Miranda Otto, Jesse Spence and Guy Pearce are among the high-profile stars featuring on Disney+’s debut slate in Australia and New Zealand.
Announced at an event at Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art, the 2022/23 slate comprises three dramas, four documentaries and two lifestyle/general factual entertainment series. Several are for Disney+’s adult vertical Star.
On the scripted drama front, The Clearing is adapted from Jp Pomare’s novel ‘In the Clearing’ and is inspired by Australian cult The Family and its founder Anne Hamilton-Byrne, one of the few female cult leaders in history.
Teresa Palmer (A Discovery of Witches), Miranda Otto (The Usual Suspects) and Guy Pearce (Jack Irish) lead the cast, alongside the lies of Hazem Shammas (Safe Harbour), Mark Coles-Smith (Mystery Road), Tom Budge (Bloom).
Written and created by Matt Cameron (Jack Irish) and Elise McCredie (Stateless) alongside co-writer Osamah Sami (Ali’s Wedding), it comes from...
Announced at an event at Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art, the 2022/23 slate comprises three dramas, four documentaries and two lifestyle/general factual entertainment series. Several are for Disney+’s adult vertical Star.
On the scripted drama front, The Clearing is adapted from Jp Pomare’s novel ‘In the Clearing’ and is inspired by Australian cult The Family and its founder Anne Hamilton-Byrne, one of the few female cult leaders in history.
Teresa Palmer (A Discovery of Witches), Miranda Otto (The Usual Suspects) and Guy Pearce (Jack Irish) lead the cast, alongside the lies of Hazem Shammas (Safe Harbour), Mark Coles-Smith (Mystery Road), Tom Budge (Bloom).
Written and created by Matt Cameron (Jack Irish) and Elise McCredie (Stateless) alongside co-writer Osamah Sami (Ali’s Wedding), it comes from...
- 5/17/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
A spin-off of High Maintenance, starring Yael Stone, and a comedic crime series from Jungle Entertainment are among the 21 projects that will share in more than $600,000 in story development funding from Screen Australia.
The slate includes 14 feature films, six television dramas and an online project, with 11 titles supported through the Generate Fund and 10 through the Premium Fund.
Screen Australia’s head of development Nerida Moore, who will depart the agency in December after nine years, said she felt privileged to support more many creative projects and people during the time she has left in the role.
“This is an exciting mix of projects and it’s great to support creatives expand on their careers and take on new challenges, including producer Alex White working on her first TV series, and writer Arka Das and writer/director Hannah Hilliard on their debut feature films,” he said.
“The shared vision we are...
The slate includes 14 feature films, six television dramas and an online project, with 11 titles supported through the Generate Fund and 10 through the Premium Fund.
Screen Australia’s head of development Nerida Moore, who will depart the agency in December after nine years, said she felt privileged to support more many creative projects and people during the time she has left in the role.
“This is an exciting mix of projects and it’s great to support creatives expand on their careers and take on new challenges, including producer Alex White working on her first TV series, and writer Arka Das and writer/director Hannah Hilliard on their debut feature films,” he said.
“The shared vision we are...
- 10/18/2021
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Bento Box Entertainment, the Fox Entertainment-owned animation studio, has launched an animation studio in Australia with Princess Pictures, the company behind Chris Lilley’s comedy Summer Heights High.
It comes a year after the Bob’s Burger and Duncanville studio struck a first-look development deal with the company.
Princess Bento Studio will produce animated content out of Melbourne, Australia and will make content for platforms in the U.S. and Australia as well as countries that have co-production treaties with the latter.
The venture was helped by the Victorian Government and supported through Film Victoria’s recently announced Victorian Screen Incentive. It will be run by the Bento Box and Princess management teams with the appointment of dedicated management coming soon.
The deal came out of the first-look deal, which has included projects from the likes of Michael Cusack (Smiling Friends).
“While closely working with everyone at Princess Pictures over the past year,...
It comes a year after the Bob’s Burger and Duncanville studio struck a first-look development deal with the company.
Princess Bento Studio will produce animated content out of Melbourne, Australia and will make content for platforms in the U.S. and Australia as well as countries that have co-production treaties with the latter.
The venture was helped by the Victorian Government and supported through Film Victoria’s recently announced Victorian Screen Incentive. It will be run by the Bento Box and Princess management teams with the appointment of dedicated management coming soon.
The deal came out of the first-look deal, which has included projects from the likes of Michael Cusack (Smiling Friends).
“While closely working with everyone at Princess Pictures over the past year,...
- 3/15/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Bento Box Entertainment and Australian television and film production company Princess Pictures have formed Princess Bento Studio, an all-new animation studio that will produce and distribute animated content for platforms in the United States, Australia and Australian co-production treaty countries and around the world. Supported through Film Victoria, a statutory agency of the Victoria State Government, Princess Bento Studio will operate out of Melbourne.
“While closely working with everyone at Princess Pictures over the past year, my team and I immediately saw a natural fit between our two companies,” said Scott Greenberg, co-founder and CEO of Bento Box. “With growing demand for animated content, a shared passion for the type of programming we want to make and a short-hand that perfectly complements our individual strengths, it was clear to us joining forces to set up shop in talent-rich Australia with Princess Bento will take our partnership to the next level...
“While closely working with everyone at Princess Pictures over the past year, my team and I immediately saw a natural fit between our two companies,” said Scott Greenberg, co-founder and CEO of Bento Box. “With growing demand for animated content, a shared passion for the type of programming we want to make and a short-hand that perfectly complements our individual strengths, it was clear to us joining forces to set up shop in talent-rich Australia with Princess Bento will take our partnership to the next level...
- 3/15/2021
- by Mónica Marie Zorrilla
- Variety Film + TV
Fifteen Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse (Cald) practitioners are set to participate in Cinespace Inc’s Package to Pitch program, an online masterclass on pitching into the market.
Selected by a culturally diverse panel, they include: Amal Awad, Alan Nguyen, Ana Tiwary, Orson Dijle, Serah Nathan, Karl Fernando, Eliza Matengu, Vonne Patiag, Theresa Gunarso, Jeremy Nguyen, Divya Vaman, Kim Ho, Michelle Ny, Sam Calafiore and Eva Justine Torkkola. Each has a pilot TV script they’re ready to pitch.
The program, supported via the Screenrights Cultural Fund, has been designed and facilitated by filmmaker John Kassab to help bridge the gap between outstanding emerging diverse creatives and the broader industry.
To be held online in February and March, the program will feature talks with a range of industry heavy hitters including Tony Ayres, Laura Waters, Michael McMahon, Donna Chang, Robert Connolly, Rachel Okine, Genevieve Chang, Ian Collie, Katherine Slattery,...
Selected by a culturally diverse panel, they include: Amal Awad, Alan Nguyen, Ana Tiwary, Orson Dijle, Serah Nathan, Karl Fernando, Eliza Matengu, Vonne Patiag, Theresa Gunarso, Jeremy Nguyen, Divya Vaman, Kim Ho, Michelle Ny, Sam Calafiore and Eva Justine Torkkola. Each has a pilot TV script they’re ready to pitch.
The program, supported via the Screenrights Cultural Fund, has been designed and facilitated by filmmaker John Kassab to help bridge the gap between outstanding emerging diverse creatives and the broader industry.
To be held online in February and March, the program will feature talks with a range of industry heavy hitters including Tony Ayres, Laura Waters, Michael McMahon, Donna Chang, Robert Connolly, Rachel Okine, Genevieve Chang, Ian Collie, Katherine Slattery,...
- 1/27/2021
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
When it comes to pitching and packaging a project, an understanding of what broadcasters and screen agencies are looking for, and familiarity with what else is being shopped in the market, is invaluable.
For Nikki Tran, the chance to glean these insights was one of the key benefits of her recent 12-month, paid internship across Film Victoria, the ABC and Matchbox Pictures.
The writer-producer, whose web series Girl, Interpreted recently scored an Aacta nod, found the program not only gave her confidence in her own creative ability, but helped demystify some of the dark art of development, in terms of both scripting and budgeting.
“Having that knowledge and insight into how the rest of the industry works, how different bodies look at content and make decisions is quite important for me when I’m considering how to pitch a project – who to talk to, when should I talk to them...
For Nikki Tran, the chance to glean these insights was one of the key benefits of her recent 12-month, paid internship across Film Victoria, the ABC and Matchbox Pictures.
The writer-producer, whose web series Girl, Interpreted recently scored an Aacta nod, found the program not only gave her confidence in her own creative ability, but helped demystify some of the dark art of development, in terms of both scripting and budgeting.
“Having that knowledge and insight into how the rest of the industry works, how different bodies look at content and make decisions is quite important for me when I’m considering how to pitch a project – who to talk to, when should I talk to them...
