Award-winning director Sophie Hyde (52 Tuesdays, Life in Movement) is helming a feature adaptation of author-turned-screenwriter Emma Jane Unsworth’s best-selling novel Animals, an unconventional female driven comedy starring Holliday Grainger (Tulip Fever, My Cousin Rachel) and Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development, Search Party).
The official Irish/Australian co-production from Vico Films and Closer Productions is currently shooting in Dublin, having secured production investment from Screen Australia and the Irish Film Board (IFB) in association with the Adelaide Film Festival and the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC). Grainger and Shawkat star as Laura and Tyler respectively, best friends and drinking buddies whose hedonistic existence falls under the creeping horror of adulthood when Laura gets engaged to Jim – an ambitious pianist who decides, unfathomably, to go teetotal.
“Emma’s novel (and screenplay) is a celebration of a female friendship and an examination of being a modern woman, a woman with faults and longings, aspirations and competing desires,” director Sophie Hyde commented. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with both Holliday and Alia to bring two characters to the screen who are funny, disturbing, charming and nuanced, and I am delighted to bring this Animals world to life with an exceptional team from both Ireland and Australia.”
“The IFB, alongside Screen Australia, is delighted to support Sophie Hyde’s Animals, which is set in and will film in Ireland,” James Hickey, CEO of IFB commented. “Led by unique and distinctive female creative filmmaking talent, we are also proud to help bring this complex and nuanced portrait of contemporary womanhood to screens around the world.”
Post production will be handled by Kojo in Adelaide, Bonsai Films are on board to distribute in Australia and New Zealand, and Cornerstone Films are handling international sales.
“The Adelaide Film Festival FUND has supported Sophie Hyde’s extraordinary work to date,” Artistic Director and CEO of Adelaide Film Festival Amanda Duthie commented. “Adelaide Film Festival champions the work of bold and distinctive directors and we are thrilled to be involved in this venture with Closer Productions and Sophie Hyde’s vision for this international co-production with all female key creatives.”
Acting CEO of the South Australian Film Corporation Adam Smith said “The SAFC is thrilled to continue the journey with the now renowned South Australian production company Closer Productions, and the unique creative voice of Sophie Hyde, as they take this exciting next step into international co-production with Animals. It is an amazing opportunity for the South Australian team to work on an international production, which has roots in South Australia.”