Gruesome Tassie Tale Set For Small Screen

2 April 2008

Tasmania’s rugged south west region is set to star in an Australian-Irish co-production about famous cannibal convict, Alexander Pearce.

The Last Confession of Alexander Pearce follows the final days of Irish convict Alexander Pearce’s life as he awaits execution in a cell under Hobart Gaol. Pearce was the first white man to walk through the uncharted wilderness of south west Tasmania when he and seven other convicts escaped from the penal colony of Sarah Island and set out on foot for Hobart, over 300 kilometres away. When Pearce finally emerged from the wilderness 49 days later, he had murdered and eaten all of his companions. Behind him lay a trail of mutilated corpses.

The Screen Tasmania funded production will commence filming in the Derwent Bridge region next week and features a cast of well known Australian and Irish actors. The lead role of Alexander Pearce will be played by young Irish actor Ciaran McMenamin, who Australian audiences may remember from his role as DC John Caldicott in the ABC series Jericho. Respected Australian actors Chris Haywood and Dan Wyllie will also feature in the production.

Screen Tasmania Director Karena Slaninka was enthusiastic about The Last Confession of Alexander Pearce coming to Tasmania.

“This is a big budget period film which includes documentary and dramatic re-enactments and Screen Tasmania is very excited to be a partner with production company Essential Viewing. It is creating employment and training opportunities for Tasmanian crew and actors and we’re pleased we’ve been able to get the whole production to come to Tasmania,” Ms Slaninka said.

“Productions like this are important in building Tasmania’s production capacity. It’s great experience for our local production crews and provides excellent networking opportunities as well”

Director Michael Rowland’s last feature film, Lucky Miles, was very popular with film festival audiences.

“This is a natural progression from the work I did in Lucky Miles. For a long time I’ve wanted to do a film that looked at what we eat and the consequences of that.  When  producer Nial Fulton rang me with the script,  I knew it was a perfect fit. It’s a great concept and the locations in Tasmania, especially Derwent Bridge, make my heart feel good. It’s a stunning part of Tasmania,” Mr Rowland said.

When completed, The Last Confession of Alexander Pearce will be seen on the ABC here in Australia, Ireland’s national broadcaster RTE, BBC Northern Ireland, and the History Channel in the UK.

Chris Haywood		Ciaran McMenamin
Dan Wyllie

Irish actor Ciaran McMenamin stars in the Last Confession of Alexander Pearce, to be shot in Tasmania, along with Australian actors Chris Haywood and Dan Wyllie

Screen Tasmania Roadshow

Launceston: 8 April 2008
Hobart: 11 April 2008

Screen Tasmania will be conducting a series of Roadshows in Hobart and Launceston early in April to meet with screen practitioners and conduct a funding guidelines overview, networking events and one-on-one meetings.

Funding Guidelines Overview
The overview will include information regarding:

• information on revised funding guidelines
• an overview of the new Creative Producer Scheme
• how to apply to Screen Tasmania for funding and the application process. This will include how to format treatments/scripts, writing development notes, and an explanation of a synopsis.

Network Function
The guidelines overview will be followed by a network function hosted by Screen Tasmania. Industry practitioners are encouraged to attend and meet fellow practitioners in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. If you are new to the industry, this is your chance to practice your networking skills and make important connections.

Meet with Screen Tasmania (Launceston only)
One-on-one meetings are also available in Launceston only on Tuesday 8 April and Wednesday 9 April with Screen Tasmania staff to discuss projects.

Please contact Screen Tasmania on 6233 6995 to make an appointment.

Launceston Roadshow Details

Date: Tuesday 8 April
Time: 10am (Guidelines Overview) 5.30pm (Network Function)
Guidelines Overview Location: Bow Room, Peppers Seaport Hotel, 28 Seaport Boulevard, Launceston
Network Function Location: Blue Cafe Bar, 2/4 Invermay Road, Launceston

Hobart Roadshow Details

Date: Friday 11 April
Time: 3.30pm (Guidelines Overview) 5.30pm (Network Function)
Guidelines Overview Location: Salamanca Room, Salamanca Inn, 10 Gladstone Street, Hobart
Network Function Location: Boardroom, Salamanca Inn, 10 Gladstone Street, Hobart

Reservations/Appointments Essential
Places are running out. To reserve a place or make an appointment, please contact Screen Tasmania on 6233 6995.

Screen Tasmania Launches Ground Breaking Creative Producer Scheme

CPS funding is available for emerging Tasmanian producers to develop a slate of projects including: feature film; television drama; documentary; animation; digital media projects.

Aim of the program
This program recognises that skilled creative producers are a vital part of a successful and dynamic screen industry.  It also identifies the high costs associated with the development process and aims to provide ongoing financial support, professional development opportunities, formal training and mentoring to producers as they develop a slate of projects over a three-year period.  This program is intended to give Tasmanian producers the skills to produce content of an international standard that is competitive in the marketplace.  It is expected that by the end of the third year each producer will have advanced at least one major project into production.

About the program
Funding is available for up to three emerging independent Tasmanian producers over a three-year period, to support producers while they develop a slate of projects and advance their skills as industry practitioners. Candidates will be required to undertake a program of professional development modules proposed by the candidate and approved by Screen Tasmania.  Candidates will be matched with a highly experienced mentor producer.  Throughout the three years, mentors will provide guidance through direct meetings, via email, and will facilitate introductions to relevant industry agencies, practitioners, financiers and distributors.
Successful candidates will be required to enter into a contract with Screen Tasmania confirming their commitment to undertake the three year program and produce at least one significant project in Tasmania.

Who can apply
All applicants and projects must meet the General Eligibility Criteria, in addition to the following:

• Tasmanian Producers with at least two produced and screened credits as a producer which may include:
  • short film
  • television drama
  • documentary
  • a form of narrative based digital media.
• Alternatively applicants should be able to demonstrate a body of work in a related area such as theatre, or project/production management, or in another discipline such as editing and who are able to demonstrate a commitment to a professional career as a producer in the screen industry.
• Applicants must commit to working in Tasmania and producing at least one major project in Tasmania.

Closing deadline
5pm, 5 May 2008

For full details download the guidelines.
You must consult with a Project Officer before submitting an application.

For initial enquiries about Screen Tasmania’s funding programs and initiatives, and for an application form, contact:
Project Manager
Ph: (03) 6233 6995

Email the Project Manager

TASMANIA’S FILM INDUSTRY WANTS YOU

A number of feature films and documentaries are expected to be made in Tasmania during 2008/09. In order to maximise employment opportunities for Tasmanians on these productions, the state government’s screen development agency, Screen Tasmania, is developing a professional crew database. This database will be available to visiting and local productions looking for Tasmanian crew.

Expressions of interest are sought from suitably qualified and experienced crew. To be eligible for inclusion on the professional crew database, applicants must have a minimum of two professional screen credits.

To apply, please submit a completed Professional Crew Database application form along with a current curriculum vitae to:

Jonathon Campbell
Screen Tasmania
GPO Box 646
Hobart 
TAS, 7000

Click here to download a Professional Crew Database Application Form

Click here to download a Professional Crew Database information sheet