By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
PRODUCERS of a local feature film yet to begin production are planning a sequel and television series spin off.
The Chickabees is also $100,000 short of its $1.2 million budget, with private investors so far tipping in $400,000.
Former federal MP for Corio Gavan O’Connor and Screen Actors Studio founder John McGlynn are co-producing the film, based on the books of Geelong children’s author Margaret Clark.
“The screenplay is done, casting is complete and we’re ready to go,” Mr O’Connor told an investment forum this week.
The producers had committed $350,000 of their own funds to the project, he said.
A “critical” domestic distribution deal and cinema release had been secured for the film’s release in cinemas around Australia in June.
Mr McGlynn said the movie was the first in a slate of planned films and television productions, including a Chickabees sequel and series and a children’s series called Train Town, set in Queenscliff.
Another project, The Last Bunyip, described as a cross between Crocodile Dundee and Free Willy, was also in development, he said.
The Chickabees will be shot entirely on locations around Geelong, including Adventure Park and Kardinia International College.
The film is about a young all-girl dance and vocal group trying to gain fame by winning a performance competition but learning some lessons about friendship along the way.
With production scheduled for early next year, The Chickabees will star Strictly Ballroom’s Paul Mercurio. The director will be Kevin Dobson who has directed television productions for the Disney Channel as well as movies The Secret of Bear Mountain, The Virgin of Juarez and Savages Crossing.
