K.T Simpson
Radha Mitchell will star in a new romantic drama for Bronte Pictures, currently lensing in Byron Bay, Australia, titled Take My Hand.
The real-life love story of writer-director, John Raftopolous, the film also stars Adam Demos, Bart Edwards, Meg Fraser, Xavier Molyneux and Natalie Bassingthwaite (Elvis).
Director Raftopolous co-wrote the screenplay with Dave Paterson (2067) based on the extraordinary true love story between himself and the woman he was destined to spend his life with, Claire Jensz, who is Executive Producer on the production.
In Take My Hand, they are Laura and Michael. As a vibrant young Australian woman, Laura forges a successful banking career in London and seemingly has the perfect marriage. Her world is turned upside down when she is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and her husband starts to show his true colours. When a tragic accident leaves Laura a widowed mother with three sons, she returns home to Australia, and is reunited with Michael, a high school friend and a divorcee with one daughter, who has loved Laura since they were teenagers. In each other with their newly merged family in the small country town they grew up in – the couple’s lifelong search for happiness, peace and mutual love is finally realised.
Laura is portrayed in her adult and younger years by Mitchell (Pitch Black, Man on Fire) and Fraser respectively. Demos and Molyneux respectively play Michael and Young Michael, while Edwards portrays Laura’s first husband, Jason.
In addition to Raftopoulos as writer-director, key production credits include Blake Northfield (Wyrmwood: Apocalypse, Escape and Evasion, Streamline) as producer, Director of Photography Wade Muller HKSC ACS (Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Escape and Evasion, Occupation: Rainfall). Production Designer Esther Rosenberg (Fear Below), Costume Designer Tracey Rose Sparks (Red Billabong, *X-Men Origins: Wolverine *Art Department) and Hair and Make-Up Designer Billie Weston (Elvis, Westworld, Ticket To Paradise).
Take My Hand is Raftopoulos’ debut feature film. Paterson is an award-winning writer with three short films to his credit.
