Brought to you by the creative team behind the hit 2014 web series How to Talk Australians, the feature film is directed by Tony Rogers (Wilfred, Rats and Cats), who penned the script alongside Rob Hibbert (Images you Shouldn’ t Masturbate to) and is produced by Jason Byrne (Little Deaths, Rats and Cats, The Burning) and Victoria Schaw (The Burning).
Ria Patel (Free By Noon, The Rose Garden) and Chum Ehelepola (Preppers, The Newsreader) will serve as executive producers, with Patel also starring and joined by Rohan Ganju (Fisk), Robert Santiago and Vikrant Narrain as cast leads.
Shane Jacobson (Oddball, Kenny), Stephen Curry (Hounds of Love, The King) and Rick Davies (Offspring) are also cast in supporting roles.
Umbrella Entertainment will be handling distribution for Australia and New Zealand.
Production began last week in Melbourne, on Monday May 8th.
How to Talk Australians follows a group of students and teachers from The Delhi College of Linguistics hit the road to discover Australia and gain experience of its authentic language and culture. When their plane is diverted to the country town of Dubbo due to storms, and their tour-leader is detained by customs, the hapless bunch unearth the ‘real’ Australia while never making it to Sydney, Melbourne…or even Brisbane.
Ari Harrison, General Manager of Umbrella Entertainment said “We are delighted to be bringing the hysterical world of How to Talk Australians: Highway to Hell to Australian audiences. Led by an extremely talented creative team, Highway to Hell promises to be an extraordinary contribution to the Australian comedy landscape”.
Producer, Jason Byrne said “We are very excited to commence production on an original Australian comedy film with a script and team that wholly support the vision and will undoubtedly elevate the web series concept to new heights. How to Talk Australians: Highway to Hell has been funded through government, private finance channels and with the support of Umbrella. We cannot wait to bring this ludicrously funny film to Australian and International audiences. Get ready for one hell of a ride!”
Producer, Victoria Schaw said “I really am in my happy place with the most exciting ensemble cast. We are making comedy magic and a significant film with themes that will talk to what Australia as a nation is. Its joy, humour and never fading ability to laugh at oneself. It’s a gentle reminder in today’s world, that it’s ok to sit back and have a good laugh.”
Director, Tony Rogers said “The original cast we began this journey with are still with us …..we are so thrilled to have wonderful actors Shane Jacobson, Dave Lawson, Richard Davies and many more joining the ranks! On top of incredible Indian Australian talent including Vikrant Narain, Robert Santiago and Ria Patel. We are so fortunate to have such talent to work with and bring this all to life. The film is a lot more than a very funny Road Movie, it is a powerful observation of this great nation. The light and the shade, the joy and the darkness.”
