by FilmInk Staff
MOFA, in partnership with US-based Co Created Media, has commenced production on Jack Clark and Jim Weir’s thriller BLUEBOTTLE, now shooting in Coffs Harbour, NSW.
Following the breakout success of their debut feature Birdeater, which premiered at Sydney Film Festival before making its international debut at SXSW, Clark and Weir return with a tense coming-of-age thriller set over the final night of Schoolies.
Set in an isolated coastal town, the film follows three local teenage boys who pose as wealthy private-school students to impress three visiting girls. Their plan takes a dangerous turn when they encounter three older men competing for the same girls.
The ensemble cast features emerging talent Thomas Kerr, Vincent Miller, Harrison Mills, Emily Patterson, Bella Ness and Sienna Julian with Sean Keenan, Mackenzie Fearnley and Chris Alosio.
BLUEBOTTLE is produced by Rachel Forbes and Gal Greenspan of MOFA with Ryan Bartecki and Billy Hines of Co Created Media. Executive Producers Joel Edgerton, Llew Griffiths, Ari Harrison, Jane Hains, Stephanie Troost with Elan Gale, Matthew Welty and Molly Quinn for QWGmire.
Directors Jack Clark and Jim Weir [pictured] said, “BLUEBOTTLE is our attempt to burrow into the inherent danger of the coming-of-age experience. This is our first feature outside of the micro-budget range so we’re feeling comparatively well-resourced. It’s an awesome crew and an incredibly exciting ensemble cast. We can’t wait to get this movie in front of an audience.”
Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, “Unsettling and utterly kinetic, BLUEBOTTLE reinvents the coming‑of‑age story with a striking clarity. Guided by the razor-sharp vision of filmmakers Jack Clark and Jim Weir, this meticulously crafted ensemble work pulses with tension. This gripping tale will resonate with audiences here and across the globe, prompting an examination of youthful rites of passage, and perhaps, the complexities of our own formative experiences.”
Karla Lampe, Acting Executive Director for Screen NSW said, “Screen NSW is thrilled to support Jack Clark and Jim Weir on their next feature film, following on from their hugely successful debut Birdeater. BLUEBOTTLE is an ambitious project with a compelling story, promising to explore and interrogate timely themes. It’s great to see the project now in production in NSW, showcasing the beautiful locations we have in our regions, as well as creating exciting new opportunities for our NSW screen practitioners.”
Clark and Weir’s psychological thriller Birdeater, premiered at Sydney Film Festival winning the Audience Choice Award for Best Australian Feature. The film made its international premiere at SXSW in 2024 ahead of a national cinema release and went on to win the AACTA Award for Best Australian Independent Feature.
Production credit: Bluebottle is a MOFA production. Major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with Screen NSW. Financed with support from Co Created Media, MOFA, QWGmire, Fax Machine, Melbourne International Film Festival Premiere Fund and Blue Post Productions. Local distribution by Umbrella.
