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This is the website of the former Film Finance Corporation (FFC), now part of Screen Australia.
July 2006
FFC triggers $57.5 million of Australian production
The FFC board meeting for July 2006 has approved for production three feature films, five television drama projects and nine documentaries – an investment of $21.5 million dollars that will result in $57.5 million dollars of production for the start of the new financial year.
“The slate of films, television and documentary projects approved today will provide Australian audiences with some great choices.” said Brian Rosen FFC CEO today.
The feature film Disgrace, which received a letter of intent from the FFC at its June board meeting, has this month returned for financing and has been successful. The Australian film making team of writer/producer Anna-Maria Monticelli (La Spagnola) and director Steve Jacobs (La Spagnola), together with producer Emile Sherman (Opal Dream, Candy), have secured John Malkovich (Colour Me Kubrick, Dangerous Liaisons) to play the lead in Disgrace. Based on the Booker Prize-winning modern classic by J.M. Coetzee, Disgrace takes us to the heart of the ethical complexities of modern South Africa. It is a journey that follows disgraced Cape Town university professor David Lurie (Malkovich) as he is forced to confront irrevocable changes in his country.
“We are thrilled the FFC has supported the adaptation of Australia's Nobel Prize winning author J.M.Coetzee's Disgrace. It is one of modern literature's great works. With the attachment of John Malkovich, we believe the film has the potential to reach a large audience at home and internationally,” said producers Anna-Maria Monticelli and Emile Sherman today.
Newcastle, aimed squarely at a youth market, is a vibrant celebration of three things Australians hold dear - youth, sport and the beach. The producer is Naomi Wenck, executive producer is Charles Hannah (The World’s Fastest Indian) and writer/director is Dan Castle.
Much-loved actor William McInness (Look Both Ways, Kokoda) stars in the romantic thriller Unfinished Sky, with Monic Hendrickx (The Polish Bride). The producers are Cathy Overett (Web of Life) and Anton Smit (Netherlands Oscar nominated Twin Sisters and writer/director is Peter Duncan (Children of the Revolution).
“Peter Duncan has written a beautiful script in Unfinished Sky. He’s embodied universal themes of rural decline and illegal immigration in our two heroes,” said producer Cathy Overett. “He’s woven a powerful love story around a thriller element that will resonate with audiences around the world. With William McInnes and Monic Hendrickx in the leads, the film promises to be positively bristling with sensuality and suspense.”
The television drama landscape has been boosted by the green light for four adult dramas and one children’s series from the FFC board today.
From McElroy All Media, producers Hal McElroy and Di McElroy (Water Rats, Blue Heelers, Going Home) are set to create another landmark Australian series, Sea Patrol, for the Nine Network. This is an action drama with a mystery element threaded through 13 hours of high-end, primetime television. It is the story of ordinary heroes doing an extraordinary job, the men and women of the Navy Patrol Boat Service who battle the elements and the odds to defend our borders and enforce the economic zone.
Directing the show are George Miller (Man from Snowy River) and Chris Martin-Jones (Always Greener, McLeod’s Daughters), and the writers are Jeff Truman (The Alice, Last Man Standing, Stingers, McLeod’s Daughters), Michaeley O’Brien (McLeod’s Daughters, High Tide), Tony Morphett (Kings in Grass Castles, The Shiralee, Blue Heelers and Water Rats) and Sarah Smith (McLeod’s Daughters).
“This is a big vote of confidence in the return of the maxi mini-series in primetime. We are excited to be back in that territory and look forward to a great audience response to this show,” said Hal McElroy.
Major Crime is a six-hour mini-series from producers Steve Knapman (White Collar Blue, Wildside) and Kris Wyld (Wildside, Heartbreak High), with broadcast partners SBSi, to be directed by Peter Andrikidis (Blackjack, Mary Bryant, Jessica). Zane Malik is a young detective at the Major Crime Squad. He is also a Muslim in a post 9/11 world where just to be an Arab is to arouse suspicion. Malek feels under pressure to prove himself over and over.
Another six hour miniseries, this time for the ABC, Rain Shadow is set in the tough Australian dry-land farming districts. The themes of the show are the mythology of the land, hope, delusion and renewal. The series has been written by Tony Morphett (Kings in Grass Castles, The Shiralee, Blue Heelers and Water Rats) and Jimmy Thomson (Crash Palace). Gus Howard (Grim Pickings, Shadows of the Heart, The Battlers and Blue Heelers) is the producer and executive producer for the ABC is Scott Meek.
