Melissa George.
Screen Queensland is the primary investor on feature film Bloom by first-time writer and director, Queensland-based Priscilla Cameron, to be produced by Bridget Callow-Wright.
Melissa George (Heartbeat, The Slap and Felony) and Sophie Lowe (The Beautiful Lie, What Lola Wants) are confirmed to star in the dramatic feature which will be shot exclusively in Queensland.
Other investors of the production include the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) Premiere Fund, Vendetta, Film Victoria, Cowlick Entertainment Group and 108 Media.
Bloom will spend more than $1.2m in Queensland, with production commencing in South East Queensland in July. Post-production will be completed by The Post Lounge in Victoria.
Bloom tells the story of Evelyn, an ex-burlesque queen, who bewitches single dad Al and his 13-year-old boy 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.
Cameron said it was a thrill and a pleasure to be given the opportunity to create a film that will enable local talent to truly shine.
"I am very much looking forward to embarking on a collaborative journey where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts," she said.
"We are extremely thankful to our principal investor Screen Queensland for their early support of the project, and to our other investors, MIFF Premiere Fund, The Post Lounge, Vendetta, 108 Media, Film Victoria and Cowlick Entertainment Group for their continuing support.’
Bloom will be distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Vendetta Films with international sales by 108 Media.
Screen Queensland chief executive, Tracey Vieira, said she was thrilled to support the production and development of Bloom.
"SQ has backed Queensland writer and director, Priscilla Cameron from the early script stage and to now see her debut feature film going into production is testament to her talent and hard work," she said.
"We are proud to partner with her and the team on this project as part of our commitment to nurturing and growing local creatives to continue to build a thriving local industry.
"SQ is committed to supporting stories like Bloom to get on screen and positively contribute to the state’s economy and to our screen culture too."
MIFF Premiere Fund executive producer, Mark Woods, said it was an honour to have Bloom as as one of the just six Premiere Fund films that will premiere at MIFF 2017.
"I clearly remember first 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 chief executive, Jeni Tosi, said Film Victoria was delighted to have provided support for Victorian producer Bridget Callow-Wright and Bloom since its early development.
"Bridget and Priscilla are an impressive team and have attached a terrific cast," she said.
"It is an evocative coming of age story set to have stunning performances, visuals and post design, and is sure to delight cinema audiences."