#vicscreen

[fidenciojesusfan92]

Nicktoons Extended Universe

The Crossover of the Extended Universe from Nickelodeon

[a-man-for-hire-and-his-archives]

Luke Arnold, Bella Heathcote and Jay Ryan to star in new Stan Series Scrublands as the explosive trailer is released

A star-studded cast are preparing to bring a gripping crime novel to life on Stan.

Luke Arnold (Black Sails, Never Tear Us Apart: The Untold Story of INXS), Bella Heathcote (Stan Original Series CAUGH*T, Stan Original Film Relic) and Jay Ryan (It Chapter Two, Top of the Lake) will star in the brand new Stan Original Series Scrublands.

The Stan Original Series Scrublands premieres November 16, all episodes at once and only on Stan.

The TV adaptation is based on the best-selling novel written by Chris Hammer, and you can watch the first trailer in the video above.

We don't have long to wait, as the series will be released in full on November 16 on Stan.

Scrublands is set in an isolated country town, where a charismatic and dedicated young priest (Ryan) calmly opens fire on his congregation, killing five parishioners.

Martin Scarsden (Luke Arnold) and Jane Gibson (Eliza Matengu) arrive in Riversend. (Stan)

One year later investigative journalist Martin Scarsden (Arnold) arrives in Riversend to write what should be a simple feature story on the anniversary of the tragedy.

But when Martin's instincts kick in and he digs beneath the surface, the previously accepted narrative begins to fall apart and he finds himself in a life and death race to uncover the truth.

Joining Arnold, Ryan, and Heathcote in the cast are Zane Ciarma (Neighbours), Adam Zwar (Squinters), Victoria Thaine (Nowhere Boys), Robert Taylor (The Newsreader), Stacy Clausen (True Spirit), Genevieve Morris (Stan Original Series No Activity) and newcomer Ella Ferris.

The series is an Easy Tiger production co-commissioned by Stan and the 9Network, in association with VicScreen.

Easy Tiger Founder Ian Collie and CEO Rob Gibson said they immediately saw the potential in turning the novel into a gripping series.

"From the moment we opened Chris Hammer's ripping page-turner, we knew Scrublands was destined to be a must-watch crime series," they said.

"We're delighted that our partners at Stan and Nine agree wholeheartedly, and we're thrilled to work with the incredible team there to bring this to the screen, with the crucial support of VicScreen and international partners Abacus.

"In the masterful hands of director Greg McLean, writer/producer Felicity Packard and writers Kelsey Munro and Jock Serong, and producer David Redman, Scrublands will be an unmissable TV event for rusted-on Chris Hammer fans and everyone else alike."

Scrublands marks the second co-commission between 9Network and Stan following the Stan Original Series Bali 2002, an inspiring drama exploring how everyday heroes from Bali, Australia and beyond defied the odds to bring order from chaos and hope from despair.

Stan Chief Content Officer Cailah Scobie promised the new thrilled would be both "powerful and compulsive".

She said of the new series: "Following the immense success of Bali 2002, Stan is delighted to once again co-commission with the 9Network.

"A remarkable crime series set in Australia's unforgiving and harsh landscape, Easy Tiger has secured an outstanding core cast in Luke Arnold, Bella Heathcote and Jay Ryan and we look forward to collaborating with them on Scrublands."

The Stan Original Series Scrublands is directed by Greg McLean, written by Felicity Packard, Kelsey Munro and Jock Serong, produced by Ian Collie, Rob Gibson, David Redman, Felicity Packard with Executive Producers Michael Healy and Andy Ryan from the 9Network and Cailah Scobie and Amanda Duthie for Stan.

The Stan Original Series Scrublands premieres November 16, all episodes at once and only on Stan.

Source: Nine Australia

[morleybobsource]

BINGE has today confirmed that season 2 of award-winning Australian original drama series, LOVE ME, will premiere April 6 with all six-episodes dropping at once.

Season 2 of Love Me picks up the story of The Mathieson family nine months after we left off and sees the family navigate the complexities of relationships when new love becomes a long-term proposition

The series, which was the most nominated drama at the 2022 Logie Awards, sees the return of all the main cast, with several new characters emerging for Season 2.

