Outgoing Screen Australia head of First Nations Penny Smallacombe is set to join Bunya Media Group as a producer.
Smallacombe will produce a number of the company’s upcoming projects, including Sbs drama series Copping It Black, working with directors Erica Glynn and Steven McGregor, who both penned the script with Danielle Maclean.
While at Screen Australia, Smallacombe helped shepherd to screen several Bunya Productions projects, including ABC series Mystery Road, Warwick Thornton’s Sweet Country and Ivan Sen’s Goldstone, as well as helping to facilitate Bunya Talent Hub LA.
Smallacombe, a Maramanindji woman from the Northern Territory, tells If she has loved Bunya’s “big, bold” output over the past few years, and considers it a privilege to join the team. She is keen to use her new role to continue to bring authentic First Nations stories to screen, particularly from exciting new talent.
“They’re a trusted...
Smallacombe will produce a number of the company’s upcoming projects, including Sbs drama series Copping It Black, working with directors Erica Glynn and Steven McGregor, who both penned the script with Danielle Maclean.
While at Screen Australia, Smallacombe helped shepherd to screen several Bunya Productions projects, including ABC series Mystery Road, Warwick Thornton’s Sweet Country and Ivan Sen’s Goldstone, as well as helping to facilitate Bunya Talent Hub LA.
Smallacombe, a Maramanindji woman from the Northern Territory, tells If she has loved Bunya’s “big, bold” output over the past few years, and considers it a privilege to join the team. She is keen to use her new role to continue to bring authentic First Nations stories to screen, particularly from exciting new talent.
“They’re a trusted...
- 5/26/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
A television adaptation of 2018’s Ladies in Black, a feature film from Bryan Brown, and a television drama from one of the creators of Offspring are among the 21 projects to share in more than $730,000 in development funding from Screen Australia.
Of the projects to receive funding, 10 have been supported through the Generate fund and 11 through the Premium fund.
Screen Australia’s head of content Sally Caplan said the agency was impressed by the “rigorous creativity” of Australian creators as the industry continued to rebound from Covid-19.
“It’s great to see a number of engaging stories set around iconic milestones in Australian history, from the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, to the social change that took place in the 60s or the recession in the 80s, and I look forward to seeing these projects develop further,” she said.
Features:
Premium:
1989
Sewing Pictures Pty Ltd
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family
Writer...
Of the projects to receive funding, 10 have been supported through the Generate fund and 11 through the Premium fund.
Screen Australia’s head of content Sally Caplan said the agency was impressed by the “rigorous creativity” of Australian creators as the industry continued to rebound from Covid-19.
“It’s great to see a number of engaging stories set around iconic milestones in Australian history, from the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, to the social change that took place in the 60s or the recession in the 80s, and I look forward to seeing these projects develop further,” she said.
Features:
Premium:
1989
Sewing Pictures Pty Ltd
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family
Writer...
- 3/1/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Bruce Leonard (l) receiving the national pioneer of the year award from Mike Selwyn.
Friends and colleagues are mourning Bruce Leonard as a passionate and committed stalwart of the Australian cinema industry.
Leonard, who died at his Sydney home last Wednesday, aged 75, dedicated a large part of his life to the Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers and the Motion Picture Industry Benevolent Society (Mpibs) as national secretary/treasurer of both bodies.
“I had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Bruce for 40 years,“ says Murray Forrest, the chairman of Mpibs. “I witnessed his thoughtfulness, decency and caring for people. He was one of the finest gentlemen I have known in my 50 years in the film industry.”
Former Paramount Pictures MD Mike Selwyn said: “The film industry in Australia has been very fortunate in having a number of people who, after a long career, were willing to devote themselves to helping others in the industry.
Friends and colleagues are mourning Bruce Leonard as a passionate and committed stalwart of the Australian cinema industry.
Leonard, who died at his Sydney home last Wednesday, aged 75, dedicated a large part of his life to the Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers and the Motion Picture Industry Benevolent Society (Mpibs) as national secretary/treasurer of both bodies.
“I had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Bruce for 40 years,“ says Murray Forrest, the chairman of Mpibs. “I witnessed his thoughtfulness, decency and caring for people. He was one of the finest gentlemen I have known in my 50 years in the film industry.”
Former Paramount Pictures MD Mike Selwyn said: “The film industry in Australia has been very fortunate in having a number of people who, after a long career, were willing to devote themselves to helping others in the industry.
- 3/18/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Richard Roxburgh, Daisy Axon and Emma Booth in ‘H is for Happiness.’
For Robert Connolly, 2019 is the year when filmmakers will need to rise to the challenge of the massive success of TV drama by offering unique experiences.
