Exclusive: After announcing its acquisition of the Australian animation studio Animal Logic during yesterday’s earnings call, Deadline has learned that Netflix is making internal moves that will streamline its coterie of executives who’ll steer the Film Animation division.
Karen Toliver, VP Animation Film, is being promoted to lead the Animation Film team. With that change, Melissa Cobb will move from her role as VP Animation Film but will stay on with Netflix as a producer. Cobb joined the company four years ago and to led the animation team and since then has built the studio from the ground up, attracting filmmakers and delivering a diverse slate of ani films so far.
Also transitioning is Gregg Taylor, the VP Animation Film who’ll also become a producer. He too has been there four years, helping to build the creative team and oversee and shepherd the film slates, most recently The Sea Beast.
Karen Toliver, VP Animation Film, is being promoted to lead the Animation Film team. With that change, Melissa Cobb will move from her role as VP Animation Film but will stay on with Netflix as a producer. Cobb joined the company four years ago and to led the animation team and since then has built the studio from the ground up, attracting filmmakers and delivering a diverse slate of ani films so far.
Also transitioning is Gregg Taylor, the VP Animation Film who’ll also become a producer. He too has been there four years, helping to build the creative team and oversee and shepherd the film slates, most recently The Sea Beast.
- 7/20/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Companies have been collaborating on The Magician’s Elephant, Ron Howard’s The Shrinking Of The Treehorns.
Netflix is acquiring Australian animation studio Animal Logic as the streamer seeks to develop end-to-end cproduction capacity and builds on releases like The Sea Beast and Oscar-nominees Over The Moon and Klaus.
The Animal Logic and Netflix Animation teams will create a global creative production team with the goal of handling some of Netflix’s largest animated film titles. The streamer will continue to work on animation with other studios.
The companies have established a roster of films at Animal Logic’s Sydney...
Netflix is acquiring Australian animation studio Animal Logic as the streamer seeks to develop end-to-end cproduction capacity and builds on releases like The Sea Beast and Oscar-nominees Over The Moon and Klaus.
The Animal Logic and Netflix Animation teams will create a global creative production team with the goal of handling some of Netflix’s largest animated film titles. The streamer will continue to work on animation with other studios.
The companies have established a roster of films at Animal Logic’s Sydney...
- 7/19/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Studiocanal will launch rights sales at Cannes on “Kangaroo,” the first Australia-New Zealand production from the local arm of the French film and TV group Canal Plus. The film is inspired by the real-life story of The Kangaroo Sanctuary founder Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who has been saving and raising baby kangaroos in Central Australia since 2005.
The narrative is shaped as a heart-warming family comedy about a down-on-his-luck pro surfer who becomes stranded in an Outback town after a car accident. There, he teams up with 11-year-old Indigenous girl. The pair form an unlikely friendship working together to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned baby kangaroos (joeys). The endeavor proves to be life-changing for both.
Kate Woods is attached to direct from a script by Harry Cripps (“The Dry,” “Penguin Bloom,” “Back to the Outback”).
The film is being produced by Marian Macgowan (“The Great,” “Two Hands”) and Louise Smith (“Dance Academy,” “The...
The narrative is shaped as a heart-warming family comedy about a down-on-his-luck pro surfer who becomes stranded in an Outback town after a car accident. There, he teams up with 11-year-old Indigenous girl. The pair form an unlikely friendship working together to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned baby kangaroos (joeys). The endeavor proves to be life-changing for both.
Kate Woods is attached to direct from a script by Harry Cripps (“The Dry,” “Penguin Bloom,” “Back to the Outback”).
The film is being produced by Marian Macgowan (“The Great,” “Two Hands”) and Louise Smith (“Dance Academy,” “The...
- 5/12/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Kangaroo is Studiocanal’s first local Australia and New Zealand co-production.
Studiocanal will launch worldwide sales on Australian director Kate Wood’s family comedy Kangaroo at Cannes.
Kangaroo is the company’s first local Australia and New Zealand co-production and is set to shoot on location in the Northern Territory of Australia.
The screenplay is written by Harry Cripps, inspired by the true story of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who rescues and raises baby kangaroos in central Australia. It follows an unlikely friendship formed between a stranded pro surfer and an Indigenous 11-year-old girl who work together to rescue and rehabilitate...
Studiocanal will launch worldwide sales on Australian director Kate Wood’s family comedy Kangaroo at Cannes.
Kangaroo is the company’s first local Australia and New Zealand co-production and is set to shoot on location in the Northern Territory of Australia.
The screenplay is written by Harry Cripps, inspired by the true story of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who rescues and raises baby kangaroos in central Australia. It follows an unlikely friendship formed between a stranded pro surfer and an Indigenous 11-year-old girl who work together to rescue and rehabilitate...
- 5/11/2022
- by Melissa Kasule
- ScreenDaily
Kangaroo is Studiocanal’s first local Australia and New Zealand co-production.
Studiocanal will launch worldwide sales on Australian director Kate Wood’s family comedy Kangaroo at Cannes.
Kangaroo is the company’s first local Australia and New Zealand co-production and is set to shoot on location in the Northern Territory of Australia.
The screenplay is written by Harry Cripps, inspired by the true story of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who rescues and raises baby kangaroos in central Australia. It follows an unlikely friendship formed between a stranded pro surfer and an Indigenous 11-year-old girl who work together to rescue and rehabilitate...
Studiocanal will launch worldwide sales on Australian director Kate Wood’s family comedy Kangaroo at Cannes.
Kangaroo is the company’s first local Australia and New Zealand co-production and is set to shoot on location in the Northern Territory of Australia.
The screenplay is written by Harry Cripps, inspired by the true story of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who rescues and raises baby kangaroos in central Australia. It follows an unlikely friendship formed between a stranded pro surfer and an Indigenous 11-year-old girl who work together to rescue and rehabilitate...
- 5/11/2022
- by Melissa Kasule
- ScreenDaily
Kangaroo is Studiocanal first local Australia and New Zealand co-production.
Studiocanal has acquired worldwide rights to Australian director Kate Wood’s family comedy Kangaroo and will introduce the project to buyers at Cannes.
Kangaroo is the company’s first local Australia and New Zealand co-production and is set to shoot on location in the Northern Territory of Australia.
The screenplay is written by Harry Cripps, inspired by the true story of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who rescues and raises baby kangaroos in Central Australia It follows an unlikely friendship formed between a stranded pro surfer and an Indigenous 11-year-old girl who...
Studiocanal has acquired worldwide rights to Australian director Kate Wood’s family comedy Kangaroo and will introduce the project to buyers at Cannes.
Kangaroo is the company’s first local Australia and New Zealand co-production and is set to shoot on location in the Northern Territory of Australia.
The screenplay is written by Harry Cripps, inspired by the true story of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who rescues and raises baby kangaroos in Central Australia It follows an unlikely friendship formed between a stranded pro surfer and an Indigenous 11-year-old girl who...
- 5/11/2022
- by Melissa Kasule
- ScreenDaily
Studiocanal will begin global sales at Cannes on family comedy Kangaroo, the company’s first local Australia/New Zealand production. Kate Woods (The Umbrella Academy, The Lost Symbol, The Good Lord Bird) is attached to direct.
The story is inspired by the real-life tale of The Kangaroo Sanctuary founder Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who has been saving and raising baby kangaroos in Central Oz since 2005.
The film follows down-on-his-luck pro surfer Chris Matherson who becomes stranded in an Outback town after a car accident. There, he teams up with 11-year-old Indigenous girl Charlie. The pair form an unlikely friendship working together to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned joeys (baby kangaroos) in the remote but stunning community — an endeavor that proves to be life-changing for both.
The Dry’s Harry Cripps penned the script. Producers are Marian Macgowan (The Great, Two Hands, The Rage in Placid Lake) and Louise Smith (The End, Dance Academy,...
The story is inspired by the real-life tale of The Kangaroo Sanctuary founder Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who has been saving and raising baby kangaroos in Central Oz since 2005.
The film follows down-on-his-luck pro surfer Chris Matherson who becomes stranded in an Outback town after a car accident. There, he teams up with 11-year-old Indigenous girl Charlie. The pair form an unlikely friendship working together to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned joeys (baby kangaroos) in the remote but stunning community — an endeavor that proves to be life-changing for both.
The Dry’s Harry Cripps penned the script. Producers are Marian Macgowan (The Great, Two Hands, The Rage in Placid Lake) and Louise Smith (The End, Dance Academy,...
- 5/11/2022
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Rlje Films, a business unit of AMC Networks, will release the critically acclaimed thriller The Dry on DVD and Blu-ray on January 18, 2022. IFC Films released The Dry in theaters, on Digital Rental & VOD on May 21, 2021.