With its exploration of modern love by different family members at three distinct times of life, Season 2 picks up the story of The Mathiesons family, with Hugo Weaving returning as Glenn, the father experiencing new love in his 60s; Bojana Novakovic, the highly successful, yet complicated Clara; and William Lodder, as Aaron, facing the complexities of love, and new responsibility.

They are joined again by Silver Logie award-winning Heather Mitchell as Anita; Bob Morley as Peter;  Celia Pacquola as Sacha; Shalom Brune-Franklin as Ella; and Mitzi Ruhlmann as Jesse. 

Bonnie has worked with renowned Directors including Garth Davis on the award-winning feature film, Lion, Mary Magdalene and FOE and Glendyn Ivin on the critically acclaimed The Cry and Penguin Bloom. Bonnie’s short films include, We’re Not Here, which was executive produced by John Logan (Skyfall, Gladiator) and premiered at MIFF and Not Dark Yet featuring Richard Moir and Nick Denton.

BINGE Executive Director, Alison Hurbert-Burns, said:

The series is produced by Nicole O’Donohue, with lead writers, Leon Ford and Tamara Asmar, with Adele Vuko and Celia Pacquola each penning an episode.

Season two of Love Me was filmed across various locations in Melbourne and regional Victoria. The series will be available to BINGE and FOXTEL customers.

Commissioned by the FOXTEL Group, in association with VicScreen, LOVE ME is produced by Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia.

The series is Executive Produced by Hamish Lewis and Michael Brooks at Warner Bros. Australia. Executive Producers for the FOXTEL Group are Brian Walsh, Alison Hurbert-Burns and Lana Greenhalgh. LOVE ME is distributed internationally by DCD Rights.  

Season two of Love Me will premiere April 6 on BINGE and FOXTEL ON DEMAND with all six-episodes dropping at once. (x)

[zacefronews]

@wearevicscreen: World class crew. Diverse locations. Unreal coffee.   Minister for Creative Industries @stevedimop and VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher visited the set of Ricky Stanicky today to learn more about what the cast and crew are enjoying most about their time in Melbourne. #VICSCREEN

[ptbf2002]

My Top 10 Favorite Australian Shows

Next Stop For My Top 10 Worldwide Shows Is In Australia. Here's My Top 10 Of Shows That Was Produced In Australia.

#10 Dennis the Menace and Gnasher (2009 TV series)

#9 The Strange Chores

#8 H2O: Just Add Water

#7 CJ The DJ

#6 Zeke's Pad

#5 Mako's Mermaids

#4 100% Wolf Legend Of Moonstone

#3 SMG4

#2 Nate Is Late

And #1 Space Chickens In Space

Original Template By @DemitriaMiriam

Templates: https://www.deviantart.com/demitriamiriam/art/My-Top-10-Favorite-Meme-207757812 & https://www.deviantart.com/demitriamiriam/art/My-Top-10-Favorite-Meme-Ver-2-306608634

Dennis the Menace and Gnasher (2009 TV series) Belongs To David Law, Jiang Toon Animation Co. Ltd. Morning Sun Animation Co., Ltd. Shanghai Morning Sun Animation Co., Ltd. Sichuan Top Animation Co., Ltd. Top Draw Animation Inc. Sticky Pictures, Red Kite Animation, Beano Productions, The Beano, DC Thomson & Company Limited, CBBC, BBC Television, BBC Worldwide Ltd. BBC Studios Ltd. British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Nine Network Australia Pty. Ltd. And Nine Entertainment Co. Holdings Limited.

The Strange Chores Belongs To Charlie Aspinwall, Daley Pearson, Ludo Studio, Media World Pictures, Succ Pictures, Screen Australia, Film Victoria, VicScreen, Screen Queensland Studios, ABC Me (Australia), ABC Television (Australian TV network) And Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)

H2O: Just Add Water Belongs To Jonathan M. Shiff, Jonathan M. Shiff Productions, ZDF Enterprises GmbH, ZDF Studios GmbH, ZDF, Australian Film Commission, Film Finance Corporation Australia, Screen Australia, Film Victoria, VicScreen, Pacific Film and Television Commission, Screen Queensland Studios, Network 10, Ten Network Holdings Ltd. Paramount Networks UK & Australia, Paramount International Networks, And Paramount Global

CJ The DJ Belongs To Stu Connolly, Mark Gravas, Kapow Pictures, Vision Animation, Millimages, Screen NSW, ABC Me (Australia), ABC Television (Australian TV network) And Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)

Zeke's Pad Belongs To Liz Scully, Flying Bark Productions Pty. Ltd. Studio 100 Media, Studio 100 N.V. Bardel Entertainment, Inc. Avrill Stark Entertainment, Leaping Lizard Productions, Seven Network, Seven West Media Ltd. YTV, YTV Canada, Inc. And Corus Entertainment Inc.

