Production starts today on The Rehearsal, the feature film adaptation of Booker Award winner Eleanor Catton’s debut novel.
The Rehearsal marks the return to New Zealand of expatriate director Alison Maclean, who has been based in New York for many years. She is joined by Bridget Ikin, returning from Sydney to produce with Trevor Haysom (In My Father’s Den). Ikin and Maclean previously collaborated on the much-loved short film Kitchen Sink, as well as Maclean’s debut feature Crush (1992).
The film has been co-written by Maclean and award-winning novelist Emily Perkins. The Rehearsal is a contemporary rite of passage story about how we become who we are. James Rolleston plays Stanley, a naïve drama school student, confronted by power and his desire for intimacy.
James Rolleston (Boy, The Dark Horse), Kerry Fox (An Angel at my Table, Bright Star), Miranda Harcourt, Cohen Holloway and Tandi Wright lead the large cast. The ensemble is filled out with a fresh collection of young actors, including Alice Englert (Ginger and Rosa, Beautiful Creatures).
Acclaimed country singer Marlon Williams has been cast in his first acting role, as has internet sensation Jamie Curry (of Jamie’s World) and Auckland newcomer Ella Edward.
Maclean: “It’s thrilling to be working in New Zealand again, seeing it with fresh eyes. I’m just astounded by the calibre of the cast, and looking forward to bringing Eleanor’s novel to life as a film.”
The Rehearsal is funded by the New Zealand Film Commission, Park Pictures, Film Buff Productions and Definition NZ.
International sales are handled by Mongrel Media.
NZ and Australian distribution is by Footprint Films.
CONTACTS:
Bridget Ikin and Trevor Haysom, producers Rehearsal Films Ltd Ph +64 22 323 5581.
Sue May, unit publicist suemay@xtra.co.nz ph +64 274 739 318