Editorial Staff
Genre-fave Alan Tudkyk, known for his roles in “Firefly” and “Dollhouse”, is headed downunder for a new Aussie movie.
Production on “Oddball” begins Monday. The film is headlined by Shane Jacobson (“Kenny”, “The Bourne Legacy”) with Sarah Snook (“Not Suitable for Children”), Coco Gillies (“Maya the Bee Movie”), Richard Davies (“Offspring”), Deborah Mailman (“The Sapphires”), Frank Woodley (“Kath & Kimderella”) and Meeko, playing the title role.
The movie tells the true story of Swampy Marsh, an eccentric chicken farmer who, with the help of his granddaughter, trains his mischievous dog to protect a wild penguin sanctuary from fox attacks and in the process reunites his family and saves their seaside town.
The story is set in Warrnambool, and will be shot over seven weeks at locations in and around Melbourne and Warrnambool.
No word on Tudyk’s character, but it’s likely he’s playing an American.
Jacobson, who plays Swampy Marsh, is excited about the project, “If I can deliver just half of who the real Swampy Marsh is I think we’ll have a great film. Am I excited about doing it – you bet your furry little penguin I am!”
Stuart McDonald (”Summer Heights High”, ”Super Fun Night”) directs.
Animal trainer Luke Hura (”Red Dog”) began preparing for the production last Christmas after discovering Meeko at the Maremma Rescue Society. In addition to maremmas the film also features little blue penguins who will be recruited from Sea World to appear in the film.
The film is produced with the assistance of Screen Australia, Film Victoria and Fox International Channels. Distributed in Australia by Roadshow Films, and sold internationally by Global Screen. Produced by WTFN/The Film Company, Practical Pictures and Kmunications.
