Milla Ross, Daniel Rutter and Jordan, Marcello and Erifili Davis from Studio 138 have collaborated with a United States writer and producer, Dr Nilesh Panchal, for the making of short film, romcom, Together Apart.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Studio 138 owner and Dubbo filmmaker Erifili Davis said It is a great opportunity to have local talent and their capabilities recognised globally.
"It's a stepping stone in the development of a local screen industry," Mrs Davis said.
Together Apart is a romantic comedy featuring Dubbo performers Milla Ross, who played the lead role in award-winning short film Seeing, written, directed and produced by Mrs Davis, and Jordan Davis.
Daniel Rutter, is another Dubbo-based asset that has been snatched up for the making of the project as the Director of Photography and colourist.
"Essentially, I'm a glorified camera operator but I also get to assist in shaping the look and style of the film with lighting, camera angles and the final colour grade of the film," Mr Rutter said.
"I'm a broadcast camera and ob operator, and I have a few years experience in wedding and event videography as well as creating various music videos and short films (including two films with Erifili) over the last 10 years.
"I'm looking forward to being back behind the camera doing what I love.
"I've always looked forward to collaborating on projects with Erifili as I find we both work well together. She's always very open to ideas and lets me flex my own creativity within these projects," he said.
Miss Ross will play the role of Nat, a character in which she finds 'intriguing'.
"I feel as though Nat is similar to me- I would react similar in the situation she is being put through," Miss Ross said.
"It's intriguing to play a character who is similar, yet slightly different. Those slight differences are what makes it interesting."
Mr Davis will play the part of Finn, a young man who struggles with COVID-19.
"I think that the story is important for the current situation the world is struggling with, I also enjoy the view on the effect of covid on the people that have it and their loved ones," Mr Davis said.
Mr Davis said he is excited to work with 'Erifili and Milla, and can't wait to get started'.
"It's always an amazing opportunity when I get to be apart of any acting project, it's a great way of gaining experience and this is no different," he said.
Dr Panchal said Miss Ross and Mr Davis are both great actors who first caught his eyes by their roles in Seeing.
"I am a medical graduate and doctorate in public health practice. I have more than 16 years experience, including clinical practice, clinical research and disease surveillance. I am working as a public health expert in the Washington DC region," he said.
"As a public health expert, it's my job to spread awareness about the importance of preventive measures for COVID-19, and film is the best medium to reach a wider audience. So, I decided to make a short film that gives a social message with entertainment.
"During the lockdown phase, we watched many movies, web series, and short films," he said.
"One day we were watching the movie "Seeing" and we loved it.
"It was written and produced by Erifili Davis. Then we watched a "Connection" short film. My wife Nisha said wow, Erifili did a great job. It was a short and sweet movie.
"So, I decided to contact Erifili for the "Together Apart" project.
"When we discussed the story plot, she was so impressed and immediately ready to do the project, and everything is working out very well."