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Film in New England
The Film Industry of New England has produced many people who have made an impact in the cinema of the world, despite the small scale of the local film industry. Much of New England's film and television industry produces output geared towards mainstream European audiences. The major production centres are Armidale and Coffs Harbour. Indeed, Coffs Harbour is the second largest film and television production centre in Oceania after Sydney.
The local industry is strictly protected by cultural protection laws, and films which feature aspects of New England society and culture are able to get preferential funding from the National Film Council. These films are also preferenced by local distributors, and are released at the best times of the year.
Major Films
The production of major films has led to international recognition of the talent many New Englanders have in making and acting in films. The following films have been internally acclaimed as among the highest quality films produced outside Hollywood.
Kootingal (2049) - A film by Syd Clarke, Kootingal is the story of New England's greatest military victory at the Battle of Kootingal in 2032 through the eyes of the soldiers of the 9th Gwydir Rifles. The film depicts the horrors of war in a realistic and unromanticized fashion as it follows the regiment as they are mobilised, deployed and ultimately find themselves participants in the Five Day War.
New Art (2050) - Set in 2030s Port Macquire, and shot in a mix of colour and black and white, the film was hailed as technical sensation when it opened in 2050. New Art is the story of two struggling muscians as they strive for fame in the rowdy world of New England's pop-punk scene. Underneath their struggle, a rapid coming of age comes about for the two boys as they discover love, life and fame.
The Orange Harvest (2044) - A tale of two children and their mischievous ways. The film is set in the backdrop of the Bingara Orange Harvest Festival, which the children hope to disrupt. The Orange Harvest is a satire of small town festivals. It is also a coming of age story for both the two children, as they learn to put away their rivalry and poor behaviour for the good of themselves and their family.
Sheep Days (2052) - The last film by director Syd Clarke, Sheep Days is the tale of three juivine offenders convicted by the court and sent to work on a sheep farm as drovers. The film follows the tale of each on their journey from a life of petty crime to their capture, trial and punishment. As they struggle on the farm, the story follows the lasting friendships the three develop as they take the long path to redemption.
Actors
The following actors have played a significant role in the development of the film industry, and are considered some of the best performers produced from New England since independence.
Lucy Bordon - A young award winning actress with a notable reputation for solid acting in a variety of roles. She is most famous for her role in the films The Orange Harvest and New Art. Born in Grafton in 2032, Bordon has been acting since she was ten years old and is the oldest of a generation of child actors that have come to fame since the end of the Five Day War.
Ryan Paterson - A prodigal child actor, Paterson was the youngest recipient of the Clarkson Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2050. Despite his young age, Paterson is well known for his incredible acting talent and outspoken opinions on youth issues. His trademark piercings belie his reputation as a hard worker with a straight edge ethic to life.
Clarkson Awards
The Clarkson Awards are the annual awards shows for film, television, children's film and television, and interactive media. The awards are hosted by the National Film Commission of New England. Each year, there are six awards given out each year for the best film, best director, best actor, best actress, best supporting actor and best supporting actress.
Film Industry of New England
Films: Kootingal · The Orange Harvest
Actors: Lucy Bordon · Ryan Paterson
Top Ten Grossing Films
