THEBOOMERANG AUSTRALIANS IN FILM
Alice in Wonderland: Behind the scenes with Mia Four Aussie Oscar Nominees Member Profiles “Blessed” & “The Pacific” Pics
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From The President members to participate, along side Board members, in its operations. For example, Bill Admans and Sal Morgan sit on the Sponsorship Committee and Micheal Kelleher, Steve Newman and Alan Pilkington sit on Marketing. Danielle Cooper contributes to the HLS Committee. Stephen Jenner and Paul Hoegh-Guldberg help with this amazing newsletter. We are always interested in finding new committee volunteers, so if you think you have a suited skills set and can make a contribution, then please let us know. Dear Members and Friends, As you all know AIF is a not for profit organization, founded on membership and supported by sponsorship. With the exception of our Executive Director, all management and personnel running AIF are member volunteers. My address this month is devoted to those AIF members, who all graciously donate countless hours per month to ensure that this organization consistently delivers to you the quality programming that you so enjoy. The management structure of AIF consists of a Board of Directors of 8 people, who most of you have come to know. Under that umbrella is a structure comprised of committees relating to Governance, Programming, Sponsorship, Marketing, and the Heath Ledger Scholarship. Committee members meet once a month to conduct the work of each committee and all committees report to the Board. Within these committees there is an opportunity for AIF
I would also like to acknowledge our screening volunteers who always turn up with a smile and are so incredibly important to us - Greg Cook, Courtney Prince, Shorty Brown, Gary and Suzanne Iselt, Scott Sorrenson, Mark Baird, John Freeman, Arturo Vasquez, Melissa Bickerton and Jennifer Sorensen. With Oscars coming up in March we also want to pay tribute to those Australians that have been nominated this year - Janet Patterson for Costume Design for "Bright Star", Luke Doolan & Drew Bailey for Best Live Action Short Film, for "Miracle Fish" and Carolynne Cunningham (Producer) for Best Motion Picture for "District 9�. Good luck to them all on the big night! Warmest wishes, Paula Paizes President Australians in Film
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 Editors Susie Dobson Sophie Scarf editor@australiansinfilm.org Design Sophie Scarf Cover Alice in Wonderland Courtesy of Walt Disney Productions 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
AiF Events Calendar Date
Event
Features!
MAR 6th
Alice In Wonderland Screening
Stars Aussie actor Mia Wasikowska
Breakthrough and Heath Ledger Scholarship Awards
HLS & BTA Winners announced
MAY 13th
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News Australian Cinematographer Peter James is shooting YOGI BEAR in New Zealand. His last project was MAO’S LAST DANCER. Ben Lawson has been cast opposite Scrubs star Sarah Chalke in the ABC comedy pilot FRESHMEN to be executive produced by Arianna Huffington. David Lyons has been cast in the title role in the NBC pilot THE CAPE.
A&E is loading up on SUGARLOAF. The network has picked up the drama pilot starring Aussie actor Matthew Passmore with a 13-episode order from Fox TV Studios.
Ben Lawson
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired U.S. and Latin American rights to David Michod's debut Aussie feature ANIMAL KINGDOM, which world premiered at the Sundance Film Festival last month.
Qatari media group Alnoor Holdings has tapped Dune Entertainment chairman and chief exec Greg Coote, Aif Board Advisor, to its board as a non-exec director.
Sam Worthington has signed to star in THE FIELDS. The AVATAR star will play a Texas homicide detective who joins with a New York detective to investigate unsolved murders in the Texas bayous. Hugh Jackman is starring in REAL STEEL directed by Shawn Levy for Dreamworks. Joel Edgerton will star in THE THING, Universal's latest take on the shape-shifting alien who terrorizes a group of people in a remote facility.