- 12/8/2020
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
(Top to bottom, L-r:) Tony Ayres, Rachel Okine, Michael McMahon, Jenevieve Chang, Laura Waters, Ian Collie, Katherine Slattery and Robert Connolly.
Cinespace has enlisted a group of industry heavy-hitters to deliver an initiative for emerging creatives from First Nations or culturally diverse background who have a pilot TV script ready to pitch.
The online masterclass, titled ‘Package to Pitch’, will build on each participant’s ability to read the market. In particular, it will look at:
A checklist and explanation of the necessary agreements and pitch materialsWhat elements packaged together make up the perfect projectHow to pitch effectively to producers, production companies, networks and agenciesAn insight into how producers and market buyers think when looking at projects
Facilitated by Egyptian-Australian producer John Kassab, speakers will include Tony Ayres, Laura Waters, Rachel Okine, Michael McMahon, Ian Collie, Jenevieve Chang, Robert Connolly and Katherine Slattery – with more to come. The initiative is backed by Screenrights’ Cultural Fund.
Cinespace has enlisted a group of industry heavy-hitters to deliver an initiative for emerging creatives from First Nations or culturally diverse background who have a pilot TV script ready to pitch.
The online masterclass, titled ‘Package to Pitch’, will build on each participant’s ability to read the market. In particular, it will look at:
A checklist and explanation of the necessary agreements and pitch materialsWhat elements packaged together make up the perfect projectHow to pitch effectively to producers, production companies, networks and agenciesAn insight into how producers and market buyers think when looking at projects
Facilitated by Egyptian-Australian producer John Kassab, speakers will include Tony Ayres, Laura Waters, Rachel Okine, Michael McMahon, Ian Collie, Jenevieve Chang, Robert Connolly and Katherine Slattery – with more to come. The initiative is backed by Screenrights’ Cultural Fund.
- 10/27/2020
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Fox Entertainment’s Bento Box Entertainment and Princess Pictures have signed a first-look animation development deal, with all projects to be fully produced in Australia with local talent and crews.
The aim is to give animation’s next wave of creators the chance to showcase their work across Us and international platforms.
Bento Box co-founder and CEO Scott Greenberg and Princess Pictures’ founder Laura Waters announced the partnership.
“Australia punches above its weight in animation talent with scores of Oscar nominations and wins, and very successful children’s animation series,” said Waters. “There’s a slew of Australian talent making hilarious animation online, all with dedicated audiences.
“In collaboration with Bento Box, we’re excited to support this new wave of comedy talent with professional budgets and access to opportunities on major platforms.”
All projects will be executive produced by Greenberg, Waters, Bento Box co-founder and president of production Joel Kuwahara...
The aim is to give animation’s next wave of creators the chance to showcase their work across Us and international platforms.
Bento Box co-founder and CEO Scott Greenberg and Princess Pictures’ founder Laura Waters announced the partnership.
“Australia punches above its weight in animation talent with scores of Oscar nominations and wins, and very successful children’s animation series,” said Waters. “There’s a slew of Australian talent making hilarious animation online, all with dedicated audiences.
“In collaboration with Bento Box, we’re excited to support this new wave of comedy talent with professional budgets and access to opportunities on major platforms.”
All projects will be executive produced by Greenberg, Waters, Bento Box co-founder and president of production Joel Kuwahara...
- 4/9/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Fox Entertainment’s animation studio Bento Box has signed a new first-look deal with the Australian production company Princess Pictures, the two companies announced Wednesday.
Under the deal, Bento Box and Princess will develop and produce new animated content from Australian-based creators. All projects stemming from the agreement will be fully produced in Australia with local talent and crews.
Princess Pictures is the company behind a number of popular Australian series, including Chris Lilley’s series “Summer Heights High” and “Angry Boys.” The company has also produced titles including “Wrong Kind of Black” and “Superwog,” as well as the animated series “Koala Man.”
Also Read: Fox's Bento Box Entertainment Names Brooke Keesling Head of Animation Talent Development
Bento Box co-founder and CEO Scott Greenberg and Princess Pictures founder Laura Waters will serve as executive producers on all projects developed by the two companies, as will Joel Kuwahara and Ben Jones...
Under the deal, Bento Box and Princess will develop and produce new animated content from Australian-based creators. All projects stemming from the agreement will be fully produced in Australia with local talent and crews.
Princess Pictures is the company behind a number of popular Australian series, including Chris Lilley’s series “Summer Heights High” and “Angry Boys.” The company has also produced titles including “Wrong Kind of Black” and “Superwog,” as well as the animated series “Koala Man.”
Also Read: Fox's Bento Box Entertainment Names Brooke Keesling Head of Animation Talent Development
Bento Box co-founder and CEO Scott Greenberg and Princess Pictures founder Laura Waters will serve as executive producers on all projects developed by the two companies, as will Joel Kuwahara and Ben Jones...
- 4/8/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
In today’s TV news roundup, Variety has learned that Lisa Vanderpump will guest star in “American Housewife,” and Amazon Prime Video announced that the second season of “Homecoming” will premiere May 22.
Casting
Lisa Vanderpump will guest star on the May 6 episode of “American Housewife,“ Variety has learned exclusively. Vanderpump will appear as herself in the episode, which sees the Otto family visiting California on an all-expenses paid trip that overlaps with Katie’s (Katy Mixon) birthday. A former star of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” Vanderpump is also known for “Vanderpump Rules,” a stint on “Dancing with the Stars” and her dog rescue “Vanderpump Dogs.”
Dates
WarnerMedia has announced that all of its networks will air “Sesame Street: Elmo’s Playdate” simultaneously on April 14 at 7 p.m. As part of Sesame Workshop’s Caring for Each Other initiative to help families feel more connected in uncertain times, the...
Casting
Lisa Vanderpump will guest star on the May 6 episode of “American Housewife,“ Variety has learned exclusively. Vanderpump will appear as herself in the episode, which sees the Otto family visiting California on an all-expenses paid trip that overlaps with Katie’s (Katy Mixon) birthday. A former star of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” Vanderpump is also known for “Vanderpump Rules,” a stint on “Dancing with the Stars” and her dog rescue “Vanderpump Dogs.”
Dates
WarnerMedia has announced that all of its networks will air “Sesame Street: Elmo’s Playdate” simultaneously on April 14 at 7 p.m. As part of Sesame Workshop’s Caring for Each Other initiative to help families feel more connected in uncertain times, the...
- 4/8/2020
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Fox Entertainment-owned animation house Bento Box, the company behind Bob’s Burgers and Duncanville, has struck a first-look development deal with Australian production company Princess Pictures.
The deal will see Princess Pictures, best known for producing Chris Lilley’s live-action comedy Summer Heights High, develop animated content from undiscovered Australian-based, multi-hyphenate creators with Bento Box. Shows will be produced down under with local talent and crews for the global market.
More from DeadlineBento Box Entertainment Names Brooke Keesling Head Of Animation Talent Development, Caitlin Winiarski Creative ExecutiveComedy Central Inks Animation Deal With Bento Box EntertainmentNetflix Orders Australian Comedy Series From 'Summer Heights High's Chris Lilley
The deal was struck between Scott Greenberg, Co-Founder and CEO of Bento Box, and Laura Waters, Founder of Princess Pictures. The pair will exec produce projects alongside Bento Box Co-Founder and President of Production Joel Kuwahara and Creative Director Ben Jones and Princess...
The deal will see Princess Pictures, best known for producing Chris Lilley’s live-action comedy Summer Heights High, develop animated content from undiscovered Australian-based, multi-hyphenate creators with Bento Box. Shows will be produced down under with local talent and crews for the global market.
More from DeadlineBento Box Entertainment Names Brooke Keesling Head Of Animation Talent Development, Caitlin Winiarski Creative ExecutiveComedy Central Inks Animation Deal With Bento Box EntertainmentNetflix Orders Australian Comedy Series From 'Summer Heights High's Chris Lilley
The deal was struck between Scott Greenberg, Co-Founder and CEO of Bento Box, and Laura Waters, Founder of Princess Pictures. The pair will exec produce projects alongside Bento Box Co-Founder and President of Production Joel Kuwahara and Creative Director Ben Jones and Princess...
- 4/8/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Nikki Tran and Davey Thompson.
Davey Thompson and Nikki Tran are the recipients of Film Victoria’s inaugural Victorian Screen Development Internships. The program will see the pair follow the full lifecycle of developing content across Film Victoria, the ABC, Matchbox Pictures and Princess Pictures.
At Film Victoria they’ll learn how to assess pitches, scripts and funding applications; at the ABC they’ll work with commissioning editors and EPs across the production process; and then at Matchbox Pictures and Princess Pictures, they’ll learn first-hand from principal producers. The internship program was designed to provide career pathways for Indigenous and traditionally under-represented Victorian creative talent.