Here’s the trailer:
The Dry is directed by Robert Connolly (Balibo, Paper Planes) and co-written by Harry Cripps (“Supernova”) andRobert Connolly based on the book by Jane Harper. The film stars Eric Bana (Munich, The Other Boleyn Girl), Genevieve O’Reilly (Star Wars franchise), Keir O’Donnell (American Sniper) and John Polson (The Boys). Rlje Films will release The Dry on DVD for an Srp of $27.97 and on Blu-ray for an Srp of $28.96.
Now you can win the Win the Blu-ray of The Dry. We Are Movie Geeks has three to give away. Just leave a comment below telling us what your favorite movie starring Eric Bana is (I’d say Chopper. It’s so easy!
Here’s the trailer:
The Dry is directed by Robert Connolly (Balibo, Paper Planes) and co-written by Harry Cripps (“Supernova”) andRobert Connolly based on the book by Jane Harper. The film stars Eric Bana (Munich, The Other Boleyn Girl), Genevieve O’Reilly (Star Wars franchise), Keir O’Donnell (American Sniper) and John Polson (The Boys). Rlje Films will release The Dry on DVD for an Srp of $27.97 and on Blu-ray for an Srp of $28.96.
Now you can win the Win the Blu-ray of The Dry. We Are Movie Geeks has three to give away. Just leave a comment below telling us what your favorite movie starring Eric Bana is (I’d say Chopper. It’s so easy!
- 1/10/2022
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
A band of misfits come together to find a home where they’ll be accepted in Netflix’s latest CG-animated adventure, “Back to the Outback.” Except the lovable outcasts here happen to be among the world’s deadliest creatures, all of whom — along with a cute but completely obnoxious koala bear (voiced by Broadway’s Tim Minchin) — escape from a Sydney zoo to find a home in the Australian Outback, where they’ll be loved for who they are and not feared for what they look like.
First-time feature directors Clare Knight and Harry Cripps previously worked together on “Larrikins,” the Outback-themed feature from DreamWorks Animation that was scuttled in the wake of the studio’s acquisition by NBCUniversal in 2016. Cripps was set to co-direct the film alongside “Puss in Boots” director Chris Miller, while Knight, a Dwa veteran who had worked on the “Kung Fu Panda” trilogy, was to serve as editor.
First-time feature directors Clare Knight and Harry Cripps previously worked together on “Larrikins,” the Outback-themed feature from DreamWorks Animation that was scuttled in the wake of the studio’s acquisition by NBCUniversal in 2016. Cripps was set to co-direct the film alongside “Puss in Boots” director Chris Miller, while Knight, a Dwa veteran who had worked on the “Kung Fu Panda” trilogy, was to serve as editor.
- 12/29/2021
- by Jennifer Wolfe
- Indiewire
Rlje Films, a business unit of AMC Networks, will release the critically acclaimed thriller The Dry on DVD and Blu-ray on January 18, 2022. IFC Films released The Dry in theaters, on Digital Rental & VOD on May 21, 2021.
Here’s the trailer:
The Dry is directed by Robert Connolly (Balibo, Paper Planes) and co-written by Harry Cripps (“Supernova”) andRobert Connolly based on the book by Jane Harper. The film stars Eric Bana (Munich, The Other Boleyn Girl), Genevieve O’Reilly (Star Wars franchise), Keir O’Donnell (American Sniper) and John Polson (The Boys). Rlje Films will release The Dry on DVD for an Srp of $27.97 and on Blu-ray for an Srp of $28.96.
Federal Agent Aaron Falk returns to his home town after an absence of over twenty years to attend the funeral of his childhood friend, Luke, who allegedly killed his wife and child before taking his own life — a victim of the madness that...
Here’s the trailer:
The Dry is directed by Robert Connolly (Balibo, Paper Planes) and co-written by Harry Cripps (“Supernova”) andRobert Connolly based on the book by Jane Harper. The film stars Eric Bana (Munich, The Other Boleyn Girl), Genevieve O’Reilly (Star Wars franchise), Keir O’Donnell (American Sniper) and John Polson (The Boys). Rlje Films will release The Dry on DVD for an Srp of $27.97 and on Blu-ray for an Srp of $28.96.
Federal Agent Aaron Falk returns to his home town after an absence of over twenty years to attend the funeral of his childhood friend, Luke, who allegedly killed his wife and child before taking his own life — a victim of the madness that...
- 12/10/2021
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Controversial drama “Nitram” dominated the prizes at the Australian Academy of Cinema & Television Arts (Aacta) film awards on Wednesday. Leaving little room for celebration of any other achievement in the past year, “Nitram” swept to eight awards.
These included the most major prizes — best film, best directing and best original screenplay — as well as all four acting prizes.
The film painstakingly depicts the build-up to a real-life mass shooting that took place in Tasmania. Many people had questioned whether the events were too painful to be retold and whether making a film would make a hero of the perpetrator. “Nitram” deflected those criticisms by spelling the shooter’s name backwards and by avoiding any on-screen violence.
“Nitram” premiered in competition in Cannes in July and won the lucrative top prize at August’s CinefestOZ festival. It is now streaming on Stan, the Ott that was a backer of the project.
These included the most major prizes — best film, best directing and best original screenplay — as well as all four acting prizes.
The film painstakingly depicts the build-up to a real-life mass shooting that took place in Tasmania. Many people had questioned whether the events were too painful to be retold and whether making a film would make a hero of the perpetrator. “Nitram” deflected those criticisms by spelling the shooter’s name backwards and by avoiding any on-screen violence.
“Nitram” premiered in competition in Cannes in July and won the lucrative top prize at August’s CinefestOZ festival. It is now streaming on Stan, the Ott that was a backer of the project.
- 12/8/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
In Netflix’s animated feature Back to the Outback, a ragtag group of Australia’s deadliest creatures plot a daring escape from their zoo to the Outback, a place where they’ll fit in without being judged for their scales and fangs.
Leading the group is Maddie (Isla Fisher), a poisonous snake with a heart of gold, who bands together with a self-assured Thorny Devil lizard Zoe (Miranda Tapsell), a lovelorn hairy spider Frank (Guy Pearce), and a sensitive scorpion Nigel (Angus Imrie). But when their nemesis — Pretty Boy (Tim Minchin), a cute but obnoxious koala — unexpectedly joins their escape, Maddie and the gang have no choice but to take him with them. So begins a hair-raising and hilarious road trip across Australia, as they are pursued by a zookeeper Chaz (Eric Bana) and his adventure-seeking mini-me (Diesel La Torraca).
Back to the Outback is directed by Clare Knight and Harry Cripps,...
Leading the group is Maddie (Isla Fisher), a poisonous snake with a heart of gold, who bands together with a self-assured Thorny Devil lizard Zoe (Miranda Tapsell), a lovelorn hairy spider Frank (Guy Pearce), and a sensitive scorpion Nigel (Angus Imrie). But when their nemesis — Pretty Boy (Tim Minchin), a cute but obnoxious koala — unexpectedly joins their escape, Maddie and the gang have no choice but to take him with them. So begins a hair-raising and hilarious road trip across Australia, as they are pursued by a zookeeper Chaz (Eric Bana) and his adventure-seeking mini-me (Diesel La Torraca).
Back to the Outback is directed by Clare Knight and Harry Cripps,...
- 11/8/2021
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
“High Ground,” a 1930s-set drama film, picked up eight nominations for the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards. It narrowly led the field of contenders that included controversial drama “Nitram” with seven nominations, “The Dry” with six and “Penguin Bloom” with five.
Nominations were announced over the weekend ahead of a week of voting. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Sydney Opera House on Dec. 8, 2021.
Six films received nominations for best film: “The Dry,” “The Furnace,” “High Ground,” “Nitram,” “Penguin Bloom” and “Rams.” Five of the six also received nominations for best director.
“High Ground,” received five of its nominations for acting, with two of its performers going head-to-head in the best actor category, and two more in the best supporting actor section.
Similarly, “Nitram,” which chronicles the build-up to a real-life mass shooting in Tasmania, received nominations for its two leads and two supporting cast.
Nominations were announced over the weekend ahead of a week of voting. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Sydney Opera House on Dec. 8, 2021.
Six films received nominations for best film: “The Dry,” “The Furnace,” “High Ground,” “Nitram,” “Penguin Bloom” and “Rams.” Five of the six also received nominations for best director.
“High Ground,” received five of its nominations for acting, with two of its performers going head-to-head in the best actor category, and two more in the best supporting actor section.
Similarly, “Nitram,” which chronicles the build-up to a real-life mass shooting in Tasmania, received nominations for its two leads and two supporting cast.
