Matchbox Pictures this week opens its South Australian office. The new branch, based at Adelaide Studios, is headed up by South Australian producer Kirsty Stark, who will drive the local development slate in with Matchbox.
Stark comes to the newly created development producer role having completed a successful slate of projects including Matt Saville’s feature film A Month of Sundays, starring Anthony LaPaglia and Justine Clarke, the ground-breaking online sensation Wastelander Panda and the recent online comedy series Goober for ABC iview.
Matchbox has started filming the third season of drama series Wanted in SA. The series is a co-production between Matchbox and R&R and commissioned by Seven. The series will see the return of stars Rebecca Gibney, also one of the show’s creators and executive producers, and Geraldine Hakewill.
The high-rating, International Emmy-nominated show will create over 250 jobs for local cast and crew. Wanted will shoot in Adelaide and across the state from Murray Bridge to Parachilna, and is being directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse (The Dressmaker) and Peter Templeman (Wanted 1 & 2, The Wrong Girl, Offspring).
The establishment of the Matchbox Pictures SA office is set to increase the development of television drama in the state. The initiative was made possible by a two-year funding allocation from the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) under the Television Company Partnership Initiative.
Rebecca Gibney and Geraldine Hakewill
Matchbox Pictures recently used Adelaide Studios’ state of the art post-production facilities for the award-winning Adelaide Film Festival Fund feature Ali’s Wedding and filmed Deadline Gallipoli in SA for Foxtel.
Season three of Wanted features Lola and Chelsea swapping prison for the tight leash of the witness protection program. But nothing can hold them for long and soon they’re in pursuit of a life outside the law that will take them right through the burning centre of Australia.
Rebecca Gibney, the creator, EP and lead in Wanted, said: “I am really thrilled that we are shooting our third season of Wanted in South Australia as I have never filmed in this beautiful state. We are already loving the exceptional studio facilities and are really looking forward to exploring the amazing landscapes that South Australia has to offer and that we know will give Wanted the incredible cinematic look that is vital for our show.”
Seven’s head of drama Julie McGauran said: “Audiences across Australia have fallen in love with Lola and Chelsea and we’re thrilled to commence filming on a third series. Wanted is a drama full of adventure and heart – much like its lead actors, Rebecca Gibney and Geraldine Hakewill.”
Matt Vitins, acting managing director Matchbox Pictures, said: “Matchbox is thrilled to be working with Seven and R&R on this next season of Wanted in South Australia. It will be a cracking series. We are also excited to be expanding into South Australia and with such exceptional local talent. Kirsty will be leading the charge to create some signature Matchbox drama with a South Australian feel. We can’t wait to see what comes out of the SA office. We also want to acknowledge the support of the SAFC, which has made all of these things possible.”
Kirsty Stark, development producer for Matchbox Pictures SA, said: “Having worked in SA for my entire career, I know the importance of creating opportunities for writers, directors and key creatives from within the state. I’m excited to partner with Matchbox and develop compelling local stories that will showcase our talent on a national and international stage.”
CV: Kirsty Stark
Kirsty Stark has worked in the South Australian film industry for the past decade, initially as a freelance camera assistant and cinematographer, before moving into production and founding Epic Films. Her credits as producer include Goober, Unboxed and Wastelander Panda: Exile for ABC iview, First Day for ABC ME and the feature film A Month of Sundays.
Stark has presented at SXSW and TEDxAdelaide, and received multiple awards for her work. Epic Films was named the Screen Producers Australia “Breakthrough Business of the Year” in 2016.