Thompson and Tran were selected from 65 applicants, with 19 of which longlisted by Film Victoria, Davey and Nikki impressed representatives from the ABC, Princess Pictures and Matchbox Pictures with their career aspirations and the clarity of what they were each looking to gain from the internship.
Davey Thompson and Nikki Tran are the recipients of Film Victoria’s inaugural Victorian Screen Development Internships. The program will see the pair follow the full lifecycle of developing content across Film Victoria, the ABC, Matchbox Pictures and Princess Pictures.
At Film Victoria they’ll learn how to assess pitches, scripts and funding applications; at the ABC they’ll work with commissioning editors and EPs across the production process; and then at Matchbox Pictures and Princess Pictures, they’ll learn first-hand from principal producers. The internship program was designed to provide career pathways for Indigenous and traditionally under-represented Victorian creative talent.
Thompson and Tran were selected from 65 applicants, with 19 of which longlisted by Film Victoria, Davey and Nikki impressed representatives from the ABC, Princess Pictures and Matchbox Pictures with their career aspirations and the clarity of what they were each looking to gain from the internship.
- 8/23/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Tony Ayres and Andrea Denholm.
Friends for years, Tony Ayres and Andrea Denholm had long wanted to work together but did not have the opportunity – until now.
Denholm is joining Tony Ayres Productions (Tap) next week as head of development after finishing up tomorrow as a producer/partner at Princess Pictures.
Ayres tells If: “I was looking for a head of development and asked Andrea for her advice. Her advice was ‘hire me,’ which was music to my ears. She is great with talent and is one of the most impressive creative producers in the country. We have similar views on the shows we want to make.”
After a happy 10 years at Princess Pictures with the company’s founder Laura Waters, Denholm was up for a new challenge. “Tony is a superstar and a beautiful human being,” she says.
“The content he creates and champions reflects his brilliant imagination, curiosity,...
Friends for years, Tony Ayres and Andrea Denholm had long wanted to work together but did not have the opportunity – until now.
Denholm is joining Tony Ayres Productions (Tap) next week as head of development after finishing up tomorrow as a producer/partner at Princess Pictures.
Ayres tells If: “I was looking for a head of development and asked Andrea for her advice. Her advice was ‘hire me,’ which was music to my ears. She is great with talent and is one of the most impressive creative producers in the country. We have similar views on the shows we want to make.”
After a happy 10 years at Princess Pictures with the company’s founder Laura Waters, Denholm was up for a new challenge. “Tony is a superstar and a beautiful human being,” she says.
“The content he creates and champions reflects his brilliant imagination, curiosity,...
- 8/21/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Andrea Denholm.
The restructure of Princess Pictures is nearing completion with the pending departures of producer/partner Andrea Denholm and MD Jenni Tosi.
Denholm finishes up this Friday after 10 years with the production company founded by Laura Waters in 2003.
Tosi, the former Film Victoria CEO who joined a year ago, will depart in mid-November after handing the reins to commercial director and partner Emma Fitzsimons.
These moves follow the exit earlier this year of producer/partner Paul Walton after seven years with Princess Pictures.
The final elements of the revamp are expected to entail an injection of fresh blood. Waters tells If: “These changes have happened organically. I’m quite buoyant about the future: there are exciting things ahead.”
Waters flagged a review of the company’s structure and business strategy and the decision to consolidate rather than expand a few months ago when she told If: “It’s made...
The restructure of Princess Pictures is nearing completion with the pending departures of producer/partner Andrea Denholm and MD Jenni Tosi.
Denholm finishes up this Friday after 10 years with the production company founded by Laura Waters in 2003.
Tosi, the former Film Victoria CEO who joined a year ago, will depart in mid-November after handing the reins to commercial director and partner Emma Fitzsimons.
These moves follow the exit earlier this year of producer/partner Paul Walton after seven years with Princess Pictures.
The final elements of the revamp are expected to entail an injection of fresh blood. Waters tells If: “These changes have happened organically. I’m quite buoyant about the future: there are exciting things ahead.”
Waters flagged a review of the company’s structure and business strategy and the decision to consolidate rather than expand a few months ago when she told If: “It’s made...
- 8/18/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘How to Stay Married.’
Princess Pictures founder/producer Laura Waters and MD Jenni Tosi have repositioned the production company.
Facing two choices – continue to expand or to consolidate – they chose the latter. “Reviewing our structure and business strategy has been such a healthy process,” Waters, who founded the company in 2003, tells If. “It’s made us go back to our roots and our original purpose. I am feeling re-energised about the company.
“We are passionate and hands-on about unique projects and finding new ways of working with international and local partners.”
The company’s slate includes the second season of Network 10’s How to Stay Married, a co-production with Pablo Pictures, which is in the final stages of financing. Created by Peter Helliar, the first series followed Helliar and Lisa McCune as Greg and Em Butler, who had been married for 14 years and whose lives take unexpected turns after...
Princess Pictures founder/producer Laura Waters and MD Jenni Tosi have repositioned the production company.
Facing two choices – continue to expand or to consolidate – they chose the latter. “Reviewing our structure and business strategy has been such a healthy process,” Waters, who founded the company in 2003, tells If. “It’s made us go back to our roots and our original purpose. I am feeling re-energised about the company.
“We are passionate and hands-on about unique projects and finding new ways of working with international and local partners.”
The company’s slate includes the second season of Network 10’s How to Stay Married, a co-production with Pablo Pictures, which is in the final stages of financing. Created by Peter Helliar, the first series followed Helliar and Lisa McCune as Greg and Em Butler, who had been married for 14 years and whose lives take unexpected turns after...
- 6/12/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Ahead of World Day for Laboratory Animals on 24 April, more than 60 academics, scientists, institutions, companies, organisations and celebrities have signed up to a new Declaration for Advanced Science.
Spearheaded by Animal Defenders International (Adi), signatories – including celebrities Joanna Lumley, James Cromwell, Mena Suvari, Chris Packham, Gemma Atkinson, Benjamin Zephaniah, Jenny Seagrove and Brian Blessed pledge to support measures accelerating the “move away from animal models towards more human-relevant research methods”.
Other signatories to the initiative include Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Marc Bekoff; Professor of Pharmaceutical Analysis Laura Waters; Consultant Haematologist Dr Shireen Kassam; Microbiologist Dr Warren Casey; Senior Cell and Molecular Biologist Dr Pelin L Candarlioglu; Professor of Animal Welfare and Ethics Andrew Knight; and Emerita Professor of Anthropology Barbara King.
The full and current list of Declaration signatories can be viewed here.
Joanna Lumley: “I wholeheartedly support the efforts of Animal Defenders International in encouraging a...
Spearheaded by Animal Defenders International (Adi), signatories – including celebrities Joanna Lumley, James Cromwell, Mena Suvari, Chris Packham, Gemma Atkinson, Benjamin Zephaniah, Jenny Seagrove and Brian Blessed pledge to support measures accelerating the “move away from animal models towards more human-relevant research methods”.
Other signatories to the initiative include Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Marc Bekoff; Professor of Pharmaceutical Analysis Laura Waters; Consultant Haematologist Dr Shireen Kassam; Microbiologist Dr Warren Casey; Senior Cell and Molecular Biologist Dr Pelin L Candarlioglu; Professor of Animal Welfare and Ethics Andrew Knight; and Emerita Professor of Anthropology Barbara King.
The full and current list of Declaration signatories can be viewed here.
Joanna Lumley: “I wholeheartedly support the efforts of Animal Defenders International in encouraging a...
- 4/23/2019
- Look to the Stars
Paul Walton
Paul Walton is leaving Princess Pictures after seven years as a producer and partner in the production company founded by Laura Waters in 2003.
Walton described his decision to depart as bitter-sweet but is looking forward to the next chapter of his career, including finding ways to address the disruptive changes in the screen industry.
“I am sad to be leaving a talented team behind but it’s due to their creativity and support that I find myself excited about the future I am carving out for myself,” Walton, who finishes up on May 10, tells If.
“Our industry is changing and we all need to reinvent ourselves in response to this global disruption. I feel I have achieved so much during my time at Princess, both professionally and personally. It fills me with pride to be leaving behind a legacy of content that has pushed boundaries, challenged the norm...
Paul Walton is leaving Princess Pictures after seven years as a producer and partner in the production company founded by Laura Waters in 2003.
Walton described his decision to depart as bitter-sweet but is looking forward to the next chapter of his career, including finding ways to address the disruptive changes in the screen industry.
“I am sad to be leaving a talented team behind but it’s due to their creativity and support that I find myself excited about the future I am carving out for myself,” Walton, who finishes up on May 10, tells If.
