person to sail solo, nonstop and unassisted around the world. Around the Block filmmaker Sarah Spillane is onboard to direct the pic, which is on based on Watson’s best-selling memoir, True Spirit. Spillane adapted the screenplay with Cathy Randall.
In 2009, Watson accomplished what many thought impossible, navigating some of the world’s most challenging stretches of oceans and surviving seven knockdowns while at sea for 210 days. Upon her arrival home, the Australian teen was met by then-Prime Minister KEvin Rudd, who declared her a national hero. In her speech, Watson countered that she didn’t consider herself a hero — just an “ordinary person, who had a dream, worked hard at it and proved that anything really is possible.” She was named Young Australian of the...
In 2009, Watson accomplished what many thought impossible, navigating some of the world’s most challenging stretches of oceans and surviving seven knockdowns while at sea for 210 days. Upon her arrival home, the Australian teen was met by then-Prime Minister KEvin Rudd, who declared her a national hero. In her speech, Watson countered that she didn’t consider herself a hero — just an “ordinary person, who had a dream, worked hard at it and proved that anything really is possible.” She was named Young Australian of the...
- 7/15/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix is developing a feature film called “True Spirit” based on the life of Australian sailor Jessica Watson, who at age 16 became the youngest person to sail around the world solo.
Sarah Spillane will direct and co-wrote the screenplay with Cathy Randall based on Watson’s memoir “True Spirit,” in which she described her 2009 non-stop, unassisted journey around the world for 210 days while only a teenager.
Watson had self-filmed a documentary called “210 Days: Around the World With Jessica Watson,” which was released in 2010 and narrated by Sir Richard Branson. Watson will consult on the Netflix biopic.
Also Read: 'Maiden' Star Tracy Edwards Kept Her Story 'Messy' to Serve the Next Generation of Women Athletes (Video)
“Harriet” and “The Princess Diaries” producer Debra Martin Chase will produce for Martin Chase Productions along with Andrew Fraser for Sunstar Entertainment. Executive producers on “True Spirit” are Shahen Mekertichian for Sunstar Entertainment and Spillane.
Sarah Spillane will direct and co-wrote the screenplay with Cathy Randall based on Watson’s memoir “True Spirit,” in which she described her 2009 non-stop, unassisted journey around the world for 210 days while only a teenager.
Watson had self-filmed a documentary called “210 Days: Around the World With Jessica Watson,” which was released in 2010 and narrated by Sir Richard Branson. Watson will consult on the Netflix biopic.
Also Read: 'Maiden' Star Tracy Edwards Kept Her Story 'Messy' to Serve the Next Generation of Women Athletes (Video)
“Harriet” and “The Princess Diaries” producer Debra Martin Chase will produce for Martin Chase Productions along with Andrew Fraser for Sunstar Entertainment. Executive producers on “True Spirit” are Shahen Mekertichian for Sunstar Entertainment and Spillane.
- 7/15/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Netflix is developing a feature film based on Jessica Watson’s sailing memoir “True Spirit,” with Sarah Spillane on board to direct.
Watson became the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world in 2009, surviving seven knockdowns while at sea for 210 days on a 33-foot vessel. She returned Sydney, Australia, three days before her 17th birthday. Watson said she didn’t consider herself a hero and described herself as an “ordinary person, who had a dream, worked hard at it and proved that anything really is possible.”
“It’s quite humbling to have Netflix bring my story to life,” Watson said. “I hope that the film inspires people around the world to try sailing and to also pursue their own adventures. I’m thrilled that it will be directed by Sarah and supported by such a strong production team.”
Spillane, whose directing credits include “Around the Block” and “This Life,...
Watson became the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world in 2009, surviving seven knockdowns while at sea for 210 days on a 33-foot vessel. She returned Sydney, Australia, three days before her 17th birthday. Watson said she didn’t consider herself a hero and described herself as an “ordinary person, who had a dream, worked hard at it and proved that anything really is possible.”
“It’s quite humbling to have Netflix bring my story to life,” Watson said. “I hope that the film inspires people around the world to try sailing and to also pursue their own adventures. I’m thrilled that it will be directed by Sarah and supported by such a strong production team.”
Spillane, whose directing credits include “Around the Block” and “This Life,...
- 7/15/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix is developing a family feature about Jessica Watson, who became the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world in 2009 at the age of 16.
The movie based on Watson's memoir True Spirit will be directed by fellow Australian Sarah Spillane, while Princess Diaries producer Debra Martin Chase will produce. Spillane and Cathy Randall are writing the screenplay.
To complete her solo voyage, Watson navigated some of the world's most challenging stretches of oceans while at sea for 210 days.
“It’s quite humbling to have Netflix bring my story to life. I ...
The movie based on Watson's memoir True Spirit will be directed by fellow Australian Sarah Spillane, while Princess Diaries producer Debra Martin Chase will produce. Spillane and Cathy Randall are writing the screenplay.
To complete her solo voyage, Watson navigated some of the world's most challenging stretches of oceans while at sea for 210 days.
“It’s quite humbling to have Netflix bring my story to life. I ...
- 7/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Netflix is developing a family feature about Jessica Watson, who became the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world in 2009 at the age of 16.
The movie based on Watson's memoir True Spirit will be directed by fellow Australian Sarah Spillane, while Princess Diaries producer Debra Martin Chase will produce. Spillane and Cathy Randall are writing the screenplay.
To complete her solo voyage, Watson navigated some of the world's most challenging stretches of oceans while at sea for 210 days.
“It’s quite humbling to have Netflix bring my story to life. I ...
The movie based on Watson's memoir True Spirit will be directed by fellow Australian Sarah Spillane, while Princess Diaries producer Debra Martin Chase will produce. Spillane and Cathy Randall are writing the screenplay.
To complete her solo voyage, Watson navigated some of the world's most challenging stretches of oceans while at sea for 210 days.
“It’s quite humbling to have Netflix bring my story to life. I ...
- 7/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hunter Page-Lochard in Les Norton (Photo credit: Tony Mott).