- 11/1/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Aacta has revealed those in contention for the major film, television and short-form prizes at this year’s awards, with High Ground leading the charge in the film categories and The Newsreader ahead in television.
The nominations follow those revealed for feature documentary in July, with the technical craft categories still to come.
Aacta also announced today that this year’s awards will move from The Star to the Sydney Opera House, with the ceremony to be held December 8.
There has also been a change in broadcast partners from Seven to 10, where the ceremony will air first followed by an encore on Fox Arena on Foxtel, Binge, and Aacta TV.
High Ground has earned eight nominations, including Best Film. Also nominated for the night’s major prize are Nitram, which earned seven nods, The Dry, which has six, as well as The Furnace, Penguin Bloom and Rams.
The Best Indie Film Award,...
The nominations follow those revealed for feature documentary in July, with the technical craft categories still to come.
Aacta also announced today that this year’s awards will move from The Star to the Sydney Opera House, with the ceremony to be held December 8.
There has also been a change in broadcast partners from Seven to 10, where the ceremony will air first followed by an encore on Fox Arena on Foxtel, Binge, and Aacta TV.
High Ground has earned eight nominations, including Best Film. Also nominated for the night’s major prize are Nitram, which earned seven nods, The Dry, which has six, as well as The Furnace, Penguin Bloom and Rams.
The Best Indie Film Award,...
- 10/30/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps are among the writers aiming to win consecutive prizes at this year’s Awgie Awards.
Grant, who won the adaptation prize with Cripps for Penguin Bloom in 2020 and for the True History of the Kelly Gang in 2019, is nominated this year for his work on Nitram, against the Here Out West writing team of Nisrine Amine, Bina Bhattacharya, Matias Bolla, Claire Cao, Arka Das, Dee Duygu Dogan, Vonne Patiag and Tien Tran; Falling for Figaro‘s Ben Lewin and Allen Palmer; and The Furnace‘s Roderick MacKay in the original feature film category.
Cripps and Robert Connolly have been recognised for The Dry, which is one of two nominees for the feature film adaptation award alongside Babyteeth, written for the screen by the original playwright Rita Kalnejais.
In the television categories, Tony McNamara’s The Great is pitted against Wakefield, Five Bedrooms and Wentworth for...
Grant, who won the adaptation prize with Cripps for Penguin Bloom in 2020 and for the True History of the Kelly Gang in 2019, is nominated this year for his work on Nitram, against the Here Out West writing team of Nisrine Amine, Bina Bhattacharya, Matias Bolla, Claire Cao, Arka Das, Dee Duygu Dogan, Vonne Patiag and Tien Tran; Falling for Figaro‘s Ben Lewin and Allen Palmer; and The Furnace‘s Roderick MacKay in the original feature film category.
Cripps and Robert Connolly have been recognised for The Dry, which is one of two nominees for the feature film adaptation award alongside Babyteeth, written for the screen by the original playwright Rita Kalnejais.
In the television categories, Tony McNamara’s The Great is pitted against Wakefield, Five Bedrooms and Wentworth for...
- 10/26/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
"Back to the Outback" is a new CG-animated musical adventure comedy feature, written by Harry Cripps and Greg Lessans, directed by Clare Knight and Cripps, starring Isla Fisher, Tim Minchin, Eric Bana, Guy Pearce, Miranda Tapsell, Angus Imrie, Rachel House, Keith Urban, Celeste Barber, Wayne Knight and Jacki Weaver, streaming December 10, 2021 on Netflix:
"...tired of being locked in a reptile house where humans gawk at them like they're monsters, a ragtag group of Australia's deadliest creatures plot a daring escape..."
Click the images to enlarge...
"...tired of being locked in a reptile house where humans gawk at them like they're monsters, a ragtag group of Australia's deadliest creatures plot a daring escape..."
Click the images to enlarge...
- 10/15/2021
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
With a voice cast that includes Isla Fisher, Tim Minchin, Eric Bana, Guy Pearce, Miranda Tapsell, Angus Imrie, Keith Urban, Aislinn Derbez and Jacki Weaver, animated feature Back to the Outback premieres on Netflix December 10.
The film is directed by Clare Knight and Harry Cripps, and follows a ragtag group of Australia’s deadliest creatures as they plot a daring escape from their zoo to the Outback, a place where they’ll fit in without being judged for their scales and fangs.
Leading the group is Maddie (Fisher), a poisonous snake with a heart of gold, who bands together with a self-assured Thorny Devil lizard Zoe (Tapsell), a lovelorn hairy spider Frank (Pearce), and a sensitive scorpion Nigel (Imrie).
When their nemesis — Pretty Boy (Minchin), a cute but obnoxious koala — unexpectedly joins their escape, Maddie and the gang have no choice but to take him with them.
The film marks the directorial debut of Knight,...
The film is directed by Clare Knight and Harry Cripps, and follows a ragtag group of Australia’s deadliest creatures as they plot a daring escape from their zoo to the Outback, a place where they’ll fit in without being judged for their scales and fangs.
Leading the group is Maddie (Fisher), a poisonous snake with a heart of gold, who bands together with a self-assured Thorny Devil lizard Zoe (Tapsell), a lovelorn hairy spider Frank (Pearce), and a sensitive scorpion Nigel (Imrie).
When their nemesis — Pretty Boy (Minchin), a cute but obnoxious koala — unexpectedly joins their escape, Maddie and the gang have no choice but to take him with them.
The film marks the directorial debut of Knight,...
- 10/14/2021
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Netflix has revealed more artwork and clips from four of its kids and family animation titles, which are set drop this summer and fall.
During the streamer’s online Annecy session, introduced by Netflix director of character animation James Baxter, it was revealed that three of the titles – “Karma’s World,” “Vivo” and “Centaurworld” – are animated musicals, while all of them, including the Australian feature “Back to the Outback,” address themes of diversity, inclusion and both fitting in and celebrating differences.
First up was rapper and “Fast and Furious” actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges 40-part series “Karma’s World” –a passion project that has been over a decade in the making, set to premiere this fall
The series, aimed at children from six to nine, is inspired by Bridges’ eldest daughter Karma’s experiences as a 10-year-old navigating her way through life and finding her voice.
Each 11-minute episode will feature...
During the streamer’s online Annecy session, introduced by Netflix director of character animation James Baxter, it was revealed that three of the titles – “Karma’s World,” “Vivo” and “Centaurworld” – are animated musicals, while all of them, including the Australian feature “Back to the Outback,” address themes of diversity, inclusion and both fitting in and celebrating differences.
First up was rapper and “Fast and Furious” actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges 40-part series “Karma’s World” –a passion project that has been over a decade in the making, set to premiere this fall
The series, aimed at children from six to nine, is inspired by Bridges’ eldest daughter Karma’s experiences as a 10-year-old navigating her way through life and finding her voice.
Each 11-minute episode will feature...
- 6/14/2021
- by Ann-Marie Corvin
- Variety Film + TV
Aaron Falk (Eric Bana) wasn’t ever planning on coming back. Leaving wasn’t his choice, but at a certain point the present replaces the past. Hearing that his best friend from high school killed his wife and son before turning the gun on himself wasn’t therefore going to change his mind. If anything, knowing that truth and the fact that Luke was gone might have been the final nail as far as never returning at all. But that’s when the card came with a cryptic message more or less blackmailing Aaron into attending the funeral. It was sent by Luke’s father and stated that he knew they lied twenty years ago. What was the lie? We don’t yet know. Whatever it was, though, it worked. Aaron was heading home.
Writer/director Robert Connolly’s The Dry (co-scripted by Harry Cripps from Jane Harper’s novel...
Writer/director Robert Connolly’s The Dry (co-scripted by Harry Cripps from Jane Harper’s novel...
- 5/17/2021
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
Netflix not only grabbed a ton of Oscar nominations for its live-action films, it also grabbed three noms for animated fare including “Over the Moon” and “A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon.” They scored in the animated feature category alongside Disney/Pixar’s “Soul” and “Onward,” and GKids/Apple TV Plus’ “Wolfwalkers,” while “If Anything Happens, I Love You” is the frontrunner in animated shorts.
It’s an impressive haul for a part of the streaming giant that is relatively new.
“It’s hard to even find the words to describe how thrilling it is,” says Melissa Cobb, VP of kids and family entertainment at Netflix. She is an animation veteran who was brought over from DreamWorks in 2017 to lead the division.
“I started there about 3½ years ago, and for filmmakers to choose to entrust their film, but also their time — three or four years of their life that it...
It’s an impressive haul for a part of the streaming giant that is relatively new.
“It’s hard to even find the words to describe how thrilling it is,” says Melissa Cobb, VP of kids and family entertainment at Netflix. She is an animation veteran who was brought over from DreamWorks in 2017 to lead the division.
