By Travis Johnson
The quirky Australian high school comedy EMO the Musical shows no signs of slowing down, with news just breaking that writer/director Neil Triffett’s labour of love has been acquired by Netflix Global.
The digital giant has secured exclusive SVOD rights for the world (excluding Australia/NZ) with the film debuting on 1 February 2018.
“I couldn’t be happier about launching on Netflix,” Triffett enthused. “Netflix is the perfect platform for EMO the Musical, which I’ve always hoped would appeal to a wider audience. Particularly because it is a global release, I’m excited to reach our followers around the world, from Berlin to Brazil, who might not be able to access the film as easily otherwise.
“The film and its themes about identity and difference are most relevant to young people, but they’re not necessarily the kind of audience who watch films at the cinema these days, so Netflix will allow them to access it more easily. We’re also hoping that older audiences who get the film’s offbeat humour, will be able to stumble upon the film along the way. I feel our film and Netflix’s already awesome collection will compliment each other well.”
Producer Lee Matthews added, “SVOD is now the go-to digital platform when choosing a film to watch at home, especially for young audiences. Having EMO the Musical available globally on Netflix, and importantly embedded within their algorithms so that it’s suggested to fans of shows like Stranger Things, Riverdale and the upcoming series Everything Sucks! will ensure that the film is seen by many more people than we were ever able to market to.”
Starring Benson Jack Anthony (800 Words), Jordan Hare (The Secret Daughter), Rahart Adams (Nowhere Boys, Foursome, Pacific Rim Uprisng), Jon Prasida (Tomorrow, When The War Began), and Lucy Barrett (Neighbours), the film charts the relationship between an angsty teenager and an optimistic Christian girl.
Australian broadcast and SVOD rights are still being negotiated, but expect an announcement sooner rather than later.
