Industry lends a hand to short film ‘Flat Daddy’

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Flat_Daddy_email_sign_off.jpegThe short film in indeed a different beast but has a variety of rewards. Instead of being created for traditional distribution by exhibitors (cinemas or television), short films generally live out their life on the international film festival circuit, for up to two years, before becoming available to the public. Winning a major award can provide filmmakers an opportunity to showcase their talents at an international level, which can quickly springboard a career into world-wide limelight. 

Annie Kat Georgina Matt Trevor_723kb.jpegAnnie Steve and Josh.jpgThis and other rewards such unbridled creativity, grass roots development, publicity, promotional and networking opportunities are the “whys” filmmakers and actors, such as the caliber on Flat Daddy, choose to involve themselves in short projects.

Interestingly, for the array of talented and very experienced crew on Flat Daddy, who came mostly from advertising production, the huge draw card for donating their time and equipment was the chance to work on a totally “creatively focused project”, one that told a meaningful story, without the looming shadow of clients, agencies or budget pressure.

Says producer Annie Kinnane, “in the current state of our production industry with too many small players and lack of appreciation for highly experienced production teams, (a short film) is a wonderful opportunity to see a group of 30 people in a room given the time and space to let film magic happen”.

Even lead actor Kat Stewart (Offspring, Underbelly, Tangle) said it was so great to have the time to perform a script that was allowed to breathe, as opposed to the rapid-fire acting required on a TV show. Flat Daddy, also starts actor on the rise Kathryn Beck (These Final Hours, Wentworth, Neighbours).

Gabe Annie Matt Trev on mic_Intro.jpgIMG_7354.JPGOften the producer and director also invest large chunks of money into their project, seeing it as their greatest form of self-promotion and perfect showcase to demonstrate their abilities not often fully utilised in the world of television commercials. TVC Director Matt Holcomb and producer Annie Kinnane teamed up for the first time to produce the short Flat Daddy, based on a short story (of the same name) that had been optioned by Matt’s brother and editor Trevor Holcomb.

For seasoned technicians and established suppliers a short is an invitation to invest in the emerging filmmakers by supporting them at grassroots stage, so cinematographers, gaffers, grips, art directors and their department personnel provide services and equipment at highly reduced prices for short films. In the case of Flat Daddy, the director/producer team aimed to attract an impressive list of supporters for positions in front and behind the camera and a solid cast. But even with the most positive ambitions, Annie and Matt’s expectations were far outreached with Flat Daddy’s cast and crew list growing into a who’s who of the industry.  

First on board was Australian legend Al Clark, whose producer and executive producer credits include (Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Chopper, The Hard Word, Blessed and Red Hill). Next was veteran cinematographer Geoffrey Hall ACS (Red Dog, Chopper), whose reputation assisted greatly in pulling together the 26 strong shooting crew.

One of Sydney’s premier commercials casting agency McGregor Casting secured the top-level actors.

IMG_7360.JPGQANDA_KAT ON MIC_732kb.jpgTo finish the film, renowned screen composer and President of the Australian Guild of Screen Composers Guy Gross (A Few Best Men, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Chopper) composed the musical score, and Deluxe one of the top Australian TVC and feature film post-production houses sponsored the final post processes (DDP & StageOne Sound).

When it came time to screen the finished film to the cast, crew and Indiegogo supports, Annie the producer wanted the screening to be held at one of the best cinemas for sound and music, so she approached Event Cinemas at Westfield Bondi Junction who also choose to support the screening. The Cast, Crew and Supporter had about 100 guests attend with the cast and filmmakers participating in a Q&A after the film, followed by drinks in the AACTA bar downstairs.

On the guest list in addition to the regular crew were Annie’s advertising friends who made significant contribution to the production and fundraising for Flat Daddy, including senior account director Margot Davis who took on the role of Production Manager for the crucial preproduction process, associate creative director Josh Bryer who lent his expertise on marketing for the Indiegogo fundraising appeal, social media and PR, art director Steven Deans who designed marketing materials and Colin Jowell partner/owner of an innovations and communications company led a team of DJs to entertain at the fundraising dance party event.  

Flat Daddy is a subtle 15-minute drama that tells the tale of a working-class Australian military family and how a life-size cut-out of the serving husband and father, meant to provide a sense of comfort during prolonged absences, becomes a source of emotional upheaval. Completed in November 2014, the film has now begun its journey into the world of international film festivals.