Screen Australia invests in new features

Screen Australia today announced nearly $5 million investment in four new feature
film projects, triggering close to $20 million in production.

“I’m thrilled to be able to announce production investment for such a unique mix of
feature films,” said Screen Australia’s Chief Executive, Ruth Harley. “These projects
combine iconic Australian stories and compelling genre films from both first time
and established filmmaking teams.”

The Oscar®-winning duo Emile Sherman and Iain Canning (The King’s Speech) will
produce Tracks, the true story of Robyn Davidson’s solitary trek across the
Australian desert, with co-producer Julie Ryan (Red Dog). A quintessentially
Australian story, Tracks is adapted for the screen by writer/director John Curran
(Praise, The Painted Veil).

Seventeen Australian directors including Cate Blanchett, Robert Connolly, Justin
Kurzel, Mia Wasikowska and David Wenham will respond to Tim Winton’s
hauntingly beautiful short stories in The Turning, a cleverly structured omnibus film
from acclaimed producer Robert Connolly. Other directors on board The Turning
include Benedict Andrews, Jonathan auf der Heide, Tony Ayres, Shaun Gladwell,
Rhys Graham, Ian Meadows, Yaron Lifschitz, Claire McCarthy, Ashlee Page and
Stephen Page.

Essie Davis will star in emerging writer/director Jennifer Kent’s supernatural horror
film The Babadook. The film will be produced by Kirstina Ceyton and Kristian
Moliere with executive producers Jonathan Page, Michael Tear and Jeff Harrison.

Galore is a teen drama set in suburban Canberra from emerging writer/director Rhys
Graham and producer Philippa Campey.

“Tracks is a uniquely Australian story with universal appeal that promises to please
both local and international audiences and comes from a hugely talented and
experienced team,” said Dr Harley.

“Tim Winton’s iconic Australian short stories will come to life, showcasing acclaimed
Australian talent as well as emerging directors, writers and producers.

“Both Galore, a teen drama set in the nation’s capital, and The Babadook, a chilling
ghost story, will be driven by talented emerging filmmakers,” concluded Dr Harley.

THE BABADOOK
Causeway Films Pty Ltd
Producers Kristina Ceyton, Kristian Moliere
Executive Producers Jonathan Page, Michael Tear, Jeff Harrison
Writer/Director Jennifer Kent
Cast Essie Davis

International Sales eOne Entertainment
Australian Distributor Umbrella Entertainment

Synopsis A single mother, plagued by the violent death of her husband, battles with
her son’s fear of a monster lurking in the house, but soon discovers a sinister
presence all around her.

GALORE
Film Camp Pty Ltd
Producer Philippa Campey
Executive Producers Sue Murray, Victoria Treole
Writer/Director Rhys Graham
International Sales eOne Entertainment
Australian Distributor Hopscotch

Synopsis Billie and Laura, two reckless teenage best friends, share everything, except
for Billie’s biggest secret; she’s crazy in love with Laura’s boyfriend.

TRACKS
See-Saw Productions Pty Ltd
Producers Emile Sherman, Iain Canning
Co-Producer Julie Ryan
Writer Based on the current draft written by John Curran
Director John Curran
International Sales Hanway Films, Cross City Sales
Australian Distributor Transmission

Synopsis The inspirational true story of Robyn Davidson’s solo camel trek through
the harsh centre of Australia, aided only by her faithful canine companion Diggity
and the National Geographic photographer who chronicled this epic modern
adventure.

THE TURNING
Arenamedia Pty Ltd
Producer Robert Connolly
Co-Producer Maggie Miles
Executive Producers Andrew Myer, Paul Wiegard
Directors Including Benedict Andrews, Jonathan auf der Heide, Tony Ayres, Cate
Blanchett, Robert Connolly, Shaun Gladwell, Rhys Graham, Justin Kurzel, Ian
Meadows,Yaron Lifschitz, Claire McCarthy, Ashlee Page, Stephen Page, Mia
Wasikowska, David Wenham
International Sales Maze Film Sales, LevelK ApS Film Sales
Australian Distributor Footprint Films

Synopsis A diverse range of Australian directors each create a chapter of this
hauntingly beautiful novel by Tim Winton. The linking and overlapping stories
explore the extraordinary turning points in ordinary people’s lives. As characters face
second thoughts and mid-life regret, relationships irretrievably alter, resolves are
made or broken and lives change direction forever.

Media Release – Thursday 22 March 2012

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