Sullivan Stapelton has been cast in the lead in the CBS pilot THE ODDS with producer Joel Silver. Mia Wasikowska has been cast as the title character in JANE EYRE, directed by Cary Fukunaga. Callan McAuliffe plays lead Poppy Montgomery has been role in Quick Lamb as a young cast in the ABC pilot TRUE teen in CLOUDSTREET. BLUE. MARCH 2010
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Oscar Nominees And the Oscar® goes to…. Aussie Hopefuls on March 7th
Sydney based costume designer Janet Patterson is a veteran Oscar nominee. Bright Star marks her fourth nod for an Academy Award, having been previously singled out for her work on Oscar & Lucinda (1997), The Portrait of a Lady (1996) and The Piano (1993). In Bright Star she has vividly brought to life the Regency-era world of fashionista Fanny Brawn.
Gillian Armstrong’s Last Days Humble about the of Chez Nous in 1992. recognition, she said to AAP last month, "It's just really Janet’s primary collaboration nice to be acknowledged is with director Jane Campion amongst peers. After that it starting with the TV movie, doesn't matter." Two Friends in 1986. She is also the production designer of Bright Star.
Her stunning costume designs have led to numerous prestigious awards. She was nominated for a BAAFTA for Bright Star, an award she won in 2003 for The Piano and has been honored at the AFI Awards - winning twice; for Oscar & Lucinda & The Piano and was nominated for
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Oscar Nominees Todd Rhys-Roosevelt interviews two of the four Australian Oscar Nominees: Carolynne Cunningham and Drew Bailey. Ms. Cunningham, you went from production assistant, to production secretary, to production coordinator, to production manager, to first assistant director, to producer/ first assistant director (King Kong), to producer (Crossing the Line {short}), to producer on both The Lovely Bones and District 9. Was that you're plan all along, to obtain experience in the fields mentioned so that when the opportunity presented itself, you would have the option of what you wanted to excel in? “Not exactly. I just wanted to work in film, and I took every opportunity to learn as much as I could. Luckily for me, I have had some wonderful opportunities on offer, and it’s due to those that I am where I am… and A LOT of hard work,” she says. What attracted you to District 9? “The Director, Neill Blomkamp, was already in New Zealand working with us on a project that sadly did not happen. Peter and Fran wanted to do something with him when that happened, and he has his own project, which was to become District 9. It wasn’t really a matter of ‘attraction’, it was more a matter of the situation we found ourselves in, and then also liking what Neill had to offer.”
I follow Mr. Bailey’s eyes over his shoulder in the direction of Janet and Luke. I keep thinking; “Bring him in. Bring him in. They both need to know that I did my homework.” Again, I preface; Mr. Bailey, in telly, all of your experience has been as a assistant director; (Spellbinder: Land of the Dragon Lord). And in film, the majority of your work has been as a assistant director (save for Midnight Screening) another short that you produced in 2006. Both exchange a look- giving birth to a impressed, yet devilish grin... which forces me to smile. “Mr. Bailey, my question for you is in three parts”; 1 a) What in the material (Miracle Fish) attracted you to it?
Mason is an inspiration, Topher Dow (although strictly not an Australian) has always had a lot of time to help me out and answer my questions – even after he fired me. Other people that I have never actually met that have still always been nice to me on the phone, like Jane Scott and Carolynne Cunningham (although I hope to meet her at the Oscars). Finally, people I have worked really closely with like Carol Hughes and Stephen Jones.” Ms. Cunningham? – the same “C” question, please. “Peter Jackson.” she says without missing a beat. What attracts you to material? What makes you say; "I want to, and I AM going to produce this or that."
“I don’t make those decisions. I work for Peter Jackson. He “I thought the story was great. I decides what we do or don’t had known Luke for quite a few do,” she says confidently. years, and knew of his obsession for being the last person left Will you direct? “No,” she alive, so when he brought the replies. script to me, I knew it was something he would be My mum wanted me to ask you passionate about. I also knew this next question. that we could make it relatively cheaply. Most of the film is one What were some of the child in one location...” obstacles that you faced, do you feel that you faced them b) Do you have aspirations to because of your gender, what produce features, or will you strength did you call on to get remain in shorts? you through? “I don’t think any producer in their right mind would want to make shorts forever. It is not usually a viable business, and this film was no different. I would love to produce a feature film, and hopefully will get to make a few!”