“Our industry is changing and we all need to reinvent ourselves in response to this global disruption. I feel I have achieved so much during my time at Princess, both professionally and personally. It fills me with pride to be leaving behind a legacy of content that has pushed boundaries, challenged the norm...
- 4/16/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Jordyn Nolan, who is completing a Film Victoria attachment on ‘Little J and Big Cuz’.
Film Victoria, in partnership with the ABC, Matchbox Pictures and Princess Pictures, has launched a new industry internship program to the provide career pathways for Indigenous and traditionally under-represented Victorian creative talent.
The Victorian Screen Development Internships are open to creatives with a passion for storytelling, regardless of their artistic discipline, providing they have some experience developing, producing, writing or editing creative content, projects or productions.
The paid internships are designed to give participants experience with the full scope of screen content development over a 12 month period, offering placements of up to four months with each program partner. The idea is that interns will learn how to assess pitches, scripts and funding applications with Film Victoria, will shadow commissioning editors at the ABC, and will learn from principal producers at Matchbox Pictures or Princess Pictures.
Film Victoria, in partnership with the ABC, Matchbox Pictures and Princess Pictures, has launched a new industry internship program to the provide career pathways for Indigenous and traditionally under-represented Victorian creative talent.
The Victorian Screen Development Internships are open to creatives with a passion for storytelling, regardless of their artistic discipline, providing they have some experience developing, producing, writing or editing creative content, projects or productions.
The paid internships are designed to give participants experience with the full scope of screen content development over a 12 month period, offering placements of up to four months with each program partner. The idea is that interns will learn how to assess pitches, scripts and funding applications with Film Victoria, will shadow commissioning editors at the ABC, and will learn from principal producers at Matchbox Pictures or Princess Pictures.
- 4/4/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Australian comedian Chris Lilley must have made a big impact on Netflix as the streaming service has just ordered another untitled series from him. It is the latest investment by the platform who are looking for original content. Chris Lilley is the writer and actor who is responsible for creating and starring in ‘Angry Boys’ and ‘Summer Heights High’. Lilley and Laura Waters co-founded Princess Pictures, an Australian production company. The pair has now collaborated on creating a new ten-part series that has been picked up by Netflix. The streaming platform has recently invested in a wide range of original
Netflix Orders Australian Comedy Series From “Summer Heights High” Star Chris Lilley...
Netflix Orders Australian Comedy Series From “Summer Heights High” Star Chris Lilley...
- 3/7/2018
- by Nat Berman
- TVovermind.com
This week, some 200,000 Year 12 students will receive their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (Atar). Among them are 14 who documented their final year of school for upcoming ABC series.My Year 12 Life.
Princess Pictures gave each of the 14 students a camera at the start of 2016 and asked them to film their life.
The resulting 26 x 30 series, which aims to create national conversation about the pressures of Year 12, is a .vlogumentary. — there were no film crews or producers on the ground.
As the students. final year comes to an end, so too does filming. The students have captured 1000s of hours of vision, each whittled down to an average 30-60 mins of footage every week. The completed series will also include media from the students' social platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat.
.It.s time we talked about the stress we.re putting on teenagers, and the effect of telling them they should be judged by one number,...
Princess Pictures gave each of the 14 students a camera at the start of 2016 and asked them to film their life.
The resulting 26 x 30 series, which aims to create national conversation about the pressures of Year 12, is a .vlogumentary. — there were no film crews or producers on the ground.
As the students. final year comes to an end, so too does filming. The students have captured 1000s of hours of vision, each whittled down to an average 30-60 mins of footage every week. The completed series will also include media from the students' social platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat.
.It.s time we talked about the stress we.re putting on teenagers, and the effect of telling them they should be judged by one number,...
- 12/8/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Vr project Buried.
Screen Australia has announced its latest funding round, with $3 million in production and development funding split between two Indigenous TV projects, eight multiplatform projects, eight feature films, and two individuals and two companies.
The two Indigenous television projects to have received production investment are:
–... ABC TV.s previously announced Indigenous comedy drama series The Warriors. From Robert Connolly's Arenamedia, the show is set in the competitive world of Australian Rules Football, and has major production investment from Screen Australia and funding support from Film Victoria;
–... Nitv documentary Carry The Flag,.which delves into the story behind the Torres Strait Island flag designed by Bernard Namok, from Tamarind Tree Pictures with Screen Queensland and Screen Territory support.
The eight multiplatform projects to have received production investment are:
–... Vr project The Buried, a 3D experience that plunges the viewer into a magical Dreamtime world, from Indigenous writer/director Tyson Mowarin,...
Screen Australia has announced its latest funding round, with $3 million in production and development funding split between two Indigenous TV projects, eight multiplatform projects, eight feature films, and two individuals and two companies.
The two Indigenous television projects to have received production investment are:
–... ABC TV.s previously announced Indigenous comedy drama series The Warriors. From Robert Connolly's Arenamedia, the show is set in the competitive world of Australian Rules Football, and has major production investment from Screen Australia and funding support from Film Victoria;
–... Nitv documentary Carry The Flag,.which delves into the story behind the Torres Strait Island flag designed by Bernard Namok, from Tamarind Tree Pictures with Screen Queensland and Screen Territory support.
The eight multiplatform projects to have received production investment are:
–... Vr project The Buried, a 3D experience that plunges the viewer into a magical Dreamtime world, from Indigenous writer/director Tyson Mowarin,...
- 10/19/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Screen Australia will provide $1.35 million in funding for ten emerging screen professionals as part of a $10 million suite of enterprise programs.
The industry placement scheme will allow the selected candidates to work alongside the best and brightest in the sector..
Screen Australia.s Enterprise People provides individuals with a wage of up to $70,000 a year for full-time employment for one to two years.
The program, Enterprise People, gives on-the-job training and a critical bridge to long-term and sustainable employment for a new generation of screen practitioners.
Enterprise People is part of Screen Australia.s three-year, $10 million suite of Enterprise programs that aim to facilitate screen businesses to invest in development, talent and innovation for the benefit of the sector.
The 2015 program attracted applicants with a diverse range of talent..
While all were looking for hands-on opportunities in the screen sector, they had a variety of objectives, including: seeking to move...
The industry placement scheme will allow the selected candidates to work alongside the best and brightest in the sector..
Screen Australia.s Enterprise People provides individuals with a wage of up to $70,000 a year for full-time employment for one to two years.
The program, Enterprise People, gives on-the-job training and a critical bridge to long-term and sustainable employment for a new generation of screen practitioners.
Enterprise People is part of Screen Australia.s three-year, $10 million suite of Enterprise programs that aim to facilitate screen businesses to invest in development, talent and innovation for the benefit of the sector.
The 2015 program attracted applicants with a diverse range of talent..
While all were looking for hands-on opportunities in the screen sector, they had a variety of objectives, including: seeking to move...
- 12/2/2015
- by Inside Film Correspondent
- IF.com.au
Foxtel has announced it will progressively double its investment in Australian scripted, factual, lifestyle and entertainment programming by 2018, boosting funding to record levels. As part of a plan to triple spending on scripted content, the pay TV giant will ramp up its drama slate to at least five original series each year, up from the current average of two, over the next three years. Also, more money will be invested in local comedies following Open Slather, a 20-part sketch show produced by Rick McKenna and Laura Waters. new banner McWaters Productions, which is airing on the Comedy Channel. The budget for factual programming will also triple as Foxtel moves towards commissioning at least six new documentary series annually. The home of Australia.s Next Top Model and The Real Housewives of Melbourne, the platform intends to order at least nine new entertainment series each year. The commitment to boost content...
- 6/16/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Jane Turner, Marg Downey, Glenn Robbins, Gina Riley, Magda Szubanski, Michael Veitch, Shane Jacobson and Stephen Curry are matching wits in a new weekly sketch comedy which the producers see as the beginning of a franchise.
Commissioned by The Comedy Channel, Open Slather also features a dozen rising stars on the comedy circuit: Ben Gerrard, Ben Lomas, Dave Eastgate, Demi Lardner, Emily Taheny, George H. Xanthis, Hannah Bath, Holly Austin, Ilai Swindells, Jay K Cagatay, Laura Hughes and Miles O.Neil.
Filmed in Melbourne with a live studio audience, the show takes aim at popular culture, politics, sport, music and media. Among the likely targets: Tony Abbott, reality shows such as The Voice and the soon-to-conclude Mad Men.
The 20-part series is being produced by McWaters Productions, marking the third collaboration between Kath & Kim.s Rick McKenna and Chris Lilley.s producing partner Laura Waters.
McKenna first got the idea...
Commissioned by The Comedy Channel, Open Slather also features a dozen rising stars on the comedy circuit: Ben Gerrard, Ben Lomas, Dave Eastgate, Demi Lardner, Emily Taheny, George H. Xanthis, Hannah Bath, Holly Austin, Ilai Swindells, Jay K Cagatay, Laura Hughes and Miles O.Neil.