“I started there about 3½ years ago, and for filmmakers to choose to entrust their film, but also their time — three or four years of their life that it...
- 4/1/2021
- by Carole Horst
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Netflix is in development on the new animated musical Steps, with Amy Poehler producing and Alyce Tzue set to make her directing debut.
Poehler will produce through her Paper Kite Productions banner along with her partner Kim Lessing, with The Croods producer Jane Hartwell also producing. Riki Lindhome will pen the script from a story she wrote with Kate Micucci. Lindhome and Micucci also will exec produce and writing all the music in addition to overseeing it.
“We are so excited to be working with Netflix and the great Riki, Kate and Alyce on this joyful and much-needed story,” Poehler said.
The story is a spin on the classic Cinderella story. Two stepsisters are overlooked for marriage by the prince and embark on an epic journey, realizing that their own perfect fairytales might be different from what they originally thought.
“Our step-sisters are a pair of young Asian immigrants to a fairytale world,...
Poehler will produce through her Paper Kite Productions banner along with her partner Kim Lessing, with The Croods producer Jane Hartwell also producing. Riki Lindhome will pen the script from a story she wrote with Kate Micucci. Lindhome and Micucci also will exec produce and writing all the music in addition to overseeing it.
“We are so excited to be working with Netflix and the great Riki, Kate and Alyce on this joyful and much-needed story,” Poehler said.
The story is a spin on the classic Cinderella story. Two stepsisters are overlooked for marriage by the prince and embark on an epic journey, realizing that their own perfect fairytales might be different from what they originally thought.
“Our step-sisters are a pair of young Asian immigrants to a fairytale world,...
- 3/29/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
A television adaptation of 2018’s Ladies in Black, a feature film from Bryan Brown, and a television drama from one of the creators of Offspring are among the 21 projects to share in more than $730,000 in development funding from Screen Australia.
Of the projects to receive funding, 10 have been supported through the Generate fund and 11 through the Premium fund.
Screen Australia’s head of content Sally Caplan said the agency was impressed by the “rigorous creativity” of Australian creators as the industry continued to rebound from Covid-19.
“It’s great to see a number of engaging stories set around iconic milestones in Australian history, from the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, to the social change that took place in the 60s or the recession in the 80s, and I look forward to seeing these projects develop further,” she said.
Features:
Premium:
1989
Sewing Pictures Pty Ltd
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family
Writer...
Of the projects to receive funding, 10 have been supported through the Generate fund and 11 through the Premium fund.
Screen Australia’s head of content Sally Caplan said the agency was impressed by the “rigorous creativity” of Australian creators as the industry continued to rebound from Covid-19.
“It’s great to see a number of engaging stories set around iconic milestones in Australian history, from the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, to the social change that took place in the 60s or the recession in the 80s, and I look forward to seeing these projects develop further,” she said.
Features:
Premium:
1989
Sewing Pictures Pty Ltd
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family
Writer...
- 3/1/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Exclusive: IFC Films has picked up North American rights to Robert Connolly’s atmospheric mystery thriller The Dry, starring Eric Bana. A May 21 theatrical and on-demand release date is planned for the Made Up Stories feature. The pic is the actor’s first Australian film in over a decade.
As we told you at the start of the year, The Dry made a big splash at the Australian box office during the pandemic. Already it’s one of the top 15 grossing Australian films of all-time with over Au$17 million to date, garnering over $3.5 million in the best ever debut for an Australian-made feature from an independent studio.
Based on Jane Harper’s best-selling novel, which has sold over a million copies worldwide, The Dry is directed by Robert Connolly from an adaptation by Connolly and Harry Cripps.
Twenty years after leaving his drought-stricken hometown, Federal Agent Aaron Falk (Eric Bana...
As we told you at the start of the year, The Dry made a big splash at the Australian box office during the pandemic. Already it’s one of the top 15 grossing Australian films of all-time with over Au$17 million to date, garnering over $3.5 million in the best ever debut for an Australian-made feature from an independent studio.
Based on Jane Harper’s best-selling novel, which has sold over a million copies worldwide, The Dry is directed by Robert Connolly from an adaptation by Connolly and Harry Cripps.
Twenty years after leaving his drought-stricken hometown, Federal Agent Aaron Falk (Eric Bana...
- 2/18/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix said Thursday that it is turning Sulwe, the bestselling children’s book by Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, into an animated musical, the latest move by the streamer to bolster its feature animation slate that already includes Richard Linklater’s Apollo 10½: A Space Age Adventure, Henry Selick’s Wendell & Wild, Nora Twomey’s My Father’s Dragon and Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio among others.
Sulwe, written by Nyong’o with illustrations by Vashti Harrison, follows Sulwe, a child who has skin darker than anyone she knows — and all she wants is to be beautiful and bright. One night, she is visited by a shooting star sent by the Night and embarks on a magical journey where she learns the eye-opening story of the sisters Night and Day. The book tells a story about colorism, self-esteem and learning that true beauty comes from within.
Sulwe, written by Nyong’o with illustrations by Vashti Harrison, follows Sulwe, a child who has skin darker than anyone she knows — and all she wants is to be beautiful and bright. One night, she is visited by a shooting star sent by the Night and embarks on a magical journey where she learns the eye-opening story of the sisters Night and Day. The book tells a story about colorism, self-esteem and learning that true beauty comes from within.
- 2/18/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Crime drama has ranked number one since start of year.
Cornerstone Films has closed a raft of deals with top buyers on Eric Bana crime drama and Australian box-office smash The Dry led by Leonine for German-speaking Europe.
The film has held on to the number one spot for five consecutive weeks since it opened via Roadshow Films on January 1 on A$3.5m (Usd $1.9m), a mighty debut for an independent feature.
The Dry currently stands at more than A$16m ($8.94m) and has overtaken Muriel’s Wedding and The Water Diviner to rank 17th on Australia’s all-time top...
Cornerstone Films has closed a raft of deals with top buyers on Eric Bana crime drama and Australian box-office smash The Dry led by Leonine for German-speaking Europe.
The film has held on to the number one spot for five consecutive weeks since it opened via Roadshow Films on January 1 on A$3.5m (Usd $1.9m), a mighty debut for an independent feature.
The Dry currently stands at more than A$16m ($8.94m) and has overtaken Muriel’s Wedding and The Water Diviner to rank 17th on Australia’s all-time top...
- 2/9/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Set in a world of witches and shapeshifters, Molly Knox Ostertag's graphic novel series The Witch Boy is being adapted by Netflix as an animated musical with Minkyu Lee (Adam and Dog) as the director and the band Haim onboard to write music for the movie.
Below, we have official details from Netflix (a release date has yet to be revealed) as well as visual development art for The Witch Boy movie:
Netflix’s newest animated musical feature, The Witch Boy, will be directed by Oscar-nominated director Minkyu Lee (Adam and Dog)
The film is based on the Nyt best selling graphic novel series of the same title by Molly Knox Ostertag. It will be produced by Vertigo Entertainment and released by Netflix.
Three-time Grammy Award nominated band Haim is attached to write music for the film.
Directed by: Minkyu Lee
Written by: Maria Melnik
Produced by: Roy Lee, Miri Yoon,...
Below, we have official details from Netflix (a release date has yet to be revealed) as well as visual development art for The Witch Boy movie:
Netflix’s newest animated musical feature, The Witch Boy, will be directed by Oscar-nominated director Minkyu Lee (Adam and Dog)
The film is based on the Nyt best selling graphic novel series of the same title by Molly Knox Ostertag. It will be produced by Vertigo Entertainment and released by Netflix.
Three-time Grammy Award nominated band Haim is attached to write music for the film.
Directed by: Minkyu Lee
Written by: Maria Melnik
Produced by: Roy Lee, Miri Yoon,...
- 1/29/2021
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
The Dry International Trailers — Robert Connolly‘s The Dry (2020) international movie trailers has been released by Roadshow Films and stars Eric Bana, Genevieve O’Reilly, Matt Nable, James Frecheville, Keir O’Donnell, Sam Corlett, Martin Dingle Wall, BeBe Bettencourt, Bruce Spence, and Miranda Tapsell. Crew Robert Connolly and Harry Cripps wrote the screenplay for The Dry. [...]
Continue reading: The Dry (2020) International Movie Trailers: Detective Eric Bana investigates a Shocking Murder-suicide Case in his Hometown...
Continue reading: The Dry (2020) International Movie Trailers: Detective Eric Bana investigates a Shocking Murder-suicide Case in his Hometown...