Hunter Page-Lochard has a ready answer when people ask why he speaks with an Ocker accent as Billy Dunne, the former pro boxer turned Kings Cross casino doorman in the ABC’s Les Norton.
While he is proud of his Aboriginal and American heritage, he says: “I don’t want to be labelled as an Indigenous character. I want to fit in the group of the people that I’m appearing with.”
From his first day on the set of the Roadshow Rough Diamond crime caper with Alexander Bertrand, Justin Rosniak and Steve Le Marquand, he sensed this show was going to be special.
“We found our groove and our characters by watching and flowing off each other,” he tells If. “As someone who had never done comedy before, I needed that confidence. Once we got together it was like, ‘Oh my God,...
Hunter Page-Lochard has a ready answer when people ask why he speaks with an Ocker accent as Billy Dunne, the former pro boxer turned Kings Cross casino doorman in the ABC’s Les Norton.
While he is proud of his Aboriginal and American heritage, he says: “I don’t want to be labelled as an Indigenous character. I want to fit in the group of the people that I’m appearing with.”
From his first day on the set of the Roadshow Rough Diamond crime caper with Alexander Bertrand, Justin Rosniak and Steve Le Marquand, he sensed this show was going to be special.
“We found our groove and our characters by watching and flowing off each other,” he tells If. “As someone who had never done comedy before, I needed that confidence. Once we got together it was like, ‘Oh my God,...
- 9/9/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Heath Davis (L) on the set of ‘Locusts.’
Seventy Australian filmmakers have joined a co-operative aimed at supporting each other’s work and fostering awareness of Aussie films.
The initiative is the brainchild of writer-director Heath Davis, who made his debut with Broke, followed by Book Week and, due to open later this year, suspense drama Locusts.
The group started coalescing before Christmas and rapidly gained members among established directors as well as those with one or two features under their belt. The working title is Cinegar Bar (a play on a cigar bar that Davis used to frequent in Vancouver).
He had the idea after talking to veteran cinematographer John Seale, who told him that when he started out, all the DPs knew and supported each other and formed lasting friendships.
Davis contrasted that camaraderie with the current environment for writers-directors, where it is largely a case of ‘every...
Seventy Australian filmmakers have joined a co-operative aimed at supporting each other’s work and fostering awareness of Aussie films.
The initiative is the brainchild of writer-director Heath Davis, who made his debut with Broke, followed by Book Week and, due to open later this year, suspense drama Locusts.
The group started coalescing before Christmas and rapidly gained members among established directors as well as those with one or two features under their belt. The working title is Cinegar Bar (a play on a cigar bar that Davis used to frequent in Vancouver).
He had the idea after talking to veteran cinematographer John Seale, who told him that when he started out, all the DPs knew and supported each other and formed lasting friendships.
Davis contrasted that camaraderie with the current environment for writers-directors, where it is largely a case of ‘every...
- 1/6/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
'Patient 71' by Julie Randall..
When Sydney woman Julie Randall was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and told she did not have long to live just days after celebrating her 50th birthday, she embarked on the fight of her life.
Her remarkable story of survival against the odds is chronicled in her book Patient 71, published this week by Hachette.
Sunstar Entertainment.s Andrew Fraser and Shahen Mekertichian, the executive producers of Lion, have optioned the book and are highly encouraged by the initial responses to the project from Hollywood studios, producers, agents and financiers.
.A story like Julie.s needs to be told,. said Fraser, who engineered the publishing deal with Hachette and has collaborated with 60 Minutes reporter Allison Langdon for a segment which will air on the Nine Network on July 2.
Fraser has a close relationship with Hachette, which published Sunstar client Jessica Watson.s best-selling book True Spirit, the...
When Sydney woman Julie Randall was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and told she did not have long to live just days after celebrating her 50th birthday, she embarked on the fight of her life.
Her remarkable story of survival against the odds is chronicled in her book Patient 71, published this week by Hachette.
Sunstar Entertainment.s Andrew Fraser and Shahen Mekertichian, the executive producers of Lion, have optioned the book and are highly encouraged by the initial responses to the project from Hollywood studios, producers, agents and financiers.
.A story like Julie.s needs to be told,. said Fraser, who engineered the publishing deal with Hachette and has collaborated with 60 Minutes reporter Allison Langdon for a segment which will air on the Nine Network on July 2.
Fraser has a close relationship with Hachette, which published Sunstar client Jessica Watson.s best-selling book True Spirit, the...
- 6/25/2017
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Continuing his passion to produce films based on true Australian events, Sunstar Entertainment.s Andrew Fraser has optioned the remarkable story of athlete John Maclean. Maclean was hit by an 8 tonne truck while training for a triathlon on his bike in 1988. He suffered multiple breaks to his pelvis and back, a fractured sternum, punctured lungs and a broken arm, which left him a paraplegic. Somehow, this near fatal accident was the making of him. Although he feared he would never walk again, rather than give up he swam the English Channel, completed the Hawaiian Ironman and represented Australia in rowing at the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In 2014 he astounded the medical world when he completed the triathlon he was training for all those years earlier — with his wife and son by his side.
Fraser, who has known Maclean for 20 years, bumped into him recently at a fundraiser. .When he found out about Sunstar,...
Fraser, who has known Maclean for 20 years, bumped into him recently at a fundraiser. .When he found out about Sunstar,...
- 11/26/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Sarah Spillane will direct True Spirit, a feature about teenager Jessica Watson's solo, around-the-world sailing adventure.
The producer, Sunstar Entertainment.s Andrew Fraser, tells If that casting is underway and the aim is to start shooting on the Gold Coast in July.
Watson was 16 when she became the youngest person ever to navigate around the world solo and unassisted in 2010.
Fraser contacted the Los Angeles-based Spillane after being impressed with Around the Block, which starred Christina Ricci, Hunter Page-Lochard, Matt Nable, Daniel Henshall and Jack Thompson.
He started looking for a new director after parting ways with Soul Surfer.s Sean McNamara. Sunstar manages Watson, who is consulting on the project.
