Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
AiF Newsletter
Citation preview
APRIL / MAY 2010
THEBOOMERANG• 2010 Breakthrough Awards Honor Ryan Kwanten + Chris Hemsworth• Heath Ledger Scholarship Announced in May• Peter Weir’s “The Last Wave” screens 30 April
•“Beneath Hill 60” Sneak Peek
•“Alice in Wonderland”, “Remember Me” and “Clash of the Titans” pics
•Meet Your AiF: Michael Kelleher
AUSTRALIANS IN FILM
APRIL / MAY
APRIL / MAY 2010
THEB
OO
MER
ANG
APR
IL /
MAY
201
0
From the EditorDear Members and FriendsNegotiating any form of North American theatrical release for an Australian film is a huge challenge, so it’s especially fulfilling to note the recent spate of Australian films being picked up by distributors for an American audience.
Perhaps it was not quite the challenge back in the 1970s, when Peter Weir released “The Last Wave”? The classic film screens on 30 April - see previous page.
David Michod’s “Animal Kingdom” was nabbed smartly by Sony Picture Classics at Sundance for a summer release, and it’s my guess Sony weren’t the only ones in the bidding.
One Australian film, the vampire genre pic with a difference, “Daybreakers” was released on more than 2,500 screens in January making a handsome $30 million – good business on a $20 million budget, while Jane Campion's “Bright Star” was shown on 380 screens last September and captured a more modest $4.4 million.
Unsurprisingly, “Mao’s Last Dancer” secured distribution following its bonanza at the Australian box office, where it raked in over A$15 million. Samuel Goldwyn Films will release the film on 6 August. The company has recently worked on the romantic comedy “Priceless”, the Penélope Cruz and Ben Kingsley vehicle “Elegy” and the box office hit “Fireproof”.
Sony Pictures Worldwide snared the Australian crime-thriller “Red Hill”, helmed by Patrick Hughes, who first made his mark as a
filmmaker at the famous Tropfest short film festival in Sydney. The film stars Ryan Kwanten (one of our Breakthrough Award recipients) and Claire Van Der Boom – who also appears in “The Pacific”.
The Edgerton brothers feature “The Square” is finally getting a limited release in NY and LA from mid April. Apparition is distributing the deftly-handled film noir thriller following the film’s Australian release in 2008.
“Accidents Happen”, the Geena Davis’ led debut feature from Andrew Lancaster is being handled in the US by distributor Image Entertainment following a successful screening at the Tribeca Film Festival last year.
The film also stars a very talented newcomer Harrison Gilbertson, who is gaining plenty of notice following the Australian release of “Beneath Hill 60” – which we’ve previewed this month. Let’s keep fingers and toes crossed this story will travel Stateside as well!
People will often try to put Australian films in a box. You can’t put them in a box. Just look at the range of cinematic story-telling above – there’s something there for every movie lover.
Stephen Jenner
PS. Do you have a background in journalism or publishing and love the idea of promoting the best in Australian film? Then help us out as a contributing editor. For more information, please contact AiF Executive Director Sophie Scarf at [email protected]
ContentsFrom the EditorFrom the PresidentNewBreakthrough Awards & Heath Ledger Scholarship Celebrations Aussie Movie Sneak Peek Hear from “Beneath Hill 60” writer David Roach and director Bill Leimbach, as the film opens in Australia.Meet Your AiF Michael KelleherScreenings and Events “Alice in Wonderland” “Remember Me” “Clash of the Titans” All Photos thanks to Getty ImagesRear Window
Who’s Who at AiFPresidentPaula PaizesVice PresidentDavid PrattChairman of the BoardSusie DobsonTreasurer & SecretaryRob MarsalaBoard MembersJenny Cooney Carillo, Michelle Day, Andrew Warne, Megan WorthyExecutive DirectorSophie Scarf
The BoomerangEditor & DesignerStephen Jenner [email protected]
CoverRyan Kwanten, Breakthrough.
News SubmissionsPlease email the Editor with any Australian or member film-related news or announcements.
Australians in Film | 2800 28th St, Suite 320 | Santa Monica CA 90405
Tel: 310 452-5939 | Fax: 323 446-8724 | www.australiansinfilm.org | [email protected]
THEBOOMERANG
APRIL / MAY 2010
THEB
OO
MER
ANG
APR
IL /
MAY
201
0
Dear Members and FriendsWe had three sold out screenings last month including our family screening of “Alice in Wonderland” on the Disney Lot.