- 1/1/2021
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
Directed by Robert Connolly, Jane Harper’s novel becomes the latest in a pantheon of Australian films about drought and its many devastations
Jane Harper’s best-selling novel The Dry is one of those books that feels written with a feature film adaptation in mind: a genre narrative (crime mystery-thriller) that’s pacey, plot-driven and full of dialogue, with a central location ripe for cinematic imagery. Extensive use of flashbacks is built into its structure, and they’re even presented in italics as if to say, “This is where the cuts and scene changes go”.
Director Robert Connolly’s adaptation is a very gripping and polished film, commandingly performed and directed, with an airtight sense of tonal cohesiveness – despite lots of, well, air in the frame, derived from countless mid- and long-shots capturing barren exterior locations in a fictitious Australian outback town. Written by Connolly and Harry Cripps, the script...
Jane Harper’s best-selling novel The Dry is one of those books that feels written with a feature film adaptation in mind: a genre narrative (crime mystery-thriller) that’s pacey, plot-driven and full of dialogue, with a central location ripe for cinematic imagery. Extensive use of flashbacks is built into its structure, and they’re even presented in italics as if to say, “This is where the cuts and scene changes go”.
Director Robert Connolly’s adaptation is a very gripping and polished film, commandingly performed and directed, with an airtight sense of tonal cohesiveness – despite lots of, well, air in the frame, derived from countless mid- and long-shots capturing barren exterior locations in a fictitious Australian outback town. Written by Connolly and Harry Cripps, the script...
- 12/30/2020
- by Luke Buckmaster
- The Guardian - Film News
Netflix has unveiled the animated feature film “The Magician’s Elephant,” with a voice cast including Noah Jupe, Pixie Davies, Sian Clifford, Natasia Demetriou, Dawn French, Brian Tyree Henry and Benedict Wong.
“The Magician’s Elephant” is based on Newbery Award winner Kate Dicamillo’s novel of the same title. The film, currently in production, marks the directorial debut of visual effects veteran Wendy Rogers — whose credits include “Shrek,” “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” and “Puss in Boots” — and is produced by Julia Pistor.
The voice cast also includes Aasif Mandvi, Mandy Patinkin, Miranda Richardson, Cree Summer and Lorraine Toussaint.
“Toy Story 4” writer Martin Hynes has written the script. Animal Logic is handling the computer imagery for “The Magician’s Elephant.”
The story centers on Peter (voiced by Jupe), who is searching for his long-lost sister Adel (voiced by Pixie Davies). He crosses paths with a fortune teller...
“The Magician’s Elephant” is based on Newbery Award winner Kate Dicamillo’s novel of the same title. The film, currently in production, marks the directorial debut of visual effects veteran Wendy Rogers — whose credits include “Shrek,” “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” and “Puss in Boots” — and is produced by Julia Pistor.
The voice cast also includes Aasif Mandvi, Mandy Patinkin, Miranda Richardson, Cree Summer and Lorraine Toussaint.
“Toy Story 4” writer Martin Hynes has written the script. Animal Logic is handling the computer imagery for “The Magician’s Elephant.”
The story centers on Peter (voiced by Jupe), who is searching for his long-lost sister Adel (voiced by Pixie Davies). He crosses paths with a fortune teller...
- 12/15/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Netflix has set an all-star voice cast and stellar creative team for new animation The Magician’s Elephant, we can reveal.
Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place), Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange), Sian Clifford (Fleabag), Pixie Davies (Mary Poppins Returns), Natasia Demetriou (What We Do In The Shadows), Dawn French (French & Saunders), Brian Tyree Henry (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse), Aasif Mandvi (Evil), Mandy Patinkin (Homeland), Miranda Richardson (Belle), Cree Summer (Vampirina) and Lorraine Toussaint (Concrete Cowboy) will voice the movie, which is currently in production.
Based on two-time Newbery Award-winner Kate Dicamillo’s novel of the same name, the film marks the directorial debut of veteran visual effects artist Wendy Rogers (Shrek) and is produced by animation vet Julia Pistor (The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie).
Script comes from Martin Hynes (Toy Story 4), production design from Max Boas (Abominable), art direction from Luri Lioi (How to Train Your Dragon trilogy), editing by...
Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place), Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange), Sian Clifford (Fleabag), Pixie Davies (Mary Poppins Returns), Natasia Demetriou (What We Do In The Shadows), Dawn French (French & Saunders), Brian Tyree Henry (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse), Aasif Mandvi (Evil), Mandy Patinkin (Homeland), Miranda Richardson (Belle), Cree Summer (Vampirina) and Lorraine Toussaint (Concrete Cowboy) will voice the movie, which is currently in production.
Based on two-time Newbery Award-winner Kate Dicamillo’s novel of the same name, the film marks the directorial debut of veteran visual effects artist Wendy Rogers (Shrek) and is produced by animation vet Julia Pistor (The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie).
Script comes from Martin Hynes (Toy Story 4), production design from Max Boas (Abominable), art direction from Luri Lioi (How to Train Your Dragon trilogy), editing by...
- 12/15/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Ben Lawrence and Beatrix Christian’s Hearts and Bones was named best original feature film screenplay at the Australian Writers’ Guild’s annual Awgie Awards yesterday evening, while Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps took home the adaptation prize for Penguin Bloom.
Two of 2019’s top dramas, The Hunting, written by Niki Aken and Matthew Cormack, and Total Control (Episode 3), by Pip Karmel, were recognised in the television categories, while The Heights, lauded for its depiction of contemporary Australia, won Peter Mattessi the Awgie in the television serial category, ending a run of 16-straight years for Neighbours and Home and Away.
Playwright Suzie Miller’s critically acclaimed one-woman play Prima Facie took out the evening’s highest honours, winning the 2020 Major Award, the David Williamson Prize for Excellence in Writing for Australian Theatre, and in the stage category.
The one-woman play holds a mirror up to the Australian legal system, exposing...
Two of 2019’s top dramas, The Hunting, written by Niki Aken and Matthew Cormack, and Total Control (Episode 3), by Pip Karmel, were recognised in the television categories, while The Heights, lauded for its depiction of contemporary Australia, won Peter Mattessi the Awgie in the television serial category, ending a run of 16-straight years for Neighbours and Home and Away.
Playwright Suzie Miller’s critically acclaimed one-woman play Prima Facie took out the evening’s highest honours, winning the 2020 Major Award, the David Williamson Prize for Excellence in Writing for Australian Theatre, and in the stage category.
The one-woman play holds a mirror up to the Australian legal system, exposing...
- 12/8/2020
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Penguin Bloom Trailer — Glendyn Ivin‘s Penguin Bloom (2020) movie trailer has been released by Roadshow Films and stars Naomi Watts, Andrew Lincoln, Jacki Weaver, Leeanna Walsman, Rachel House, Abe Clifford-Barr, Randolph Fields, Felix Cameron, Griffin Murray-Johnston, Donat Balaj, Lisa Hensley, and Gia Carides. Crew Harry Cripps and Shaun Grant wrote the screenplay for [...]
Continue reading: Penguin Bloom (2020) Movie Trailer: Naomi Watts has to Re-adjust her Life after an Accident Leaves Her Paralyzed...
Continue reading: Penguin Bloom (2020) Movie Trailer: Naomi Watts has to Re-adjust her Life after an Accident Leaves Her Paralyzed...
- 12/6/2020
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
Robert Connolly’s The Dry stars Eric Bana as Agent Aaron Falk, who returns to his home town after an absence of over 20 years to attend the funeral of his childhood friend, Luke, who allegedly killed his wife and child before taking his own life – a victim of the madness that has ravaged this community after more than a decade of drought.
When Falk reluctantly agrees to stay and investigate the crime, he opens up an old wound – the death of 17-year-old Ellie Deacon. Falk begins to suspect these two crimes, separated by decades, are connected.
The film is based on the Jane Harper novel of the same name, adapted by Connolly and Harry Cripps.
The Dry, produced by Bruna Papandrea, Steve Hutensky and Jodi Matterson for Made Up Stories together with Connolly and Bana, also stars Genevieve O’Reilly, Keir O’Donnell, John Polson, Julia Blake, Bruce Spence, Matt Nable, William Zappa,...
When Falk reluctantly agrees to stay and investigate the crime, he opens up an old wound – the death of 17-year-old Ellie Deacon. Falk begins to suspect these two crimes, separated by decades, are connected.
The film is based on the Jane Harper novel of the same name, adapted by Connolly and Harry Cripps.
The Dry, produced by Bruna Papandrea, Steve Hutensky and Jodi Matterson for Made Up Stories together with Connolly and Bana, also stars Genevieve O’Reilly, Keir O’Donnell, John Polson, Julia Blake, Bruce Spence, Matt Nable, William Zappa,...