Mako's Mermaids Belongs To Belongs To Jonathan M. Shiff, Jonathan M. Shiff Productions, ZDF Enterprises GmbH, ZDF Studios GmbH, ZDF, Screen Australia, Screen Queensland Studios, Network 10, Ten Network Holdings Ltd. Paramount Networks UK & Australia, Paramount International Networks, Paramount Global, And Netflix, Inc.

Nate Is Late Belongs To Sylvain Huchet, Peter Saisselin, Watch Next Media, La Factorie Animation, Nate is Late Productions, KidsFirst Distribution, Super RTL, RTL Deutschland GmbH, RTL Group S.A. Pop, Pop Max, CSC Media Group Limited, Sony Pictures Television Inc. Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. Sony Entertainment, Inc. Sony Corporation of America, Sony Group Corporation, Narrative Entertainment UK Limited, Nine Network Australia Pty. Ltd. Nine Entertainment Co. Holdings Limited, France 4, And France Télévisions S.A.

Space Chickens In Space Belongs To José C. García de Letona, Rita Street, Markus Vad Flaaten, Tommy Vad Flaaten, Alan Keane, Shane Perez, Scott Sonneborn, Ánima Estudios, S.A.P.I. de C.V. Studio Moshi, Gingerbread Animation, Ingenious Media, CAKE Entertainment Ltd. Walt Disney EMEA Productions, 9Go! Nine Network Australia Pty. Ltd. Nine Entertainment Co. Holdings Limited, Disney XD, Disney XD, Disney Branded Television, Disney–ABC Home Entertainment and Television Distribution, Disney General Entertainment Content, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, Disney Entertainment, And The Walt Disney Company

[pynkhues]

I don’t know much about that industry but I don’t understand sn**k’s attachment to Rabbit. Like why she was in it

Why was she in Run Rabbit Run? I think plenty of reasons.

I think when she and her agent were pitched the project, it probably felt like a really exciting film.

It's the debut screenplay of a really 'hot' Australian author, Hannah Kent, who wrote the enormously internationally successful Burial Rites, as well as The Good People and Devotion (which are all dense historical fiction novels, which is a part of why I was suspicious of such a vast genre switch for screen which was basically confirmed for me when Kent said she doesn't watch horror) and the second feature of a really 'hot' Australian woman director, Daina Reid, who's worked extensively on really 'good' genre TV - The Handmaid's Tale, The Shining Girls, Romper Stomper, The Spanish Princess, Offspring.

That is, on paper, a really exciting creative team! I can see why her agent would recommend it and why she'd think it was going to be something that's more than what it is as a film.

I also think it probably had both personal and strategic benefits for her since she's moved back to Australia. The first one's pretty easy to see, I think - she's from Adelaide originally, Run Rabbit Run was shot in Adelaide / South Australia. Shooting a movie there means she gets to stay for a longer period of time and spend time with the friends and family she has there.

A lot of actors take jobs in their hometowns for that reason - a sort of working homecoming, as well as a way to support the industry you originally came from. A friend of mine who's a theatre director has actually just accepted a job directing a play back in her hometown pretty much for that reason exactly. It's a level below what she'd normally do, but she's really looking forward to spending a lot of time with her Dad around the play as he had a health scare not too long ago and this gives her the opportunity to spend three months there.

The strategic benefit is speculative, of course, and a bit more specific to the Australian industry, so bear with me as I try to explain it, haha.

Each state here has their own screen agency, and these screen agencies play an enormous role in funding and supporting local production, while also attracting overseas production with specific local advantages. Queensland for instance, my home state, sells itself on its beaches, Warner Brothers' large studio, and the fact they have some of the biggest water tanks for shooting underwater sequences in the Southern Hemisphere. It's why things like Aquaman, Pirates of the Carribbean and every mermaid show you've ever heard of are shot there.

