by FilmInk Staff
Local actor-turned-filmmaker LUKE STYLES (Swift Street, Counter Play) is laying it all on the line. Over the last six months, he’s been slogging away filming his first independent feature film, THUNDER. And now as the final climax scene looms, he needs your help.
@thunderproductions44 After an overwhelming response to our social media story, we’re thrilled to share with you the latest little teaser for THUNDER We’re nearing the finish line, with just one major scene left to capture, and what a journey it’s been. A path of learning, building unbreakable relationships, and even reaching the ears of an international artist who believes in our story. Australia… the rumbling of THUNDER is here. From our incredible cast and crew to the sponsors and supporters who’ve stood by us, thank you. You’ve helped us turn a dream into something truly powerful. Stay tuned, because the biggest punch is yet to come. Copyright Disclaimer The song “Solsbury Hill” is written and performed by Peter Gabriel. Licensed for use in the independent feature film THUNDER with full permission. © Peter Gabriel / Real World Music Ltd. – All rights reserved. #movie #featurefilm #aussiefilm @Ashley_Sawko @Lukegstyles #australiancinema ♬ original sound – thunderproductions44
A former amateur boxing champion himself, Styles has written THUNDER, a powerful and redemptive feature film, drawn from his own experiences, both in and out of the boxing ring. The final chapter, an electrifying boxing climax, will be filmed in Melbourne in 19 – 26 October and Styles and his team are calling for two kinds of champions: passionate crowd members to fill the stands as extras for the final fight showdown, and financial backers and sponsors who can help get the film across the finish line.
THUNDER follows MIKEY THUNDER, a once-feared heavyweight champ who’s fallen hard – into addiction, debt, and estrangement from his young daughter. With one last chance to put it all on the line, he must fight not just for the title, but for redemption.
The project has already attracted incredible momentum. “I reached out for permission to use one of PETER GABRIEL’s iconic songs in a pivotal scene, and after watching our teaser and reading the script, they said YES!” says Styles.
This grassroots, largely self-funded project has also drawn support from renowned actor/director SCOTT MAJOR who plays one of the key roles; acclaimed acting coach and actor ANDY McPhee, as well as boxing champions KRIS TERZIEVSKI and STEPHANIE LEE CUTTING.
KIM KREJUS, Director of the 16th STREET ACTOR’S STUDIO introduced a short film proof-of-concept screening of THUNDER at a Cinema Nova event last year, saying “Luke is one of the most committed actors” she’s worked with, and believes “this has the potential to be a truly powerful and important film”.
Team THUNDER is further supported by co-producers ASHLEY SAWKO and ISABEL DILENA; DOP, TOM CONYERS and a dedicated crew who have been showing up weekend after weekend to capture every frame. Now, only one key sequence remains: the championship bout where MIKEY THUNDER (played by Styles) faces off against his greatest rival, in a scene that some might say is reminiscent of ‘Rocky’ in its raw intensity.
So, if you’re open to fun day filling a seat, cheering on a boxing match, enjoying some free food and being a part of cinema history – then please fill in the company’s EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM and help make some THUNDER!!
Styles and team THUNDER are also running an AUSTRALIAN CULTURAL FUND fundraising campaign, where all donations over $2 are tax deductible – so it’s a great opportunity for people to support the local independent film scene and get a tax break at the same time! There are some great sponsorship packages available too. Just reach out for details.
More than just a film, THUNDER is a fight for redemption, for Australian stories and for every underdog who’s ever stood back up.