- 12/3/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Penguin Bloom stars Naomi Watts as Sam Bloom, a young mother whose world is turned upside down after a near-fatal accident leaves her unable to walk. Sam’s husband, (Andrew Lincoln), her three young boys and her mother (Jacki Weaver), are struggling to adjust to their new situation when an unlikely ally enters their world in the form of an injured baby magpie they name Penguin.
The film premiered at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival. Glendyn Ivin directs from a script by Harry Cripps and Shaun Grant, adapted from the book by Bradley Trevor Grieve and Cameron Bloom.
Based on a true story, Roadshow Films will release the film, produced by Made Up Stories’ Bruna Papandrea, Steve Hutensky, Jodi Matterson and Watts, January 21, 2021.
The post ‘Penguin Bloom’ (Trailer) appeared first on If Magazine.
The film premiered at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival. Glendyn Ivin directs from a script by Harry Cripps and Shaun Grant, adapted from the book by Bradley Trevor Grieve and Cameron Bloom.
Based on a true story, Roadshow Films will release the film, produced by Made Up Stories’ Bruna Papandrea, Steve Hutensky, Jodi Matterson and Watts, January 21, 2021.
The post ‘Penguin Bloom’ (Trailer) appeared first on If Magazine.
- 12/1/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Clare Knight and Harry Cripps are set to helm an animated film with a focus on Australian fauna for Netflix, with a stellar cast that includes Isla Fisher, Tim Minchin, Eric Bana, Guy Pearce, Miranda Tapsell, Jacki Weaver, Celeste Barber and Keith Urban.
The comedy-adventure will also feature voice contributions from Angus Imrie (The Kid Who Would Be King), Rachel House (Moana), Wayne Knight (Jurassic Park), Aislinn Derbez (La Casa de las Flores), Diesel Cash La Torraca (Little Monsters), and YouTuber Lachlan Ross Power.
The story follows a ragtag group of Australia’s deadliest creatures as they plot a daring escape from their zoo to the Outback, a place where they’ll fit in without being judged for their scales and fangs.
Leading the group is Maddie (Fisher), a poisonous snake with a heart of gold, who bands together with a self-assured Thorny Devil lizard Zoe (Tapsell), a lovelorn hairy...
The comedy-adventure will also feature voice contributions from Angus Imrie (The Kid Who Would Be King), Rachel House (Moana), Wayne Knight (Jurassic Park), Aislinn Derbez (La Casa de las Flores), Diesel Cash La Torraca (Little Monsters), and YouTuber Lachlan Ross Power.
The story follows a ragtag group of Australia’s deadliest creatures as they plot a daring escape from their zoo to the Outback, a place where they’ll fit in without being judged for their scales and fangs.
Leading the group is Maddie (Fisher), a poisonous snake with a heart of gold, who bands together with a self-assured Thorny Devil lizard Zoe (Tapsell), a lovelorn hairy...
- 12/1/2020
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Netflix has acquired the North American rights to “Penguin Bloom,” a drama based on a true story and starring Naomi Watts that premiered at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.
Netflix also snagged rights in the UK, France and select countries in Asia, though not worldwide, and the film will debut on the platform on Jan. 27.
Glendyn Ivin directs the film that also stars Andrew Lincoln, Jacki Weaver and Rachel House. Watts stars in “Penguin Bloom” as Samantha Bloom, who in real life was an active outdoors-woman of a mom of three who became paralyzed from the chest down after a fall and found solace in a wild magpie that her kids named Penguin. The film looks at her road to recovery and acceptance of her new self.
Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps wrote the screenplay based on the book by Sam Bloom’s husband Cameron Bloom and Bradley Trevor Greive.
Netflix also snagged rights in the UK, France and select countries in Asia, though not worldwide, and the film will debut on the platform on Jan. 27.
Glendyn Ivin directs the film that also stars Andrew Lincoln, Jacki Weaver and Rachel House. Watts stars in “Penguin Bloom” as Samantha Bloom, who in real life was an active outdoors-woman of a mom of three who became paralyzed from the chest down after a fall and found solace in a wild magpie that her kids named Penguin. The film looks at her road to recovery and acceptance of her new self.
Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps wrote the screenplay based on the book by Sam Bloom’s husband Cameron Bloom and Bradley Trevor Greive.
- 11/30/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
“Penguin Bloom,” the Toronto International Film Festival player led by Naomi Watts, has been acquired by Netflix in key territories.
The streamer will roll out the film in North America, the U.K., France and select countries in Asia on Jan. 27.
Oscar nominee Watts stars in the real-life survival story of Samantha Bloom, an active and vibrant Australian mom who is paralyzed from the chest down on holiday with her family. Her struggle to forge ahead is helped along by a wounded baby magpie her kids take in, named Penguin.
Glendyn Ivin directs from a script by Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps, based on the book by Bloom’s husband Cameron Bloom and Bradley Trevor Greive.
Andrew Lincoln, Jacki Weaver, Rachel House, Leeanna Walsman, Lisa Hensley, Griffin Murray-Johnston, Felix Cameron and Abe Clifford-Barr co-star.
Ivin directed the short film “Cracker Bag,” which was awarded the Palme d’Or at Cannes,...
The streamer will roll out the film in North America, the U.K., France and select countries in Asia on Jan. 27.
Oscar nominee Watts stars in the real-life survival story of Samantha Bloom, an active and vibrant Australian mom who is paralyzed from the chest down on holiday with her family. Her struggle to forge ahead is helped along by a wounded baby magpie her kids take in, named Penguin.
Glendyn Ivin directs from a script by Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps, based on the book by Bloom’s husband Cameron Bloom and Bradley Trevor Greive.
Andrew Lincoln, Jacki Weaver, Rachel House, Leeanna Walsman, Lisa Hensley, Griffin Murray-Johnston, Felix Cameron and Abe Clifford-Barr co-star.
Ivin directed the short film “Cracker Bag,” which was awarded the Palme d’Or at Cannes,...
- 11/30/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix’s animated comedy film Back To The Outback will feature a voice cast of Isla Fisher, Tim Minchin, Eric Bana, Guy Pearce, Miranda Tapsell, Angus Imrie, Rachel House, Keith Urban, Celeste Barber, Wayne Knight, Aislinn Derbez, Diesel Cash La Torraca, Lachlan Ross Power, and Oscar-nominee Jacki Weaver.
The film is due to launch in fall 2021. The comedy adventure marks the directorial debuts of filmmakers Clare Knight (editor on The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part and the Kung Fu Panda trilogy) and Harry Cripps. Script comes from Cripps (Penguin Bloom).
In the movie, tired of being locked in a reptile house where humans gawk at them like they’re monsters, a ragtag group of Australia’s deadliest creatures plot a daring escape from their zoo to the Outback, a place where they’ll fit in without being judged for their scales and fangs.
Leading the group is Maddie (Isla...
The film is due to launch in fall 2021. The comedy adventure marks the directorial debuts of filmmakers Clare Knight (editor on The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part and the Kung Fu Panda trilogy) and Harry Cripps. Script comes from Cripps (Penguin Bloom).
In the movie, tired of being locked in a reptile house where humans gawk at them like they’re monsters, a ragtag group of Australia’s deadliest creatures plot a daring escape from their zoo to the Outback, a place where they’ll fit in without being judged for their scales and fangs.
Leading the group is Maddie (Isla...
- 11/30/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Eric Bana, Isla Fisher, Guy Pearce, Jacki Weaver, Tim Minchin and Keith Urban have joined the voice cast of Netflix’s animated comedy adventure “‘Back to the Outback,” which will make is global debut in the fall of 2021.
The voice cast will also include Miranda Tapsell, Angus Imrie, Rachel House, Keith Urban, Celeste Barber, Wayne Knight, Aislinn Derbez, Diesel Cash La Torraca and Lachlan Ross Power. Clare Knight (editor of “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part” and the Kung Fu Panda trilogy) and Harry Cripps are the co-directors. Daniela Mazzucato produces and Weed Road Pictures’ Akiva Goldsman and Greg Lessans, who developed the story with Cripps, executive produce.
Cripps scripted the story, set in a reptile house where humans gawk at Australia’s deadliest creatures, who plot a daring escape from their zoo to the Outback. Leading the group is Maddie (Fisher), a poisonous snake with a heart of gold,...
The voice cast will also include Miranda Tapsell, Angus Imrie, Rachel House, Keith Urban, Celeste Barber, Wayne Knight, Aislinn Derbez, Diesel Cash La Torraca and Lachlan Ross Power. Clare Knight (editor of “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part” and the Kung Fu Panda trilogy) and Harry Cripps are the co-directors. Daniela Mazzucato produces and Weed Road Pictures’ Akiva Goldsman and Greg Lessans, who developed the story with Cripps, executive produce.