Because they are state funded though, these films and tv shows have state talent quotas attached to them. In other words, they have to have a certain amount of both Above the Line Talent (these are producers, directors, writers and principal actors), and Below the Line Talent (all crew, extras, stunties, craft services, etc.) that are considered as being 'from' that state.

These quotas are designed so that interstate and international productions can't just ship in crews or whole casts from interstate or overseas, and effectively makes them invest in local talent.

But what local talent means can vary a little.

Using myself as an example, I'm from Brisbane, so I automatically qualify as local talent for Screen Queensland, but I live in Melbourne, which doesn't actually mean I automatically qualify as local talent for VicScreen. To qualify, I had to live in the state of Victoria consistently for two years, and be able to supply evidence of that, which I can, and is why I am now on the talent registers both in Queensland and Victoria.

For Sarah, she's from South Australia, but she also lives in Melbourne, which means she's considered basically a talent asset for both the South Australia Film Corporation (which funded Run Rabbit Run), and VicScreen (which interestingly enough actually was involved in developing Run Rabbit Run). Her last Australian productions were Winchester (2018), The Beautiful Lie (2015), Oddball (2015), The Dressmaker (2015) and The Secret River (2015), all of which are VicScreen, meaning they were all filmed in Melbourne / Victoria (which makes sense! Melbourne has a much bigger industry than Adelaide).

With her moving back to Australia, and moving back with the status that means she's always going to be a principal actor, I think it makes sense that she'd want to strategically show that she can qualify as Above the Line Talent in both Melbourne and Adelaide. It shows her off a bit as supporting her home state's industry / remembering her roots, but also makes her appear as available / accessible for filmmakers there and the state's funding body.

Given she's heading to London's West End again for theatre too, I think it probably was a pretty smart strategic move to sort of stake such a local claim like that before she goes international again too.

[qnewsau]

Melbourne Queer Film Festival announces Jury Award Winners 

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/melbourne-queer-film-festival-announces-jury-award-winners/

Melbourne Queer Film Festival announces Jury Award Winners 

The winners of the 2024 Melbourne Queer Film Festival Awards have been revealed, closing out the festival for another year.

The 34th Melbourne Queer Film Festival screened an impressive lineup of diverse LGBTQIA+ cinema across Melbourne.

Before closing the festival for another year, Melbourne Queer Film Festival announced its Jury Award Winners.

“The MQFF Awards are a much-loved opportunity for us to honour and recognise the talent of Australian LGBTQIA+ filmmakers.”

“This year’s finalists were no exception.” MQFF CEO David Martin Harris said.

The Melbourne Queer Film Festival is Australia’s largest and longest-running queer film festival.

The festival showcases the best LGBTQIA+ films from Australia and around the world.

“To all the filmmakers involved in MQFF Awards 2024, thank you,” said City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece

“Thank you for sharing your stories – your talent makes our community richer and stronger.”

Melbourne Queer Film Festival’s mission is to educate, entertain, and inspire audiences.

They do this by presenting diverse and inclusive stories that reflect the vibrant, dynamic nature of queer culture.

Continuing to support and nurture queer filmmaking talent, they provide a platform for filmmakers to share their voices and stories with a global audience.

“MQFF 2024 has been yet another tremendous celebration of Melbourne’s LGBTQIA+ communities and diversity in cinema,” said VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher

MQFF is supported by City of Melbourne, City of Stonnington, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, and VicScreen.

This year’s MQFF awards showcase a remarkable array of talent, with a special focus on elevating the voices of emerging Australian filmmakers.

  View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Melbourne Queer Film Festival (@melbqueerfilmfest)

The winners are…..

City of Melbourne Award for Best Australian Short Film, valued at $5,000, was awarded to Hold Still.

Hold Still by writer-director Emily Dynes explores the complexities of memory and intimacy.

VicScreen Award for Best Director of an Australian Short Film Prize of $2500 was awarded to Le Luo for Outpicker.

Outpicker is an artistic film exploring the connection with other women and the formation of a community while litter-picking.

Shaun Miller Award for Best Australian Documentary Short went to Dance with Pride – A Journey of Identity Through Movement.

Directed by Javier Cataño-Gonzalez, the film captures the powerful journey of LGBTQIA+ dancers using movement to fight for visibility.

Judges’ Special Mention and MQFF Audience Choice Award for Best Short Film ($1,000) was given to Die Bully Die.