In the telemovie Valentine’s Day, Ben Valentine drifts into Cardigan, a small Australian country town seemingly past it’s used by date, at just the right time. Valentine’s Day makes us feel it is possible to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat! The show is produced by Tony Wright (Revealing Gallipoli), directed by Peter Duncan (Children of the Revolution) and written by Peter Temple. It will screen on the ABC.
In children’s drama, a second series of the live action, fantasy adventure H20 Just Add Water (executive producer Jonathon M. Shiff) has been given the green light. It follows the story of Emma, Rikki and Cleo, teenage girls growing up on Australia’s sun-drenched northern beaches. Their lives revolve around shopping, boys, homework and their families – all perfectly normal except that they are mermaids with incredible powers over water. Produced for Network Ten, the same team returns to direct the second series, Colin Budds (Scooter:Secret Agent) and Jeffrey Walker (Wicked Science II, All Saints).
Nine documentaries were financed, covering a diverse range of topics, issues and people:
Two Mums and a Dad is from producer Sally Ingleton (Welcome 2 My Deaf World), director/writer Miranda Wills and cinematographer Jenni Meaney (Two Men and a Baby). The documentary tells the story of Fiona, who is 33 and desperate to have a baby. But her partner, Kelly, is a woman and sperm isn't part of the equation. Fiona has a solution: a gay friend from work who passionately wants to be a dad. Fiona and Kelly want their child to have a father; seems perfect... but is it? Two Mums and a Dad is the story of the rocky road of three-way parenting.
The Great Australian Albums is a four-part documentary series which examines four classic Australian albums – from executive producer Martin Fabinyi (Kate Cebrano and Friends), writer/producer Toby Creswell (INXS – In Search of Excellence, MTV Awards) and producer/director Larry Meltzer (Mr Lucky, Rockwhiz). The four albums span a period of four decades. The artists and their work will be placed in the broader context of popular culture in Australia.
Fat Chance is an observational documentary that follows a Japanese woman, Yuka Sekiguchi, a fat, funny, film maker who has decided to become a guinea pig in a downsizing experiment. Fat Chance is a Super Down Size Me! To be produced by Nicki Roller, a graduate from AFTRS who most recently worked as production supervisor on Jindabyne and director/writer/subject Yuka Sekiguchi (Until Death Parts Us).
Race for the Beach will follow the emotional and physical journey of a young Australian-Muslim boy who volunteers to become Australia's first Muslim lifesaver. This is for SBS and BBC Television for their prestigious This World slot - executive producer is Margie Bryant (Singer, A Dangerous Mind), executive producer Roger Graeff (Mum’s Gone), co-producer Sacha Mirzoeff (Witch Child, Shooting Under Fire), director/dop Paul Costello (Peking to Paris, Boy from the Block).
Going Bush 2 is a follow up to the highly successful first series. The new four-part documentary series again follows Olympic champion Cathy Freeman, this time accompanied by world championship boxer Anthony Mundine on a journey of self-discovery across remote Aboriginal Australia. Executive producers for the series are Laurence Billiet (Lonely Planet, Going Bush series 1) and Peter Beilby (Going Bush series 1, The Farm, My Brother Jack). Series producer is Citt Williams (Yellow Fella) and the director is Tony Jackson (Going Bush series 1, Lonely Planet Six Degrees).
Moving the Mine explores the impact of large-scale industrial gold mining on local communities in two very remote locations: Kalimantan in Indonesian Borneo and inland Guinea, West Africa. As a French/Australian co-production it will have a wide international appeal. Producer Mitzi Goldman has been making documentaries for over 20 years and teams with French producer Jean-Pierre Gibrat, who also has an impressive track record in the documentary world. Director is Robert Nugent (The Road Home).
Paris Dreaming is a two part series documenting the events around June 2006 in Paris, when French President Chirac opened the world's first museum solely dedicated to Indigenous art. Australian Aboriginal artists and curators have travelled to Paris to collaborate in the design of the museum. Directors are Australian Julie Mimmo (NGA Aboriginal Art Exhibition) and French Michel Viotte (Navajo Warriors – The Greta Secret, Wildlife Caught on Tape, The Last Safari); the Australian producer is Chris Hilton (The Colony, Dust to Dust, Shadow Play) and French producer is Christine Le Goff (Academy Award winning documentary Murder on a Sunday Morning, Korea – The Unfinished War).
The Sounds of A(us) examines the Australian accent, which has long been regarded as the most significant identifier of our cultural DNA and is arguably the most Australian thing about us. But is it under threat? This documentary has been written by Lawrie Zion (It’s a Long Way to the Top, Love is in the Air); executive producer is Laura Waters (Kath and Kim, Welcher and Welcher, We Can Be Heroes), director is Stuart McDonald (Seachange, The Secret Life of Us) and producer/script editor Yael Bergman (We Can Be Heroes, Closet Tales).
