PRESS RELEASE
Screenwest and Screen Australia are pleased to announce Red Rock Run, the debut feature film from Western Australian writer, Meg Shields, has been greenlit for production in Karratha in the Pilbara region of WA this year, following a slew of scripted film and TV production in the state including The Twelve, The Surfer, Runt, Birthright and Population 11 as well as the upcoming Invisible Boys and We Bury the Dead.
Red Rock Run is a heart-warming Australian family feature film about a young girl with dyslexia who dreams of winning her father’s love by setting out to win a 120km marathon race in the outback.
Ten-year-old Lucy is forbidden from attending the 1978 regional athletic trials as punishment for racing a delivery plane on a remote dirt airstrip. But with the help of her grandmother (played by a soon-to-be-announced international star), she defies her Vietnam veteran father and enters the first kids’ team into the Red Rock Run, a gruelling 120km outback marathon race.
Western Australian writer, Meg Shields has teamed up with producer Miriam Stein and director, Cathy Randall – the dynamic duo behind Hey Hey its Esther Blueburger – to bring her fifteen-years-in-the-making story to life.
“I’m thrilled to see Red Rock Run head into production after running its own marathon from initial draft to financing. I met producer Miriam Stein in 2009 and it’s a story that wouldn’t be told if it weren’t for Miriam’s dedication. I’m thrilled the project has attracted incredible creative talent including director Cathy Randall. The story is inspired by my experience in 1976 of running in the first kids’ team to enter the Black Rock Stakes, a 120 km marathon relay race to push a barrow of iron ore from Goldsworthy to Port Hedland in the Pilbara of Western Australia. I’m excited to see the story of a young girl facing adversity and bravely undertaking a gruelling journey of self-discovery in one of the most unique and magnificent environments in the world.” said Meg Shields, Writer.
The project has attracted production funding from Screen Australia, Screenwest, Lotterywest, the WA Regional Screen Fund, Spectrum Entertainment and Screen NSW, with international distribution from Parkland Pictures and domestic release by Icon Film Distribution.
The WA Regional Screen Fund is designed to attract screen projects to undertake production in regional Western Australia to encourage regional film industry activity, build local capacity and contribute to the liveability and vibrancy of regional WA communities.
“When Meg first shared her script with me, we travelled to the Pilbara so I could be immersed in the world of her story. I was instantly blown away by the region’s beauty and the potential of sharing this uniquely Western Australian story, set in the cinematically spectacular Pilbara, with the rest of Australia and the world. Director, Cathy Randall and our team can’t wait to be based in Karratha and start shooting.” said Miriam Stein, Producer.
Local WA and Pilbara companies have been jumping on board to support this uplifting Australian regional story. Interested companies are welcome to get in touch with Producer, Miriam Stein at miriam@tamafilms.com.
Casting has commenced with 550 kids testing for roles so far. The filmmakers are hoping to cast the lead role of 10-year-old Lucy, and other supporting kids, out of Western Australia. Interested actors are invited to email their photo and contact details to Casting Director, Anousha Zarkesh at azarkesh@iprimus.com.au.
Screenwest CEO, Rikki Lea Bestall said, “Screenwest is delighted to see Meg, Miriam and Cathy bringing Red Rock Run to life in Western Australia this year. With the story being inspired by Meg’s childhood in the Pilbara, this film is set to be authentic storytelling at its finest. We look forward to seeing it all come together over the coming months. Congratulations team!”
Screen Australia Director of Content Grainne Brunsdon said, “Screen Australia is thrilled to see this heart-warming Australian story set against the magnificent backdrop of the Pilbara. The talented creative team behind this family-friendly feature film will bring Meg’s personal narrative to life. Red Rock Run embodies the essence of Australian storytelling, offering international appeal and providing family audiences with a compelling insight into the human spirit.”
Red Rock Run is set to head into production in Karratha in the Pilbara region of Western Australia in 2024.
Production credit:Red Rock Run is a Tama Films production with major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screenwest, Lotterywest, the WA Regional Screen Fund, Spectrum Entertainment and Screen NSW. Local distribution by Icon Film Distribution. International sales by Parkland Pictures. The film was developed with the assistance of Screenwest and Lotterywest, Icon Film Distribution and Screen NSW.
