Screen Queensland (SQ) and Cowlick Entertainment are thrilled to announce feature film The Butterfly Tree, starring Melissa George (Heartbeat, The Slap), Ewen Leslie (Top of the Lake, The Daughter), Ed Oxenbould (Paper Planes, Puberty Blues) and Sophie Lowe (The Beautiful Lie, The Returned), has commenced filming.
The dramatic feature by first-time writer and director, Queensland-based Priscilla Cameron, tells the story of Evelyn, an ex-burlesque queen, who bewitches single dad Al and his teenage son Fin with her zest for life. When father and son discover they are competing for the affections of the same woman, it reopens old wounds over the death of Fin’s mother.
‘We are excited to see cameras rolling on The Butterfly Tree and congratulate Priscilla and Bridget for their original story going into production,’ said Screen Queensland CEO, Tracey Vieira.
‘The Butterfly Tree will spend over $1.2million in our state and has four attachments in the directing, art, camera and production departments, giving Queensland-based early career practitioners the on-set experience they need to develop their skills and contribute to the long-term viability of our industry.
Ewen Leslie
‘SQ has been a passionate supporter of this project, investing in its development and production, and has backed Priscilla Cameron in growing her career as a writer-director. It is such a thrill to see talented creatives such as Priscilla making their debut feature film as this is not only an achievement for the individual but also a win for the growth and cultural footprint of our local industry.’
‘The calibre of the cast and crew is just so incredible, after so many years pulling this project together with every ounce of passion I could muster, it’s too hard to explain exactly how good it feels to finally get underway,’ said Director, Priscilla Cameron.
Victorian-based Producer, Bridget Callow-Wright said: ‘The name change from Bloom to The Butterfly Tree came from research with the film’s key audience demographic of art house audiences, after commissioning a Title Test from Screen Audience Research Australia (SARA), a new screen insights methodology.
‘The winner amongst art house audiences that rated highest on both Intrigue and Fit was The Butterfly Tree. Audiences also felt the name was evocative and differentiated.’
Ed Oxenbould
‘That The Butterfly Tree is one of just six Premiere Fund films that will premiere at 2017’s Melbourne International Film Festival speaks to the calibre of the project,’ said MIFF Premiere Fund Executive Producer Mark Woods. ‘I clearly remember some years ago reading an early draft of this distinctive script which, delightfully, has developed into a fine, warm and moving quality project with something to say.’
‘Film Victoria is delighted The Butterfly Tree is moving into production, having supported Victorian producer Bridget Callow-Wright and the project since its early development. Bridget and Priscilla are an impressive team and have attached a terrific cast. This evocative story is set to have stunning performances, visuals and post design, and is sure to delight cinema audiences,’ said Film Victoria CEO, Jenni Tosi.
Melissa George
‘We are very excited by the opportunity to work at a creative level with Director, Priscilla Cameron. Her vision for the film is refreshingly unique and innovative,’ said Steve Cooper, Managing Director of The Post Lounge.
The Butterfly Tree will premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) in 2017 and will be distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Vendetta Films.
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