Survival of the Fittest: Each year, the Australian Defence Force organizes a survival course in the Northern Territory for 15 soldiers, police and customs officers. They endure extraordinary physical and psychological challenges to prepare themselves for the dangerous situations their work involves. The group, often a mix of white and Aboriginal men and women, are forced to live off the land. Director/producer is Luigi Acquisto (Singles Club, The Shearers, Trafficked), with producer Stella Zammataro (Singles Club, Trafficked, East Timor – Birth of a Nation).
| Feature Films |
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DISGRACE
Wild Strawberries Pty Ltd / Sherman Pictures Pty Ltd
Producers: Anna-Maria Monticelli, Emile Sherman
Director: Steve Jacobs
Writer: Anna-Maria Monticelli
Sales and Distribution: Fortissimo, Dendy Films
Synopsis: Based on the Booker Prize winning novel by J.M. Coetzee, Disgrace takes us into the heart of the ethical complexities of modern South Africa. A journey that follows disgraced Cape Town university professor David Lurie as he is forced to confront irrevocable changes in his country.
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NEWCASTLE
Dragonfly Pictures Pty Ltd
Executive Producer: Charles Hannah
Producer: Naomi Wenck
Director/Writer: Dan Castle
Sales and Distribution: Becker Films International, Dendy Films, CIC Japan
Synopsis: Twin brothers Jesse and Fergus couldn't be more different. Jesse's pipe dream is to beat his American friend Andy in the Junior Surf Pro championship. Fergus just wants to fit in. The trio head off on a surf weekend where they confront each other, themselves and a tragedy.
UNFINISHED SKY
New Holland Productions Pty Ltd
Executive Producers: Mark Overett, Hanneke Niens, San Fu Maltha
Producers: Cathy Overett, Anton Smit
Director/Writer: Peter Duncan
Sales and Distribution: A Film, Vara, Queen Imperial PTE Limited, Palace Films, Fortissimo Films
Synopsis: Unfinished Sky is a powerful story of a love that grows between two people despite their resistance. With a thriller twist, this is a complex story of emotions, trust and betrayal, and of strength drawn from the land.
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MAJOR CRIME (6 x 52 minute mini-series)
Knapman Wyld Television Pty Ltd
Producers: Steve Knapman, Kris Wyld
Director: Peter Andrikidis
Writers: Kristen Dunphy, Kris Wyld, Michael Miller, Kris Mrksa, Michelle Offen with Sherine Salama. Series and Stories created by Steve Knapman & Kris Wyld with Muslim Detective Consultant Ali Rafik.
Sales and Distribution: SBS Independent, Minotaur
Synopsis: This is the story of two detectives – one a Muslim, the other Anglo-Australian, and the battle between them for survival. It is also a metaphor for the fear that exists between East and West when two men search for love, approval and forgiveness as their destinies collide.
RAIN SHADOW (6 x 1 hour mini-series)
Northside Productions Pty Ltd
Executive Producer: Scott Meek
Producer: Gus Howard
Directors: George Ogilvie, Fiona Banks
Writers: Tony Morphett, Jimmy Thomson
Sales and Distribution: ABC, Southern Star International
Synopsis: Set in drought stricken inland Australia, Rain Shadow is the story of two characters who become the means of each other's future.
SEA PATROL (13 x 1 hour mini-series)
McElroy All Media
Executive Producers: Hal McElroy, Di McElroy
Directors: George Miller, Chris Martin-Jones
Story Producer: Susan Bower
Writers: Tony Morphett, Michaeley O’Brien, Jeff Truman, Sarah Smith
Sales and Distribution: Nine Network, RDF/Nine Films and Television
Synopsis: Every hour of every day in all weather young men and women of the Royal Australian Navy Patrol Boat Service battle the elements and the odds to defend Australia’s borders and enforce its economic zone. They provide security, support and relief for the world’s largest island – and longest coastline.
VALENTINE'S DAY (telemovie)
December Films
Producer: Tony Wright
Director: Peter Duncan
Writer: Peter Temple
Sales and Distribution: ABC, ABC Enterprises
Synopsis: Ben Valentine drifts into Cardigan, a small Australian country town seemingly past it’s used by date, at just the right time. Valentine’s Day make us all feel like it is possible to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat!
