Season two of LAST KING OF THE CROSS gets funding boost

Screen Australia commits $6.9M to invigorate the Australian film and TV industry, including funding for Last King of the Cross S2.

Screen Australia has announced a significant injection of $6.9 million into the local film and television industry, underpinning the production of 11 diverse and compelling projects as we head into 2024.

The funding will bolster a wide array of storytelling, from feature films and television dramas to children’s programming and pioneering online content, including an engaging virtual reality experience.

Among the feature films receiving support is Kangaroo, a family comedy directed by Kate Woods and written by Harry Cripps with additional input from Melina Marchetta. The film narrates the story of ex-TV personality Chris Masterson, who, after a car accident, finds himself stranded in an outback town, developing an unexpected bond with an 11-year-old Indigenous girl, Charlie. Together, they embark on a life-altering journey, rescuing and caring for orphaned joeys.

One More Shot offers a unique twist on the comedy genre. Directed by Nicholas Clifford and written by Alice Foulcher and Gregory Erdstein, the film features Minnie, who discovers a bottle of time-travelling tequila on New Year’s Eve 1999, enabling her to relive the night in hopes of winning over her on-again-off-again flame, Joe.

Red Rock Run, directed by Cathy Randall and penned by Meg Shields, is a family feature set in 1978. It follows 10-year-old Lucy who, against her father’s wishes, participates in the Red Rock Run, a challenging 120km marathon, with her grandmother’s support.

The sequel to the crime comedy Gettin’ Square, titled Spit, sees John Spitieri, played by David Wenham, return to Australia, only to find himself in an Immigration Detention Centre. Directed by Jonathan Teplitzky and written by Chris Nyst, the film explores themes of mateship and identity.

The Correspondent, directed by Kriv Stenders and written by Peter Duncan, delves into the true story of Australian journalist Peter Greste’s ordeal in Egypt. Accused of terrorism, Greste’s survival hinges on his wit amidst corrupt officials and ancient rivalries.

The television landscape is equally exciting, with the second season of Last King of the Cross. The drama, directed by Grant Brown, Ian Watson, and Tori Garrett, follows John Ibrahim’s quest to conquer Oxford Street, Sydney, bringing new challenges and formidable adversaries.

In the realm of children’s programming, Spooky Files S2 returns for another season of otherworldly adventures. The series, a collaborative effort between ABC, BBC, and VicScreen, is produced by Tony Ayres Productions (TAP) and Megaboom Pictures.

Grainne Brunsdon, Director of Content at Screen Australia, highlighted the importance of these projects, saying,

“From diverse voices to innovative visions, these narratives showcase the boundless creativity at the heart of our thriving screen industry, and we can’t wait for audiences to immerse themselves in these extraordinary tales.”

Screen Australia’s commitment extends to innovative online projects. Cooking for Seamus, a documentary series on YouTube, showcases the culinary talents judged by Seamus, a food-loving Angus Bull. Descent, a genre-defying YouTube series, takes viewers on a satirical journey to the ocean’s depths. Heroes, a VR experience, provides an immersive view into the lives of children in war-torn areas. Lastly, Long Head, a TikTok comedy series based on a webcomic, presents the antics of its uniquely shaped protagonist.

These funded projects demonstrate Screen Australia’s dedication to fostering diverse and engaging Australian content, enriching the local film and television landscape.