For Sue Maslin, the primary goal is for all players in the screen industry to take a more active part in understanding and shaping theatrical features instead of operating like a stack of dominoes in which “each falling tile triggers the movement along the value chain.”
With too many low budget films chasing too few distributors to qualify for the Producer Offset, Sue Milliken is one of many who advocates the government should start allowing contracts with streaming services as an alternative to the requirement for a theatrical release.
These are among the views on the challenges and opportunities facing the feature film industry from key players collated by If as part...
For Robert Connolly, 2019 is the year when filmmakers will need to rise to the challenge of the massive success of TV drama by offering unique experiences.
For Sue Maslin, the primary goal is for all players in the screen industry to take a more active part in understanding and shaping theatrical features instead of operating like a stack of dominoes in which “each falling tile triggers the movement along the value chain.”
With too many low budget films chasing too few distributors to qualify for the Producer Offset, Sue Milliken is one of many who advocates the government should start allowing contracts with streaming services as an alternative to the requirement for a theatrical release.
These are among the views on the challenges and opportunities facing the feature film industry from key players collated by If as part...
- 1/7/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
(L-r) Andrew Goldsmith, Lucy Hayes and Bradley Slabe.
Bradley Slabe, the co-director with Andrew Goldsmith of the Academy Award-shortlisted animated short Lost & Found, looks set for a major career boost after securing representation in the Us.
The writer-director signed with Los Angeles-based Verve after being introduced to the talent and literary agency by Jonathan Hludzinski, Animal Logic’s senior VP, production.
On the same trip to La he met with four management companies and is yet to decide which one to take on. “My dream is to create my own content but Verve has showed me the IP properties on their roster and asked me which ones I’d like to pitch for,” he tells If.
Slabe, Goldsmith and producer Lucy Hayes are keen to develop a TV series spin-off of Lost & Found, which would look at the community of knitted creatures before their ranks were thinned to two.
Bradley Slabe, the co-director with Andrew Goldsmith of the Academy Award-shortlisted animated short Lost & Found, looks set for a major career boost after securing representation in the Us.
The writer-director signed with Los Angeles-based Verve after being introduced to the talent and literary agency by Jonathan Hludzinski, Animal Logic’s senior VP, production.
On the same trip to La he met with four management companies and is yet to decide which one to take on. “My dream is to create my own content but Verve has showed me the IP properties on their roster and asked me which ones I’d like to pitch for,” he tells If.
Slabe, Goldsmith and producer Lucy Hayes are keen to develop a TV series spin-off of Lost & Found, which would look at the community of knitted creatures before their ranks were thinned to two.
- 1/6/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Sue Milliken and Bruce Beresford (centre) with the cast of ‘Ladies in Black.’
Bruce Beresford’s Ladies in Black has grossed $11.4 million in seven weeks, encouraging Sony Pictures, which acquired the worldwide rights, to start devising plans to release the comedy-drama in offshore markets.
“The film was always required to establish itself here first before leveraging that success internationally,” Sony Pictures Releasing executive VP Stephen Basil-Jones tells If.
Produced by Sue Milliken and Allanah Zitserman, the 1959-set film is heading for $13 million here and in New Zealand is about to surpass $NZ1 million, which Basil-Jones rates as a superb result, particularly considering Oz films often struggle when they cross the ditch.
In Los Angeles last week he discussed with his colleagues rolling out the film, which stars Julia Ormond, Angourie Rice, Rachael Taylor, Ryan Corr, Alison McGirr, Noni Hazlehurst and Vincent Perez, in the UK and North America. Also he...
Bruce Beresford’s Ladies in Black has grossed $11.4 million in seven weeks, encouraging Sony Pictures, which acquired the worldwide rights, to start devising plans to release the comedy-drama in offshore markets.
“The film was always required to establish itself here first before leveraging that success internationally,” Sony Pictures Releasing executive VP Stephen Basil-Jones tells If.
Produced by Sue Milliken and Allanah Zitserman, the 1959-set film is heading for $13 million here and in New Zealand is about to surpass $NZ1 million, which Basil-Jones rates as a superb result, particularly considering Oz films often struggle when they cross the ditch.
In Los Angeles last week he discussed with his colleagues rolling out the film, which stars Julia Ormond, Angourie Rice, Rachael Taylor, Ryan Corr, Alison McGirr, Noni Hazlehurst and Vincent Perez, in the UK and North America. Also he...
- 11/7/2018
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘Ladies in Black.’
Bruce Beresford’s Ladies in Black opened impressively in Australian cinemas last weekend, considering that the primary target audience – mature cinemagoers – don’t normally rush out to see films in the first weekend.