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H20 JUST ADD WATER SERIES 2 (26 x 30 minute mini-series)
Jonathan M Shiff Productions
Executive Producer: Jonathan M Shiff
Producers: Jonathan M. Shiff, Joanna Werner
Directors: Jeffery Walker, Colin Budds
Writers: Philip Dalkin, Anthony Morris, Susan Macgillicuddy, Max Dann, Chris Anastassisadis, Simon Butters, Joss King, Sam Carroll, Kirsty Fisher, David Hannam, Chris Roach
Sales and Distribution: Network Ten, The Disney Channel, ZDF and ZDF Enterprises
Synopsis: When the moon pool enhances their mermaid powers in strange and mysterious ways it's hard for Emma, Rikki and Cleo to control them. But when meek and mild Charlotte stumbles into the moon pool and inherits all three powers our heroes had better watch their tails.
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FAT CHANCE
Fat Productions Pty Ltd
Producer: Nicki Roller
Director/ Writer/ Producer: Yuka Sekiguchi
Sales and Distribution: SBS Program Sales, Siglo
Synopsis: Fat Chance is an observational documentary that follows a Japanese woman, Yuka Sekiguchi, a fat, funny, film maker who has decided to become a guinea pig in a downsizing experiment. Fat Chance is a Super Down Size Me!
GOING BUSH 2
Lonely Planet Television
Executive Producers: Laurence Billiet, Peter Beilby
Producer: Citt Williams
Director: Tony Jackson
Sales and Distribution: SBS
Synopsis: Going Bush is a four-part documentary series following Olympic champion Cathy Freeman and world championship boxer Anthony Mundine on a journey of self-discovery across remote Aboriginal Australia.
THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN ALBUMS
Mushroom Pictures Pty Ltd
Executive Producer: Martin Fabinyi
Producers: Toby Creswell, Larry Meltzer
Director: Larry Meltzer
Writer: Toby Creswell
Sales and Distribution: SBS
Synopsis: The Great Australian Albums is a unique 4-part documentary series focussing on four key works chosen over four decades. The artists and their work will be placed in the broader context of popular culture in Australia. Each of the artists chosen has international appeal and an enduring influence on Australian culture that extends beyond popular music.
MOVING THE MINE
Looking Glass Pictures Pty Ltd
Producers: Mitzi Goldman, Jean-Pierre Gibrat
Director: Robert Nugent
Sales and Distribution: SBS, ARTE, ITVS, Doc & Co
Synopsis: Moving the Mine explores the impact of large-scale industrial gold mining on local communities in two very remote locations: Kalimantan in Indonesian Borneo and inland Guinea, West Africa.
PARIS DREAMING
Essential Viewing Group and Tetra Media
Producers: Chris Hilton, Christine Le Goff
Directors: Julie Nimmo, Michel Viotte
Sales and Distribution: SBS, Arte France, Tetra Media
Synopsis: In June 2006 in Paris, French President Chirac opened the world's first museum to acknowledge the inherent artistic value of Indigenous art. Australian Aboriginal artists and curators have travelled to Paris to collaborate in the design of the museum.
RACE FOR THE BEACH
Serendipity Productions Pty Ltd
Executive Producers: Roger Graeff, Margie Bryant
Co-producer: Sacha Mirzoeff
Director: Paul Costello
Sales and Distribution: SBS, BBC2
Synopsis: Race for the Beach will follow the emotional and physical journey of a young Australian-Muslim boy who volunteers to become Australia's first Muslim lifesaver.
THE SOUNDS OF A(US)
Princess Pictures
Executive Producers: Laura Waters
Producer: Yael Bergman
Director: Stuart McDonald
Writer: Lawrie Zion
Sales and Distribution: ABC
Synopsis: The Australian accent has long been regarded as the most significant identifier of our cultural DNA, and is arguably the most Australian thing about us. But is it under threat?
SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST
Abracadabra Films
Producers: Stella Zammataro, Luigi Acquisto
Director: Luigi Acquisto
Sales and Distribution: ABC
Synopsis: Survival of the Fittest follows a warring tribe as it struggles to last the distance without food or water in one of the harshest environments in the world: the mouth of the Daly River in the Northern Territory.
TWO MUMS AND A DAD
Singing Nomads Productions Pty Ltd
Producers: Sally Ingleton
Director/Writer: Miranda Wills
Sales and Distribution: SBS
Synopsis: Fiona is 33 and desperate to have a baby. But her partner, Kelly, is a woman and sperm isn't part of the equation. Fiona has a solution: a gay friend from work who passionately wants to be a dad. Fiona and Kelly want their child to have a father. It seems perfect... but is it? Two Mums and a Dad is the story of the rocky road of three-way parenting.
For further information:
Victoria Buchan
The Lantern Group
02 9383 4033 / 0408 114 864
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