by FilmInk Staff
Principal Photography is Set to Begin in Melbourne on Coming-of-Age Comedy Led by Disney Star Dakota Lotus and Social Media Sensations Jacob Sartorius and Benji Krol
Principal photography will begin Monday, September 22nd, on A Day for Losers, a bold coming-of-age comedy from internationally acclaimed Melbourne-based writer-director J G Clarke (Numbered Lives) and production companies Clarke Films and Cardinal Motion Pictures.
Produced by Clarke (Land of Bad, Numbered Lives) and David Lightfoot (Land of Bad, Numbered Lives), the film is being shot on location in Melbourne, Australia, with a multi-week schedule at Melbourne High School. The project delivers a fresh, unapologetic take on high school life, blending sharp wit and authentic dialogue. The key cast bring with them more than 80 million followers on their social media accounts, set to highlight the city of Melbourne and the independent Australian film industry.
Set within the rigid MacArthur Military Academy, the film follows a disillusioned cadet, Ryan (Lotus), who impulsively promises the girl of his dreams that he can throw the ultimate high school party. Ryan’s only hope to pull his plan off is to team up with the school’s most unlikely outsiders. The film explores themes of empowerment, identity, and the joy of embracing one’s differences.
THE CAST
• Jacob Sartorius stars as Mathew, a wide-eyed new student navigating the academy’s unforgiving social hierarchy. With over 40 million global followers, RIAA-certified gold records, and a recent film role alongside Academy Award winner Faye Dunaway, Sartorius brings a natural authenticity to the role, drawing from his own experiences with bullying and isolation. On casting Sarorius, J G Clarke says, “Jacob may have had a lot of success in music and in content creation, but he totally understands feeling isolated, feeling like he doesn’t fit in – and it bleeds out of his performance so naturally it’s astonishing to watch.”
• Benji Krol portrays Connor, the seemingly perfect football star who is secretly struggling with his identity and toxic friendships. With 41.4 million followers across platforms, and a career in luxury fashion. On casting Krol, J G Clarke says, “You can just tell there’s so much going on behind the glossy photographs – a depth that’s really unexpected. He’s an amazing young actor that is going to surprise everyone”. For his part, Krol says. “In many ways, taking on this role feels like making my younger self proud. Playing someone who’s secretly battling with themselves is challenging, but it’s a struggle I already have personal experience with.”
• Dakota Lotus rounds out the core trio as Ryan, the reluctant leader. Best known for his breakout role on Disney Channel’s Coop & Cami Ask the World, the 20-year-old actor, musician, and dancer embodies the film’s energetic spirit.
BEHIND THE SCENES
A Day for Losers is Clarke’s follow-up to his directorial debut, Numbered Lives, a psychological thriller starring Golden Globe winner Jeremy Piven. The film garnered 34 international festival awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. Clarke’s shift from thriller to comedy showcases his versatility while maintaining his focus on authentic, character-driven narratives.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Jacob Sartorius
Main Social Counts (38.5M)
TikTok 23.5M @jacobsartorius
YouTube 2.9M @jacobsartorius
Instagram 11M @jacobsartorius
Facebook 1.1M /jacobsartorius
Benji Krol
Main Social Counts (41.4M)
TikTok 34.8M @benjikrol
YouTube 4.3M @benjikrol
Instagram 2.3M @benjikrol
Dakota Lotus
Instagram 211K @dakotalotus
TikTok 389.5k @dakotalotus
PRODUCTION DETAILS & TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Synopsis: At MacArthur Military School, where social cliques reign supreme, disillusioned cadet Ryan has recklessly promised the girl of his dreams he will throw the party to end all parties, but his only hope to pull it together is to win over the most unpopular kids at school… one by one.
Year: 2026
Genre: Comedy
Language: English
Country: Australia
Content Warning: CTC
Director: J G Clarke
Screenwriter: J G Clarke
Producers: James Clarke, David Lightfoot
Cast: Jacob Sartorius, Benji Krol, Dakota Lotus
REPRESENTATION
Sartorius is repped by Michael Abrams of the Michael Abrams Group.
Krol is repped by Lost Labs
Lotus is repped by Michael Abrams of the Michael Abrams Group.