Nable and Cathy Randall wrote the first drafts of the screenplay, based on Watson.s memoir True Spirit, and Spillane penned the final draft. Arc Entertainment is co-producing.. Paramount Pictures will distribute in Australia and New Zealand.
Fraser...
The producer, Sunstar Entertainment.s Andrew Fraser, tells If that casting is underway and the aim is to start shooting on the Gold Coast in July.
Watson was 16 when she became the youngest person ever to navigate around the world solo and unassisted in 2010.
Fraser contacted the Los Angeles-based Spillane after being impressed with Around the Block, which starred Christina Ricci, Hunter Page-Lochard, Matt Nable, Daniel Henshall and Jack Thompson.
He started looking for a new director after parting ways with Soul Surfer.s Sean McNamara. Sunstar manages Watson, who is consulting on the project.
Nable and Cathy Randall wrote the first drafts of the screenplay, based on Watson.s memoir True Spirit, and Spillane penned the final draft. Arc Entertainment is co-producing.. Paramount Pictures will distribute in Australia and New Zealand.
Fraser...
- 1/13/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
After platforming at four cinemas in New York and Los Angeles John Curran.s Tracks expanded to 28 screens in the Us last weekend.
The 3-day gross was $US70,951 for a per-screen average of $2,534, bringing the 10-day cume to $103,098.
That.s not a great result for the Weinstein Co., which originally intended to launch the Outback adventure starring Mia Wasikowska as .camel girl. Robyn Davidson in May.
Tracks underlines how tough it can be for Australian films to crack the mainstream Us market, while deals for a limited theatrical release or straight to DVD and VOD are becoming more common.
John V. Soto.s The Reckoning is taking the latter path with a simultaneous VOD and DVD launch in the Us and Canada on October 28 via Anchor Bay Entertainment.
.A theatrical release in North America would require a substantial P&A commitment that is better spent pushing the VOD release,. said Soto,...
The 3-day gross was $US70,951 for a per-screen average of $2,534, bringing the 10-day cume to $103,098.
That.s not a great result for the Weinstein Co., which originally intended to launch the Outback adventure starring Mia Wasikowska as .camel girl. Robyn Davidson in May.
Tracks underlines how tough it can be for Australian films to crack the mainstream Us market, while deals for a limited theatrical release or straight to DVD and VOD are becoming more common.
John V. Soto.s The Reckoning is taking the latter path with a simultaneous VOD and DVD launch in the Us and Canada on October 28 via Anchor Bay Entertainment.
.A theatrical release in North America would require a substantial P&A commitment that is better spent pushing the VOD release,. said Soto,...
- 9/29/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Seven Australian films have been released in Us cinemas this year, of which only The Railway Man is likely to have recouped the Pa& and turned a profit.
Stuart Beattie.s I, Frankenstein tops the list with $US19 million but that.s a poor result considering the reported $65 million budget and the money Lionsgate shelled out to support the launch on 2,753 screens.
Jonathan Teplitzky's The Railway Man platformed on four screens in Los Angeles and New York and gradually expanded to 164 theatres via The Weinstein Co, raking in $US4.4 million. That brings its worldwide B.O. total to $US22.3 million led by the UK.s $8.5 million, according to Box Office Mojo.
A24 launched David Michôd.s The Rover on 608 screens but the thriller was D.O.A., finishing with $1.1 million, which mirrors its results in Australia and the UK.
Greg Mclean.s Wolf Creek 2, Kim Mordaunt.s The Rocket...
Stuart Beattie.s I, Frankenstein tops the list with $US19 million but that.s a poor result considering the reported $65 million budget and the money Lionsgate shelled out to support the launch on 2,753 screens.
Jonathan Teplitzky's The Railway Man platformed on four screens in Los Angeles and New York and gradually expanded to 164 theatres via The Weinstein Co, raking in $US4.4 million. That brings its worldwide B.O. total to $US22.3 million led by the UK.s $8.5 million, according to Box Office Mojo.
A24 launched David Michôd.s The Rover on 608 screens but the thriller was D.O.A., finishing with $1.1 million, which mirrors its results in Australia and the UK.
Greg Mclean.s Wolf Creek 2, Kim Mordaunt.s The Rocket...
- 8/25/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Appealing performances, a few tweaks to the clichés of the inspiring-teacher genre, and a sincere desire to counter outrageous racism go a long way toward making this worth a look. I’m “biast” (pro): nothing
I’m “biast” (con): nothing
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
It’s Stand and Deliver in Sydney. Sort of. Christina Ricci (The Smurfs 2) is Dino Chalmers, an American schoolteacher abroad — she moved to Australia to be with her fiancé — now all fired up to inspire the poor inner-city Aboriginal teens and other “kids at risk” whom even their other teachers and school admins hold out no hope for. The grownups all laugh at Dino, including her husband-to-be (Daniel Henshall: Snowtown), when she insists her class will perform Hamlet — in public at a school showcase, no less — because everyone knows you can’t teach black fellas Shakespeare. The overt,...
I’m “biast” (con): nothing
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
It’s Stand and Deliver in Sydney. Sort of. Christina Ricci (The Smurfs 2) is Dino Chalmers, an American schoolteacher abroad — she moved to Australia to be with her fiancé — now all fired up to inspire the poor inner-city Aboriginal teens and other “kids at risk” whom even their other teachers and school admins hold out no hope for. The grownups all laugh at Dino, including her husband-to-be (Daniel Henshall: Snowtown), when she insists her class will perform Hamlet — in public at a school showcase, no less — because everyone knows you can’t teach black fellas Shakespeare. The overt,...
- 8/1/2014
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
For whatever reason, every two or three years there's another movie made about a teacher entering a rundown school with lost students who just need to be inspired in order to unlock their full potential and over come the bad hand life has dealt them. And this is the year we get another one with Christina Ricci (Black Snake Moan) starring in Around the Block as an American teacher moving to a troubled inner-city school in Sydney, Australia. If you've ever seen any of these movies, then you know what to expect, but the kids have Australian accents this time, so that's different. Maybe Ricci will make this interesting? Watch? Here's the first trailer for Sarah Spillane's Around the Block from Cinedigm: Around the Block is written and directed by Australian filmmaker Sarah Spillane, inspired by the filmmaker's personal experiences, and marking her feature directorial debut. Christina Ricci (Black Snake Moan,...