“I have to say, I have been very fortunate to not really have had to deal with any obstacles. I have never experienced gender preference or had any bias shown for any reason,” she says.
c) Who is your influence as a producer? “I really admire a lot of Australian Producers. Andrew MARCH 2010
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Oscar Nominees cont’d... These last four questions are for you both. As Oprah would say; what was your "aha" moment when you decided to become a producer? “I didn’t decide. Peter asked me… lucky me,” says Carolynne. Mr. Bailey? “When I was a teenager I thought I wanted to be a pilot in the Air force. I joined the air cadets and realised it wasn’t for me. Then I wanted to be a stockbroker. I did work experience at a stock broking firm and hated it. I then realised that I had watched Top Gun and Wall street too many times, and what I really wanted to do was inspire and motivate people like those films had made me. I changed high schools to go to a performing arts school and spent every moment since trying to work on bigger and better things in the industry.” What will an Oscar win enable you to do that you haven't done? Hopefully produce a feature, says Mr. Bailey. It will probably not make any difference at all, says Cunningham. What was more exciting, you're first official job as a producer, or your Oscar nomination? “Oscar Nomination,” says Bailey. Ms. Cunningham? “They are both exciting for entirely different reasons. When Peter & Fran first asked me to produce for them, I was flattered and excited, as it meant more involvement &
responsibility for everything we trying. It can take a long time do here. That was exactly what to be a success in the film I was looking for. industry!” The Oscar nomination is a completely different thrill. It is a recognition and appreciation from your peers, which for me is something that is humbling and most unexpected. I just want to do good work, and enjoy what we do while we are doing that work - in all honesty, I’m just very happy with that. The Oscar nomination is exciting nonetheless & very glamorous. This kind of thing will probably only happen once in my lifetime. Mr. Bailey, any advice for fledgling film producers? “Aim really high, and just get out there and do it. Keep
Ms. Cunningham, same question? “Mm. I don’t like to give advice, because everyone does everything differently and most people have to get where they are going in their own way. But, I will say; hard work, being versatile, being able to listen, trusting your own decisions, and believing in yourself are incredibly important. I also believe in working collaboratively. If you can’t do that, I think you’re in trouble. Of course, I could suppose that it might depend who you are working with. Nothing is ever set in stone,” she says.
The Australian Oscar®-Nominated Short Film
screening this week: MIRACLE FISH Director/Writer: Luke Doolan Producer: Drew Bailey Cast: Karl Beattie, Brendan Donoghue Official website: http://www.shortshd.com/theoscarshorts/ MARCH 2010
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Cover Story
MIA WASIKOWSKA By Jenny Cooney Carrillo
What did you know about the character of Alice?
I read the books as a young Canberra resident Mia girl but I also mostly knew Wasikowska got her first big her from the Czech film Alice break in Hollywood in 2008 (1988) by Jan Svankmajer. It with her critically acclaimed was a wonderful stop motion role as Sophie in the HBO movie and my mom used to Golden Globe-nominated show me and my siblings that drama series In Treatment, film when we were kids and prompting Australians in Film it was incredibly intriguing to honor her with our and disturbing. But then I Breakthrough Award. Now the also read the books again 20-year-old actress has lived before we started filming and up to that promise starring in I saw a whole different side the title role in the Tim as an adult. Burton movie Alice in Wonderland, also starring How tough was it to get the Johnny Depp as the Mad role? Hatter, as well as three other films to be released in the It was a long process and I next year. never actually expected to get the role because I am not the person who usually gets these kinds of roles! So I was
really excited just to audition for it because it was completely out of the world that I come from to do a big film like this. What did you learn from working with Tim Burton and Johnny Depp? I learned how they completely take ownership over what they do and especially with Johnny, how he completely gets into character and makes very brave decisions and is very unapologetic about them. I think that’s an important thing to remember, that the most interesting actors are the ones who take risks and do something that could potentially fail but they’re doing something new and exciting, so that’s what I took away from it. MARCH 2010
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Cover Story What was the most surreal moment you had on the film?
