by FilmInk Staff
Principal Photography has wrapped in Melbourne on the Coming-of-Age Comedy Led by Disney Star Dakota Lotus and Social Media Sensations Jacob Sartorius and Benji Krol
Principal photography has concluded on A Day for Losers starring Jacob Sartorius, Dakota Lotus and Benji Krol. This bold coming-of-age comedy is the brand-new feature film from internationally acclaimed Melbourne-based writer-director J G Clarke (Numbered Lives) and production companies Clarke Films and Cardinal Motion Pictures.
Produced by Clarke (Land of Bad, Numbered Lives) and David Lightfoot (Land of Bad, Numbered Lives ), the film was shot exclusively on location in Melbourne, Australia, with a multi-week schedule at Melbourne High School. The story delivers a fresh, unapologetic take on high school life, blending sharp wit and authentic dialogue. The key cast bring with them more than 80 million followers on their social media accounts, set to highlight the city of Melbourne and the independent Australian film industry.
“Given the guys’ huge social media reach, there’s already been incredible reach across channels with millions of views already for the behind-the-scenes footage” said J G Clarke, Director. “We really hope this will translate into audience numbers in the cinema with people getting behind this talented young cast.”
Whilst in Melbourne the cast enjoyed time out at Baller’s Nightclub, The Osborne and Zigali whilst staying at the prestigious Royce Hotel. Sartorius celebrated his 24th birthday whilst in Melbourne and was treated to a surprise lunch of burgers from Royal Stacks and cupcakes from The Cupcake Queen. For Krol, it was a return to the country where he spent a lot of time as a teen with his family and father who was engaged as a Professor in QLD. This was Lotus’s first time in Australia, with the Disney star keen to return for more projects down under.
“It’s been such an incredible filming process, I’ve enjoyed my experience so much, I can’t wait for everyone to watch A Day For Losers, it’s going to be incredible.” Dakota Lotus.
Set within the rigid MacArthur Military Academy, the film follows a disillusioned cadet, Ryan (Lotus), who impulsively promises the girl of his dreams that he can throw the ultimate high school party. Ryan’s only hope to pull his plan off is to team up with the school’s most unlikely outsiders. The film explores themes of empowerment, identity, and the joy of embracing one’s differences.
“We’ve been having the time of our lives making the film, and I just really hope everyone will watch it,” Jacob Sartorius
A Day for Losers is Clarke’s follow-up to his directorial debut, Numbered Lives, a psychological thriller starring Golden Globe winner Jeremy Piven. The film garnered 34 international festival awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. Clarke’s shift from thriller to comedy showcases his versatility while maintaining his focus on authentic, character-driven narratives.
The film will now enter post-production with a release date set for 2026. The three key cast will return for the premiere which will be held in Melbourne, Australia.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Jacob Sartorius
Main Social Counts (38.5M)
TikTok 23.5M @jacobsartorius
YouTube 2.9M @jacobsartorius
Instagram 11M @jacobsartorius
Facebook 1.1M /jacobsartorius
Benji Krol
Main Social Counts (41.4M)
TikTok 34.8M @benjikrol
YouTube 4.3M @benjikrol
Instagram 2.3M @benjikrol
Dakota Lotus
Instagram 211K @dakotalotus
TikTok 389.5k @dakotalotus
PRODUCTION DETAILS & TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Synopsis: At MacArthur Military School, where social cliques reign supreme, disillusioned cadet Ryan has recklessly promised the girl of his dreams he will throw the party to end all parties, but his only hope to pull it together is to win over the most unpopular kids at school… one by one.
Year: 2026
Genre: Comedy
Language: English
Country: Australia
Content Warning: CTC
Director: J G Clarke
Screenwriter: J G Clarke
Producers: James Clarke, David Lightfoot
Cast: Jacob Sartorius, Benji Krol, Dakota Lotus
KEY CAST
- Jacob Sartorius stars as Mathew, a wide-eyed new student navigating the academy’s unforgiving social hierarchy. With over 40 million global followers, RIAA-certified gold records, and a recent film role alongside Academy Award winner Faye Dunaway, Sartorius brings a natural authenticity to the role, drawing from his own experiences with bullying and isolation. On casting Sarorius, J G Clarke says, “Jacob may have had a lot of success in music and in content creation, but he totally understands feeling isolated, feeling like he doesn’t fit in – and it bleeds out of his performance so naturally it’s astonishing to watch.”
- Benji Krol portrays Connor, the seemingly perfect football star who is secretly struggling with his identity and toxic friendships. With 41.4 million followers across platforms, and a career in luxury fashion. On casting Krol, J G Clarke says, “You can just tell there’s so much going on behind the glossy photographs – a depth that’s really unexpected. He’s an amazing young actor that is going to surprise everyone”. For his part, Krol says. “In many ways, taking on this role feels like making my younger self proud. Playing someone who’s secretly battling with themselves is challenging, but it’s a struggle I already have personal experience with.”
- Dakota Lotus rounds out the core trio as Ryan, the reluctant leader. Best known for his breakout role on Disney Channel’s Coop & Cami Ask the World, the 20-year-old actor, musician, and dancer embodies the film’s energetic spirit.
REPRESENTATION
Sartorius is repped by Michael Abrams of the Michael Abrams Group.
Krol is repped by Lost Labs
Lotus is repped by Michael Abrams of the Michael Abrams Group.