- 7/9/2014
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
One of the most tried and true genres that has served more than its fair share of rote, by-the-numbers movies, is that of the "inspirational teacher." It seems every year or two, another project comes along, with another actor or actress, teaching [insert minority group] life lessons by connecting to them through literature or sometimes hip-hop. And "Around The Block" has both. Christina Ricci stars in this one, which to be fair, did win an Australian Directors Guild Award for its screenplay before cameras even rolled. But it's one thing to write a movie and another to shoot it, and writer/director Sarah Spillane doesn't seem to deviate much from the usual playbook. This one tells the tale of an American living in Australia, teaching for the first time, who gets in involved with the lives of her students at a tough school. She takes a shine to one particular student who is...
- 7/8/2014
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
At least 17 Australian films look set to be released theatrically in the Us this year following the latest batch of deals announced in Cannes. If that's how it pans out, that will be an all-time record, or the highest in the last few decades. The previous high point was 1997 when 15 features were distributed in the Us, according to Screen Australia, whose records go back to 1985.
The preponderance of VOD-targeted deals with limited theatrical play-off partly explains the upswing this year. Only five Australian features got theatrical exposure in the Us in 2012 and seven in 2011, according to Screen Australia's research.
Main Street Films bought Tim Winton.s The Turning, A24 picked up Julius Avery.s crime thriller Son of a Gun and XLrator Media collared Tony Mahony and Angus Sampson.s dark comedy The Mule. Murali Thuralli.s post-Apocalyptic drama One will also be released in the Us by Main...
The preponderance of VOD-targeted deals with limited theatrical play-off partly explains the upswing this year. Only five Australian features got theatrical exposure in the Us in 2012 and seven in 2011, according to Screen Australia's research.
Main Street Films bought Tim Winton.s The Turning, A24 picked up Julius Avery.s crime thriller Son of a Gun and XLrator Media collared Tony Mahony and Angus Sampson.s dark comedy The Mule. Murali Thuralli.s post-Apocalyptic drama One will also be released in the Us by Main...
- 5/18/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
At least 17 Australian films will be released theatrically in the Us this year following the latest batch of deals announced in Cannes. If that isn.t a record, it must be close, albeit that some of those deals are VOD-driven, with a limited theatrical release. Main Street Films bought Tim Winton.s The Turning, A24 picked up Julius Avery.s crime thriller Son of a Gun and XLrator Media collared Tony Mahony and Angus Sampson.s dark comedy The Mule. Murali Thuralli.s post-Apocalyptic drama One will also be released in the Us by Main Street Films but that won.t be until next year (see separate story). .The number of Us deals secured for the latest crop of Australian films demonstrates the strength and international audience appeal of Australian storytelling,. Kathleen Drumm, head of marketing at Screen Australia, tells If from Cannes. .Expanding platforms offer new ways into the...
- 5/18/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Responding to criticism about the cost of submitting films for the Aacta Awards, the AFI has cut the entry fee for shorts - but the fees for features are unchanged.
In another initiative to widen the eligibility of titles that can compete in the features categories, films that did not have a conventional cinema release can be submitted for pre-selection.
The AFI believes this concession could apply to as many as 10 films that have had or are planning a less traditional release strategy, including Sarah Spillane.s Around the Block, Mark Grentell.s Backyard Ashes, Aaron Wilson.s Canopy and David Field and George Basha.s Convict.
Features that have been released on VOD platforms and on DVD and had at least one festival or event screening in at least three Sates can be submitted for pre-selection.
However in a change from previous years, entries will only be accepted from Aacta members.
In another initiative to widen the eligibility of titles that can compete in the features categories, films that did not have a conventional cinema release can be submitted for pre-selection.
The AFI believes this concession could apply to as many as 10 films that have had or are planning a less traditional release strategy, including Sarah Spillane.s Around the Block, Mark Grentell.s Backyard Ashes, Aaron Wilson.s Canopy and David Field and George Basha.s Convict.
Features that have been released on VOD platforms and on DVD and had at least one festival or event screening in at least three Sates can be submitted for pre-selection.
However in a change from previous years, entries will only be accepted from Aacta members.
- 5/18/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
The list of Australian films released in Us cinemas so far this year is short and, on the surface, unimpressive.
Stuart Beattie.s I, Frankenstein tops the list with $US19 million but that.s a poor result for a film that cost a reported $65 million and was launched on 2,753 screens by Lionsgate.
Apart from The Railway Man, the other films had a limited theatrical release, primarily as a platform for Video-on-Demand and DVD sales.
Kim Mordaunt.s The Rocket screened in seven cinemas. The producer, Red Lamp Films. Sylvia Wilczynski, tells If, .It.s doing very well on iTunes internationally; it launched on iTunes on April 22."
Rechristened Patrick: Evil Awakens, Mark Hartley.s re-imagining of Richard Franklin.s 1978 cult horror film Patrick, opened simultaneously on VoD and in cinemas in Los Angeles, New York and Columbus, Ohio; no figures are available yet.
Jonathan Teplitzky's The Railway Man platformed on...
Stuart Beattie.s I, Frankenstein tops the list with $US19 million but that.s a poor result for a film that cost a reported $65 million and was launched on 2,753 screens by Lionsgate.
Apart from The Railway Man, the other films had a limited theatrical release, primarily as a platform for Video-on-Demand and DVD sales.
Kim Mordaunt.s The Rocket screened in seven cinemas. The producer, Red Lamp Films. Sylvia Wilczynski, tells If, .It.s doing very well on iTunes internationally; it launched on iTunes on April 22."
Rechristened Patrick: Evil Awakens, Mark Hartley.s re-imagining of Richard Franklin.s 1978 cult horror film Patrick, opened simultaneously on VoD and in cinemas in Los Angeles, New York and Columbus, Ohio; no figures are available yet.