Directed by Nathan Lacey and Nick Lacey, it explores what gays might do if they confront a high school bully as an adult.

The MQFF Award for Best First Feature Documentary with a prize of $2500 is This is Ballroom.

By queer Brazilian filmmaker duo Juru and Vitã it uniquely blends voguing culture from Batekoo Dance and Favela Funk Ball styles in Rio.

The MQFF Award for Best First Feature Narrative with a prize of $2500 is National Anthem.

Dylan lives an isolated life in rural New Mexico, and accepts a gig working at a queer ranch a little further out than normal.

The MQFF Award for Best International Short ($1,000) has been awarded to A Bird Called Memory, by director Leonardo Martinelli.

Closing out with a screening of DUINO at ACMI, attendees closed out the festival dancing to tunes by Tanzer.

Picture by Dean Arcuri

Miss out on MQFF? Screen online!

The Melbourne Queer Film Festival cinema sessions may be over.

But the program is still live and available to stream until Sunday 1st December.

The MQFF online program features 13 Feature Films and the entire Shorts Package.

If you are planning on catching up on the 2024 film program all you need to do is purchase a pass.

Film passes are available with significant discounts and savings, and you can make your own popcorn at home!

You can enjoy some award-winning queer cinema solo or opt for the household pass and watch with your mates.

Check out the full online program here.

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[playermagic23]

My Melbourne, starring Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Rima Das, and Onir, is due to premiere in India at MAMI 2024; more details are inside.

Following its triumphant world premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2024, My Melbourne, a one-of-a-kind anthology directed by four of India's most celebrated filmmakers - Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan, Rima Das, and Onir - will have its India premiere at the prestigious Mumbai Film Festival (MAMI) 2024. The film will premiere in the coveted "Gala Section" on October 22nd, with all four filmmakers present. Mitu Bhowmick Lange co-produced My Melbourne with VicScreen and Screen Australia.

My Melbourne features four diverse voices, each interpreting personal and universal experiences of identity and belonging through the eyes of people from various backgrounds living in Australia. This one-of-a-kind cinematic project is the outcome of IFFM and Film Victoria's collaborative campaign to promote cross-cultural storytelling, in which young Melbourne filmmakers collaborated with these renowned directors to create a collection of thought-provoking narratives. The shorts include "Emma" by Rima Das, "Jules" directed by Imtiaz Ali, "Nandini" by Onir, and "Setara" by Kabir Khan. The films address various issues of variety, such as gender, race, sexuality, and disability. The project's goal was to be really inclusive and offer experiences that anyone could understand.

Regarding the approaching MAMI debut, Imtiaz Ali of his segment Jules stated, "It's a privilege to bring My Melbourne to Indian audiences at MAMI. The stories we've recounted are not only about the diaspora, but about anyone who has ever felt displaced or wished to belong. 'Jules' is a highly personal film for me, and I can't wait for the Mumbai audience to see it.

Setara director Kabir Khan said, "Melbourne provided us with the perfect backdrop to explore the emotional complexities of our characters." It was a fantastic experience working with new talent, and our Melbourne crew's enthusiasm transferred brilliantly on screen. I am overjoyed that My Melbourne will now have its India premiere at such a prestigious platform as MAMI. And I am really honored to present my film 'Setara'.

Rima Das, the mastermind behind the Emma part, remarked, "What makes My Melbourne unique is the sincerity of the stories." Each part is a sincere examination of human connections against the backdrop of Melbourne's cultural variety. I am excited to present my film 'Emma' at MAMI, where such narratives are highly valued."

Onir, who directed Nandini, expressed his delight, adding, "Nadini is about breaking emotional and physical barriers and telling human stories that resonate across geographies." It has been a wonderful partnership with budding filmmakers from Melbourne, and I am forward to see how Indian audiences respond to it at MAMI."

Mitu Bhowmick Lange, the film's producer and the proprietor of Mind Blowing Films, stated, "We are incredibly happy with the huge reception to My Melbourne at IFFM. The partnership of Indian filmmakers with Melbourne's rising talents has resulted in an anthology that appeals to a worldwide audience. We are thrilled to showcase this film to MAMI, a festival dedicated to varied storytelling and vibrant, inclusive audience involvement."