Benefiting from glowing reviews and copious publicity, the 1959-set comedy-drama starring Julia Ormond, Angourie Rice, Rachael Taylor, Ryan Corr, Alison McGirr, Noni Hazlehurst and Vincent Perez, looks set for a long run.
Perhaps surprisingly, the Sony release did not open at No. 1. That honour went to Universal’s spy comedy Johnny English Strikes Again, seven years after the release of Johnny English Reborn.
Dark comedy/fantasy The House with a Clock in Its Walls opened in top spot in the Us but under-performed here while Warner Bros’ animated adventure Smallfoot began reasonably well, positioned to cash in on the school vacation.
Madman Entertainment launched Ben Lawrence’s feature documentary Ghosthunter, which won the $10,000 Documentary...
Bruce Beresford’s Ladies in Black opened impressively in Australian cinemas last weekend, considering that the primary target audience – mature cinemagoers – don’t normally rush out to see films in the first weekend.
Benefiting from glowing reviews and copious publicity, the 1959-set comedy-drama starring Julia Ormond, Angourie Rice, Rachael Taylor, Ryan Corr, Alison McGirr, Noni Hazlehurst and Vincent Perez, looks set for a long run.
Perhaps surprisingly, the Sony release did not open at No. 1. That honour went to Universal’s spy comedy Johnny English Strikes Again, seven years after the release of Johnny English Reborn.
Dark comedy/fantasy The House with a Clock in Its Walls opened in top spot in the Us but under-performed here while Warner Bros’ animated adventure Smallfoot began reasonably well, positioned to cash in on the school vacation.
Madman Entertainment launched Ben Lawrence’s feature documentary Ghosthunter, which won the $10,000 Documentary...
- 9/24/2018
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Alison McGirr and Rachael Taylor in ‘Ladies in Black’ (Photo: Lisa Tomasetti).
Alison McGirr plays a discontented Sydney department store worker whose marriage has gone stale in Bruce Beresford’s Ladies in Black.
Although the comedy-drama is set in 1959, the actress believes it has a lot to say to contemporary audiences.
Adapted by Beresford and producer Sue Milliken from the late Madeleine St John’s 1993 novel ‘The Women in Black’, the plot follows Angourie Rice as Lisa, a shy 16-year-old who takes a holiday job in the department store.
Lisa meets a group of women known as the “ladies in black” and becomes a catalyst who changes their lives in the film which Sony is launching on 300 screens on September 20 .
McGirr’s character Patty is often troubled and irritable due to a disconnect with her hard-working and repressed husband Frank (Luke Pegler).
“Patty’s relationship has gone a bit stale...
Alison McGirr plays a discontented Sydney department store worker whose marriage has gone stale in Bruce Beresford’s Ladies in Black.
Although the comedy-drama is set in 1959, the actress believes it has a lot to say to contemporary audiences.
Adapted by Beresford and producer Sue Milliken from the late Madeleine St John’s 1993 novel ‘The Women in Black’, the plot follows Angourie Rice as Lisa, a shy 16-year-old who takes a holiday job in the department store.
Lisa meets a group of women known as the “ladies in black” and becomes a catalyst who changes their lives in the film which Sony is launching on 300 screens on September 20 .
McGirr’s character Patty is often troubled and irritable due to a disconnect with her hard-working and repressed husband Frank (Luke Pegler).
“Patty’s relationship has gone a bit stale...
- 9/13/2018
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘Ladies in Black.’
As momentum builds for the September 20 launch of Bruce Beresford’s Ladies in Black, the distributor and exhibitors are increasingly confident of a sizable opening weekend and a long run sustained by word-of-mouth and repeat business.
Sony Pictures Releasing will launch the 1959-set comedy-drama starring Julia Ormond, Angourie Rice, Rachael Taylor, Ryan Corr, Alison McGirr, Noni Hazlehurst and Vincent Perez on 300 screens.
No one will be watching the opening weekend and the ensuing business more closely than the team at Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions, which snapped up global distribution rights last year.
“We aim to establish the film as a major success, which will make the rest of the world sit up and take notice,” Sony Releasing MD Stephen Basil-Jones tells If.
A Q&A screening with Beresford at the Hayden Orpheum on Tuesday night and a preview at the Randwick Ritz on Wednesday night are sold out.
As momentum builds for the September 20 launch of Bruce Beresford’s Ladies in Black, the distributor and exhibitors are increasingly confident of a sizable opening weekend and a long run sustained by word-of-mouth and repeat business.