Can you tell us about your next three films?
And I’m excited to start work next month on Jane Eyre, which is very much a period The Kids Are All Right is an piece and faithful to the It definitely wasn’t normal! independent film that I did (Charlotte Bronte) book but I Probably the first day I about a family that everyone think Cary Fukunaga (director walked on to the set and Tim can relate to. Then I did a of the critically acclaimed Sin Burton was there and Johnny Gus Van Sant film, Restless, Nombre) is such a wonderful Depp was there and just to which handles adolescence in choice as director, I know see these people whose work a very intelligent way he’ll bring some exciting and I really admired was very because Gus gives young new energy to it. surreal. I feel like Johnny was people a lot of credit for very much disguised for me being complex beings, so it Australians in Film Screening because he was just the Mad was exciting to be part of a Hatter when we were project that felt very true for of Alice in Wonderland is on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at together and it was always young people and also Disney Studio Theatre. more of a shock when I saw working with Gus Van Sant. him out of his costume because I’d sometimes forget who was behind it all!
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Member Profile due to his wonderfully wicked sense of humour he subsequently taught me to laugh while struggling with the adversity and conflict which always occur on productions. Tony remains a trusted and beloved friend.
Karen Borger Where were you born and raised? My childhood was a pretty classic Aussie one spent surviving sunstroke and bluebottle stings on the beaches, fighting off leeches, mosquitoes, jellyfish and snakes in the rivers and various camping spots on the East coast of Australia. This rural idyll was rudely interrupted by my Dad’s death when I was eight. Mum wisely helped us escape the horror of communal civic sympathy by taking my sister Kate and I on a six-month journey around the world via the Australian Woman’s Weekly World Discovery Tour on the P&O ship, Himalaya. The world opened and the travel bug bit harder than any mozzie. The rest of my childhood and teen years in Port Macquarie were inexplicably shaded by the knowledge that foreign wonders and intriguing people lay beyond the bucolic Hasting Valley.
Diversity Visa lottery - and won! On the day of my ‘green card’ lottery visa interview a young American consulate staffer queried why I wanted to come to the US. My reply was simply that “I’m a filmmaker and the US is Mecca“. Non, je ne regrette rien. Who has been instrumental in your life?
As I developed my craft in the Australian TV commercial industry I was lucky enough to work with amazing plethora of Antipodean talents; from our excellent casting agents, brilliant actors, and DPs such as Andrew Lesnie, Geoffrey Simpson, Anna Howard and Steve Windon, as well as ADs such as Emma Schofield, Keith Heygate, Nikki Long and the recently departed Mark Turnbull all who indelibly shaped my work style. I do miss the laconic humour of these beloved compadres. In the Walt Disney Company Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Disney Online, Paul Yanover (a Canadian by birth) became an inspirational guide through the my early days in the US corporate world with his intelligent, wry and witty take on all things Disney.
I completely blame my parents What advice would you give for the wanderlust and love of reading that dogs my life. Never someone who wants to follow in your footsteps? will I be happy to stay ‘put’ or Prior to relocating to America ever stop telling stories. I’d lived and worked in Sydney, When you move to the US Melbourne and in South East expect the first six months to be In Art College, whilst happily Asia – achieving a comfortable frustrating and challenging, but pursuing the life of a (moot) point in my career. do persist. Don’t go home photographer a young, Success with short films, because it gets hard, or you charismatic and incredibly tall documentaries and fifteen years feature director came to give a miss your family and friends. directing a plethora of high-end talk and inextricably altered my They will still be there when TVCs had been challenging and career goals forever. From that you return for a visit and fun, but I’d finally embarked on day forward filmmaking became Facebook will get you through. writing feature scripts –with an my raison d'être. So I happily eye to direct. Luckily the AFC Know this - American culture is blame Phil Noyce. and NSW FTO supported this actually an alternative universe ambition through their – it’s like ‘Vanilla Sky’, - just as Throughout my years at AFTRS wonderful development funding confusing sometimes too. The (Australian Film Television and schemes, such as Aurora. Still I locals may speak the same Radio School) the brilliant and knew I wanted a bigger playing prolific Australian Producer Tony language but don’t think their field and thus submitted my one values and expectations are Buckley acted as mentor and, and only entry into the US What made you come to Los Angeles?