The response to the extraordinary Mia Wasikowska, who introduced the film, was not surprising. This is a young Australian actress who is proving to be quite extraordinary in every role she plays. One little girl in our audience was overheard saying "Oh my god! I saw Alice live!" How cute is that!
We also had Emilie de Ravin with us for our screening of “Remember Me”. Emilie did a great Q&A with Jenny Cooney and as always was very accommodating with questions from the audience and photos afterwards with sponsors and guests.
Then we finished the month with a “Clash of the Titans” spectacular in 3D – up town at the famous Mann Chinese Theatre. Whilst we did not have the film’s star, Sam Worthington, with us that night, we were amongst some of Tinseltown’s most rich and famous on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and of course also in
attendance were many a Darth Vader, Marilyn Monroe and Jack Sparrow look alike!
My kids loved the film and the overall experience, and so did I! I am so proud of the fact that AiF keeps mixing it up - whether it be via the actual films we screen, or the venues we screen them in, or the talent we attract to our screenings. So many great reasons to keep supporting this unique organization!
We’re especially excited to be honouring this year’s Breakthrough Award recipients and announcing the next Heath Ledger Scholarship in May. It will be quite some celebration!
I hope you enjoyed a happy Easter and see you at next month’s screenings!
Warmest wishes, Paula Paizes
Welcome New MembersA warm welcome to our new members. We hope you enjoy being a part of Australians In Film.• Ginette Hillman• Gideon Anstey• Daniel Goodkin• Catrina Catalano• Linda Keys McCormack• Tanya Cohen• Gabrielle Keller• Emmanuel Pappas• Alexis Lever• Christian Maher• Adam Bedford• Cassandra Silsbury• Alix Bidstrup• Filomena Lovin• Sage Scroope• Sarah Spillane• Elizabeth Gould• Penelope Hewson• Lisa Robertson• Eline van der Velden• Sandra Moser
From The PresidentAiF Events Calendar“The Last Wave”
Australians in Film is pleased to announce a special discount for members interested in attending a special screening of the 1977 Peter Weir Australian classic film, “The Last Wave”, co-presented by AiF.
When: Friday, April 30 - 7:30 PM
Where: American Cinematheque at the Aero Theatre,1328 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica 90403
What: “The Last Wave”, 1977, Janus Films, 106 min. Director Peter Weir's haunting supernatural parable stars Richard Chamberlain as a lawyer hired to defend an Aboriginal man accused of murder. As he delves deeper into the case, Chamberlain starts experiencing hallucinatory dreams and premonitions of a terrible impending disaster in which he plays a pivotal role. Discussion follows with actor Richard Chamberlain.
How: Tickets are on sale for $11 at www.fandango.com <http://www.fandango.com> however Australians in Film members will get a special $8 ticket price available at the door only. To get the discount, you must tell them you are an AiF member and they will check their copy of our membership list to confirm.
For more information, go to: www.americancinematheque.com <http://www.americancinematheque.com>
APRIL / MAY 2010
THEB
OO
MER
ANG
APR
IL /
MAY
201
0
NewsMay. The film is Ridley Scott’s fourth pairing with Crowe, following their 2000 hit “Gladiator”, “A Good Year” in 2006 and “Body of Lies” in 2008.
A real howler goes into prodA new Australian movie called “Red Dog” (red must be the new black for movies) is due to start filming in South Australia. The family film is based on the legendary true story of the Red Dog who united a disparate local community while roaming the Australian outback in search of his long lost master. It stars Rachael Taylor (“Transformers”), is directed by Kriv Stenders (“Lucky Country”), and is written by Louis de Berniéres (“Captain Coreli’s Mandolin”)
Aus short in Tribecca line-upAustralian short “The Wake”, directed by Gemma Lee, will screen at the Tribecca Film Festival in April.
Nixon, Isabel Lucas, Bill Hunter and Gary Sweet amongst other Australians in roles. We understand that realism was top of the list for the producers - some 600 real weapons and 500 rubber ones were used for the series, and the costumes dutifully recreated the 1940s Marine get up – all the way down to their undies!