Cripps scripted the story, set in a reptile house where humans gawk at Australia’s deadliest creatures, who plot a daring escape from their zoo to the Outback. Leading the group is Maddie (Fisher), a poisonous snake with a heart of gold,...
- 11/30/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Eric Bana in ‘The Dry.’
Roadshow will launch Robert Connolly’s The Dry on January 1 and Glendyn Ivin’s Penguin Bloom on January 21, raising exhibitors’ hopes of a strong start to the year on the proviso that a raft of Hollywood titles are not postponed.
Seeing gaps in the market, Roadshow moved up Connolly’s crime thriller adapted from the Jane Harper novel, starring Eric Bana, Genevieve O’Reilly, Keir O’Donnell and John Polson, from April.
The distributor shifted Ivin’s drama starring Naomi Watts, Andrew Lincoln and Jacki Weaver, adapted from Bradley Trevor Greive and Cameron Bloom’s novel, which had been scheduled for New Year’s Day, to the Australia Day long weekend.
“The Dry is a great addition for Roadshow,” says Wallis Cinema’s Bob Parr, adding that it would be a disaster for cinemas if more Hollywood tentpoles such as Warner Bros’ Wonder Woman 1984 and Universal’s...
Roadshow will launch Robert Connolly’s The Dry on January 1 and Glendyn Ivin’s Penguin Bloom on January 21, raising exhibitors’ hopes of a strong start to the year on the proviso that a raft of Hollywood titles are not postponed.
Seeing gaps in the market, Roadshow moved up Connolly’s crime thriller adapted from the Jane Harper novel, starring Eric Bana, Genevieve O’Reilly, Keir O’Donnell and John Polson, from April.
The distributor shifted Ivin’s drama starring Naomi Watts, Andrew Lincoln and Jacki Weaver, adapted from Bradley Trevor Greive and Cameron Bloom’s novel, which had been scheduled for New Year’s Day, to the Australia Day long weekend.
“The Dry is a great addition for Roadshow,” says Wallis Cinema’s Bob Parr, adding that it would be a disaster for cinemas if more Hollywood tentpoles such as Warner Bros’ Wonder Woman 1984 and Universal’s...
- 10/25/2020
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Monica Zanetti’s screenplay of Ellie & Abbie (& Ellie’s Dead Aunt), Ben Lawrence and Beatrix Christian’s Hearts and Bones and Ally Burnham’s Unsound have been nominated for best original feature in the 53rd annual Awgie Awards.
The contenders for the feature film adaptation prize are Thomas M. Wright and Erik Jensen’s Acute Misfortune, Lisa Hoppe’s H is for Happiness, Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps’ Penguin Bloom and C.S. McMullen’s The Other Lamb.
The TV series prize promises to be a close race between episodes of Glen Dolman’s Bloom, Michael Petroni’s Messiah for Netflix, Belinda Chayko’s Stateless, Samantha Strauss’ The End and Pip Karmel’s Total Control.
Timothy Hobart, John Ridley, Jeremy Nguyen, Alan Nguyen and Michele Lee’s Hungry Ghosts will square off against Matthew Cormack and Niki Aken’s The Hunting for best miniseries.
In the TV serial category it must...
The contenders for the feature film adaptation prize are Thomas M. Wright and Erik Jensen’s Acute Misfortune, Lisa Hoppe’s H is for Happiness, Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps’ Penguin Bloom and C.S. McMullen’s The Other Lamb.
The TV series prize promises to be a close race between episodes of Glen Dolman’s Bloom, Michael Petroni’s Messiah for Netflix, Belinda Chayko’s Stateless, Samantha Strauss’ The End and Pip Karmel’s Total Control.
Timothy Hobart, John Ridley, Jeremy Nguyen, Alan Nguyen and Michele Lee’s Hungry Ghosts will square off against Matthew Cormack and Niki Aken’s The Hunting for best miniseries.
In the TV serial category it must...
- 9/25/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Naomi Watts with Sam Bloom.
Glendyn Ivin’s true-life drama Penguin Bloom has been hailed as a feel-good crowd-pleaser infused with unexpected pathos after its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The critics praised Naomi Watts’ performance as Sam Bloom, a young Sydney woman who broke her back after a railing snapped and fell head-first six metres onto a concrete floor while holidaying with her family in Thailand in 2013.
After being diagnosed as a paraplegic, she slipped into depression and hopelessness until her son Noah found a frail, injured magpie chick. By caring for the little bird, which the family named Penguin for her black and white plumage, she regained her strength and confidence.
There were mixed reviews for Andrew Lincoln as Sam’s husband Cameron Bloom, but most enjoyed Jacki Weaver’s turn as her mother Jan.
The Guardian’s Benjamin Lee hailed the adaptation of Bradley Trevor Greive...
Glendyn Ivin’s true-life drama Penguin Bloom has been hailed as a feel-good crowd-pleaser infused with unexpected pathos after its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The critics praised Naomi Watts’ performance as Sam Bloom, a young Sydney woman who broke her back after a railing snapped and fell head-first six metres onto a concrete floor while holidaying with her family in Thailand in 2013.
After being diagnosed as a paraplegic, she slipped into depression and hopelessness until her son Noah found a frail, injured magpie chick. By caring for the little bird, which the family named Penguin for her black and white plumage, she regained her strength and confidence.
There were mixed reviews for Andrew Lincoln as Sam’s husband Cameron Bloom, but most enjoyed Jacki Weaver’s turn as her mother Jan.
The Guardian’s Benjamin Lee hailed the adaptation of Bradley Trevor Greive...
- 9/13/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Naomi Watts in ‘Penguin Bloom’ (Photo credit: Hugh Stewart.)
Glendyn Ivin’s Penguin Bloom, the adaptation of Bradley Trevor Greive and Cameron Bloom’s novel starring Naomi Watts, The Walking Dead’s Andrew Lincoln and Jacki Weaver, will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The drama produced by Emma Cooper, Watts and Made Up Stories’ Bruna Papandrea, Jodi Matterson and Steve Hutensky is among 50 features in the line-up.
The festival’s 45th edition will run from September 10–19, a combination of physical, socially-distanced screenings, drive-ins, digital screenings, virtual red carpets, press conferences and industry talks.
Penguin Bloom’s selection is another welcome boost for Australian cinema after the news that Roderick MacKay’s The Furnace will have its world premiere in the Horizons section of the Venice International Film Festival.
Scripted by Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps, the film follows Watts as Sam Bloom, a young Sydney...
Glendyn Ivin’s Penguin Bloom, the adaptation of Bradley Trevor Greive and Cameron Bloom’s novel starring Naomi Watts, The Walking Dead’s Andrew Lincoln and Jacki Weaver, will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The drama produced by Emma Cooper, Watts and Made Up Stories’ Bruna Papandrea, Jodi Matterson and Steve Hutensky is among 50 features in the line-up.
The festival’s 45th edition will run from September 10–19, a combination of physical, socially-distanced screenings, drive-ins, digital screenings, virtual red carpets, press conferences and industry talks.
Penguin Bloom’s selection is another welcome boost for Australian cinema after the news that Roderick MacKay’s The Furnace will have its world premiere in the Horizons section of the Venice International Film Festival.
Scripted by Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps, the film follows Watts as Sam Bloom, a young Sydney...
- 7/30/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Crazy Rich Asians star Henry Golding will be the lead voiceover in Paramount Animation’s The Tiger’s Apprentice based on Lawrence Yep’s 2003 bestselling novel.
The feature, currently schedule for a Feb. 11, 2022 release date, will rep the directorial debut of Pixar animator Carlos Baena.
Pic, adapted by David Magee, Harry Cripps, Kyle Jarrow follows Tom, a teenage Chinese American boy, who learns that he is the Guardian of the Chinese Zodiac. Golding will voice Mr. Hu, a talking tiger who takes Tom under his wing and protection. Jane Starz and Sandra Rabins are producing. Raman Hui and Kane Lee are EPs.
The feature, currently schedule for a Feb. 11, 2022 release date, will rep the directorial debut of Pixar animator Carlos Baena.
Pic, adapted by David Magee, Harry Cripps, Kyle Jarrow follows Tom, a teenage Chinese American boy, who learns that he is the Guardian of the Chinese Zodiac. Golding will voice Mr. Hu, a talking tiger who takes Tom under his wing and protection. Jane Starz and Sandra Rabins are producing. Raman Hui and Kane Lee are EPs.
- 7/16/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Samantha Strauss on the set of ‘The End.’
Two days ago Samantha Strauss spent much of the day under the doona, literally crying about the state of the world.
