‘The Second’: Stan announces first original film with Screen Queensland

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THE SECOND has begun production in south east Queensland this week, and is the first feature film to be developed through a partnership between Stan and Screen Queensland. Due to premiere in cinemas and Stan in 2018, it’s marked as as the first of the Queensland Originals to go into production.

Starring Rachael Blake, Susie Porter, Vince Colosimo, Martin Sacks and Susan Prior, THE SECOND is about two female friends whose lives entwine in the pages of an elusive second novel. It’s directed by Mairi Cameron, with writer/producer Stephen Lance with Leanne Tonkes as producers.

The distribution model that has worked well for Amazon (Manchester By the Sea) in the US appears to be emulated by Stan for their first original film, perhaps indicating a new way that Australians can see homegrown films. Netflix has also controversially been creating films specifically for their streaming network, but with limited theatrical screenings at festivals (such as Okja). Indeed, Netflix announced their first Australian original film, Tidelands, earlier this year.

The psychological thriller will film in Western Downs region including at Dalby’s Jimbour House, Jandowae, Lake Broadwater, and in Brisbane.

THE SECOND will have a national theatrical release via Mindblowing World, with the potential to be shown at film festivals across the globe, followed by an exclusive release on Stan in 2018.