Melbourne writer-director Matthew Holmes (Twin Rivers, The Artifice) launched an ambitious crowd-funding campaign on Kickstarter on May 31st to finance his short feature ‘The Legend of Ben Hall’, an authentic retelling of the NSW bushranger who was killed by police in a controversial shooting almost 150 years ago.
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The campaign has already gathered over $68,000 in pledges and the film is now 91% financed. Holmes and his team are attempting to raise $75,000 – but they must reach their target by next Monday 6:30pm - or bust.
“With Kickstarter, it’s all or nothing. If we don’t reach our target, we don’t get the money. But so far, the generosity of so many people has astounded us. $75,000 is a difficult target to reach with crowd-funding. So this tells me that people want this story told. Australians want their history bought to life realistically and respectfully - that’s what our film is all about.” - Matthew Holmes
It’s not just Australians who are excited about the film - the boutique New York film company Palmarium LLC invested $10,000 into film a week ago - very keen to introduce an Australian ‘Western’ to American audiences.
The film will shoot around regional Victoria and NSW throughout August and September. It will be completed by May 2015, in time for the 150th anniversary of Ben Hall’s brutal death, a scene that will be graphically depicted in the film’s powerful climax.
“NSW historian and author Peter Bradley, a descendant of the Hall family, is onboard as Historical Consultant and Executive Producer. “Ben Hall’s violent death at the hands of the police provoked such resentment at the time that he became a folk hero whose legend still endures today.” - Peter Bradley.
Sydney actor Jack Martin, who bears a striking resemblence to the real outlaw, (see attached photo) has been cast in the title role. “There are so many people who love Ben Hall already. There are also people who are direct descendants of the man. So I really want to do him justice” - Jack Martin.
The filmmakers are offering a variety of rewards to those who pledge money toward the film including online content, downloads, DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, books, onscreen credits and much more. For as little as $25, pledgers can own a DVD of the film when complete.
“Most Australians don’t realise just how prolific Ben Hall was. The exploits of Ned Kelly pale in comparison to Hall’s. This is an amazing true story just begging for a cinematic adaption. I’m certain our film will thrill, shock and surprise many people.” - Matthew Holmes
With the Forbes Shire Council investing in the film to promote tourism in the district, the World Premiere in Forbes NSW next year. The movie will tour the Central West district directly afterwards, along with a ‘Ben Hall’ music show created by the great, great nephew of Ben Hall, Nigel Maclean – a celebrated Australian blues artist and violinist.
Pledges can be made on Kickstarter at:
www.kickstarter.com/projects/2097038969/the-legend-of-ben-hall-an-australian-western-30-mi
or visit www.kickstarter.com and type in Ben Hall
For more photos and information on the film, visit www.facebook.com/benhallshortfilm
More information, contact Matthew Holmes
Phone: 0432 048 361 Email: matthew@twotonepictures.com