Jonathan Teplitzky's The Railway Man platformed on...
- 5/7/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Writer-director Sarah Spillane.s debut film Around the Block will test the viability of a short window between theatrical and home entertainment release.
The drama starring Christina Ricci, Hunter Page-Lochard and Jack Thompson will begin a limited cinema roll-out at the Cremorne Orpheum on June 16 - one month before it.s released on DVD, Blu-ray and digital platforms.
Producers Brian Rosen and Su Armstrong are hoping the accelerated release, with Screen Australia contributing to the $200,000 P&A spend, will provide a bigger upside than a conventional cinema season and then waiting 120 days for ancillary revenues.
The film is booked at the Randwick Ritz on June 23 and dates in Melbourne and Canberra are to be confirmed. There will be Q&A screenings with the director and key cast, excluding Ricci.
Pinnacle Films will release the title on DVD, Blu-ray and all major digital platforms including iTunes, Big Pond Movies, Foxtel, Google Play,...
The drama starring Christina Ricci, Hunter Page-Lochard and Jack Thompson will begin a limited cinema roll-out at the Cremorne Orpheum on June 16 - one month before it.s released on DVD, Blu-ray and digital platforms.
Producers Brian Rosen and Su Armstrong are hoping the accelerated release, with Screen Australia contributing to the $200,000 P&A spend, will provide a bigger upside than a conventional cinema season and then waiting 120 days for ancillary revenues.
The film is booked at the Randwick Ritz on June 23 and dates in Melbourne and Canberra are to be confirmed. There will be Q&A screenings with the director and key cast, excluding Ricci.
Pinnacle Films will release the title on DVD, Blu-ray and all major digital platforms including iTunes, Big Pond Movies, Foxtel, Google Play,...
- 4/16/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
UK-based Australian actress Emma Hamilton and The Gods of Wheat Street.s Mark Coles Smith have joined the cast of Last Cab to Darwin, Jeremy Sims. road movie drama about a man who is told he doesn.t have long to live and embarks on an epic drive from Broken Hill to Darwin to die on his own terms. On his journey he discovers that before you can end your life you have to live it and to live it, you have to share it.
Shooting is due to start in Broken Hill in early May, with Greg Duffy and Lisa Duff producing and Michael Caton in the lead. Reg Cribb (Bran Nue Dae, Last Train to Freo) and Jeremy Sims wrote the screenplay, which was inspired by the cases of Max Bell and Bob Dent. Bell was a terminally ill cab driver who drove 3,000 km from his home in...
Shooting is due to start in Broken Hill in early May, with Greg Duffy and Lisa Duff producing and Michael Caton in the lead. Reg Cribb (Bran Nue Dae, Last Train to Freo) and Jeremy Sims wrote the screenplay, which was inspired by the cases of Max Bell and Bob Dent. Bell was a terminally ill cab driver who drove 3,000 km from his home in...
- 2/27/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
An analysis of the Australian films released in cinemas in 2013 makes for grim reading, with a handful of critical and/or commercial successes outnumbered by misfires and under-achievers.
On the positive side, the debut films from directors Kim Mordaunt (The Rocket), Catriona McKenzie (Satellite Boy) and Mark Grentell (Backyard Ashes) unearthed talent with plenty of potential.
The year ended on a strong note with the Boxing Day launch of Jonathan Teplitzy.s The Railway Man, which ranks as the second-highest local grosser behind Baz Luhrmann.s The Great Gatsby, which amassed $27.4 million to become the fifth-biggest Australian title of all time.
Tellingly, the drama starring Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman raked in more money in its first week than the lifetime earnings of every other title. According to If.s estimate, the combined B.O. tally of the 26 local films and documentaries is $38.88 million, well short of 2012.s $47.9 million.
Only...
On the positive side, the debut films from directors Kim Mordaunt (The Rocket), Catriona McKenzie (Satellite Boy) and Mark Grentell (Backyard Ashes) unearthed talent with plenty of potential.
The year ended on a strong note with the Boxing Day launch of Jonathan Teplitzy.s The Railway Man, which ranks as the second-highest local grosser behind Baz Luhrmann.s The Great Gatsby, which amassed $27.4 million to become the fifth-biggest Australian title of all time.
Tellingly, the drama starring Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman raked in more money in its first week than the lifetime earnings of every other title. According to If.s estimate, the combined B.O. tally of the 26 local films and documentaries is $38.88 million, well short of 2012.s $47.9 million.
Only...
- 1/5/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
.
The rhetorical question addressed by a panel at the Australian Directors Guild conference in Sydney on Thursday was: Do We Really Need Directors?
Aside from the obvious affirmation of the directors. pivotal role in the creative process, there were some telling observations from the panellists.
Veteran filmmaker Fred Schepisi asserted the director.s power is at its peak from the first day of the shoot until the last day, but after that the producers or Us studio can assert control. The director can fire any cast member in the first three weeks, he said, but any attempt to do so after that would probably result in the director getting the bullet.
He recalled that half the $US9 million budget for Last Orders, his 2001 drama about a bunch of guys mourning the death of their mate of 50 years, promised from a German film fund never materialised.
In the final week of...
The rhetorical question addressed by a panel at the Australian Directors Guild conference in Sydney on Thursday was: Do We Really Need Directors?
Aside from the obvious affirmation of the directors. pivotal role in the creative process, there were some telling observations from the panellists.
Veteran filmmaker Fred Schepisi asserted the director.s power is at its peak from the first day of the shoot until the last day, but after that the producers or Us studio can assert control. The director can fire any cast member in the first three weeks, he said, but any attempt to do so after that would probably result in the director getting the bullet.
He recalled that half the $US9 million budget for Last Orders, his 2001 drama about a bunch of guys mourning the death of their mate of 50 years, promised from a German film fund never materialised.
In the final week of...
- 11/7/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Australian writer-director Aaron Wilson is shooting a follow-up to his debut feature Canopy, which focuses on one of the lead characters 30 years after the end of World War II.
