By FilmInk Staff
Way back in 2008, producer Miriam Stein and debut writer/director Cathy Randall teamed up for the coming-of-age comedy Hey, Hey, It’s Esther Blueburger, and they’re now back behind the camera for a big screen follow-up in the form of Red Rock Run, which the pair are set to shoot in WA’s Pilbara region.
The debut screenplay from Australian writer Meg Shields, the film follows ten-year-old Lucy, who is forbidden from attending the 1978 regional athletic trials as punishment for racing a delivery plane on a remote dirt airstrip. But with the help of her grandmother, Lucy defies her Vietnam veteran father and enters the first kids’ team into the Red Rock Run, a gruelling 120km outback marathon race.
“I’m thrilled to see Red Rock Run head into production after running its own marathon from initial draft to financing,” says Meg Shields. “I met producer Miriam Stein in 2009 and it’s a story that wouldn’t be told if it weren’t for Miriam’s dedication. I’m thrilled the project has attracted incredible creative talent including director Cathy Randall. The story is inspired by my experience in 1976 of running in the first kids’ team to enter the Black Rock Stakes, a 120km marathon relay race to push a barrow of iron ore from Goldsworthy to Port Hedland in the Pilbara of Western Australia. I’m excited to see the story of a young girl facing adversity and bravely undertaking a gruelling journey of self-discovery in one of the most unique and magnificent environments in the world.”
No cast is yet to be announced, however a major international figure will play Lucy’s grandmother, while the role of Lucy will likely be cast out of WA, with 550 youngsters testing already. “When Meg first shared her script with me, we travelled to the Pilbara so I could be immersed in the world of her story,” says producer Miriam Stein. “I was instantly blown away by the region’s beauty and the potential of sharing this uniquely Western Australian story, set in the cinematically spectacular Pilbara, with the rest of Australia and the world. Cathy Randall and our team can’t wait to be based in Karratha and start shooting.”
Screenwest CEO, Rikki Lea Bestall said, “Screenwest is delighted to see Meg, Miriam and Cathy bringing Red Rock Run to life in Western Australia this year. With the story being inspired by Meg’s childhood in the Pilbara, this film is set to be authentic storytelling at its finest. We look forward to seeing it all come together over the coming months. Congratulations team!”
Screen Australia Director of Content Grainne Brunsdon said, “Screen Australia is thrilled to see this heart-warming Australian story set against the magnificent backdrop of the Pilbara. The talented creative team behind this family-friendly feature film will bring Meg’s personal narrative to life. Red Rock Run embodies the essence of Australian storytelling, offering international appeal and providing family audiences with a compelling insight into the human spirit.”
To stay in touch with the production of Red Rock Run, head to Tama Films.