THEBOOMERANG AUSTRALIANS IN FILM
• 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
APRIL / MAY/ 2010 APRIL MAY
THEBOOMERANG APRIL / MAY 2010
THEBOOMERANG 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”.
From the Editor Dear Members and Friends Negotiating 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”.
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 sscarf@australiansinfilm.org
Contents
From the Editor From the President New Breakthrough 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 Kelleher Screenings and Events “Alice in Wonderland” “Remember Me” “Clash of the Titans” All Photos thanks to Getty Images Rear Window
Who’s Who at AiF President Paula Paizes Vice President David Pratt Chairman of the Board Susie Dobson Treasurer & Secretary Rob Marsala Board Members Jenny Cooney Carillo, Michelle Day, Andrew Warne, Megan Worthy Executive Director Sophie Scarf
The Boomerang Editor & Designer Stephen Jenner editor@australiansinfilm.org Cover Ryan Kwanten, Breakthrough. News Submissions Please 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 | administrator@australiansinfilm.org
Sony Pictures Worldwide snared the Australian crime-thriller “Red Hill”, helmed by Patrick Hughes, who first made his mark as a APRIL / MAY 2010
THEBOOMERANG APRIL / MAY 2010
From The President 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!
Dear Members and Friends We 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’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 Members A warm welcome to our new members. We hope you enjoy being a part of Australians In We also had Emilie de Ravin Film. with us for our screening of • Ginette Hillman “Remember Me”. Emilie did a • Gideon Anstey great Q&A with Jenny Cooney • Daniel Goodkin and as always was very • Catrina Catalano accommodating with questions • Linda Keys McCormack from the audience and photos • Tanya Cohen afterwards with sponsors and • Gabrielle Keller guests. • Emmanuel Pappas • Alexis Lever • Christian Maher Then we finished the month • Adam Bedford with a “Clash of the Titans” • Cassandra Silsbury spectacular in 3D – up town at • Alix Bidstrup the famous Mann Chinese • Filomena Lovin Theatre. Whilst we did not have • Sage Scroope the film’s star, Sam • Sarah Spillane Worthington, with us that • Elizabeth Gould night, we were amongst some of • Penelope Hewson Tinseltown’s most rich and • Lisa Robertson famous on the Hollywood Walk • Eline van der Velden • Sandra Moser of Fame, and of course also in
AiF 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
THEBOOMERANG APRIL / MAY 2010
News 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!
Aussie thriller thrills Sony Sony 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.
A real howler goes into prod A 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 lineup
“The Pacific” reaches Australia The 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
May. 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.
“Robin Hood” Cannes Do Russell 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
Australian short “The Wake”, directed by Gemma Lee, will screen at the Tribecca Film Festival in April.
DON’T BE LEFT OUT IN THE COLD... ADVERTISE IN THE BOOMERANG
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS Gemma Lee APRIL / MAY 2010
THEBOOMERANG APRIL / MAY 2010
AiF Night of Nights! AUSTRALIANS IN FILM 2010 BREAKTHROUGH AWARDS HONOR RYAN KWANTEN AND CHRIS HEMSWORTH + ANNOUNCE HEATH LEDGER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Hollywood’s most promising talents and he had made notable appearances in award-winning television shows and highlyanticipated soonto-be-released movies.
Ryan can be seen starring alongside Academy Award winner Anna The 13th May will prove to be a big Paquin in the day for Australians in Film when it highly rated HBO holds both the Sixth Annual series “True Breakthrough Awards and the Blood”, from Official Announcement of this creator Alan Ball year’s Heath Ledger Scholarship (“Six Feet recipient. The significant inviteUnder”). The only event will be celebrated 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 Chris Hemsworth Bros. series “Summerland”, “Red Dawn” to be which ran for two seasons. released by MGM. He will also star Rove Ryan’s big screen appearances will in the Joss Whedon scripted “Cabin In The Woods” opposite include the upcoming release of poolside at the Thompson Hotel, Zach Snyder’s, “The Legend of the Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford, which will also be Beverly Hills. Gold Logie AwardGuardians”, which is based on the released by MGM. winning presenter Rove McManus popular children’s books series. will host the evening. Warner Brothers will release the The Heath Ledger Scholarship was film in September 2010. He plays founded by Australians in Film to This year the Breakthrough Awards the lead in “Red Hill”, a modern continue the great work of Heath will honour terrific breakthrough day revenge Western from Ledger who provided support to Australian actors Ryan Kwanten Australia. He recently wrapped and Chris Hemsworth, who are production on “Griff the Invisible,” Australian actors who come to LA with a dream to establish gracing both the big and small a thrilling love story about two themselves and get a break. We screens in some of the most high people who don’t fit in. owe continued thanks to Heath’s profile and popular movies and television shows. Chris Hemsworth is best known to family and friends for their generous commitment to this Australians from his role as Kim Scholarship. Each of the 2010 Breakthrough Hyde in the Australian soap opera Award recipients will be presented “Home and Away”, however it was This year, we’ll announce for the with AiF’s Golden Boomerang award his appearance as George Kirk in as an acknowledgment of their last year’s smash hit motion picture second year running the recipient achievements as Australia’s “Star Trek” that announced a major of the 2010 Heath Ledger Scholarship. The winner of the 2009 brightest talents emerging in star to the big screen. inaugural HLS, Oliver Ackland said Hollywood. Previous recipients on receiving the honor in 2009: “A include Sam Worthington, Craig Most recently, Chris landed the scholarship in Heath's name is Gillespie, Anna Torv, Isla Fisher, coveted title role of “Thor” in always going to get attention, he Abbie Cornish, Melissa George and Kenneth Branagh’s highly was a magnetic, unique artist. Jesse Spencer. anticipated film version of the in this situation compels a Marvel comic book Thor, scheduled Being sense of fearlessness in me. It is an Ryan Kwanten has quickly for a 2011 release. You’ll see him honor to be the first guy in this positioned himself as one of next in Dan Bradley’s remake of situation.” APRIL / MAY 2010
THEBOOMERANG APRIL / MAY 2010
Aussie Movie Sneak Peek: Beneath Hill 60 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.
