Screenwest have announced that two family features, Whale Shark Jack and Drone Racers, have been greenlit for production, with both films set to commence filming later in 2023 in Western Australia’s Gascoyne and Pilbara regions, respectively. With major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screenwest, Lotterywest and the Western Australian Regional Screen Fund, Whale Shark Jack and Drone Racers are both serving as the feature directorial debuts for WA filmmakers Miranda and Khrob Edmonds (Tango Underpants), and Alison James (Judas Collar). Whale Shark Jack is set at the breathtaking Ningaloo Reef and centres around 11-year-old Sarah, whose best friend is a whale shark named Jack. Following a tragic accident, Dad and Sarah move to the coastal town of Exmouth. Sarah wants to return to her old life at sea and pegs all her hopes on Jack’s anticipated annual migration. But when Jack fails to return, Sarah embarks on a risky mission to find him.
Directed by siblings Miranda and Khrob of Cottesloe Films, the film is written by Kathryn Lefroy (Library of Love), with Miranda producing alongside Tim White (I Am Mother) of Southern Light Films, Kelvin Munro and Philip Wade. Whale Shark Jack will be the first scripted production to be filmed entirely in WA’s Gascoyne region.
“The whole Whale Shark Jack team is thrilled to be filming this exciting adventure story at the magnificent Ningaloo Reef. We can’t wait for audiences to dive into the breathtaking world of whale sharks with our young heroine, Sarah.” Miranda and Khrob Edmonds, Whale Shark Jack Directors commented.
To be filmed across the Pilbara region, Drone Racers follows unruly tween Esme who discovers a talent for the fun, futuristic sport of drone racing. Working with her tech-nerd cousin, she takes her new skills from the beaches, bush and burbs of their outback town, all the way to the world championships. Alison is directing from an original screenplay by Jules Duncan (Rams). The film is produced by WBMC’s Aidan O’Bryan (Rams) and Janelle Landers (Son of a Gun), and Jessica Mitchell (Yardbird), alongside James Grandison (Blueback).
“When WBMC approached me to direct Drone Racers, I thought there’s no way I’m going to want to make a family film! Then I read Jules’s amazing screenplay and really saw myself in the main character of Esme; after watching some of the incredible drone racing videos online I was all in. We’re all very grateful for the support of Screen Australia and Screenwest in helping us bring this film to the world’s most discerning audience – kids!” Alison James, Drone Racers Director commented.
“The creative teams behind these wonderful stories have chosen to film in WA’s stunning regions, creating magnificent backdrops for these family feature films; the production also provides great employment opportunities for WA cast and crew.” Culture and Arts Minister David Templeman commented.
“We’re so pleased to be supporting Miranda, Khrob and Alison to direct their first features, with our state’s regions set for some exciting production activity in 2023. We can’t wait to see Whale Shark Jack and Drone Racers promote local talent and WA’s film friendly communities, while showcasing their beautiful locations to national and international audiences.” Rikki Lea Bestall, Screenwest CEO commented.
