In an unprecedented move for Australian streaming, Stan, the country’s leading producer of original content, has joined forces with the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) to commission its first joint project, the family feature film, “Wind Catcher.”
The initiative marks the first collaboration between ACTF and a streaming service in Australia, promising to deliver a series of live-action projects for young audiences and families across the nation.
“Wind Catcher” is an evocative tale penned by Boyd Quakawoot, known for his significant contributions to the Stan Original Series “Black Snow, Black Comedy.” The story, which is set to be directed by AACTA award-winner Tanith Glynn-Maloney of “Finding Jedda” fame, follows the journey of a young Aboriginal boy named Percy Boy in regional Australia.
The heart-warming narrative explores the unlikely friendship between Percy Boy, Daisy, and Keithy as they dare to compete in an upcoming sports carnival, eager to become the heroes of their own story. When a natural disaster looms over their remote township, Percy Boy is confronted with challenges he never anticipated, making for an exciting and emotional ride for viewers.
Stan’s Chief Content Officer, Cailah Scobie, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, stating,
“Stan’s collaboration with the Australian Children’s Television Foundation solidifies our position as a preferred streaming platform for young audiences and families.
We are incredibly excited to embark on our first project with ACTF and look forward to working with the exceptional creative team on ‘Wind Catcher.’ This heart-warming feature film is a significant addition to our Stan Originals catalogue.”
Jenny Buckland, the CEO of ACTF, mirrored Scobie’s sentiments,
“Teaming up with Stan to bring homegrown children’s films to our audience is a dream realised for the ACTF. This project and the team behind it are truly special.”
Grainne Brunsdon, Screen Australia’s Head of Content, also offered her endorsement,
“We are delighted to support Stan and ACTF in telling this authentic Australian story. ‘Wind Catcher’ is a culturally rich coming-of-age tale that underscores the power of family and friendship.
We are confident this film will resonate with Australian audiences and offer something for the entire family to enjoy.”
“Wind Catcher” is a joint production venture between Unless Pictures and Every Cloud Productions.
The film’s production team includes Meg O’Connell, known for her work on “Upright” and “Retrograde,” and Drew Grove, who has previously worked on Stan Original Films “A Sunburnt Christmas” and “Christmas Ransom.” Executive producers for the project include Bernadette O’Mahony for ACTF, and Cailah Scobie and Rachel Okine for Stan.
The project has received significant production investment from Screen Australia and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation, in association with Stan. Additional funding came from Screen Queensland. ACTF is slated to manage worldwide distribution.
