Yahoo Lifestyle Isla Fisher, Leslie Mann, Anna Faris and Michelle Buteau Set Australia Shoot for ‘Spa Weekend’ – Global Bulletin
COMEDY CONVERGENCE
Leslie Mann, Isla Fisher, Michelle Buteau and Anna Faris are heading to Queensland, Australia with cameras set to roll this month on destination comedy “Spa Weekend.” The Gold Coast-set film, from “Bad Moms” helmers Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, follows three best friends whose luxury escape goes sideways when their chaotic fourth shows up unannounced.
Black Bear and Suzanne Todd Productions are producing the film, with Australian production outfit Brouhaha Entertainment handling local services. The project marks Brouhaha’s third Queensland venture following “Boy Swallows Universe” and upcoming thriller “Dangerous Animals.”
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“Queensland’s reputation as a production destination of choice has never been stronger,” said Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek, touting the Queensland government’s production incentives. The production is expected to generate 200 jobs and pump AUD12 million ($7.4 million) into the local economy.
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney noted the state’s recent run hosting international fare like “Voltron,” “Anaconda” and “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” alongside Australian content including “Black Snow.”
The film benefits from Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy, Gold Coast City Council’s Screen Attraction Program and the Australian Government’s Location Offset. The Gold Coast will double for Los Angeles in the production.
LOVE’S LEAP
Sridhar Rangayan‘s relationship drama “Kuch Sapney Apne” will release theatrically across India on Feb. 21 via his Solaris Pictures. The film, a follow-up to 2018’s “Evening Shadows,” follows four couples navigating love and relationship challenges.
The film recently received a U/A certification from India’s CBFC ratings board, clearing it for audiences aged 16 and above. “We created this film to resonate with mainstream Indian audiences, carrying the powerful message that ‘Love is Love’ through the intertwined stories of four couples,” said Rangayan, who serves as writer-director.
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Deepa Mehta praised the film as “deeply moving” and highlighted its exploration of “family, the freedom in embracing your true self, and the power of love above all.”
The ensemble cast includes Mona Ambegaonkar, Shishir Sharma, Satvik Bhatia, Arpit Chaudhary, Abhay Kulkarni and Veenah Naair. Musical talents Vishal and Rekha Bhardwaj, Shaan, Shashwat Singh and Sushant Divgikar contribute to the soundtrack, with lyrics by co-director and writer Saagar Gupta.
Shot across Mumbai, South India and Sweden, the film’s cinematography is by Subhransu Das. The film will screen at PVR Cinemas and Cinepolis locations across major Indian metros including Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata.
PLATFORM PIONEERS
Saffron Sky Studios has unveiled a new distribution division focused on expanding access for South Asian filmmakers in North American and international markets. The newly launched venture aims to connect creators with streaming platforms across SVOD, TVOD and AVOD services including Netflix, Hulu and ZEE5.
The company was founded by Kevin Dalvi, Amit Rana and Kirtana Banskota. Dalvi brings extensive experience as a former Amazon executive and Big Four consulting veteran, alongside his work as an award-winning writer. Rana, currently a partner at Boston Consulting Group, is also the co-founder of the Chicago South Asian Film Festival and has performed with Second City’s Conservatory and the Chai Guys Comedy group. Banskota, who serves as creative officer, is an award-winning Nepali-American filmmaker and co-founder of multiple cultural initiatives including the Nepal America Film Society and Nepal America International Film Festival.
“We take a collaborative approach, working closely with filmmakers to craft tailored strategies for the optimal release of their projects,” said Dalvi. Rana added, “We want to ensure powerful South Asian stories have access to these platforms and gain the visibility they deserve.” Banskota said, “Our mission is to amplify underrepresented South Asian narratives on a global scale, connecting audiences through powerful and authentic storytelling.”
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