Binge is currently in production on the Gold Coast for its first original feature film, How To Make Gravy.
The film, a co-production with Warner Bros Discovery, translates Paul Kelly’s 1996 hit into a cinematic marvel that follows an inmate writing a letter to his family while they are in the midst of preparing for Christmas in his absence.
Australian musician Meg Washington adapted the song for film alongside director Nick Waterman, while Daniel Henshall and Hugo Weaving will lead the film’s cast, which features Brenton Thwaites, Damon Herriman, The Twelve’s Kate Mulvaney, Agathe Rouselle, and more.
Speaking to Mumbrella, Alison Hurbert-Burns — Foxtel Group’s executive director, entertainment content and commissioning — and Hamish Lewis, head of scripted at Warner Bros. Discovery — gave an update on what they promise will become a holiday classic.
“We’re still to work out a release date and strategy, but look, it’s an incredible piece of IP,” said Lewis.
“I think it’s going to really move the dial in Australia. I think it’s going to captivate a broad audience around Australia, have people laughing, crying, all in the same scene. It’s impeccably written, impeccably directed by Megan Washington and Nick Waterman. The cast, the performances, are incredible.
“We’re super excited about it. It’s a blessing taking on a piece of IP at that scale and with that bigger cult following as it does in Australia. And I didn’t quite understand the cult following it has until I spoke to Alison Hurbert-Burns about How to Make Gravy.”
Hurbert-Burns confesses she’s “an uber fan” of the song.
“I’m now fully aware of the importance of it in Australian culture,” Lewis continues, “and so the pressure to execute something to that level was there. And I think Nick, Meg, Schuyler Weiss, our producer, along with Binge and the massive support from Binge and Foxtel, I mean, they’ve really thrown the kitchen sink at this.
“I think we’ve done something that produced something that’s going to be really, really special, not only for this year’s Christmas, but I think for many Christmases to come.”
Hurbert-Burns agrees “it’s a special piece”, but insists it’s won’t be traditional Christmas fare.
“I think people are going to be excited by the music, obviously, with How to Make Gravy and Paul Kelly’s song,” she says, “But we’ll be introducing some new music into the world as well, which has been a really special component of making the film. And, obviously, having Meg’s brain on this has been really fun – and surprising, in terms of how much has come out of it.
“And I think the other thing is it’s a Christmas film. And I know you’re talking about Gravy Day and it’s like, ‘It’s got to be December 21.’ But also, it’s not a Christmas film. It’s like our version of ‘Die Hard’, you know? You watch it at Christmas, but it’s not like Hallmark Christmas films.
“I can’t wait to see how people respond to it, because it could almost be released in March and then you watch it again every year on Christmas.
“And I think it will become a Christmas tradition, but it’s not that kind of typical jolly Christmas film either.”