“Robin Hood” Cannes DoRussell Crowe/Cate Blanchett-starrer “Robin Hood” will open the Cannes Film Festival in May. It will be screened out of competition on the first day of the 12-day-long festival, and will open in cinemas worldwide from 14
Aussie thriller thrills SonySony Pictures has picked up all US distribution rights to the neo-Western Aussie thriller “Red Hill” which premiered at this year’s Berlin Film Festival and stars Ryan Kwanten.
“The Pacific” reaches AustraliaThe Speilberg-Hanks executive produced series “The Pacific” went to air in Australia on 14 April following the US release last month. It marks the return of the duo to major television series after the success of “Band of Brothers” in 2001. The Pacific, shot in Queensland and Victoria, features Henry
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
DON’T BE LEFT OUT IN THE COLD...
ADVERTISE IN THE BOOMERANG Gemma Lee
APRIL / MAY 2010
THEB
OO
MER
ANG
APR
IL /
MAY
201
0
AUSTRALIANS IN FILM 2010 BREAKTHROUGH AWARDS HONOR RYAN KWANTEN AND CHRIS HEMSWORTH + ANNOUNCE HEATH LEDGER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
The 13th May will prove to be a big day for Australians in Film when it holds both the Sixth Annual Breakthrough Awards and the Official Announcement of this year’s Heath Ledger Scholarship recipient. The significant invite-only event will be celebrated
poolside at the Thompson Hotel, Beverly Hills. Gold Logie Award-winning presenter Rove McManus will host the evening.
This year the Breakthrough Awards will honour terrific breakthrough Australian actors Ryan Kwanten and Chris Hemsworth, who are gracing both the big and small screens in some of the most high profile and popular movies and television shows.
Each of the 2010 Breakthrough Award recipients will be presented with AiF’s Golden Boomerang award as an acknowledgment of their achievements as Australia’s brightest talents emerging in Hollywood. Previous recipients include Sam Worthington, Craig Gillespie, Anna Torv, Isla Fisher, Abbie Cornish, Melissa George and Jesse Spencer.
Ryan Kwanten has quickly positioned himself as one of
Hollywood’s most promising talents and he had made notable appearances in award-winning television shows and highly-anticipated soon-to-be-released movies.
Ryan can be seen starring alongside Academy Award winner Anna Paquin in the highly rated HBO series “True Blood”, from creator Alan Ball (“Six Feet Under”). The show received many accolades including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Television Series – Drama. Ryan is also known for the role of Jay Robertson in the critically acclaimed Warner Bros. series “Summerland”, which ran for two seasons.
Ryan’s big screen appearances will include the upcoming release of Zach Snyder’s, “The Legend of the Guardians”, which is based on the popular children’s books series. Warner Brothers will release the film in September 2010. He plays the lead in “Red Hill”, a modern day revenge Western from Australia. He recently wrapped production on “Griff the Invisible,” a thrilling love story about two people who don’t fit in.
Chris Hemsworth is best known to Australians from his role as Kim Hyde in the Australian soap opera “Home and Away”, however it was his appearance as George Kirk in last year’s smash hit motion picture “Star Trek” that announced a major star to the big screen. Most recently, Chris landed the coveted title role of “Thor” in Kenneth Branagh’s highly anticipated film version of the Marvel comic book Thor, scheduled for a 2011 release. You’ll see him next in Dan Bradley’s remake of
“Red Dawn” to be released by MGM. He will also star in the Joss Whedon scripted “Cabin In The Woods” opposite Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford, which will also be released by MGM.
The Heath Ledger Scholarship was founded by Australians in Film to continue the great work of Heath Ledger who provided support to Australian actors who come to LA with a dream to establish themselves and get a break. We owe continued thanks to Heath’s family and friends for their generous commitment to this Scholarship.
This year, we’ll announce for the second year running the recipient of the 2010 Heath Ledger Scholarship. The winner of the 2009 inaugural HLS, Oliver Ackland said on receiving the honor in 2009: “A scholarship in Heath's name is always going to get attention, he was a magnetic, unique artist. Being in this situation compels a sense of fearlessness in me. It is an honor to be the first guy in this situation.”
AiF Night of Nights!
Rove
Chris Hemsworth
APRIL / MAY 2010
THEB
OO
MER
ANG
APR
IL /
MAY
201
0
Based on a true story about a courageous group of miners sent to the Western Front in World War 1, “Beneath Hill 60” is set for a major Australian cinema release on 15 April.
On the eve of the release, The Boomerang spoke to writer David Roach and producer Bill Leimbach.
