Ol' Father Geek here once again with the Aussie's lovely Tamsin to present you with this Tuesday's (USA time) edition of our regular AICN Downunder Column. Sooooooo let's get on with it...
DOWNUNDER REPORT #19
Lots of news in this week's latest report...
NEWS
Lots of news in this week's latest report...
NEWS
. Cathy Freeman, Olympian track star, has approached 13 year old Everlyn Sampi, actor from the about-to-be-released "RABBIT PROOF FENCE", with the possibility of Sampi playing Freeman in an upcoming film based on her life story. Freeman's autobiography will be released at the end of this year, and Freeman's spokesman, Gavin Davis, said the "story of her life would be a ready-made movie script." No definite plans have been made yet.
. HEATH LEDGER - ACTOR/STUNTMAN
Causing the money people to quiver, Heath Ledger defied his movie-star status by performing his own stunts in his latest $210 million spectacular, FOUR FEATHERS, set in Britain and Morocco. To bring you all absolute cinematic realism, Ledger declined a double for a scene where his galloping horse is shot, falling amongst two warring armies. Set insiders have reported that "It's very spectacular. The stunt really does have the desired effect because you think, "Wow, that's really him. The insurers were having kittens because if anything had have happened to him, we would have been in deep trouble." Heath stars alongside Kate Hudson, Tom Piggott-Smith, Michael Sheen and Alex Jennings.
. KYLIE the GREEN FAIRY
Our Kylie, the Green Fairy in MOULIN ROUGE and pop diva in Australia, Europe and Asia has made it to the No. 1 on the US Billboard dance chart, with CAN"T GET YOU OUT OF MY HEAD. Kyles hasn't made it to the top of any US chart since her first hit, straight out of the NEIGHBOUR'S acting school, LOCOMOTION, went to No.1. The single hasn't even been released officially yet. February 18th will be its release-date.
. John Polson, Australian actor-director, is about to become the next big Aussie thang in Hollywood, with the impending release of his new teen thriller SWIMFAN. He has also just signed on to direct THE UP AND COMER, a new film produced and starring Michael Douglas. SWINFAN (which already been bought for release by 20th Century Fox), stars Erika Christensen from TRAFFIC and Jesse Bradford from BRING IT ON.
. MEMENTO star, Guy Pearce, is currently performing in Tennessee Williams' SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH, at The Playhouse in Melbourne.
The reviews have been sweet for Guy, and the production has been called a success. Here is a review of Pearce's performance.
"As Chance, Pearce at first impresses with his startling physical beauty. His acting is fluid and subtle, only gradually revealing the moral corruption that has brought him to this scene in his life: the sordid sale of flesh in an anonymous hotel room. Compelling as he is in this first scene, by the last he evokes the powerful emotions that define tragic heroism. It is a fine and moving performance and Pearce's command of the stage ensures that he is always the focus of attention."
AWARDS
. 2002 Australia Day Honours.
Three Aussie cinematographers received Australia Day Honours for service to the Australian Film industry as cinematographers.
- Milton Ingerson ACS, Federal Australian Cinematographers Society President was presented with a Medal (Order of Australia Medal) in the General Division for service to the Australian film industry as a cinematographer, producer and director and through training and encouraging young people in the industry.
- John Seale, ACS ASC, was awarded the Member (AM) in the General Division for service to the arts as an Australian and internationally acclaimed cinematographer.
- Dean Semler ACS ASC, was also awarded the Member (AM) in the General Division for service to the arts as an Australian and internationally acclaimed cinematographer.
. Managing Director of Film Distributors, Buena Vista International, film critic, and a key figure in the Australian Film Industry, Alan Finney, was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his contribution and support for the Australian Film Industry.
ONE NIGHT THE MOON, directed by Rachel Perkins...
was awarded the "2002 Spirit of Moondance Award" for Best Feature Film at the Moondance International Film Festival.
. WHISPERS FROM "DEEP THROAT".
. Cinematographer, Oliver Stapleton (CIDER HOUSE RULES, THE SHIPPING NEWS) will be filming 'Ned Kelly' in Victoria from March.
. A production called SAHARA is headed for SA later this year, but I do not have any other details. More later
AND SOME NEWS FROM STEVEN AT MOVIEMARSHAL.COM
Prisoner Queen & Nancy Nancy
Got a bit of a note from the director of this upcoming Australian hit in the waiting. Director Timothy Spanos has 15 short films to his credit. After Prisoner Queen, he will be doing a second film with Star Baby Productions called Nancy Nancy. Nancy Nancy commences shooting 6th February, and is a savage satirical musical. The story is about a mysterious stranger who arrives at an isolated seaside town and keeps a backward brother and sister hostage in their own home. Original songs have been penned by Matt Thomas who also appears in a supporting role. Ok now I'll leave Spanos to reply to my enquires about the film Prisoner Queen:
"Prisoner Queen is an offbeat social realist satire about a dumb waiter called Alex (Tim Burns) who goes through life pretending to be in his favourite cult TV drama when he becomes captivated by a messy drag queen, Miss Chrissy (Matt Thomas) who dresses as an Australian rock Goddess. It is currently in post-production and should be completed for release by mid year. A premiere charity event is being planned for the film in April 2002. The film stars Tim Burns, Matt Thomas (of The Mavis's), Jude Kuring (Noeline Bourke from "Prisoner"), Michael Burkett and Polly Stanton (daughter of actors John Stanton and Jill Forster). The film celebrates Australian pop culture and includes a unique array of unique and familiar faces from all facets of the entertainment industry."
Thanks Steven.
