Making Feature Films

Join us for a conversation with Australian filmmakers Andrew Traucki ‘The Reef’, Louise Alston ‘Jucy’ and Gale Edwards ‘A Heartbeat Away’. Moderated by Filmink editor Erin Free and contributed to by Metro Screen filmmakers Alexandra Edmondson and Julian Ryan, this seminar will explore the journey of making a feature film through funding, production, marketing and distribution.

Andrew Traucki: Andrew’s first feature ‘Black Water’ sold to 76 countries, received strong critical praise, won awards at MUFF and The Chinese American Film Festival and has been nominated for both IF and AFI awards. ‘The Reef’ is Andrew’s second feature and premiered at the Film4 Frightfest in London in 2010. It has sold to 106 countries and opens in cinemas in Australia on the 17th of March 2011. ‘The Reef’ (www.reefmovie.com) is based on true events, a tense survival thriller that begs the question, what would I do in this situation? Cast includes Adrienne Pickering, Zoe Naylor, Damian Walshe-Howling, Gyton Grantley and Kieran Darcy-Smith.

Gale Edwards: One of Australia’s most acclaimed theatre directors, ‘A Heartbeat Away’ is Gale’s first foray into feature film directing. ‘A Heartbeat Away’ which will be released by Hoyts Distribution, is the story of an aspiring rock guitarist who is forced to take over the musical direction of his father’s marching band just weeks before a major competition. The cast includes Isabel Lucas, Sebastian Gregory, William Zappa, Tammy MacIntosh and Colin Friels.

Louise Alston: Louise’s first feature ‘All My Friends are Leaving Brisbane’ played in festivals around the world and gained a cinema release in Denmark. ‘Jucy’ is Louise’s second feature and premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2010. ‘Jucy’ is a “womantic” comedy about the platonic female friendship of Jackie and Lucy – together nicknamed ‘Jucy’ – 20 something best friends who do everything together. Inspired by Mike Leigh’s methods, Louise developed the script with actors Cindy Nelson and Francesca Gasteen, based on their own lives and relationship.

Alexandra Edmondson is a 2010 Metro Screen First Break film fund recipient for her short film ‘The Burnt Cork’ – Alexandra Edmondson [Writer/ Director], Cassie Kelly [Producer] http://bit.ly/dKN5rU
First Break – Production funding for first time filmmakers | projects up to 8 min | $3,000 cash budget | Open to all filmmakers with three places reserved for Indigenous Australians and four places for those with a non-English speaking background. http://metroscreen.org.au/fundingandsupport

Julian Ryan is a 2010 Metro Screen Breakout film fund recipient for ‘Purple Flowers’ – Julian Ryan [Writer/director], Drew Bailey [Producer] http://bit.ly/dKN5rU
Breakout – Production funding for experienced filmmakers | projects up to 15 min | $15,000 cash budget | Open to all filmmakers. http://metroscreen.org.au/fundingandsupport

When: 10 Mar, 7pm – 8.30pm
Where: Apple Store Bondi, 213 Oxford St Bondi, 02 9019 2400
Cost: No RSVP needed.
Details: http://bit.ly/gsXljW