It’s only moments into the interview before we’re onto the subject quickly turns to mate ship. The concept of Australian mate ship is important to our mythology, says Roach. ‘When we made the film, we wanted to see if there was another way we could look at mate ship… Are there possibilities when mate ship leads to a problem? Is mate ship always enough?’ It’s a question that is sensitively and thoroughly explored in the screenplay.
Similarly, the actors brought in to play the platoon of miners developed a tight-nit bond. ‘One of our actors was an army veteran who led the guys through training,’ says Leimbach talking about the tough boot camp the actors
experienced prior to filming. ‘They bivouac’d out in the mud… and after a period of days out there it really began to come alive for them,’ says Roach. Months after the end of shooting, a bunch of the actors still ‘hang out’.
The original story was revealed when Executive Producer Ross Thomas uncovered some papers in
an old mining office in Townsville, in Queensland’s tropical north: The last great siege was taking place in 1916. The Empire looked around for something to break the siege. They searched every town in Australia for miners and formed the Secret Australian Tunneling Company. The miners received only two weeks training and were sent off to war.
While the miners were very capable and knew how to shoot a gun – most were hunters of wild animals back home – they hated authority, marching and saluting officers.
Their job was to go over to the Western Front, sink shafts 90 meters down, dig tunnels under no-mans-land and blow up enemy lines. The Germans similarly found miners from Bavaria and sent them underground to do the same thing. So started the secretive war that the army hierarchy kept quiet. ‘It was considered to be an ungentlemanly way to fight,’ says Roach. The generals were embarrassed about it.
The telling of Australian stories of WW1, now that the last of those soldiers are dead, takes on a mythical level. ‘For some reason the Australian population are very protective of WW1 stories and they’re very supportive,’ says Roach.
“Beneath Hill 60” is directed by Jeremy Hartley Sims (“Last Train to Freo”) and stars Brendan Cowell, Gyton Grantely, Aden Young, Jacquline McKenzie, Anthony Hayes and Steve Le Marquand.
Aussie Movie Sneak Peek:
BeneathHill 60
Brendan Cowell and Harrison Gilbertson dig deep in “Beneath Hill 60”
Aden Young plays a Canadian sapper
APRIL / MAY 2010
THEB
OO
MER
ANG
APR
IL /
MAY
201
0
Where are you from and why is NY your home? I was born in Sydney, grew up mostly in Brisbane and returned to Sydney in the late 90s before moving to NYC about seven years ago now. While I regard myself as a Queenslander, as far as nurturing is concerned, I now consider myself a Sydney-sider for life.
Despite my love for Sydney and Australia, I made the move to New York City about six years ago. I was one of the lucky few to score a Green Card in the US government lottery, and as a media guy, I believed the move to be a unique opportunity both professionally and personally.
My time in New York City has been beyond my expectations. I endured trials, successes and failures that have made me smarter, stronger and more tolerant and yes, more appreciative of Australia. It’s probably why my favorite quote is from TS Eliot: “We shall not cease from exploration. And at the end of all our exploring. Will be to arrive where we started. And know the place for the first time.”
What lead you to do some work for AiF?
I have made a few short films and web TV shows in recent years, so I always knew about the merits of the organization. However, only recently did I decide to reach out to Susie Dobson and offer my services as a digital media strategist. Then I spoke to Susie and Andrew Warne and took it from there. It was such a treat to be on a conference call with a couple of fun-loving Aussies. Basically I HAD to get involved.
What do you like about the work? I am proud of the reputation that Australian film professionals have in the US. Australians are known for being courteous, quality professionals. In an industry where prima donnas dominate, Australians seem to be a breath of fresh air on any film and TV set. Any way I can further promote that reputation is worthwhile. Also, I am in awe of those young Australians who pack their bags and move to this country to fulfill a dream, particularly one as challenging as film and TV. They seem to me to be the living embodiment of ‘you only live once’.
Describe a day in the life of Michael Kelleher? 1. Hate getting up. Still a
teenager like that.2. Coffee and bagel from the
same street vendor every
morning, who calls me ‘mate’ in his harsh Brooklyn accent.
3. The ‘huddled masses’ rush. One train to Times Square. I hate this too. Will never get used to it. Give me LA traffic any day.
4. At my desk usually by 9am, after waiting for several attempts to get on an elevator. Damn the ladies first rule!
5. Facebook, of course.6. Meetings after meetings,
enduring all sorts of questions like, did you all have pet kangaroos? Is vegemite a food or an insect repellant?