Filmed in Melbourne with a live studio audience, the show takes aim at popular culture, politics, sport, music and media. Among the likely targets: Tony Abbott, reality shows such as The Voice and the soon-to-conclude Mad Men.
The 20-part series is being produced by McWaters Productions, marking the third collaboration between Kath & Kim.s Rick McKenna and Chris Lilley.s producing partner Laura Waters.
McKenna first got the idea...
- 4/6/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Russell Crowe-Directed Movie Up for Australian Film Award; Crowe Shortlisted Only in Acting Category
Director Russell Crowe Movie up for Best Film: Australian Academy Awards 2015 nominations (photo: Actor-director Russell Crowe in 'The Water Diviner') Aacta Awards: Feature Film Categories Best Film The Babadook Kristina Ceyton and Kristian Moliere Charlie's Country Nils Erik Nielsen, Peter Djigirr and Rolf de Heer Predestination Paddy McDonald, Tim McGahan, Peter Spierig and Michael Spierig The Railway Man Chris Brown, Andy Paterson and Bill Curbishley Tracks Emile Sherman and Iain Canning The Water Diviner Andrew Mason, Keith Rodger and Troy Lum Best Director The Babadook Jennifer Kent Charlie's Country Rolf de Heer Predestination Peter Spierig and Michael Spierig The Rover David Michôd Best Actress Kate Box The Little Death Essie Davis The Babadook Sarah Snook Predestination Mia Wasikowska Tracks Best Actor Russell Crowe The Water Diviner David Gulpilil Charlie's Country Damon Herriman The Little Death Guy Pearce The Rover Best Supporting Actor Patrick Brammall The Little Death Yilmaz Erdogan...
- 12/3/2014
- by Steve Montgomery
- Alt Film Guide
Foxtel has unveiled a 20-part comedy series from Rick McKenna and Laura Waters, an adult animation series from Working Dog and its first ever co-commission with Network Ten.
Among other new offerings flagged in Foxtel.s upfronts presentation are a local version of the international hit Pawn Stars, the second series of. The Real Housewives of Melbourne (Matchbox Pictures) and season 9 of Australia.s Next Top Model (Shine Australia) . The drama slate includes the previously announced Deadline Gallipoli starring Sam Worthington (Matchbox Pictures/Full Clip Productions); The Kettering Incident (Porchlight Films/Sweet Potato Films); A Place to Call Home (Seven Productions); and season 3 of FremantleMedia.s Wentworth.
Returning to The LifeStyle Channel next year will be series 8 of Selling Houses Australia (Beyond Productions), Grand Designs Australia series 5 (FremantleMedia) and River Cottage Australia series 3 (Keo Films/LifeStyle).
The untitled Waters/McKenna series for The Comedy Channel will feature some of the...
Among other new offerings flagged in Foxtel.s upfronts presentation are a local version of the international hit Pawn Stars, the second series of. The Real Housewives of Melbourne (Matchbox Pictures) and season 9 of Australia.s Next Top Model (Shine Australia) . The drama slate includes the previously announced Deadline Gallipoli starring Sam Worthington (Matchbox Pictures/Full Clip Productions); The Kettering Incident (Porchlight Films/Sweet Potato Films); A Place to Call Home (Seven Productions); and season 3 of FremantleMedia.s Wentworth.
Returning to The LifeStyle Channel next year will be series 8 of Selling Houses Australia (Beyond Productions), Grand Designs Australia series 5 (FremantleMedia) and River Cottage Australia series 3 (Keo Films/LifeStyle).
The untitled Waters/McKenna series for The Comedy Channel will feature some of the...
- 10/30/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
So many people watched Chris Lilley.s new comedy Jonah from Tonga on ABC iview, did that detract from the premiere.s ratings on ABC1 on Wednesday night?
That may partly explain why the first episode, which screened at 9 pm, had 414,000 viewers in the five capital cities, ranking as the night.s 24th most popular show.
Another factor almost certainly was the heavyweight competition on the other free-to-air channels. Nine.s new sit-com Mom won the timeslot, pulling 777,000 viewers in the five capital cities, ahead of Seven.s The Blacklist with 731,000.
The season finale of Network Ten.s Puberty Blues drew 597,000, rating second in its timeslot in 25-to-54s and under 55s.
ABC iview screened all six episodes of Jonah from Tonga from May 2-6. In those 48 hours there were 551,000 plays, making it the most played program on the platform over the weekend.
The series follows the misadventures of 14-year-old rebellious schoolboy Jonah,...
That may partly explain why the first episode, which screened at 9 pm, had 414,000 viewers in the five capital cities, ranking as the night.s 24th most popular show.
Another factor almost certainly was the heavyweight competition on the other free-to-air channels. Nine.s new sit-com Mom won the timeslot, pulling 777,000 viewers in the five capital cities, ahead of Seven.s The Blacklist with 731,000.
The season finale of Network Ten.s Puberty Blues drew 597,000, rating second in its timeslot in 25-to-54s and under 55s.
ABC iview screened all six episodes of Jonah from Tonga from May 2-6. In those 48 hours there were 551,000 plays, making it the most played program on the platform over the weekend.
The series follows the misadventures of 14-year-old rebellious schoolboy Jonah,...
- 5/8/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Chris Lilley at the USC Berkeley Q&A
.
Critics in Australia, the Us and elsewhere who think Chris Lilley pays attention to their reviews, good, bad or indifferent, are misguided.
The creator of We Can Be Heroes, Summer Heights High, Angry Boys and Ja'mie: Private School Girl doesn.t read reviews, according to his producing partner, Princess Pictures. Laura Waters.
Waters doesn.t read reviews either, as a rule, although she was aware of the UK blogger who bagged Summer Heights High because the Australian media aired his carping comments. .You get a tonne of great reviews and someone finds a nasty one,. she says. .We both made the choice not to read reviews; it.s healthier..
The actor/writer/producer may have a reputation as a very private person but he revealed a lot of himself in the Us last month. Lilley and Waters spent a few weeks touring...
.
Critics in Australia, the Us and elsewhere who think Chris Lilley pays attention to their reviews, good, bad or indifferent, are misguided.
The creator of We Can Be Heroes, Summer Heights High, Angry Boys and Ja'mie: Private School Girl doesn.t read reviews, according to his producing partner, Princess Pictures. Laura Waters.
Waters doesn.t read reviews either, as a rule, although she was aware of the UK blogger who bagged Summer Heights High because the Australian media aired his carping comments. .You get a tonne of great reviews and someone finds a nasty one,. she says. .We both made the choice not to read reviews; it.s healthier..
The actor/writer/producer may have a reputation as a very private person but he revealed a lot of himself in the Us last month. Lilley and Waters spent a few weeks touring...
- 12/4/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Comedies from Matchbox Pictures, Princess Pictures, Working Dog and The Bondi Hipsters are among the highlights of ABC-tv.s 2014 schedule.
The drama slate includes the previously announced Anzac Girls (Screentime), which stars Georgia Flood, Antonia Prebble, Laura Brent, Anna McGahan and Caroline Craig in the saga of five young military nurses from Australia and New Zealand during the Gallipoli and Western Front campaigns; The Code (Playmaker Media), a political thriller about two brothers who stumble across information that people in power will kill to keep secret, starring Ashley Zukerman and Dan Spielman; and Old School (Matchbox), which features Bryan Brown and Sam Neill as a retired crim and ex-cop who solve crimes and unravel scams while avoiding the wrath of the police and the underworld.
Among the other dramas are Janet King (Screentime), a legal drama starring Marta Dusseldorp; crime thriller The Broken Shore (Essential Media); second series of The...
The drama slate includes the previously announced Anzac Girls (Screentime), which stars Georgia Flood, Antonia Prebble, Laura Brent, Anna McGahan and Caroline Craig in the saga of five young military nurses from Australia and New Zealand during the Gallipoli and Western Front campaigns; The Code (Playmaker Media), a political thriller about two brothers who stumble across information that people in power will kill to keep secret, starring Ashley Zukerman and Dan Spielman; and Old School (Matchbox), which features Bryan Brown and Sam Neill as a retired crim and ex-cop who solve crimes and unravel scams while avoiding the wrath of the police and the underworld.
Among the other dramas are Janet King (Screentime), a legal drama starring Marta Dusseldorp; crime thriller The Broken Shore (Essential Media); second series of The...
- 11/26/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Peter Helliar.s narrative comedy It.s a Date has won the award for best scripted format in an international competition at the Mipcom market in Cannes.
ABC Commercial represents the series internationally, which won one of the key categories in the International Format Awards staged by C21 Media and Frapa, the Format Recognition and Protection Association.
