STUDIOCANAL has launched an Australian production arm, Cultivator Films Australia led by STUDIOCANAL Australia and New Zealand CEO Elizabeth Trotman, to facilitate the local co-production. The project will be co-produced by Alice Springs-based Brindle Films (MaveriX, Finke: There and Back) in partnership with Sydney-based Bunya Productions (Mystery Road, Sweet Country, True Colours, High Ground).
Slated to commence production in Alice Springs in the first half of 2024, feature film Kangaroo is a Northern Territory inspired story based on Chris Barnes, aka “Brolga” who is the founder of the Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs. The production is anticipated to inject a significant amount of production spend into the local Northern Territory economy, benefitting Alice Springs local businesses, hospitality and accommodation sectors.
STUDIOCANAL’s choice to film in the NT represents a welcome addition to the highly successful local and international screen productions and projects that have been created, developed and filmed in the Northern Territory during its recent production boom over the last 3 years. Projects such as Netflix flagship series Desert King, Stan’s Thou Shalt Not Steal, and Amazon Prime’s Lost Flowers of Alice Hart in addition to Barrumbi Kids, MaveriX and Wild Croc Territory.
The Northern Territory Government is contributing AUS$1.2 million towards the production through Screen Territory’s Production Attraction Incentive Program (PAIP), ensuring significant job opportunities are being injected into the community and unlocking economic boosts to the economy and business.
Kangaroo has attracted leading creative and production talent, featuring a screenplay written by Harry Cripps (The Dry, Back to the Outback and Penguin Bloom) and securing one of Australia’s most sought after directors, Kate Woods (The Lincoln Lawyer, The Umbrella Academy, The Good Lord Bird, Looking for Alibrandi). Kate will return to Australia to direct the film with Eastern Arrernte emerging director Samantha Laughton as a director’s attachment.
STUDIOCANAL will release the film theatrically in Australia and New Zealand and is the distributor for the international market. Kangaroo is a Cultivator Films Production for STUDIOCANAL with major production investment from Screen Territory and Screen NSW.
Kangaroo will also film in NSW, with the shoot expected to begin in mid-2024. The NSW Government is supporting Kangaroo through Screen NSW’s Made in NSW Fund, with the production set to deliver significant economic, employment and training benefits to the state.
Director of Screen Territory, Ms Jennie Hughes said: “Screen Territory is proud to support local stories for international audiences and the aligning of these incredible teams in STUDIOCANAL, Brindle Films and Bunya Productions signifies the strong pull the Northen Territory’s unique locations and narratives have on producers and audiences.
“Kangaroo is a testament to the positive outcomes of the PAIP, which continues to grow and develop film and television production in the Northern Territory. Sydney based Bunya Productions and Alice Springs based Brindle Films will join forces for the first time. They are both highly experienced producers and we cannot wait to see what this formidable partnership brings to the screen. We are also delighted to be collaborating again with the team at Screen NSW in bringing this film to audiences around the world. “
Head of Screen NSW, Ms Kyas Hepworth said: “Screen NSW continues to champion and support local stories that will engage and delight audiences of all ages here at home and on the global stage – and Kangaroo is exactly this story.
“Kangaroo is set to deliver an economic boost to NSW and employ 255 local cast, production and post-production crew, and we are looking forward to working with all the partners to bring this film to life.”
Kangaroo is a Cultivator Films, Brindle Films and Bunya Productions production for STUDIOCANAL. Major production investment from Screen Australia, Screen Territory and Screen New South Wales.
STUDIOCANAL Australia and New Zealand CEO, Elizabeth Trotman said: “We are so excited to embark on our first local production with Kangaroo. This is such a wonderful project that will capture the hearts of audiences worldwide. We can’t wait to bring this delightful family story to the big screen. With a stellar cast and crew, the production of this film is in great hands. Shooting in the beautiful Northern Territory of Australia and in New South Wales, is truly a dream scenario.”
Director, Kate Woods said: “I am thrilled to be back in Australia working with STUDIOCANAL and such prestigious producers as Bunya and Brindle to bring this story of literally the symbol of Australia to life. I am so excited by the cast and crew who are coming on board, and to be filming in such a beautiful and iconic part of our country as the Northern Territory.”
Director of Content – Screen Australia, Ms Grainne Brunsdon said: “Screen Australia is delighted to support such an important and distinctly Australian story. Kangaroo embraces the essence of friendship, loyalty and determination. Combined with the collective talents of STUDIOCANAL, Brindle Films and Bunya Productions, audiences are going to fall in love with this film.”
Kangaroo is a Cultivator Films Australia production. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screen Territory. Financed with support from Screen NSW. Local distribution by STUDIOCANAL. International sales by STUDIOCANAL International. Developed with assistance of Screen Australia.