The India premiere promises to be a star-studded affair, honouring not only the film but also the unusual collaboration between the Indian and Australian film industries. My Melbourne will be shown in the Gala Section of MAMI 2024 on October 22, marking a crucial milestone in this cross-continental cinematic odyssey.

[linuxgamenews]

Experience the Horror of Dead Static Drive

Dead Static Drive is an indie survival horror adventure game with sights on Linux and Mac with Windows PC. Thanks to the creative team at Reuben Games, the magic keeps coming. Due to make its way onto Steam in 2025. Reuben Games, an indie studio, has received funding from VicScreen’s Victorian Production Fund to push their upcoming release, Dead Static Drive, closer to the finish line. Thanks to this support, the long-awaited title is now locked in for release in Q1 2025. Which is also big news for anyone who's been following its development. Plus we now have further details for native support.

At the moment we're planning on launching on Xbox Gamepass and Windows on day 1, and hopefully Mac at the same time, with Linux coming shortly after. It might come to pass that the Mac and Linux builds are released at the same time, but we'll try and make them as close to the launch day for console and PC as we can.

Here’s the email reply from Reuben Games — they’re using Unreal Engine 4 for development. What’s even better? They’re clear about native Linux support, and it’s a pleasure to see it’s on the way. Dead Static Drive has been turning heads with its unique mix of horror, survival, and adventure. Doing so with its striking art style that’s getting attention. The title also pulls inspiration from some pretty iconic sources. Such as weird fiction authors T. E. D. Klein, Gene Wolfe, and Ramsey Campbell. Along with filmmaker David Lynch and photographer William Eggleston. The result? A title that blends eerie, small-town life with a creeping sense of dread straight out of your worst nightmares.

Dead Static Drive - Early Teaser

Development kicked off back in 2014, with Mike Blackney leading the charge. After leaving his teaching gig in 2017, Mike went full-time on the project. Due to eventually bring in Creative Producer Leena van Deventer in 2019. All to help out with writing and design. Together, they’ve shaped the title into a thrilling road trip through a nightmare version of 1980s Americana. In Dead Static Drive, you play as Hearst, a prodigal child on a desperate mission to figure out what happened to your parents — and the rest of the world. It’s a survival horror adventure where you’ll need to scavenge, fight, and sneak your way through a chaotic world. As you explore, you’ll have to make tough choices about who to trust, how to survive, and what kind of moral code you’ll follow. And you better figure things out fast, because the monsters are catching up. Mike himself has described Dead Static Drive as “Grand Theft Cthulhu,” a mix of survival horror with an open-world feel. With influences from weird fiction and eldritch themes, the release paints a picture of a lost America, where anything felt possible as long as you had the right car and enough gas. Dead Static Drive is first launching on Windows PC and Xbox, with a Mac version around the same time. While Linux will be coming shortly after. So keep your eyes peeled, and make sure to Wishlist it on Steam.

[krisstenzhan]

Week 9 Gaming Communities,Social Gaming and Live Streaming

In recent years, Melbourne has become the epicentre of the digital games innovation boom. The city's ecosystem is strong enough to support game makers of all types and sizes - small independent start-ups coexist with large award-winning developers ("Indie Spirit," n.d.).

Australian games now regularly receive worldwide acclaim, including Untitled Goose Game, Paperbark, Unpacking, Frog Detective and Cult of the Lamb. Slowly, the country has caught up: both state and federal governments have introduced more funding and tax credits, the National Cultural institutions such as the Film and Sound Archive, Sydney's Powerhouse and Melbourne's Acmi have embraced games as art (Brendan Keogh, 2023).

The appearance of games in the Albany government's new National Cultural Policy Revive is an extremely important milestone and a clear sign that games are recognised as making a significant contribution to Australian culture. Australia's first national cultural policy in a decade promises greater support for the arts, including video games, and the reinstatement of Abbott's cancelled Australian Interactive Games Fund (Brendan Keogh, 2023).

"We love games" was the message VicScreen promoted at an event at GamneHub, held at Melbourne's Paper House, where the creative organisation showcased the work of several game developers who had received government funding for their projects (Tran, 2022).

References

Brendan Keogh, 2023. Finally, Australia sees video games are important – but it can’t be only because they make money. The Guardian.

Indie Spirit: Video Games as Art [WWW Document], n.d. . The Wheeler Centre. URL https://www.wheelercentre.com/events/indie-spirit-video-games-as-art/ (accessed 5.12.23).