Sony Pictures Releasing will launch the 1959-set comedy-drama starring Julia Ormond, Angourie Rice, Rachael Taylor, Ryan Corr, Alison McGirr, Noni Hazlehurst and Vincent Perez on 300 screens.
No one will be watching the opening weekend and the ensuing business more closely than the team at Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions, which snapped up global distribution rights last year.
“We aim to establish the film as a major success, which will make the rest of the world sit up and take notice,” Sony Releasing MD Stephen Basil-Jones tells If.
A Q&A screening with Beresford at the Hayden Orpheum on Tuesday night and a preview at the Randwick Ritz on Wednesday night are sold out.
- 9/11/2018
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Bruce Beresford..
Bruce Beresford has worked on Us movies and TV shows for decades, so he was ill-prepared when Us authorities cancelled his visa waiver.
The director told If he and his wife Virginia Duigan were halted at the Us-Canadian border at the Great Lakes last month and refused entry.
Their .crime.? Beresford and Duigan had visited the Fajr Film Festival and Market in Tehran in 2014, where the director served on the jury.
When he applied last December for the Esta (Electronic System Travel Authorisation), which enables Aussies to visit the Us without a visa for up to 90 days, he did not note that he had been to Iran because he did not realise the country was on the banned list imposed by President Trump.
When he asked a border official what would have happened if he had declared the visit to Iran, he was told the Esta would have been refused.
Bruce Beresford has worked on Us movies and TV shows for decades, so he was ill-prepared when Us authorities cancelled his visa waiver.
The director told If he and his wife Virginia Duigan were halted at the Us-Canadian border at the Great Lakes last month and refused entry.
Their .crime.? Beresford and Duigan had visited the Fajr Film Festival and Market in Tehran in 2014, where the director served on the jury.
When he applied last December for the Esta (Electronic System Travel Authorisation), which enables Aussies to visit the Us without a visa for up to 90 days, he did not note that he had been to Iran because he did not realise the country was on the banned list imposed by President Trump.
When he asked a border official what would have happened if he had declared the visit to Iran, he was told the Esta would have been refused.
- 6/4/2017
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Bruce Beresford.
Bruce Beresford will shoot Ladies in Black in Sydney later this year, after securing production investment funding from Screen Australia.
The feature is based on Madeleine St John.s 1993 novel The Women in Black. The book was turned into a musical by musician Tim Finn in 2015, though the film is an adaptation of the novel, not the musical.
Set in Sydney in the summer of 1959, Ladies in Black is the story of suburban schoolgirl Lisa, who takes a summer job at a large department store where she works alongside a group of saleswomen who open her eyes to a world beyond her sheltered existence.
The film will be produced by Allanah Zitserman and Samson Productions. Sue Milliken. Beresford and Milliken have written the screenplay, and Morris Ruskin of The Ruskin Company will executive produce.
Beresford said he had been obsessed with adapting the book since being introduced to it by Clive James.
Bruce Beresford will shoot Ladies in Black in Sydney later this year, after securing production investment funding from Screen Australia.
The feature is based on Madeleine St John.s 1993 novel The Women in Black. The book was turned into a musical by musician Tim Finn in 2015, though the film is an adaptation of the novel, not the musical.
Set in Sydney in the summer of 1959, Ladies in Black is the story of suburban schoolgirl Lisa, who takes a summer job at a large department store where she works alongside a group of saleswomen who open her eyes to a world beyond her sheltered existence.
The film will be produced by Allanah Zitserman and Samson Productions. Sue Milliken. Beresford and Milliken have written the screenplay, and Morris Ruskin of The Ruskin Company will executive produce.
Beresford said he had been obsessed with adapting the book since being introduced to it by Clive James.
- 3/21/2017
- by Harry Windsor
- IF.com.au
Sue Milliken.
After a stint at the ABC, Sue Milliken began producing in the late 1970.s with Tom Jeffrey. Together they produced.Weekend of Shadows.(1977),.The Odd Angry Shot.(1978) and.Fighting Back.(1981).
Milliken produced.The Fringe Dwellers.(1985),.Black Robe.(1991) and.Paradise Road.(1996) for Bruce Beresford, with whom she has just published a book of correspondence,.There.s A Fax From Bruce, through Currency Press.
The veteran's other credits includes.Sirens, Dating The Enemy, Imax documentary.Sydney: A Story of a City, 2001 TV mini.My Brother Jack, Colin Friels feature.Solo, and sixty six episodes (three seasons) of sci-fi series.Farscape.for the Jim Henson Company..
Milliken recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Australian International Movie Convention. Her book of correspondence with the director Bruce Beresford,.There.s A Fax From Bruce, was published in June through Currency Press.