Brendan Cowell and Harrison Gilbertson dig deep in “Beneath Hill 60”
On the eve of the release, The experienced prior to filming. ‘They Boomerang spoke to writer David bivouac’d out in the mud… and Roach and producer Bill Leimbach. after a period of days out there it really began to come alive for It’s only moments into the them,’ says Roach. Months after interview before we’re onto the the end of shooting, a bunch of the subject quickly turns to mate ship. actors still ‘hang out’. The concept of Australian mate ship is important to our mythology, says The original story was revealed Roach. ‘When we made the film, when Executive Producer Ross we wanted to see if there was Thomas uncovered some papers in 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 Aden Young plays a Canadian sapper sensitively and an old mining office in Townsville, thoroughly explored in the in Queensland’s tropical north: The screenplay. last great siege was taking place in 1916. The Empire looked around for Similarly, the actors brought in to something to break the siege. They play the platoon of miners searched every town in Australia developed a tight-nit bond. ‘One of for miners and formed the Secret our actors was an army veteran Australian Tunneling Company. The who led the guys through training,’ miners received only two weeks says Leimbach talking about the training and were sent off to war. tough boot camp the actors
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 nomans-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. APRIL / MAY 2010
THEBOOMERANG APRIL / MAY 2010
Meet Your AiF 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 I have made a few short films and of course, maybe some web TV shows in recent years, so I twitter for news. always knew about the merits of 8. More meetings, “How about the organization. However, only a Fosters?” asks the recently did I decide to reach out American colleague “Ah, to Susie Dobson and offer my actually we don’t drink services as a digital media that back home”, I politely strategist. Then I spoke to Susie reply for the 150th time.” and Andrew Warne and took it Just another day in the from there. It was such a treat to office. be on a conference call with a 9. Gym. couple of fun-loving Aussies. 10. Dinner with mates or a Basically I HAD to get involved. movie. NYC has a great mix of Hollywood blockbusters What do you like about the work? and indie films on offer I am proud of the practically 24/7. reputation that Australian 11.If it’s the weekend. film professionals have in Then I am out. Usually the US. Australians are “Fosters... starting at the lower known for being actually we east side’s indie music courteous, quality don’t drink that venues. professionals. In an back home.” 12.If I industry where prima have had too donnas dominate, much to drink I am Australians seem to be a usually on the phone to breath of fresh air on any friends in Australia. Those film and TV set. Any way I can calls can go for hours with further promote that reputation is me ending up with a mix of worthwhile. Also, I am in awe of homesickness and thank those young Australians who pack god I am not there. their bags and move to this country 13. Home. Bed. Sleep. to fulfill a dream, particularly one as challenging as film and TV. They Who is your favourite Aussie star/ seem to me to be the living filmmaker, and why? embodiment of ‘you only live That’s easy, but I can’t choose one once’. I’m sorry: Philip Noyce, Peter Weir and Bruce Beresford. Just on the Describe a day in the life of strength of “Dead Calm”, Michael Kelleher? “Gallipoli” and “Driving Miss Daily” 1. Hate getting up. Still a respectively. But Gillian Armstrong teenager like that. 2. Coffee and bagel from the does make me proud to be an Australian. same street vendor every
Michael Kelleher directing the short “A King's Mistake”, a period film set in Australia during WW1."
Michael Kelleher 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?
APRIL / MAY 2010
THEBOOMERANG APRIL / MAY 2010
Alice In Wonderland
Jenny Cooney Carillo, Andrew and Lucas
AJ Rochester, son Kai and Nick Jacobson
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
Quinn Thorpe and friends
Friends of AiF
APRIL / MAY 2010
THEBOOMERANG APRIL / MAY 2010
Remember Me
Emilie de Ravin
Stephanie Jacobsen & Emilie de Ravin
Rob Marsala, Will Kemp & Shaun Parkes
Vanessa Vitasovich, John Freeman, Valy Iftimie, Dario Ferrara, Rachel Wolfe, Karrie Rappaport, Dustin Engelskind
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.
AiF Members
Hannah Ciallella, Janine Masaki, Cecilia Moreno, Lisa Mesaros-Dorman , Wendy
APRIL / MAY 2010
THEBOOMERANG APRIL / MAY 2010
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
THEBOOMERANG APRIL / MAY 2010
Qantas Airways is proud to support
Australians in Film
APRIL / MAY 2010
THEBOOMERANG APRIL / MAY 2010
Rear Window AiF Sponsors We 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 sscarf@australiansinfilm.org or phone 310 452 5939
AiF Ambassadors 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 Board of Advisors Kym Barrett Stuart Beattie Greg Coote Bruce Davey Richard Francis-Bruce Dean Semler
APRIL / MAY 2010