The trailer for The Sculptor is online now, so you should go and watch it right now (or download it). In case The Sculptor is new to you, you should know a couple of things: first off, it’s the feature film debut for director Chris Kenworthy and scriptwriter Chantal Bourgault (a rather talented colleague of mine from Communication Studies). Chris cut his teeth on innovative low-budget special effects heavy shorts such as The Dream Sequence so he should really been able to do some amazing things with a full feature budget! The film is also the first Western Australian production (as far as I know) to be shot on the fantastic Red Cameras, giving it an even crisper look. And given Chantal teaches scriptwriting and film production, I’m sure the story will take some classical narrative ideas and make them just that little bit more intriguing!
One other reason this film will be extremely important to the filmmaking landscape of Western Australia is that the production company, Skyview Films, is both practically and philosophically focused on funding and promoting internationally-competitive local productions. As their mission statement attests, they aim:
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- To deliver high quality Australia feature films for the Australian & international markets.
- Use of “high concept” scripts.
- Use of “state-of-the-art” equipment and techniques.
- To provide significant contributions to a sustainable feature film industry in Western Australia.
- Three full length feature films programmed from 2007-2011.
- Additional films scheduled beyond 2011.
- Shareholder and board commitment to re-invest in additional films before investment dividends are paid.
- Private equity funded company, including international shareholders.
- Board of Directors paid solely from dividends.
- Operations to provide meaningful investor and stakeholder returns, commercially and by fostering growth within the industry.
- Prioritise the employment of local cast and crew with a Western Australian management team.
- Provide innovative opportunities for new talent to obtain training in all facets of feature film making.
Skyview already has two more features in pre-production, which is a great sign both of their confidence in The Sculptor and their long-term commitment to local film production. Oh, and if you wondered what the film is actually about after that pretty but mainly impressionistic teaser, here’s the quick description:
A struggling artist dabbles in black magic to find success, but when he has everything he ever dreamed of, the demons come back to haunt his life, his work and his family.
And the tagline: Can you keep a secret? (Clearly I can’t, as I think this will be a very exciting debut feature you should all know about!)