In Canopy, Khan Chittenden plays Jim, an Australian fighter pilot who is shot down in combat during the Japanese invasion of Singapore.
Jim is forced to navigate through enemy territory in search of sanctuary. Taiwanese actor Mo Tzu-Yi plays Seng, a Singapore-Chinese resistance fighter who joins him in the struggle to survive.
The companion film, as yet untitled, follows Robert Menzies as Jim as he copes with civilian life in the 1970s. The producer, Finer Films. Katrina Fleming, tells If that Wilson is yet to shoot a coda which is set in the present day. It will be completed in time for next year.s festival season, she says.
Wilson has just signed with the Paradigm, the Us talent agency which...
In Canopy, Khan Chittenden plays Jim, an Australian fighter pilot who is shot down in combat during the Japanese invasion of Singapore.
Jim is forced to navigate through enemy territory in search of sanctuary. Taiwanese actor Mo Tzu-Yi plays Seng, a Singapore-Chinese resistance fighter who joins him in the struggle to survive.
The companion film, as yet untitled, follows Robert Menzies as Jim as he copes with civilian life in the 1970s. The producer, Finer Films. Katrina Fleming, tells If that Wilson is yet to shoot a coda which is set in the present day. It will be completed in time for next year.s festival season, she says.
Wilson has just signed with the Paradigm, the Us talent agency which...
- 9/29/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Around the Block looks like being a catalyst for the careers of first-time writer/director Sarah Spillane and co-star Hunter Page-Lochard.
Spillane and Page-Lochard, 20, have signed with Paradigm, one of Hollywood.s leading entertainment talent agencies.
Their deals with Paradigm followed. Around the Block.s world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it played to appreciative audiences.
Both are represented in Australia by Rgm Artists, which introduced Spillane and Page-Lochard to Paradigm.
Paradigm's clients include Aussie Leigh Whannell, who wrote the first two Saw films, Insidious and Insidious: Chapter 2, and actors Domhnall Gleeson, who stars in Angelina Jolie's upcoming drama Unbroken, Adrien Brody, Mark Harmon, Mimi Rogers, Kathy Baker, Roseanne Barr, Luca Calvani and Jared Harris.
Produced by Brian Rosen and Su Armstrong, Around the Block stars Christina Ricci as Dino, an American teacher who is eager to impart her love of Shakespeare to students at a tough inner-city school.
Spillane and Page-Lochard, 20, have signed with Paradigm, one of Hollywood.s leading entertainment talent agencies.
Their deals with Paradigm followed. Around the Block.s world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it played to appreciative audiences.
Both are represented in Australia by Rgm Artists, which introduced Spillane and Page-Lochard to Paradigm.
Paradigm's clients include Aussie Leigh Whannell, who wrote the first two Saw films, Insidious and Insidious: Chapter 2, and actors Domhnall Gleeson, who stars in Angelina Jolie's upcoming drama Unbroken, Adrien Brody, Mark Harmon, Mimi Rogers, Kathy Baker, Roseanne Barr, Luca Calvani and Jared Harris.
Produced by Brian Rosen and Su Armstrong, Around the Block stars Christina Ricci as Dino, an American teacher who is eager to impart her love of Shakespeare to students at a tough inner-city school.
- 9/24/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Before the world premiere of Sarah Spillane.s Around the Block at the Toronto International Film Festival, producer Brian Rosen predicted its young lead, Hunter Page-Lochard,. will become Australia.s premier indigenous filmmaker in the next 10 years.
That was a bold call but the initial reviews have heaped praise on Page-Lochard.s performance as Liam, a troubled high school student who is mentored by his American drama teacher (Christina Ricci).
.An attention-grabbing, potentially profile-elevating performance by up-and-comer Hunter Page-Lochard is the major selling point of Around the Block, an Aussie variation of the oft-spun scenario about an at-risk high-schooler who gets a shot at redemption through a transformative extracurricular activity,. opined Variety.s Joe Leydon.
.Christina Ricci claims top billing . and provides some modest marquee allure..But Page-Lochard is the one more likely to earn the critical plaudits that this well-intended yet cliché-ridden pic will need to have any chance...
That was a bold call but the initial reviews have heaped praise on Page-Lochard.s performance as Liam, a troubled high school student who is mentored by his American drama teacher (Christina Ricci).
.An attention-grabbing, potentially profile-elevating performance by up-and-comer Hunter Page-Lochard is the major selling point of Around the Block, an Aussie variation of the oft-spun scenario about an at-risk high-schooler who gets a shot at redemption through a transformative extracurricular activity,. opined Variety.s Joe Leydon.
.Christina Ricci claims top billing . and provides some modest marquee allure..But Page-Lochard is the one more likely to earn the critical plaudits that this well-intended yet cliché-ridden pic will need to have any chance...
- 9/20/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Toronto – Stories of indigenous Australians have reached the screen in recent years in a spectrum that spans from the plaintive poetic realism of Samson & Delilah to the upbeat infectiousness of The Sapphires. Those films fostered an authentic connection to their characters that’s absent in the dramatically fraudulent Around the Block. A derivative collection of plot clichés lifted wholesale from 1990s black American cinema, writer-director Sarah Spillane’s debut feature is Boyz n the Hood meets Dangerous Minds with a fat dollop of Hamlet. Oh, and lesbian sex. An underfed Christina Ricci plays Dino Chalmers, an idealistic American educator
read more...
read more...
- 9/16/2013
- by David Rooney
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Today we have the trailer for "Around the Block," which stars Christina Ricci and will premiere at the Toronto Film Festival next month. Check it out below. Plot: An Aboriginal Boy is torn between his unexpected love of acting and the disintegration of his family. Meanwhile his high school drama teacher (Ricci) must practice what she teaches if she is to succeed in her personal and professional life. The new movie is written and directed by Sarah Spillane, an Australian filmmaker who won an Australian Directors Guild Award for her "Around the Block" script before the film went into production. Trailer:...
