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Pawn In The Game
Melbournian David Brand (pictured centre) has made the thriller The Pawn, and now wants people to see it.
Inspired by iconic directors such as Jean-Pierre Melville, Alfred Hitchcock and David Lynch, and a general passion for cinema, Melbourne filmmaker David Brand has gone out on his own and written and directed the two years in the making indie feature film thriller The Pawn.
"Overall I love darker films and complex character studies in which people are thrust into dire predicaments," says Brand.
The Pawn is littered with thematic elements of film-noir, especially its classic anti-hero protagonist.
Alex Worland (Dennis Manahan) is a workaholic who has been neglecting his wife, and is shocked to discover from a private investigator that she is having an affair. When Alex suddenly loses his job, his life is turned upside down and the audience is asked to decide whether he is a killer or a victim as we follow his fall from grace.
The Pawn's cast and crew consisted of a lot of fresh faces, including Manahan (Noise, Neighbours), Marnie Gibson (Satisfaction), Tim Ferris (Underbelly) and industry vet Reg Gorman.
"I am hoping like hell that we have created something that will cut through the clutter and connect with people," says Brand, who is now busy sending the film to underground film festivals.
With a background in marketing and advertising, Brand has always been a film buff. "I recall devouring a book on how Indiana Jones And The Temple of Doom was made and wanting to be part of the process."
Brand sent examples of his work to James Dixon, one of the writers of The Man From Snowy River, who saw his potential and offered him guidance and support.
As for The Pawn, Brand is over the moon. Despite being an ‘ultra low budget' film, as he coins it, Brand is amazed at the quality created with high definition digital cameras, a lens adapter, good talent and crew.
However, Brand's future as a filmmaker is in the hands of the public, and he really won't know if he has succeeded until The Pawn has played in front of an audience. "That, to me, is the true test," he finishes.
For more information on The Pawn, head to the website.