The candidates for the awards were initially selected by C21Media.net.s community of 35,000 international TV executives. A panel of buyers then voted on 10 selected formats in seven genre categories.
Produced by Laura Waters, each episode of It.s a Date followed the people involved in two self-contained dates as they headed toward success or failure. The casts included Asher Keddie, Kate Ritchie, John Wood, Lisa McCune, Stephen Curry, Sibylla Budd, Shane Jacobson, Sophie Lowe, Nadine Garner, Pia Miranda and Helliar.
Waters tells If a second series is in development and discussions...
ABC Commercial represents the series internationally, which won one of the key categories in the International Format Awards staged by C21 Media and Frapa, the Format Recognition and Protection Association.
The candidates for the awards were initially selected by C21Media.net.s community of 35,000 international TV executives. A panel of buyers then voted on 10 selected formats in seven genre categories.
Produced by Laura Waters, each episode of It.s a Date followed the people involved in two self-contained dates as they headed toward success or failure. The casts included Asher Keddie, Kate Ritchie, John Wood, Lisa McCune, Stephen Curry, Sibylla Budd, Shane Jacobson, Sophie Lowe, Nadine Garner, Pia Miranda and Helliar.
Waters tells If a second series is in development and discussions...
- 10/10/2013
- by Staff writer
- IF.com.au
After her unforgettable appearances in We Can Be Heroes and Summer Heights High, Ja.mie King has landed her own series on the ABC.
The creation of writer-performer Chris Lilley, the racist/snobbish/blissfully ignorant schoolgirl will star in a six-part half-hour series to air later this year. on the ABC, BBC3 and HBO in the Us.
Ja.mie: Private School Girl will follow the recalcitrant teenager in her final few weeks at Hillford Girls Grammar School as she gets caught up in events that change her life.
The series is co-produced by Chris Lilley and Laura Waters' Princess Pictures in association with ABC TV and HBO in the Us.. The directors are Chris Lilley and Stuart McDonald.
.I find teenage girls endlessly funny,. said Lilley. .So being able to write for and play the meanest bitch in school has been so fun. I can't wait to show everyone what Ja'mie's been up to.
The creation of writer-performer Chris Lilley, the racist/snobbish/blissfully ignorant schoolgirl will star in a six-part half-hour series to air later this year. on the ABC, BBC3 and HBO in the Us.
Ja.mie: Private School Girl will follow the recalcitrant teenager in her final few weeks at Hillford Girls Grammar School as she gets caught up in events that change her life.
The series is co-produced by Chris Lilley and Laura Waters' Princess Pictures in association with ABC TV and HBO in the Us.. The directors are Chris Lilley and Stuart McDonald.
.I find teenage girls endlessly funny,. said Lilley. .So being able to write for and play the meanest bitch in school has been so fun. I can't wait to show everyone what Ja'mie's been up to.
- 9/8/2013
- by Staff writer
- IF.com.au
Hit musical drama The Sapphires has scored 12 nominations at the 2012 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (Aacta) Awards including in the coveted best feature film category.
The Sapphires, which follows four indigenous singers during the Vietnam war, has grossed more than $14 million in Australia to become the biggest local film of the year.
Three other films will be also be vying for the best feature film award: Burning Man (10 nominations in total), Lore (eight nominations in total) and Wish You Were Here (eight nominations in total) at the main Aacta ceremony, which will be held on January 30, 2013, at The Star Event Centre. Last year's event was held at the iconic Sydney Opera House.
P.J. Hogan's Mental also scored eight nominations including Best Lead Actress (Toni Collette), Best Supporting Actor (Liev Schreiber) Best Young Actor (Lily Sullivan) and Best Supporting Actress for Rebecca Gibney and Deborah Mailman.
Not Suitable for Children...
The Sapphires, which follows four indigenous singers during the Vietnam war, has grossed more than $14 million in Australia to become the biggest local film of the year.
Three other films will be also be vying for the best feature film award: Burning Man (10 nominations in total), Lore (eight nominations in total) and Wish You Were Here (eight nominations in total) at the main Aacta ceremony, which will be held on January 30, 2013, at The Star Event Centre. Last year's event was held at the iconic Sydney Opera House.
P.J. Hogan's Mental also scored eight nominations including Best Lead Actress (Toni Collette), Best Supporting Actor (Liev Schreiber) Best Young Actor (Lily Sullivan) and Best Supporting Actress for Rebecca Gibney and Deborah Mailman.
Not Suitable for Children...
- 12/3/2012
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
The Sapphires has led the Academy of Australian Cinema and Television Arts Awards nominations being nominated in 12 categories.
Awards will be handed out over two events, with an awards luncheon, focused on craft categories on Monday January 28 and the main event on January 30. Both events will be held at the Star Event Centre, the first public events for the venue.
The Sapphires, distributed by Hopscotch/eOne has been nominated for Best Film, Best Direction and best adapted screenplay as well as Best Lead Actor and Actress for Chris O’Dowd and Deborah Mailman, and Best Supporting Actress for Jessica Mauboy.
Burning Man was not far behind on 10 nominations including best film and best direction as well as best lead actor for Matthre Goode and Best Supporting Actress for Essie Davis.
Three more films, Lore, Mental and Wish You Were Here received eight nominations while Not Suitable For Children received four.
Awards will be handed out over two events, with an awards luncheon, focused on craft categories on Monday January 28 and the main event on January 30. Both events will be held at the Star Event Centre, the first public events for the venue.
The Sapphires, distributed by Hopscotch/eOne has been nominated for Best Film, Best Direction and best adapted screenplay as well as Best Lead Actor and Actress for Chris O’Dowd and Deborah Mailman, and Best Supporting Actress for Jessica Mauboy.
Burning Man was not far behind on 10 nominations including best film and best direction as well as best lead actor for Matthre Goode and Best Supporting Actress for Essie Davis.
Three more films, Lore, Mental and Wish You Were Here received eight nominations while Not Suitable For Children received four.
- 12/3/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Brendan Cowell
Writer and actor Brendan Cowell will make his feature film directorial debut with the adaptation of his play Ruben Guthrie - the story of a wild-boy agency creative who burns himself out.
Cowell’s project is among 19 films to receive a cut of the $450,000 development support from Screen Australia.
Cowell has teamed up with Yael Bergman, producer of I Love You Too, which starred Cowell, and executive producers Laura Waters and Andrea Denholm.
The film’s synopsis reads: “By day, 29-year-old Ruben Guthrie is the wunderkind creative at one of Sydney’s hottest boutique ad agencies; by night, he is one of Sydney’s most notorious party boys until he jumps off a hotel roof into a wading pool and nearly kills himself. Over the next 12 months, Ruben tries to build a life around AA, cups of tea, inner growth and sex with a reformed addict. His friends,...
Writer and actor Brendan Cowell will make his feature film directorial debut with the adaptation of his play Ruben Guthrie - the story of a wild-boy agency creative who burns himself out.
Cowell’s project is among 19 films to receive a cut of the $450,000 development support from Screen Australia.
Cowell has teamed up with Yael Bergman, producer of I Love You Too, which starred Cowell, and executive producers Laura Waters and Andrea Denholm.
The film’s synopsis reads: “By day, 29-year-old Ruben Guthrie is the wunderkind creative at one of Sydney’s hottest boutique ad agencies; by night, he is one of Sydney’s most notorious party boys until he jumps off a hotel roof into a wading pool and nearly kills himself. Over the next 12 months, Ruben tries to build a life around AA, cups of tea, inner growth and sex with a reformed addict. His friends,...
- 11/19/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
The Hunter has lead the Aacta Awards with 14 nominations including best film.
The film, by Daniel Nettheim, is also up for best direction, adapted screenplay, cinematography, sound, production design, costume, original music score, and visual effects. Meanwhile, Willem Dafoe, Frances O’Connor, Sam Neill and Morgana Davies are all up for acting awards.
The film has currently made just over $1m at the local box office.
It’s the first year for the re-launched AACTAs, formerly the AFI awards.
The technical awards will be given out at a luncheon on 15 January at the Sydney Opera House, with an evening ceremony for the more ‘public-friendly’ awards held at the Opera House on 31 January.
Running against The Hunter for best film is Red Dog, Mad Bastards, The Eye of the Storm, Snowtown and Oranges and Sunshine.
The Eye of the Storm, was second in the nominations race with 12, of which six are...
The film, by Daniel Nettheim, is also up for best direction, adapted screenplay, cinematography, sound, production design, costume, original music score, and visual effects. Meanwhile, Willem Dafoe, Frances O’Connor, Sam Neill and Morgana Davies are all up for acting awards.
The film has currently made just over $1m at the local box office.
It’s the first year for the re-launched AACTAs, formerly the AFI awards.