She spoke to.If.about her next feature, her new book and Gender Matters.
After a stint at the ABC, Sue Milliken began producing in the late 1970.s with Tom Jeffrey. Together they produced.Weekend of Shadows.(1977),.The Odd Angry Shot.(1978) and.Fighting Back.(1981).
Milliken produced.The Fringe Dwellers.(1985),.Black Robe.(1991) and.Paradise Road.(1996) for Bruce Beresford, with whom she has just published a book of correspondence,.There.s A Fax From Bruce, through Currency Press.
The veteran's other credits includes.Sirens, Dating The Enemy, Imax documentary.Sydney: A Story of a City, 2001 TV mini.My Brother Jack, Colin Friels feature.Solo, and sixty six episodes (three seasons) of sci-fi series.Farscape.for the Jim Henson Company..
Milliken recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Australian International Movie Convention. Her book of correspondence with the director Bruce Beresford,.There.s A Fax From Bruce, was published in June through Currency Press.
She spoke to.If.about her next feature, her new book and Gender Matters.
- 11/20/2016
- by Harry Windsor
- IF.com.au
The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust has confirmed that it will review the future of Cockatoo Island Film Festival.
During a meeting of the Trust yesterday, the organisers of the Cockatoo Island Film Festival tweeted its future was ‘bleak’.
A statement from the Trust this morning said: “The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust was a sponsor of the inaugural Cockatoo Island Film Festival. The Harbour Trust is currently conducting an independent post-event review of the Cockatoo Island Film Festival and its sponsorship. The outcome of this review will assist the Harbour Trust to determine how it will move forward.”
While the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust is the Leadership Partner, the festival was also sponsored by Nsw Mining and Hoyts as Strategic Partners. The festival was organised by Allanah Zitserman and Stavros Kazantzidis who are also behind the Dungog Film Festival.
The festival suffered a PR disaster on it’s opening night after...
During a meeting of the Trust yesterday, the organisers of the Cockatoo Island Film Festival tweeted its future was ‘bleak’.
A statement from the Trust this morning said: “The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust was a sponsor of the inaugural Cockatoo Island Film Festival. The Harbour Trust is currently conducting an independent post-event review of the Cockatoo Island Film Festival and its sponsorship. The outcome of this review will assist the Harbour Trust to determine how it will move forward.”
While the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust is the Leadership Partner, the festival was also sponsored by Nsw Mining and Hoyts as Strategic Partners. The festival was organised by Allanah Zitserman and Stavros Kazantzidis who are also behind the Dungog Film Festival.
The festival suffered a PR disaster on it’s opening night after...
- 12/13/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Cinematographer Don McAlpine, documentary director Jennifer Peedom, producer Helen Bowden and actor/director Damian Walshe-Howling are among the members of the jury announced for the Cockatoo Island Film Festival.
The announcement:
A number of Australia’s award-winning movie heavyweights have been confirmed for the three juries of the Cockatoo Island International Film Festival starting next week.
The juries will be for the Dramatic Feature competition, Documentary section and for Short Films.
The Golden Feather Awards, in six categories, will be presented at a major red carpet event on the island on Saturday night, 27 October. The Festival opens with acclaimed Us film The Master, on Wednesday 24 October.
Veteran cinematographer, Don McAlpine (Predator, Wolverine, Moulin Rouge) will chair the feature jury, award winning documentary film-maker Jennifer Peedom (Miracle on Everest and Solo) the documentary section and actor/director/producer Jeremy Hartley Sims will head the Shorts jury.
Other members of the juries...
The announcement:
A number of Australia’s award-winning movie heavyweights have been confirmed for the three juries of the Cockatoo Island International Film Festival starting next week.
The juries will be for the Dramatic Feature competition, Documentary section and for Short Films.
The Golden Feather Awards, in six categories, will be presented at a major red carpet event on the island on Saturday night, 27 October. The Festival opens with acclaimed Us film The Master, on Wednesday 24 October.
Veteran cinematographer, Don McAlpine (Predator, Wolverine, Moulin Rouge) will chair the feature jury, award winning documentary film-maker Jennifer Peedom (Miracle on Everest and Solo) the documentary section and actor/director/producer Jeremy Hartley Sims will head the Shorts jury.
Other members of the juries...
- 10/16/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Sydney’s newest film event, the Cockatoo Island Film Festival, today launched its inaugural feature film and documentary program and In Competition categories and announced of a Peter Weir masterclass.
The film festival’s awards categories will be Best Feature, Jury Prize for Artistic Vision, Best Documentary, Best Australian Short, Young Film-maker of the Year and the Nsw Mining Young Indigenous Documentary Fellowship worth $20,000.
