AUSTRALIAN producer and director Kate Whitbread will host an exclusive special effects seminar at this year\u2019s Lorne Film festival.<\/p>\n
Having shot her most recent work, The Unlit, in the iconic coastal town over 15 days, Kate said she\u2019s excited to give thanks to those who supported her vision throughout the creative journey.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe really wanted to take the film back to that area to thank the people for their support,\u201d Kate said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe film shines a different light on the area \u2013 it\u2019s not that beachy, coasty thing. It\u2019s much darker than that. They\u2019ll (attendees to the seminar) be getting a work in progress screening.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite targeting a female audience, the \u201csupernatural drama\u201d boasts a mixed gender cast with a female witch as the protagonist.<\/p>\n
Coming off the back of a sports film which was \u201cmale driven\u201d inspired Kate to explore concepts of self-discovery, fate and destiny through a strong female lead.<\/p>\n
\u201cWomen like to watch shows that are a bit darker. I love stories about people discovering things about their family. The Unlit is about family drama as Claire is searching for who she is.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe goes back to her family home and realises there\u2019s been a longline of witches before her. The film\u2019s about choice. It examines fate, destiny and how if your life is ruled by that, it will determine the paths you go on.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kate said it was important to her to create a heroine that was defiant in a genre not typically explored by Australian filmmakers.<\/p>\n
\u201cClaire is a strong, independent woman. She\u2019s no shrinking violet when she comes up against things that are a bit confronting.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s almost a depiction of how women want to operate. In media and film, we come across as much weaker than we are.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe film is a drama with supernatural elements. It\u2019s an interesting genre to work in as it\u2019s something that hasn\u2019t been explored a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kate worked alongside screenwriter Darren Markey to bring The Unlit to life.<\/p>\n
While filming has wrapped, Brisbane-based special effects company Serve Chilled is currently in the process of mastering the film\u2019s special effects.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believed in the product so much I knew we would get another company on board,\u201d Kate said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m so passionate about independent film that I want to show people that special effects are still possible on a low budget. Don\u2019t wipe it off your radar.\u201d<\/p>\n
The special effects seminar and the part-screening of The Unlit will take place on Saturday July 27 from 5pm at the Lorne Theatre. Tickets are $20 per person.<\/p>\n
For tickets, visit eventbrite.com.au.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
AUSTRALIAN producer and director Kate Whitbread will host an exclusive special effects seminar at this year\u2019s Lorne Film festival. Having shot her most recent work, The Unlit, in the iconic coastal town over 15 days, Kate said she\u2019s excited to give thanks to those who supported her vision throughout the creative journey. \u201cWe really wanted […]<\/p>\n