Producer takes thriller to the USA after being asked to make changes by Screen Australia
The Australian producer of a planned film trilogy has told Encore that his decision to take the production overseas was in part because Screen Australia was asking for too many changes.
Antony J Bowman, who previously directed Paperback Hero, told Encore that Stealing Sam – whose cast include Goodfellas star Ray Liotta and Boardwalk Empire’s Jack Huston – will now be shot in Louisiana in the USA. The decision was also driven by the rise of the Australian dollar making the US a cheaper option.
Bowman said that early conversations with Screen Australia sent him in other directions. He said: “I did begin speaking with them at the beginning. But in those early days there was talk about, ‘what if you change this and that’ and I thought – I don’t need that.”
“It was developed as a full on Australian film, as part of a trilogy, Stealing Sam, Hunting Sam and Killing Sam.”
Some clarification required. “Headline” not strictly true… After early talks with SA we had the good fortune to extend our US equity to full-funding. Then, as a result of the strengthening Aussie dollar, we had to move the production to the US. AJB
Most Australian filmmakers don’t have the balls to go it alone without the government’s backing. Oops, am I allowed to say “balls”. Screen Australia wouldn’t like that – probably not… this loose canon had better pull his head in, or there’ll be no more film funds for me! Then what will I discuss over dinner in my Eastern suburb’s loft.
Having dealt with Screen Australia in the past, I’m not at all surprised by this. To be frank, they’re a hindrance rather than a help, with almost all aspects of film making and I’m not alone in this belief. Most producers will tell you (off the record of course) that they are a nightmare to deal with.
It’s not a matter of one having ‘balls’, but rather – making film costs money and Directors and film projects not receiving the funding they need in this country by the people who are able to provide it; especially the government, who still sees film-making in this country as a ‘hobby’ and not viable business. (Insert producer offset here).
When funding is approved, it is often a diluted version of the original story, or in fact the film being pushed aside altogether and replaced by yet another run of the mill, suburban style/coming of age, box office let down.
The ‘tall poppy’ syndrome in this country doesn’t help the nurturing of new and fresh ideas either.
I’m pleased to hear the US have been backing a Aussie writer/ producer. I say good on him. The film sounds interesting
We know that Screen Australia know that they know better than anyone else. Their development people are telling us all how to be more “mature”. They have the self-awareness of a cucumber. It’s how they avoided squirming in embarrassment when the director of Red Dog told their parliamentary screening that they’d asked him why he hadn’t made the dog a talking dog?
Just as long as Matthew Newton is not in it. Or anything else, for that matter.