The technical awards will be given out at a luncheon on 15 January at the Sydney Opera House, with an evening ceremony for the more ‘public-friendly’ awards held at the Opera House on 31 January.
Running against The Hunter for best film is Red Dog, Mad Bastards, The Eye of the Storm, Snowtown and Oranges and Sunshine.
The Eye of the Storm, was second in the nominations race with 12, of which six are...
- 11/30/2011
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Upcoming Australian comedy Outland is set to have its World Premiere at the Seattle Gay & Lesbian Film Festival on October 18.
Based on the only short film to play both the Melbourne Queer Film Festival and the World Science Fiction Convention, this six-part comedy series focuses on members of a gay science-fiction fan club and features Adam Richard, Christine Anu, Ben Gerrard, Paul Ireland, and Toby Truslove. It is produced by Laura Waters (Angry Boys, Summer Heights High, John Safran’s Race Relations) of Princess Pictures.
Open about their sexuality but not so much about their geekdom, each member takes a turn at hosting the meetings. They soon discover that even if you’re out of the closet, it doesn’t mean there aren’t still skeletons in there… Outland is a series about belonging, no matter who you are, and how everyone searches to find a place to fit in.
Based on the only short film to play both the Melbourne Queer Film Festival and the World Science Fiction Convention, this six-part comedy series focuses on members of a gay science-fiction fan club and features Adam Richard, Christine Anu, Ben Gerrard, Paul Ireland, and Toby Truslove. It is produced by Laura Waters (Angry Boys, Summer Heights High, John Safran’s Race Relations) of Princess Pictures.
Open about their sexuality but not so much about their geekdom, each member takes a turn at hosting the meetings. They soon discover that even if you’re out of the closet, it doesn’t mean there aren’t still skeletons in there… Outland is a series about belonging, no matter who you are, and how everyone searches to find a place to fit in.
- 10/8/2011
- by The DoorQus Maximus
- doorQ.com
Do Not Disturb is an anthology film about stories taking place in one hotel room, written and produced by Mali Elfman.
"I like to think of it as an intense Lego project," says Elfman. "I came up with the idea after Comic‐ Con, when my apartment was flooded and I was housed in a hotel for three months. Live in a hotel long enough and you see a lot of crazy people."
Elfam gave the five directors a story idea and some rules, and let them interpret her crazy ideas into five different stories.
Laura Waters writes and directs one of the segments, Prom, which Elfman describes as the most warm-hearted of the quintet. Sexy genre actor Eric Balfour (Skyline) directs an episode entitled Duccio's Madonna. Elfman herself stars in the segment Intrinsic. Ghosts, gangsters, love, violence, romance, pain, and happiness run through the stories and bring Elfman's original vision to life,...
"I like to think of it as an intense Lego project," says Elfman. "I came up with the idea after Comic‐ Con, when my apartment was flooded and I was housed in a hotel for three months. Live in a hotel long enough and you see a lot of crazy people."
Elfam gave the five directors a story idea and some rules, and let them interpret her crazy ideas into five different stories.
Laura Waters writes and directs one of the segments, Prom, which Elfman describes as the most warm-hearted of the quintet. Sexy genre actor Eric Balfour (Skyline) directs an episode entitled Duccio's Madonna. Elfman herself stars in the segment Intrinsic. Ghosts, gangsters, love, violence, romance, pain, and happiness run through the stories and bring Elfman's original vision to life,...
- 5/1/2011
- by Superheidi
- Planet Fury
The BBC has revealed fresh details about Chris Lilley's new mockumentary series Angry Boys. Angry Boys is the follow-up to Lilley's cult hits We Can Be Heroes and Summer Heights High. It has been filmed over seven months in Australia, Tokyo and Los Angeles and was produced by Laura Waters. Two characters confirmed for the Australian comic's latest project are identical twins Daniel and Nathan Sims, who first appeared in We Can Be Heroes. Further characters for the series will be revealed soon. A clip featuring the Sims twins will air as part of Comic Relief tonight and will be available online at the BBC website. Comic Relief's (more)...
- 3/18/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Screen Australia has invested $9 in 15 projects, including a film adaptation of the TV comedy hit Kath and Kim, entitled The Kath and Kim Filum – produced by Rick McKenna, Jane Turner and Gina Riley, and directed by Ted Emery.
In the film, Kath and Kim will head overseas “on a whirlwind tour of love, lust and revolution”.
The investment round supports a production slate worth almost $29m. It also includes the feature The Last Great Apes, The 20-Something Survival Guide, and a theatrical doco for IMAX, as well as 10 documentaries.
The projects are:
Features
The 20-something Survival Guide
Eddie Wong Films Pty Ltd
Producer Jodi Matterson
Executive Producers Bruna Papandrea, Simon Bosanquet, Mark Huffam
Writer Michael Lucas
Director Peter Templeman
International Sales Marble Hill/Sc Films International
Australian Distributor Icon
Synopsis A freewheeling 20-something guy learns he will be infertile in a month, so he has to find someone to conceive...
In the film, Kath and Kim will head overseas “on a whirlwind tour of love, lust and revolution”.
The investment round supports a production slate worth almost $29m. It also includes the feature The Last Great Apes, The 20-Something Survival Guide, and a theatrical doco for IMAX, as well as 10 documentaries.
The projects are:
Features
The 20-something Survival Guide
Eddie Wong Films Pty Ltd
Producer Jodi Matterson
Executive Producers Bruna Papandrea, Simon Bosanquet, Mark Huffam
Writer Michael Lucas
Director Peter Templeman
International Sales Marble Hill/Sc Films International
Australian Distributor Icon
Synopsis A freewheeling 20-something guy learns he will be infertile in a month, so he has to find someone to conceive...
- 3/8/2011
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
Film Victoria has invested $350,000 on a telemovie based on the story of the two miners trapped in the Beaconsfield mine in 2006, produced by Southern Star Entertainment and set to air on Nine.
“Some of Victoria’s finest screen talent will bring this important Australian story to the screen, delivering jobs to Victoria’s screen sector. The Baillieu Government will support local production companies fostering talent and ideas and providing employment for local innovators,” said Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher.
Beaconsfield will be produced by John Edwards and Sarah Shaw, written by Julie McCrossin and directed by Glendyn Ivin.
The latest funding round from Film Victoria sees $2.4m supporting Beaconsfield and five other television/documentary projects:
• The Tale of Devil Island (360o Degree Films, prod. Sally Ingleton, writer/dir Andrew Sully)- wildlife biologist Nick Mooney and his team have hatched an audacious plan to save these...
“Some of Victoria’s finest screen talent will bring this important Australian story to the screen, delivering jobs to Victoria’s screen sector. The Baillieu Government will support local production companies fostering talent and ideas and providing employment for local innovators,” said Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher.
Beaconsfield will be produced by John Edwards and Sarah Shaw, written by Julie McCrossin and directed by Glendyn Ivin.
The latest funding round from Film Victoria sees $2.4m supporting Beaconsfield and five other television/documentary projects:
• The Tale of Devil Island (360o Degree Films, prod. Sally Ingleton, writer/dir Andrew Sully)- wildlife biologist Nick Mooney and his team have hatched an audacious plan to save these...
- 12/22/2010
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
It’s been four years since Encore published its Top 20 Directors and Producers list, and we felt it was time to compile a new, more comprehensive list that included professionals working across all areas – film, television and Tvc production – as well as the leaders and decision-makers that determine the direction of the industry.
Instead of having a limited list of panellists, we consulted with the main agencies and organisations, and also asked our readers to nominate their candidates. We ended up with a list of more than 200 screen industry professionals, and deciding the final 50 was indeed a difficult task. Of course, some other very influential and successful people didn’t make the final cut, but there were only 50 spots and too many talented men and women!
We hope you’ll enjoy – or not, and if so, debate it passionately – the selection of what will become our annual Power 50 list.
1. Christopher Mapp...
Instead of having a limited list of panellists, we consulted with the main agencies and organisations, and also asked our readers to nominate their candidates. We ended up with a list of more than 200 screen industry professionals, and deciding the final 50 was indeed a difficult task. Of course, some other very influential and successful people didn’t make the final cut, but there were only 50 spots and too many talented men and women!
We hope you’ll enjoy – or not, and if so, debate it passionately – the selection of what will become our annual Power 50 list.
1. Christopher Mapp...
- 6/22/2010
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
Film Victoria has announced a new round of investment funding worth $992,500.
The recipients are the feature Surviving Georgia, Southern Star drama Offspring, a Princess Pictures comedy, two documentaries and an online portal to complement the Sbs doco series Second Australians.
Talking about the significant investment on television, Film Victoria Sandra Sdraulig said the small screen was essential for the state, because of the consistency of expenditure and employment opportunities..
The chosen projects are:
Online
The Multicultural History Portal
The Chocolate Liberation Front; Producers Dan Fill, Frank Verheggen ; Writer Andrew Jacobuwicz.
