Australian production company MOFA has begun filming the coming-of-age thriller “Bluebottle” in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, the second feature from directing duo Jack Clark and Jim Weir following the breakout success of their debut, “Birdeater”.
Produced in partnership with US-based Co Created Media, the film is set over the final night of Schoolies in an isolated coastal town. The story follows three local teenage boys who pose as wealthy private-school students in an effort to impress three visiting girls — only for their plan to take a dangerous turn when they encounter three older men competing for the same attention.
The ensemble cast includes Thomas Kerr, Vincent Miller, Harrison Mills, Emily Patterson, Bella Ness and Sienna Julian, alongside Sean Keenan, Mackenzie Fearnley and Chris Alosio.
“‘Bluebottle’ is our attempt to burrow into the inherent danger of the coming-of-age experience. This is our first feature outside of the micro-budget range so we’re feeling comparatively well-resourced. It’s an awesome crew and an incredibly exciting ensemble cast. We can’t wait to get this movie in front of an audience,” Clark and Weir said in a statement.
The film is produced by Rachel Forbes and Gal Greenspan for MOFA, with Ryan Bartecki and Billy Hines producing for Co Created Media. Executive producers include Joel Edgerton, Llew Griffiths, Ari Harrison, Jane Hains, Stephanie Troost, Elan Gale, Matthew Welty and Molly Quinn for QWGmire.
Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough described the project as “unsettling and utterly kinetic,” adding that the film “reinvents the coming-of-age story with a striking clarity… This gripping tale will resonate with audiences here and across the globe.”
Screen NSW Acting Executive Director Karla Lampe said the agency was pleased to support the project following the success of “Birdeater,” noting the production would showcase regional New South Wales locations while creating opportunities for local screen practitioners.
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“Bluebottle” has major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screen NSW, with financing support from Co Created Media, MOFA, QWGmire, Fax Machine, the Melbourne International Film Festival Premiere Fund and Blue Post Productions. Local distribution will be handled by Umbrella.