Fortissimo Films

[nic.h]

Hey guys,

Anyone know much about Fortissimo Films? That seems to be where my producer wants to go with the script - has gone, apparently, and they're starting to talk. No idea how far along they are, but apart from the website which I'm going over with a fine tooth comb, anyone know any specifics of or about them? Or worked with them even? Anything.

Cheers.

nic.h

[Mac H.]

Hmm ... they seem to have been quite active locally. According to my notes, 2 years ago I was at a Popcorn taxi event where Ashley Luke was involved in a discussion. (At the time, he was involved with Somersault, I think)

From memory, they were a bit of an 'arthouse' sales agent.

I think they might be WA based, because everyone I've heard of who gets involved seem to from Perth. Also the AWG 'meet & greets' they held with them were based in WA.

Mac

[nic.h]

Thanks Mac. I'll check out Ashlley Luke. They now have offices in different parts of the world, and agents in several others. They do distribution for some arthouse American films and docos (Super Size Me for one), as well as producing and/or distributing Asian and Australian features, as well as some European films. They distributed Look Both Ways and Suburban Mayhem, but I'd really don't know how they are involved as producers (it does say they are).

I'll keep looking.

Cheers.

[kidcharlemagne]

They have a good name as sales agents. Not sure what the extent of their producing activity is. Normally with sales agents you need a package rather than a raw script.

I met Ashley at Cannes. Nice guy. Here are the contact details:

2A Bayswater Rd., # 24 NSW 2011 KINGS CROSSAUSTRALIATel: 61 2 9332 2013 (ashley@infolearn.com.au)

[nic.h]

Thanks, kid. I think my producer is already talking to them(!). It looks like they've recently begun a foray into producing. They have a few EP credits and one (maybe 2) producing credits now. Mostly in Asia and Europe. They've picked up a few good Australian films, but yeah, as a distributor. Apparently they finance too.

I'm hoping (and my producer is too) that the Asian setting of my script will enable them to use their established network and finance connections.

Crossing all extremities as we speak.

[kidcharlemagne]

Good luck. Like I said they have a good name. Do you have any attachments? Director/cast.

[nic.h]

I'm meeting with the producer next week to discuss directors. Casting is a looong way off, though as I'm a newbie, and it's independent, I'm thinking the cast will be young up and comers. Plus, some of it will probably be shot here, and some in Asia. (Or all in Asia.) Haven't decided on director yet, but we've chatted in the past about a couple of possibilities. Don't know budget yet, so don't know how realistic I am.

[nic.h]

To clarify - the producer hasn't attached herself yet either. She's been my script editor (funded) until now, so there wasn't a need. That's what the meeting is for at my end - my agent and I want to know how committed she is, not just in talk, but in reality. (Though the producer set the meeting up.)

Holding my breath as we speak.