Stan has announced filming has commenced in Homebush, NSW on the brand new Stan original film Christmas Ransom, starring comedian Matt Okine and TV Week Logie Award-winner Miranda Tapsell.
Written by Elliot Vella, Gretel Vella and Timothy Walker (A Sunburnt Christmas) and produced by Every Cloud Productions, Christmas Ransom is a riotous comedy-adventure inspired by family favourites such as Home Alone, Die Hard and Elf, packed with heart and hijinks.
When beloved toy store, Harrington and Sons, is hijacked on Christmas Eve by a pair of bumbling criminals and the struggling owner (Okine) held for ransom, a pair of shoplifting kids stumble into the heist, where they are forced to team up with a heavily pregnant security officer (Tapsell) to save Christmas for everyone.
The film will also star Ed Oxenbould, Genevieve Lemon, Bridie McKim, and young stars Evan Stanhope, Tahlia Sturzaker, and Chai Hansen, as the film is set to premiere this festive season on Stan.
L-R: Stan CCO Cailah Scobie, Evan Stanhope, Stan CEO Martin Kugeler, Matt Okine, Tahlia Sturzaker, Nine CEO Mike Sneesby and the Hon Michelle Rowland MP.
Stan chief content officer Cailah Scobie said: “Our Stan Original Christmas films have quickly become a beloved staple of our annual lineup, following the success of A Sunburnt Christmas and Christmas on the Farm.
“We are elated to again be working with the talented team at Every Cloud Productions, the brilliant writing team of Elliot Vella, Gretel Vella and Timothy Walker and such a fantastic cast to bring a fun and heartfelt tale to our screens this holiday season.”
Last week, federal communications minister, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP visited the set of the production to meet the cast and crew as Stan continues to ramp up its investment in locally produced content as part of its commitment to deliver approximately 30 percent of its exclusive first-run slate from Stan Originals.
See also: Revealed: Stan continues to invest in originals with four new commissions
Drew Grove, CEO and executive producer at Every Cloud Productions, said: “Christmas Ransom will bring the same irreverent humour and warmth everyone loved in A Sunburnt Christmas, with the added fun of some wild, high-stakes action hijinks.
“With a lot of mischief and heart, it will give everyone the chance to laugh, cry and cheer together for a film that is sure to become one of Australia’s classic Christmas tales.”
Christmas Ransom is financed by Stan in conjunction with Screen NSW under the Made in NSW Fund, Fulcrum Media Finance and Every Cloud Productions.