- 8/31/2013
- WorstPreviews.com
Check out the first trailer and poster for Around the Block, an upcoming drama which comes from Australian director Sarah Spillane, and stars Christina Ricci in the leading role. Dreams and hopes, that’s exactly what this movie is about. Ricci plays an American teacher who takes a troubled inner-city Sydney youth under her wing, and as you’re going to see in the rest of this report – it’s not going to be an easy job… Spillane directed the movie from her own script which, just for a record, won an Australian Directors Guild Award before it even went into production. The film takes an uncompromising...
Click to read original and full article: First Around The Block Trailer and Poster Starring Christina Ricci on http://www.filmofilia.com...
Click to read original and full article: First Around The Block Trailer and Poster Starring Christina Ricci on http://www.filmofilia.com...
- 8/30/2013
- by Fiona
- Filmofilia
The 38th Toronto International Film Festival has released an incredible guest list of celebrated talent from around the globe. Filmmakers expected to present their world premieres in Toronto include: Catherine Breillat, Nicole Garcia, Pawel Pawlikowski, Bertrand Tavernier, Steve McQueen, Godfrey Reggio, Denis Villeneuve, Bill Condon, Jean-Marc Vallée, John Wells, Ralph Fiennes, Richard Ayoade, Atom Egoyan, Matthew Weiner, John Carney, Jason Reitman, Jason Bateman, Yorgos Servetas, Liza Johnson, Megan Griffiths, Fernando Eimbcke, Alexey Uchitel, Johnny Ma, Biyi Bandele, Rashid Masharawi, Paul Haggis, Ron Howard, Eli Roth, Álex de la Iglesia, Bruce McDonald, Jennifer Baichwal, John Ridley, and Justin Chadwick.
The Festival also welcomes thousands of producers and other industry professionals bringing films to us.
The following filmmakers and artists are expected to attend the Toronto International Film Festival:
Ahmad Abdalla, Hany Abu-Assad, Yuval Adler, Akosua Adoma Owusu, Alexandre Aja, Bruce Alcock, Gianni Amelio, Thanos Anastopoulos, Madeline Anderson, Nimród Antal, Louise Archambault,...
The Festival also welcomes thousands of producers and other industry professionals bringing films to us.
The following filmmakers and artists are expected to attend the Toronto International Film Festival:
Ahmad Abdalla, Hany Abu-Assad, Yuval Adler, Akosua Adoma Owusu, Alexandre Aja, Bruce Alcock, Gianni Amelio, Thanos Anastopoulos, Madeline Anderson, Nimród Antal, Louise Archambault,...
- 8/21/2013
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
Six Australian films will screen at the Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff) next month following the overnight announcement that Around the Block and Canopy have been selected.
Both will have their world premieres as part of the festival.s Discovery program, which showcases works by ..directors to watch: The future of world cinema..
First-time writer/director Sarah Spillane.s Around the Block is the saga of an Aboriginal boy who is torn between his love of acting and the disintegration of his family. Hunter Page-Lochard, whose credits include The Sapphires and Bran Nue Dae, plays the lead alongside Christina Ricci as his unconventional, American-born drama teacher. Jack Thompson, Matt Nable, Damian Walshe-Howling and Daniel Henshall round out the key cast.
Produced by Brian Rosen and Su Armstrong, the film will open in Australia on November 7, distributed by Michael Wrenn's Greenlight Releasing. Rosen tells If it will debut on 30-...
Both will have their world premieres as part of the festival.s Discovery program, which showcases works by ..directors to watch: The future of world cinema..
First-time writer/director Sarah Spillane.s Around the Block is the saga of an Aboriginal boy who is torn between his love of acting and the disintegration of his family. Hunter Page-Lochard, whose credits include The Sapphires and Bran Nue Dae, plays the lead alongside Christina Ricci as his unconventional, American-born drama teacher. Jack Thompson, Matt Nable, Damian Walshe-Howling and Daniel Henshall round out the key cast.
Produced by Brian Rosen and Su Armstrong, the film will open in Australia on November 7, distributed by Michael Wrenn's Greenlight Releasing. Rosen tells If it will debut on 30-...
- 8/20/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
In the last wave of Tiff announcements, it’s the Discovery section that we’re most curious about as it normally is loaded up with the rookies, many first-time and second time filmmakers breaking into world film festival circuit programming with genuine gems. Among the 25 plus selected films that make up the programme, we’ve got a handful of U.S. independent films in the likes of Mark Phinney’s Fat, a pair of Us in Progress Paris projects in Aron Gaudet and Gita Pullapilly’s Beneath The Harvest Sky and Tommy Oliver’s 1982, while a newbie filmmaker part of the clan in Gia Coppola makes the trip from Venice Film Festival’s Horizon section to Toronto with the book to film adapation of James Franco Palo Alto (see pic above). Also from Venice, we have the Venice Days included Bethlehem, from Israeli helmer Yuval Adler and an item that...
- 8/20/2013
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
Festival organisers announced the Discovery, Mavericks and Masters sections, details of the David Cronenberg: Transformation exhibition, a tenth Midnight Madness entry and introduced the Glenn Gould Studio to the festival’s stable of venues.
The programming strands feature new work from Catherine Breillat and on-stage conversations with Spike Jones, Irrfan Khan, Harvey Weinstein and Ron Howard.
The final entry in Midnight Madness will be the world premiere of Alex de la Iglesia’s Witching & Bitching (Las brujas De Zugarramurdi) (Spain-France).
The Glenn Gould Studio will serve as a venue for various public and industry programming during the festival and will function as a main location for the Tiff Industry Conference, set to run from Sept 6-12.
Programming will include the industry conference keynote session, Master Class, Moguls, Mavericks, Telefilm Canada Pitch This! on Sept 9 and the Doc Conference from Sept 10-11.
“As the jewel of the Canadian Broadcast Centre, Glenn Gould Studio...
The programming strands feature new work from Catherine Breillat and on-stage conversations with Spike Jones, Irrfan Khan, Harvey Weinstein and Ron Howard.
The final entry in Midnight Madness will be the world premiere of Alex de la Iglesia’s Witching & Bitching (Las brujas De Zugarramurdi) (Spain-France).