A series of interactive documentary features that capture the history of immigration to Australia. It will act as a companion piece to Second Australians.
Documentary
The First Interview
Jungle Pictures; Producer Fiona Cochrane; Writer/Director Dennis Tupicoff; Network ABC
A documentary that goes bacck to Paris, 1886, to a conversation between great French scientist Michel-Eugene Chevreul and famous photographer Nadar – the...
The recipients are the feature Surviving Georgia, Southern Star drama Offspring, a Princess Pictures comedy, two documentaries and an online portal to complement the Sbs doco series Second Australians.
Talking about the significant investment on television, Film Victoria Sandra Sdraulig said the small screen was essential for the state, because of the consistency of expenditure and employment opportunities..
The chosen projects are:
Online
The Multicultural History Portal
The Chocolate Liberation Front; Producers Dan Fill, Frank Verheggen ; Writer Andrew Jacobuwicz.
A series of interactive documentary features that capture the history of immigration to Australia. It will act as a companion piece to Second Australians.
Documentary
The First Interview
Jungle Pictures; Producer Fiona Cochrane; Writer/Director Dennis Tupicoff; Network ABC
A documentary that goes bacck to Paris, 1886, to a conversation between great French scientist Michel-Eugene Chevreul and famous photographer Nadar – the...
- 5/20/2010
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
Australia’s first major romantic comedy in years, I Love You Too, debuted at #2 at the Australian box office with $874,533 coming from 228 screens (average $3,835).
The solid performance of film by director Daina Reid, producer Laura Waters and writer Peter Helliar consolidates Roadshow Film’s position as the most consistently successful distributor of Australian films in the last 12 months – following last year’s Beautiful Kate and Mao’s Last Dancer, and the highest grossing one of 2010 so far, January’s Bran Nue Dae ($7.5m+).
I Love You Too opened to mixed reviews, some of them saying lead actor Brendan Cowell was miscast in the role, while others called the “sweetness” he displays in it “a revelation”. Helliar addressed the criticism the film has received, via Twitter: “Actually [the reviews] have been good. Sure, we copped some shit ones (as did Iron Man 2!), that happens, but got a lot of 4 star reviews. Crowds happy!
The solid performance of film by director Daina Reid, producer Laura Waters and writer Peter Helliar consolidates Roadshow Film’s position as the most consistently successful distributor of Australian films in the last 12 months – following last year’s Beautiful Kate and Mao’s Last Dancer, and the highest grossing one of 2010 so far, January’s Bran Nue Dae ($7.5m+).
I Love You Too opened to mixed reviews, some of them saying lead actor Brendan Cowell was miscast in the role, while others called the “sweetness” he displays in it “a revelation”. Helliar addressed the criticism the film has received, via Twitter: “Actually [the reviews] have been good. Sure, we copped some shit ones (as did Iron Man 2!), that happens, but got a lot of 4 star reviews. Crowds happy!
- 5/10/2010
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
Romantic comedies make money. Lots of it. So why isn’t Australia making more? Miguel Gonzalez spoke with the creators of I Love You Too, a comedy that will help fill that gap in the film market.
I Love You Too is comedian Peter Helliar’s big screen debut, produced by Princess Pictures’ Laura Waters (We Can Be Heroes, Summer Heights High) and Yael Bergman (Love and Other Catastrophes).
Helliar had worked with Waters in the pilot episode for Rove in 1999 and kept in touch with the producer.
Knowing he had a number of ideas for features, in 2002 Waters asked Helliar to choose one and start working on it. Due to other commitments, it took a while before that idea became a treatment and, finally, a film script.
According to Waters, the message that drove Helliar to write the story and guided every draft was “tell people that you love them”, and from that premise,...
I Love You Too is comedian Peter Helliar’s big screen debut, produced by Princess Pictures’ Laura Waters (We Can Be Heroes, Summer Heights High) and Yael Bergman (Love and Other Catastrophes).
Helliar had worked with Waters in the pilot episode for Rove in 1999 and kept in touch with the producer.
Knowing he had a number of ideas for features, in 2002 Waters asked Helliar to choose one and start working on it. Due to other commitments, it took a while before that idea became a treatment and, finally, a film script.
According to Waters, the message that drove Helliar to write the story and guided every draft was “tell people that you love them”, and from that premise,...
- 5/4/2010
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
Sydney -- HBO is teaming with the Australian Broadcasting Corp. to co-produce "Angry Boys," a 12-episode series from Australian comedian Chris Lilley, the creator of hit mockumentary series "Summer Heights High" and "We Can Be Heroes."
The project, which also will air on the BBC, marks the first time HBO has co-produced a show with Australian partners. It's also the first Aussie comedy series picked up by international broadcasters ahead of production.
HBO, ABC and Lilley got in business last year when HBO acquired eight episodes of the critically praised "Summer." (The series, created, written and performed by Lilley, also ran on the BBC.)
Exploring what it means to be a 21st century boy by putting males under the microscope, "Angry Boys" will be made in Lilley's signature mock documentary style, with Lilley again expected to play a range of characters. It starts production in Australia on Oct. 5 and will...
The project, which also will air on the BBC, marks the first time HBO has co-produced a show with Australian partners. It's also the first Aussie comedy series picked up by international broadcasters ahead of production.
HBO, ABC and Lilley got in business last year when HBO acquired eight episodes of the critically praised "Summer." (The series, created, written and performed by Lilley, also ran on the BBC.)
Exploring what it means to be a 21st century boy by putting males under the microscope, "Angry Boys" will be made in Lilley's signature mock documentary style, with Lilley again expected to play a range of characters. It starts production in Australia on Oct. 5 and will...
- 10/1/2009
- by By Pip Bulbeck
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Yvonne Strahovski, the Australian actress known for her role in NBC's comedy "Chuck," will join Brendan Cowell ("Noise") as well as Peter Dinklage in "I Love You Too." The film marks the debut of Laura Waters and Yael Bergman's Princess Pictures as well as newbie writer Peter Helliar. Brendan Cowell stars as a man scared of commitment and Peter Dinklage apparently as a gifted New Ager with both men striving to win the women of their dreams. Filming began on Monday in Melbourne. Daina Reid ("City Homicide," "Very Small Business") is directing the film.
- 5/5/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Yvonne Strahovski, the Australian actress known for her role in NBC's comedy "Chuck," will join Brendan Cowell ("Noise") as well as Peter Dinklage in "I Love You Too." The film marks the debut of Laura Waters and Yael Bergman's Princess Pictures as well as newbie writer Peter Helliar. Brendan Cowell stars as a man scared of commitment and Peter Dinklage apparently as a gifted New Ager with both men striving to win the women of their dreams...
- 5/5/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Yvonne Strahovski, the Australian actress known for her role in NBC's comedy "Chuck," will join Brendan Cowell ("Noise") as well as Peter Dinklage in "I Love You Too." The film marks the debut of Laura Waters and Yael Bergman's Princess Pictures as well as newbie writer Peter Helliar. Brendan Cowell stars as a man scared of commitment and Peter Dinklage apparently as a gifted New Ager with both men striving to win the women of their dreams...
- 5/5/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Thirty-two students from 20 colleges and universities have been selected as finalists in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' 35th Annual Student Academy Awards competition. Winning filmmakers will participate in a week of industry-related activities, culminating in the awards ceremony on June 7.
The winners, to be chosen by Academy members, will be awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal awards, along with accompanying cash prizes of $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000, respectively, in each of four categories.
The finalists in the alternative category are: "Circles of Confusion," Phoebe Tooke, San Francisco State University; "Come Wander With Me," Phillip Van, New York University; "Comfort Zone," Mandi Lin, California College of the Arts; "A Convolution of Imagined Histories," Thomas Micah Stansell, Georgia State University; "Doxology," Michael Langan, Rhode Island School of Design; "Fish," Hyun Jeen Lee, The School of Visual Arts, New York; and "Viola: The Traveling Rooms of a Little Giant," Shih-Ting Hung, USC.
In the animation category,...
The winners, to be chosen by Academy members, will be awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal awards, along with accompanying cash prizes of $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000, respectively, in each of four categories.
The finalists in the alternative category are: "Circles of Confusion," Phoebe Tooke, San Francisco State University; "Come Wander With Me," Phillip Van, New York University; "Comfort Zone," Mandi Lin, California College of the Arts; "A Convolution of Imagined Histories," Thomas Micah Stansell, Georgia State University; "Doxology," Michael Langan, Rhode Island School of Design; "Fish," Hyun Jeen Lee, The School of Visual Arts, New York; and "Viola: The Traveling Rooms of a Little Giant," Shih-Ting Hung, USC.
In the animation category,...
- 8/26/2008
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.