Allanah Zitserman, co-director of the Cockatoo Island event, said: “This has been in the planning stages for almost two years and we’re excited to announce such a diverse and high-quality list of feature films that will compete for the Best Feature Film Award.
“The films are from all corners of the globe including South America, Asia, Europe, the Us, Britain, Russia, Scandinavia and from local directors and casts.”
Of the 15 feature films selected in the program, 12 will have their Australian premieres at the festival, however only on Australian film,...
The film festival’s awards categories will be Best Feature, Jury Prize for Artistic Vision, Best Documentary, Best Australian Short, Young Film-maker of the Year and the Nsw Mining Young Indigenous Documentary Fellowship worth $20,000.
Allanah Zitserman, co-director of the Cockatoo Island event, said: “This has been in the planning stages for almost two years and we’re excited to announce such a diverse and high-quality list of feature films that will compete for the Best Feature Film Award.
“The films are from all corners of the globe including South America, Asia, Europe, the Us, Britain, Russia, Scandinavia and from local directors and casts.”
Of the 15 feature films selected in the program, 12 will have their Australian premieres at the festival, however only on Australian film,...
- 10/3/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Cockatoo Island plays host to Sydney Harbour’s new International Film Festival in October. And adding a bit of spice to the mix they’re introducing a sailing event, inviting film lovers to climb aboard with the stars a month before the festival kicks off.
The announcement:
Australia’s newest and most novel international film festival is adding a spectacular celebrity-studded sailing event to its program.
The Cockatoo Island Classic will bring down the curtain on the inaugural five-day Cockatoo Island Film Festival, with participants finishing off the southernmost point of the Island on the afternoon of October 28.
There’s a photo call and announcement this Wednesday to outline the event:
When:
Wednesday, September 12 at 10.30am
Who:
Classic 13-metre boat Antara, built in 1951
Logie and AFI Award winning actor Gyton Grantley
Muriel’s Wedding, Rake and Paper Giants star Matt Day
Rats In The Ranks and Mrs Carey’s Concert...
The announcement:
Australia’s newest and most novel international film festival is adding a spectacular celebrity-studded sailing event to its program.
The Cockatoo Island Classic will bring down the curtain on the inaugural five-day Cockatoo Island Film Festival, with participants finishing off the southernmost point of the Island on the afternoon of October 28.
There’s a photo call and announcement this Wednesday to outline the event:
When:
Wednesday, September 12 at 10.30am
Who:
Classic 13-metre boat Antara, built in 1951
Logie and AFI Award winning actor Gyton Grantley
Muriel’s Wedding, Rake and Paper Giants star Matt Day
Rats In The Ranks and Mrs Carey’s Concert...
- 9/10/2012
- by Zoe Ferguson
- Encore Magazine
Brendan Cowell (Love My Way, Beneath Hill 60), Ella Scott Lynch (Crownies) and Toby Schmitz (Griff the Invisible, Lbf) will headline a cast for Cockatoo Island’s In The Raw screenplay presentation of psychological thriller Metamorphosis.
The In The Raw presentations help give filmmakers a better understanding on how the film will read while an industry panel give feedback.
Allanah Zitserman, creative director of Cockatoo Island Film Festival, said “Metamorphosis is a new psychological thriller and that the script reading will present a unique opportunity for audiences and the industry panel (including established film directors Samantha Lang and Elissa Down) to provide valuable feedback regarding its development.”
The film is written by Kris Wyld (East West 101, White Collar Blue, Wildside) and will be produced by David Elfick (Rabbit Proof Fence, Newsfront).
The event is Monday 26 September at 6pm at Aftrs Theatre, 130 Bent St, The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park.
Admission...
The In The Raw presentations help give filmmakers a better understanding on how the film will read while an industry panel give feedback.
Allanah Zitserman, creative director of Cockatoo Island Film Festival, said “Metamorphosis is a new psychological thriller and that the script reading will present a unique opportunity for audiences and the industry panel (including established film directors Samantha Lang and Elissa Down) to provide valuable feedback regarding its development.”
The film is written by Kris Wyld (East West 101, White Collar Blue, Wildside) and will be produced by David Elfick (Rabbit Proof Fence, Newsfront).
The event is Monday 26 September at 6pm at Aftrs Theatre, 130 Bent St, The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park.
Admission...
- 9/22/2011
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
The title of the world’s largest Australian film festival will in 2012 move from Dungog Film Festival to Cockatoo Island Film Festival.