Tran E., 2022. Victoria’s games industry continues to thrive: other states must take note [WWW Document]. ArtsHub Australia. URL https://www.artshub.com.au/news/features/vicscreen-victoria-melbourne-games-industry-state-government-funding-is-key-2572805/ (accessed 5.12.23).

[a-man-for-hire-and-his-archives]

Scrublands: Award-winning ‘ripping page-turner’ becomes the latest crime thriller shot in Victoria

The adaptation of the novel Scrublands into a crime series is the second Stan original after Bali 2002. Photo: Stan

Ever since award-winning Australian crime writer Chris Hammer published his 2018 thriller Scrublands, television networks and production studios worked furiously to get their hands on the rights to bring the story to life.

Canberra-based Hammer, a former political journalist with just two non-fiction books under his belt, couldn’t believe it when he landed a book deal with Allen & Unwin to publish his debut fiction novel.

Shortly after, he sold the international and TV rights.

“I was laughing and crying, it was just unbelievable,” he told The Guardian at the time.

Fast forward to 2023, and Scrublands – an Easy Tiger production co-commissioned by Australian streamer Stan and the Nine Network, in association with VicScreen – is now filming across Victoria.

Easy Tiger founder Ian Collie and its chief executive Rob Gibson issued a joint statement, saying: “From the moment we opened Chris Hammer’s ripping page-turner, we knew Scrublands was destined to be a must-watch crime series”.

“[It] will be an unmissable TV event for rusted-on Chris Hammer fans and everyone else alike.”

Hammer, too, can’t wait to see it, telling his 2000 Instagram followers he’s thrilled with the cast, the director and just about anyone involved in the series.

“Can’t wait,” he wrote on Tuesday.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chris Hammer (@thehammernow)

What’s it about?

Scrublands was an instant bestseller in 2018, topping the Australian fiction charts and shortlisted for Best Debut Fiction at the Indie Book Awards.

It was also shortlisted for Best General Fiction at the Australian Book Industry Awards and won the UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey Debut Dagger Award.

The story is set against the backdrop of the New South Wales Riverina, in an isolated country town called Riversend, where a charismatic and dedicated young priest (Jay Ryan) calmly opens fire on his congregation, killing five parishioners.

One year later, Hammer’s main character, investigative journalist Martin Scarsden (Luke Arnold) arrives in town to write what should be a simple feature story on the anniversary of the tragedy.

“But when Martin’s instincts kick in and he digs beneath the surface, the previously accepted narrative begins to fall apart and he finds himself in a life-and-death race to uncover the truth,” according to the Stan synopsis.

Turns out there’s a love triangle, fraud, organised crime and cover-ups, all sub-plots worthy of a series.

Prepare to be ‘dazzled’

Although we’re yet to discover how the novel has been adapted to the television series by scriptwriters Felicity Packard (lead writer, and she’s penned Ep 1), Kelsey Munro and Jock Serong, one book reviewer said it was a first-rate crime mystery who was “dazzled” by Hammer throughout the book.

“There is a sense of imminence to Scrublands, particularly in its recognition of drought and the plight of small towns,” Amanda Barrett wrote.

“This one sure bowled me over right from the hooking premise and opening sequence.

“Scrublands will floor you.

Although it’s a work of fiction, she said “there is so much truth to Hammer’s writing and his depiction of the events that take place in Riversend”.

“This is a fastidious novel that works to build a complete picture of what is happening across many country towns, across all states and territories in Australia.

“Riversend is simply a euphemism for so many rural locales in Australia that are grappling with the impact of drought, a decline in services and a rise in crime.”

As a result, she said, the book came across as an authentic tale, tapping into issues that strike at the heart of rural townships.

Hard work starts for the cast at the table readings. Photo: Stan

Table readings of the adaptation with the lead cast of Arnold (Black Sails, Never Tear Us Apart: The Untold Story of INXS), Bella Heathcote (C*A*U*G*H*T, Relic, Pieces of Her) and Jay Ryan (It: Chapter Two, Top of the Lake) have been completed as cast hit the road to various locations across the state.

Nine’s director of television Michael Healy says “joining forces with the teams at Stan and Easy Tiger on Scrublands has realised an ambition we have had since Chris Hammer’s novel was published in 2018″.

