Studiocanal has started work on a new production titled “Kangaroo”.
The film marks Studiocanal’s first local Australian and New Zealand production.
‘Kangaroo’ wis inspired by the story of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who has been saving and raising baby kangaroos in Central Australia since 2005.
It will be shot on location in the Northern Territory.
Kate Woods (“The Umbrella Academy”, “Looking for Alibrandi” and “The Lost Symbol”) has come on board as director.
“Kangaroo” is written by Harry Cripps (“The Dry” and “Penguin Bloom”) and will be produced by Marian Macgowan (“The Great” and “The Rage in Placid Lake”) and Louise Smith (“The End” and “Dance Academy”).
Studiocanal will commence worldwide sales at Cannes this month.
The company said “Kangaroo” will be a heart-warming family comedy. It will tell the story of down-on-his-luck pro surfer Chris Matherson, who becomes stranded in an outback town after a car accident.
He will then team up with an 11-year-old Indigenous girl, Charlie, to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned joeys, which proves to be life-changing for them both.
Elizabeth Trotman, CEO of Studiocanal for Australia and New Zealand, said the team is so excited to embark on its first local production.
“This is such a wonderful project that will capture the hearts of audiences worldwide,” Trotman said.
“We can’t wait to bring this story inspired by the life of Chris Barns to the big screen and to tell this uniquely heart-warming Australian tale with our exceptional filmmaking team.”
Director Woods was equally excited.
“I am thrilled to be working on this warm hearted and delightful comedy about finding one’s place and purpose in the world,” she said.
“I can’t wait to work with the stars of the film – the kangaroos. As an Australian filmmaker it means so much to me to showcase my homeland in a fresh and exciting way.”