Co-founders of the Dungog Film Festival have announced the arrival of this new festival which will host over 200 Australian and 100 international films over a five day festival in the final quarter of next year.
While the Dungog Film Festival attracted nearly 10,000 film lovers this year, Cockatoo Island expects 15,000 fans from Sydney and beyond in the first year.
As well as the five day festival, public programs such as script development workshops, education programs, student film projects and residencies will run throughout the year.
Co-founder Stavros Kazantzidis told Encore, “Think of the Cockatoo Island Festival as the metro companion to Dungog. Dungog has its place but it has limitations to its growth and we want to continue our year round programs; In The Raw, student and youth programs, annual...
Co-founders of the Dungog Film Festival have announced the arrival of this new festival which will host over 200 Australian and 100 international films over a five day festival in the final quarter of next year.
While the Dungog Film Festival attracted nearly 10,000 film lovers this year, Cockatoo Island expects 15,000 fans from Sydney and beyond in the first year.
As well as the five day festival, public programs such as script development workshops, education programs, student film projects and residencies will run throughout the year.
Co-founder Stavros Kazantzidis told Encore, “Think of the Cockatoo Island Festival as the metro companion to Dungog. Dungog has its place but it has limitations to its growth and we want to continue our year round programs; In The Raw, student and youth programs, annual...
- 8/30/2011
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
The 2011 Dungog Film Festival (Dff) program will screen 194 features, documentaries, TV-sneak peaks and.. for the first time.. digital content, later this month. Festival director and co-founder Allanah Zitserman said the the only all-Australian film festival in the world was continuing to grow despite challenging economic circumstances. .Perceived success does not always bode well with asking for favours,. she said. .Our income was served a hit from the lingering Gfc [global financial crisis] effect and a series of heart-wrenching natural disasters which caused many potential sponsors to, understandably, relocate funds.. The festival, which was launched yesterday at Sydney's Rocks,.has been supported by Nsw Mineral Council,...
- 5/5/2011
- by Ruby Lennon
- IF.com.au
Dungog Film Festival has revealed the program highlights for this year’s edition, including the premieres of Nick McGee’s Frank and Jerry and the documentary An Imprint in Time.
In total, there will be 194 screenings- 12 features, 16 documentaries, four TV sneak previews and 159 short films.
The Australian/Chinese co-production The Dragon Pearl will also have its Nsw premiere – following the national premiere at February’s Adelaide Film Festival.
“Dff is a world class four day event, celebrating Australian films at four screening locations showcasing new Australian screen content, honouring leading Australian filmmakers and revisiting Australian movie classics, in a non-competitive environment,” said festival director Allanah Zitserman.
The program also includes master classes with screenwriter David Williamson and composers Lisa Gerrard and Michael Yezerski. The festival includes gala events, parties and the local Main Street Parade.
It will run from May 26-29.
In total, there will be 194 screenings- 12 features, 16 documentaries, four TV sneak previews and 159 short films.
The Australian/Chinese co-production The Dragon Pearl will also have its Nsw premiere – following the national premiere at February’s Adelaide Film Festival.
“Dff is a world class four day event, celebrating Australian films at four screening locations showcasing new Australian screen content, honouring leading Australian filmmakers and revisiting Australian movie classics, in a non-competitive environment,” said festival director Allanah Zitserman.
The program also includes master classes with screenwriter David Williamson and composers Lisa Gerrard and Michael Yezerski. The festival includes gala events, parties and the local Main Street Parade.
It will run from May 26-29.
- 5/5/2011
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
Five streets of Dungog, Nsw will be temporarily renamed after famous Australian fim personalities, chosen by the public and the town’s residents.
“During the festival, the people of Dungog could be living on Kidman Crescent, Gillian Armstrong Lane or Jack Thomspon Boulevard,” said festival director Allanah Zitserman.“Each year the town residents bump into Australian stars on the streets, so we saw that living on a street named after a celebrity was the next logical step,” added Dungog Mayor Councillor Harold Johnston.
Four names will be chosem – from a list of 25 – by a national online poll, with the main street (Dowling Street) to be determined by the residents of Dungog.
The list includes:
Brendan Cowell Bryan Brown Cate Blanchett Chips Rafferty David Williamson Eric Bana Errol Flynn Geoffrey Rush George Miller Gillian Armstrong Heath Ledger Hugh Jackman Hugo Weaving Jacki Weaver Judy Davis Naomi Watts Nicole Kidman Peter Weir...
“During the festival, the people of Dungog could be living on Kidman Crescent, Gillian Armstrong Lane or Jack Thomspon Boulevard,” said festival director Allanah Zitserman.“Each year the town residents bump into Australian stars on the streets, so we saw that living on a street named after a celebrity was the next logical step,” added Dungog Mayor Councillor Harold Johnston.