The Glenn Gould Studio will serve as a venue for various public and industry programming during the festival and will function as a main location for the Tiff Industry Conference, set to run from Sept 6-12.
Programming will include the industry conference keynote session, Master Class, Moguls, Mavericks, Telefilm Canada Pitch This! on Sept 9 and the Doc Conference from Sept 10-11.
“As the jewel of the Canadian Broadcast Centre, Glenn Gould Studio...
- 8/20/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Two Australian actors who are emerging on the international scene have been cast as the leads in Fell, the first feature from director Kasimir Burgess. Matt Nable will play a guy whose daughter is killed in a hit-and-run accident. Daniel Henshall will play Luke, the driver who is sent to jail for five years. When Luke is released, Nable.s character changes his identity and plots revenge. The screenplay is by Natasha Pincus, based on a story she wrote with Burgess, whose short film Lily won the Crystal Bear at the 2011 Berlin International Film Festival. The producers are John Maynard and Mary Minas, with Bridget Ikin as executive producer. The nine-week shoot starts at the end of July in and around Warburton in country Victoria. Nable has just completed roles in the movie Riddick, the third instalment in The Chronicles of Riddick series which stars Vin Diesel and Karl Urban,...
- 6/19/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
In this roundup from the Encore and Mumbrella Annual, we look back at the year in film.
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With George Miller’s Happy Feet Two opening on Boxing Day, Mumbles the penguin and his friends are still doing a roaring trade at the box office throughout January, taking $11.08m in total.
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Hollywood director James Cameron opens an Australian office of his company Cameron Pace Group in mid-January to be run by managing director Andrew Wight, producer of Sanctum. Wight sadly dies in a helicopter crash in early February with ocean cinematographer Mike deGruy.
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The Australian Film Institute launches the new-look Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards with Red Dog winning best film. Justin Kurzel picks up a gong for best direction for Snowtown. Legendary cinematographer Don McAlpine receives the Raymond Longford award for lifetime achievement.
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Director Alex Proyas’s Paradise Lost, due to shoot at Fox Studios, is scrapped due to a budgetary dispute.
——————————————————————————————————–
With George Miller’s Happy Feet Two opening on Boxing Day, Mumbles the penguin and his friends are still doing a roaring trade at the box office throughout January, taking $11.08m in total.
————————————————–
Hollywood director James Cameron opens an Australian office of his company Cameron Pace Group in mid-January to be run by managing director Andrew Wight, producer of Sanctum. Wight sadly dies in a helicopter crash in early February with ocean cinematographer Mike deGruy.
——————————————————————————————————–
The Australian Film Institute launches the new-look Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards with Red Dog winning best film. Justin Kurzel picks up a gong for best direction for Snowtown. Legendary cinematographer Don McAlpine receives the Raymond Longford award for lifetime achievement.
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Director Alex Proyas’s Paradise Lost, due to shoot at Fox Studios, is scrapped due to a budgetary dispute.
- 12/24/2012
- by Luke
- Encore Magazine
Sarah Spillane’s low-budget feature, Around the Block, points to inventive business models as it seeks to capitalise on the success of indigenous films says Ed Gibbs.
Although noticeably absent during Encore’s set visit, the shadow of the film’s Hollywood star, Christina Ricci, can be felt in the two-storey house in Sydney’s inner west where production is underway for the micro-budget feature Around the Block.
Ricci, who declined to do any press ahead of the film’s release, agreed to sign on to the project after writer/director Sarah Spillane’s producers, Sue Armstrong and Brian Rosen of Tree Films, inked what’s becoming an increasingly popular deal for features from first time filmmakers.
An undisclosed share of the profits, should they be forthcoming, will make up for the modest remuneration received up front.
Sarah Spillane on set
Ricci’s input – filling the role of the arts...
Although noticeably absent during Encore’s set visit, the shadow of the film’s Hollywood star, Christina Ricci, can be felt in the two-storey house in Sydney’s inner west where production is underway for the micro-budget feature Around the Block.
Ricci, who declined to do any press ahead of the film’s release, agreed to sign on to the project after writer/director Sarah Spillane’s producers, Sue Armstrong and Brian Rosen of Tree Films, inked what’s becoming an increasingly popular deal for features from first time filmmakers.
An undisclosed share of the profits, should they be forthcoming, will make up for the modest remuneration received up front.
Sarah Spillane on set
Ricci’s input – filling the role of the arts...
- 12/12/2012
- by Luke
- Encore Magazine
Film acquisitions veteran Michael Wrenn has founded a new film distribution company for the Australian market.
Greenlight Releasing has already got two local productions slated with an expected release schedule of six to eight local and international films a year.
Wrenn told Encore: “We’ll have other films to announce in the lead up to the Toronto International Film Festival. But probably no more than three Australian films a year. We don’t want to outstay our welcome with the exhibition community.”
Slated already is Ivan Sen’s new film Mystery Road, currently shooting in Queensland with Aaron Pederson, Ryan Kwanten, Hugo Weaving and Jack Thompson. Management of Doubt, a company formed by Sen, producer David Jowsey and Wrenn had been announced to distribute, but Greenlight will now become the physical distributor.
Also announced is the Sarah Spillane-directed Around the Block, a drama set in Sydney’s Redfern starring...
Greenlight Releasing has already got two local productions slated with an expected release schedule of six to eight local and international films a year.
Wrenn told Encore: “We’ll have other films to announce in the lead up to the Toronto International Film Festival. But probably no more than three Australian films a year. We don’t want to outstay our welcome with the exhibition community.”
Slated already is Ivan Sen’s new film Mystery Road, currently shooting in Queensland with Aaron Pederson, Ryan Kwanten, Hugo Weaving and Jack Thompson. Management of Doubt, a company formed by Sen, producer David Jowsey and Wrenn had been announced to distribute, but Greenlight will now become the physical distributor.
Also announced is the Sarah Spillane-directed Around the Block, a drama set in Sydney’s Redfern starring...
- 7/26/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
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