7. Lunch. While on Facebook of course, maybe some twitter for news.
8. More meetings, “How about a Fosters?” asks the American colleague “Ah, actually we don’t drink that back home”, I politely reply for the 150th time.” Just another day in the office.
9. Gym.10. Dinner with mates or a
movie. NYC has a great mix of Hollywood blockbusters and indie films on offer
practically 24/7.11.If it’s the weekend. Then I am out. Usually starting at the lower east side’s indie music
venues. 12.If I
have had too much to drink I am
usually on the phone to friends in Australia. Those calls can go for hours with me ending up with a mix of homesickness and thank god I am not there.
13. Home. Bed. Sleep.
Who is your favourite Aussie star/filmmaker, and why?That’s easy, but I can’t choose one I’m sorry: Philip Noyce, Peter Weir and Bruce Beresford. Just on the strength of “Dead Calm”, “Gallipoli” and “Driving Miss Daily” respectively. But Gillian Armstrong does make me proud to be an Australian.
Meet Your AiF
Michael Kelleher
“Fosters... actually we don’t drink that back home.”
Michael Kelleher directing the short “A King's Mistake”, a period film set in Australia during WW1."
APRIL / MAY 2010
THEB
OO
MER
ANG
APR
IL /
MAY
201
0
Alice In Wonderland
Jenny Cooney Carillo, Andrew and Lucas
AJ Rochester, son Kai and Nick Jacobson
Quinn Thorpe and friends
Friends of AiF
AiF held a special screening of Alice In Wonderland held at
Walt Disney Studios on 6 March 2010. It went down a treat with
the kids!
Frazer Harrison, daughter and Matt Cowan
APRIL / MAY 2010
THEB
OO
MER
ANG
APR
IL /
MAY
201
0
Remember Me
AiF held a special screening of “Remember Me” on 13 March. The film’s charming star Emilie de Ravin spoke in an exclusive interview with Jenny Cooney at the event.Emilie de Ravin Stephanie Jacobsen & Emilie de Ravin
Rob Marsala, Will Kemp & Shaun Parkes AiF Members
Vanessa Vitasovich, John Freeman, Valy Iftimie, Dario Ferrara, Rachel Wolfe, Karrie Rappaport, Dustin Engelskind
Hannah Ciallella, Janine Masaki, Cecilia Moreno, Lisa Mesaros-Dorman , Wendy
APRIL / MAY 2010
THEB
OO
MER
ANG
APR
IL /
MAY
201
0
Clash of the Titans
On 30 March, AiF held a spectacular 3D screening of “Clash of the Titans” uptown at the Mann Chinese Theater, attracting many AiF members including our President Paula Paizes and her sons Benny and Jordan Gonda, top left.
APRIL / MAY 2010
THEB
OO
MER
ANG
APR
IL /
MAY
201
0
Qantas Airwaysis proud to support
Australians in Film
QF-409 Charity Ad B:Layout 1 4/24/09 9:58 AM Page 1
APRIL / MAY 2010
THEB
OO
MER
ANG
APR
IL /
MAY
201
0
Rear Window
Gillian Armstrong Simon Baker Eric Bana Cate Blanchett Bryan Brown Rose Byrne Toni Collette Abbie Cornish Russell Crowe Roger Donaldson Deborra Lee Furness Melissa George Mel Gibson Rachel Griffiths Scott Hicks Barry Humphries Hugh Jackman Nicole Kidman Anthony Lapaglia Baz Luhrmann Robert Luketic Jacqueline McKenzie Julian McMahon George Miller Kylie Minogue Radha Mitchell Poppy Montgomery Olivia Newton-John Phillip Noyce Frances O’Connor Miranda Otto Guy Pearce Richard Roxburgh Geoffrey Rush Fred Schepisi Naomi Watts Hugo Weaving David Wenham Sarah Winter
AiF Ambassadors
AiF Board of Advisors
Kym Barrett Stuart Beattie Greg Coote Bruce Davey Richard Francis-Bruce Dean Semler
AiF SponsorsWe greatly appreciate the involvement and support of our sponsors.
You or your organization can become a sponsor of Australians in Film. We’d be happy to talk to you to see we can tailor AiF to best benefit your company. Contact Executive Director Sophie Scarf for more information. Email [email protected] or phone 310 452 5939