Yesterday Strauss, one of the country’s most successful screenwriters, was back at her computer, working on multiple projects in development for Made Up Stories and Nicole Kidman’s Blossom Films, Joanna Werner and See-Saw Films, including a second season of The End.
“I’m incredibly lucky but it is such a time of unparalleled shitness. I still have some scripts to deliver so that will tide me over for a while.” she tells If.
“It does feel like there’s a responsibility for us content makers to work our arses off right now and have a whole lot of local content ready to be made, just as soon as this hell is over.”
Meanwhile writer Shaun Grant is at home in Los Angeles,...
Two days ago Samantha Strauss spent much of the day under the doona, literally crying about the state of the world.
Yesterday Strauss, one of the country’s most successful screenwriters, was back at her computer, working on multiple projects in development for Made Up Stories and Nicole Kidman’s Blossom Films, Joanna Werner and See-Saw Films, including a second season of The End.
“I’m incredibly lucky but it is such a time of unparalleled shitness. I still have some scripts to deliver so that will tide me over for a while.” she tells If.
“It does feel like there’s a responsibility for us content makers to work our arses off right now and have a whole lot of local content ready to be made, just as soon as this hell is over.”
Meanwhile writer Shaun Grant is at home in Los Angeles,...
- 3/25/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Glendyn Ivin (Photo credit: Stephen MaCallum).
While Glendyn Ivin was directing a Tvc in Melbourne over four days last week he felt the mood shift among the crew as the coronavirus deepened.
“I could feel the energy drop and the doubt set in. Jobs were being cancelled and schedules emptying by the minute,” the director of The Cry, Safe Harbour and Gallipoli tells If.
“Perhaps like most people working in the film and television industry as I come towards the end of a production I always start to wonder if it will be my last. Maybe my luck is up and my phone will never ring again.
“I doubt any of us have found ourselves in this industry with job security as a priority. We live from job to job and it’s overall a wonderful thing.
“But this feels different. This is a random, enforced time of doubt and...
While Glendyn Ivin was directing a Tvc in Melbourne over four days last week he felt the mood shift among the crew as the coronavirus deepened.
“I could feel the energy drop and the doubt set in. Jobs were being cancelled and schedules emptying by the minute,” the director of The Cry, Safe Harbour and Gallipoli tells If.
“Perhaps like most people working in the film and television industry as I come towards the end of a production I always start to wonder if it will be my last. Maybe my luck is up and my phone will never ring again.
“I doubt any of us have found ourselves in this industry with job security as a priority. We live from job to job and it’s overall a wonderful thing.
“But this feels different. This is a random, enforced time of doubt and...
- 3/23/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Endeavor Content has launched sales on the family drama at Efm.
Screen has obtained a first-look image of Naomi Watts in the upcoming Penguin Bloom as Endeavor Content launches sales on the family drama at Efm.
Andrew Lincoln and Jacki Weaver also star in the Sydney-set true story about a family that rediscovers hope when it adopts an injured magpie chick after a near-fatal accident leaves a mother of three (Watts) paralysed from the waist down.
Watts is producing alongside Emma Cooper and Bruna Papandrea, Jodi Matterson, and Steve Hutensky. Endeavor Content co-finances.
Glendyn Ivin directs Penguin Bloom from an...
Screen has obtained a first-look image of Naomi Watts in the upcoming Penguin Bloom as Endeavor Content launches sales on the family drama at Efm.
Andrew Lincoln and Jacki Weaver also star in the Sydney-set true story about a family that rediscovers hope when it adopts an injured magpie chick after a near-fatal accident leaves a mother of three (Watts) paralysed from the waist down.
Watts is producing alongside Emma Cooper and Bruna Papandrea, Jodi Matterson, and Steve Hutensky. Endeavor Content co-finances.
Glendyn Ivin directs Penguin Bloom from an...
- 2/22/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
In today’s film news roundup, Jacki Weaver gets cast, Mekhi Phifer’s “Obsession” gets acquired and MiLa Media launches an open script submission system.
Castings
Two-time Academy Award nominee Jacki Weaver will join Naomi Watts and Andrew Lincoln in the family drama “Penguin Bloom.”
Weaver will portray the mother of Watts’ character in the drama, which follows a young family on Sydney’s northern beaches who must come to terms with a near-fatal accident that leaves their mother paralyzed. As they learn to adjust to her new situation, an unlikely ally enters their lives in the form of an injured Magpie chick, dubbed “Penguin” by the family.
“Penguin Bloom” is adapted from the bestseller by Bradley Trevor Greive and Cameron Bloom. The film is directed by Glendyn Ivin from a script by Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps. “Thor: Ragnarok” star Rachel House is also joining the cast as a...
Castings
Two-time Academy Award nominee Jacki Weaver will join Naomi Watts and Andrew Lincoln in the family drama “Penguin Bloom.”
Weaver will portray the mother of Watts’ character in the drama, which follows a young family on Sydney’s northern beaches who must come to terms with a near-fatal accident that leaves their mother paralyzed. As they learn to adjust to her new situation, an unlikely ally enters their lives in the form of an injured Magpie chick, dubbed “Penguin” by the family.
“Penguin Bloom” is adapted from the bestseller by Bradley Trevor Greive and Cameron Bloom. The film is directed by Glendyn Ivin from a script by Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps. “Thor: Ragnarok” star Rachel House is also joining the cast as a...
- 8/1/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Jacki Weaver.
Jacki Weaver is starring alongside Naomi Watts and The Walking Dead’s Andrew Lincoln in Penguin Bloom, the adaptation of Bradley Trevor Greive and Cameron Bloom’s novel directed by Glendyn Ivin.
Lincoln plays Cameron Bloom, the husband of Watt’s Sam Bloom in the drama based on the true story of a young Sydney family who struggle to come to terms with a near-fatal accident that left their mother paralyzed.
An unlikely ally enters their lives in the form of an injured Magpie chick, which the family dubbed ‘Penguin’ due to her black and white plumage.
Weaver portrays Jan, Sam’s mother. Newcomers Griffin Murray-Johnston, Felix Cameron and Abe Clifford-Barr, who were discovered in a nationwide search by casting directors Kirsty McGregor and Stevie Ray, play the Bloom’s children.
Rounding out the cast are Rachel House as Sam’s Kiwi kayak coach Gaye Hatfield, Leeanna Walsman...
Jacki Weaver is starring alongside Naomi Watts and The Walking Dead’s Andrew Lincoln in Penguin Bloom, the adaptation of Bradley Trevor Greive and Cameron Bloom’s novel directed by Glendyn Ivin.
Lincoln plays Cameron Bloom, the husband of Watt’s Sam Bloom in the drama based on the true story of a young Sydney family who struggle to come to terms with a near-fatal accident that left their mother paralyzed.
An unlikely ally enters their lives in the form of an injured Magpie chick, which the family dubbed ‘Penguin’ due to her black and white plumage.
Weaver portrays Jan, Sam’s mother. Newcomers Griffin Murray-Johnston, Felix Cameron and Abe Clifford-Barr, who were discovered in a nationwide search by casting directors Kirsty McGregor and Stevie Ray, play the Bloom’s children.
Rounding out the cast are Rachel House as Sam’s Kiwi kayak coach Gaye Hatfield, Leeanna Walsman...
- 7/31/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Jacki Weaver is set to star alongisde Naomi Watts and Andrew Lincoln in Penguin Bloom, the upcoming feature film based on the bestselling book. Shooting gets underway in August in Sydney on the pic, which is being directed by Glendyn Ivin from an adaptation scripted by Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps.
Set on Sydney’s northern beaches, Penguin Bloom follows Cameron (Lincoln) and Sam Bloom (Watts), who with their three boys were an everyday family until a shocking, near-fatal accident left Sam paralyzed from the chest down. As the family struggles to adjust to her new situation, an unlikely ally enters their lives in the form of an injured wild magpie chick the Bloom clan calls Penguin. The bird becomes a mascot for the family.
Weaver, a two-time Oscar nominee for Silver Linings Playbook and Animal Kingdom, will portray Jan, Sam’s mother. Rachel House also has joined the cast,...
Set on Sydney’s northern beaches, Penguin Bloom follows Cameron (Lincoln) and Sam Bloom (Watts), who with their three boys were an everyday family until a shocking, near-fatal accident left Sam paralyzed from the chest down. As the family struggles to adjust to her new situation, an unlikely ally enters their lives in the form of an injured wild magpie chick the Bloom clan calls Penguin. The bird becomes a mascot for the family.
Weaver, a two-time Oscar nominee for Silver Linings Playbook and Animal Kingdom, will portray Jan, Sam’s mother. Rachel House also has joined the cast,...
- 7/31/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
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