He says they’re confident it will turn into must-watch television, suitable for a global audience.

VicScreen boss Caroline Pitcher reveals more than 500 Victorians will be employed throughout the series, “adding to the state’s pipeline of local productions”.

Scrublands is the second co-commissioned production between Nine and Stan following Bali 2002.

Source: The New Daily

[luka-rock]

#Repost @filmvic 🚨 JUST ANNOUNCED! 🚨⁣ ⁣ Minister for Creative Industries @dannypearsonmp today launched #VICSCREEN, an ambitious strategy set to supercharge Victoria’s $2.2 billion screen industry; growing jobs, strengthening screen businesses, and bringing local content to screens worldwide.⁣ ⁣ VICSCREEN is backed by a record $191.5 million in funding over the next four years, including $120 million in new funding through the upcoming State Budget.⁣ ⁣ Today sets the scene for an epic story of expansion, creating a screen industry for the future.⁣ ✨ ⁣ Read more via the link in our bio. . . . #TonyAyres #EricBana #SullivanStapleton #Sullygram #Sullygram77 #KurtWeller #AustraliaFilm #AussieActor #RideLikeaGirl #PhotoShoot #Photograph #CutSnake #CraigCody #Satisfaction #Neighbours #Renegades #DecemberBoys #AnimalKingdom #GangsterSquad #DamienScott #Themistokles #StrikeBack #300RiseofanEmpire #PontoCego #PontoCegoNetflix #NbcBlindspot #Blindspot https://www.instagram.com/p/COrWD7kDx7U/?igshid=pjkjqliczrku

[blackhatmediaproductions]

*WHO WILL WIN*✨️ #iffmonlineawards2021 Check out the nominations for the #BestActress Nominees are Kani Kusruti, Nimisha Sajayan, Rasika Dugal Rima Kallingal Swastika Mukherjee, Vidya Balan & Vinamrata Rai IFFM Online Awards 2021 to go LIVE on a virtual award ceremony on Friday 20 August , 4:30pm Register here: shorturl.at/gtzFL Film Vic #VicScreen City of Melbourne #MelbMoments La Trobe University Hoyts Australia India in Australia (Consulate General of India, Melbourne) Mental Health Foundation Australia Blackmagic Design G'day India - Australian Indian Magazine Commonwealth Bank South Asia Times (SAT) Radio Haanji The Australia Today Indus Age SBS Australia #bhmcastings #bhmmodels #blackhatmediaproductions #blackhatmediamovieupdates #blackhatmediacastings @bhm_modelling_company @blackhatmediacastings @black_hat_media_productions (at Blackhatmediahouse) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSR2c5QJv3J/?utm_medium=tumblr

[ptbf2002]

I've Just Got Done Watching Animalia (TV series)

Original Template: https://www.deviantart.com/carriejokerbates/art/I-ve-Just-Got-Done-Watching-Blank-Meme-922502487

Credit Goes To carriejokerbates

Animalia (TV series) Belongs To Graeme Base, Tom Ruegger, Ewan Burnett, Doug MacLeod, Robyn Base, Bruce D. Johnson, Digital Pictures Iloura, Iloura, Photon VFX, Burberry Productions, Animalia Productions, LuxAnimation, MoonScoop Group, MoonScoop Entertainment, LLC, Splash Entertainment, LLC. PorchLight Entertainment, Inc. PorchLight Worldwide, Inc. Granada Productions, ITV Studios Limited, ITV plc, Australian Film Commission, Screen Australia, Film Victoria, VicScreen, Pacific Film and Television Commission, Screen Queensland Studios, Network 10, Ten Network Holdings Ltd. Paramount Networks UK & Australia, Paramount International Networks, Paramount Global, BBC Worldwide Ltd. BBC Studios Ltd. British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), CBC Kids, CBC Television, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (Société Radio-Canada), PBS Kids Go! PBS Kids, And Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)

[geenee27]

Essie Davis, Nathan Page and Izabella Yena were interviewed by #VictoriaOnFilm in this wonderful segment. So much fun!

Go behind the scenes of detective-extraordinaire Phryne Fisher's big screen adventure Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears as stars Essie Davis, Nathan Page and Izabella Yena reunite for episode four of #VictoriaOnFilm http://ow.ly/e4yG50CetnJ#MissFisherMovie #FVsupported #VicScreen