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Member Profile cont’d... identical. For one, they don’t cut-down ‘tall poppies’. So develop a sense of honest enthusiasm and energy. I promise they won’t think you’re conceited. However they may perceive you as lacklustre, and perhaps bereft of talent if you are unable to openly express a confident belief in yourself. Americans innately expect you to be proud of your life’s achievements and potential. Shake off the Aussie reserve during meetings and just go for it. On entering the corporate US film companies such as Disney be willing to take one step back in order to ultimately advance. Be dogged in your pursuit of opportunities as inspired persistence is admired and rewarded.
the next generation is very Who has been pivotal in satisfying: http:// helping you achieve your shareyourvoicefoundation.webs. career goals? com/ The encouragement given to me Finally, it’s essential to be in by the excellent professors at touch with other Aussie expats, USC: Dr. Marsha Kinder, Dr. if only so you don’t lose your Richard Jewell, Dr. Drew Casper. sense of humour. Organizations such as Australians in Film, Australians in LA, the American Australian Association and Advance provide a much-needed breather from the relentless pace of the LA lifestyle, while concurrently celebrating the talent from our homeland.
Susan Barber Where do you call home?
Born in Niagara Falls, New York If you’re in my game - write and but now live in Los Angeles. direct those clips, commercials What brought you to Los and films by any means Angeles? possible. Try to find a good producing partner – they’re I was accepted into the School critical to career success for a writer/director. I know because of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California I’m still looking for one in in the early 80s. America on my independent projects. How have you achieved your I would also encourage engaging dream career?
If you could teach someone one skill you possess, what would it be? I would want to teach this person a passion for learning and a desire to watch and enjoy all kinds of films. I try to set a good example for my students and colleagues through my enthusiasm for viewing films.
I also want to add that I have been an avid fan of Australian in some type of community/ film since the early 70s when volunteer work – altruism is food My goal was always to be a Walkabout and Wake in Fright university professor teaching for the soul. It’s cathartic to were released. I was dazzled by film history. I loved viewing step away from your personal both films, and wanted to learn hopes and fears for a moment to films as well as reading about more about the country and the film history and technology. I help others and thus put culture. This time frame wanted to share my knowledge marked the beginning of the everything in perspective. with students. I received my Australian Film Revival, so I was Ph.D. from USC in the late 80s, thrilled when films such as In my first year in the US I established the Share Your Voice and was subsequently offered a Picnic at Hanging Rock, My full time teaching position in Foundation with my American Brilliant Career, Gallipoli and the School of Film and Television The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith business partner, performer at Loyola Marymount University. were released. I have taught Jennifer Julian. We provide I have always worked hard, performance workshops for atcourses in Australian Cinema networked and been a good risk teens in California and many times and just finished Montana. Knowing we’re helping listener. I also keep up on all writing a book on the current film releases. Australian Film Revival.
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Blessed Screening & Q&A
Clockwise: Frances O’Connor, Nic Bishop & Rove McManus, Rob Marsala & Frances, Fran & Tasma Walton. MARCH 2010
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The Pacific Screening & Q&A
Tony To, Bruce C. McKenna, Jenny Cooney, Jeremy Podeswa, Gary Sweet & Stephen Windon
Clockwise: Gary Sweet, Tracey Vieira & Claire van der Boom; Gary Sweet & Stephen Windon; Gary Sweet, Jeremy Podeswa, Tony To, Paloma Felisberto & David Bilson. Special thanks to: Mara Mikialian at HBO, Film Victoria and Iloura.
MARCH 2010
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