Four names will be chosem – from a list of 25 – by a national online poll, with the main street (Dowling Street) to be determined by the residents of Dungog.
The list includes:
Brendan Cowell Bryan Brown Cate Blanchett Chips Rafferty David Williamson Eric Bana Errol Flynn Geoffrey Rush George Miller Gillian Armstrong Heath Ledger Hugh Jackman Hugo Weaving Jacki Weaver Judy Davis Naomi Watts Nicole Kidman Peter Weir...
- 4/28/2011
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
Predicting the future of a film or television program and avoiding a financial disaster doesn’t necessarily require clairvoyant powers; testing your project with an audience at different stages of the production process can make a huge difference. Aravind Balasubramaniam reports.
“Nobody wants others to tell them their baby is ugly,” says the founder and CEO of Audience Development Australia (Ada) David Castran. “But it’s very important that producers listen with two ears and try to challenge their strongly-held views. Testing empowers producers by giving them information about the audience’s relationship with the pilot or program. I know at times that can be controversial.”
Drama has the highest production cost per hour of all TV programming, so well-executed testing can inform producers and broadcasters about the potential response to their shows.
Castran’s company was founded in the early 90s to provide comprehensive audience study services to the industry.
“Nobody wants others to tell them their baby is ugly,” says the founder and CEO of Audience Development Australia (Ada) David Castran. “But it’s very important that producers listen with two ears and try to challenge their strongly-held views. Testing empowers producers by giving them information about the audience’s relationship with the pilot or program. I know at times that can be controversial.”
Drama has the highest production cost per hour of all TV programming, so well-executed testing can inform producers and broadcasters about the potential response to their shows.
Castran’s company was founded in the early 90s to provide comprehensive audience study services to the industry.
- 2/22/2011
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
Sydney-based distributor Australian Film Syndicate will explore different release windows for its titles, starting with the release of the independent comedy The Marriage of Figaro for rental on August 25, followed by a November 17 retail launch.
“Afs is taking a more proactive approach to its DVD titles and has been working in partnership with Gryphon Entertainment,” Afs MD Allanah Zitserman told Encore.
“The release will include several promotions including one called ‘Brides On Bikes’ and a special screening around the event. Afs is aiming to develop the word of mouth for the retail release, which will also include an iTunes release in the same week,” added Zitserman.
Produced by Peta Astbury and directed by Chris Moon, The Marriage of Figaro was released in September 2009 at Wallis cinemas in Adelaide, grossing $24,000 during its first week, prompting the cinema to extend its season and add further screens. It was then acquired by Afs for national distribution.
“Afs is taking a more proactive approach to its DVD titles and has been working in partnership with Gryphon Entertainment,” Afs MD Allanah Zitserman told Encore.
“The release will include several promotions including one called ‘Brides On Bikes’ and a special screening around the event. Afs is aiming to develop the word of mouth for the retail release, which will also include an iTunes release in the same week,” added Zitserman.
Produced by Peta Astbury and directed by Chris Moon, The Marriage of Figaro was released in September 2009 at Wallis cinemas in Adelaide, grossing $24,000 during its first week, prompting the cinema to extend its season and add further screens. It was then acquired by Afs for national distribution.
- 7/14/2010
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
The Dungog Film Festival starts tomorrow, and according to director Allanah Zitserman, this is the year it will incorporate television into its program, at a much deeper level.
“There’s a lot more room for cross-pollination between film and TV in this country, and we want to encourage it and get both sides talking and discussing ways in which we can work together more,” Zitserman told Encore.
“It’s a great amount of talent in both industries, so let’s bring them together. We will be showing unaired TV pilots and we’ll have two live script readings for television projects.
“We’re working with all the broadcasters this year, both free-to-air and pay TV. Many television executives have already confirmed their attendance this year, and I will be working with the industry on how best to incorporate the TV aspects over the next few years,” said Zitserman.
In addition to the new TV content,...
“There’s a lot more room for cross-pollination between film and TV in this country, and we want to encourage it and get both sides talking and discussing ways in which we can work together more,” Zitserman told Encore.
“It’s a great amount of talent in both industries, so let’s bring them together. We will be showing unaired TV pilots and we’ll have two live script readings for television projects.
“We’re working with all the broadcasters this year, both free-to-air and pay TV. Many television executives have already confirmed their attendance this year, and I will be working with the industry on how best to incorporate the TV aspects over the next few years,” said Zitserman.
In addition to the new TV content,...
- 5/26/2010
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
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