Shotgun Wedding - Comedy Short Film
We shot our film and it looks FREAKING amazing (see the still below). We had lots of laughs. We can't wait to share our film with you.
TO THOSE WHO STILL WISH TO SUPPORT US - PLEASE DO. YOUR MONEY WILL HELP PAY FOR THE POST PRODUCTION PROCESS - GRADING, SOUND MIX, OPENING TITLE SEQUENCE AND INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS. WE ARE HOPING TO STRETCH A NEW PLEDGE TARGET TO $10,000 SO WE CAN SHARE OUR FILM ON THE "BIG SCREEN" WITH ALL OF YOU.
Jo Stanley got her nails done especially for this scene. Bridesmaid's and guns - what a mix!

HERE IS SOME SLOW MOTION BEHIND THE SCENES STUFF TO ENTICE YOU TO PRESS THAT PLEDGE BUTTON.
NOW...BACK TO THE STORY OF THE PROJECT...
The writer/directors Darren McFarlane and Rod Saunders are busting at the seams to make this very funny short film about an out-of-control Bridesmaid who discovers the horrible truth about her boyfriend and then stumbles onto robbers planning a heist.
SHOTGUN WEDDING is a crime/rom-com romp of THE HANGOVER ilk but with WOODY ALLEN/COEN BROTHER'S-like characters getting in way over their heads. This is a laugh-out-loud Australian comedy about Bridesmaids turning on each other, revenge and comeuppance. It is also a film about love at first sight - or is it?

We love comedy films. In Rod, Darren discovered someone who laughs louder than him. Hard to believe. It made sense to write and direct a comedy film together.
This is Darren's third time directing a comedy short film. He has heaps of experience in the industry, such as producing the short film SAW for Leigh Whannell and James Wan. This is Rod's first time directing a short film. As a successful playwright, Rod's work has toured the Eastern seaboard of Australia. His raison d'être is writing comedy.
This project is to be produced by highly experienced Producer - Michelle Venutti.
The film will be shot by award winning DOP - Dan Maxwell.
There will always be an audience for clever, emotive comedies that push the boundaries. We need your generous support to raise funds to shoot our film.
SYNOPSIS
SHOTGUN WEDDING is a hysterical short film about a distraught Bridesmaid, Amanda, who discovers that her best friend, Cleo, the Bride, slept with her ex-boyfriend. All hell breaks loose. This film has shoot-outs, heists, kidnappings and a love story. All in seven minutes!
The style of this film could be best described as - 'Tarantino does Bridesmaids'.

Cast and Crew
KATRINA MILOSEVIC (Cleo the Bride) is a graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and has worked extensively in theatre, film and television. Currently recognised for her role in Foxtel’s acclaimed drama series WENTWORTH, Katrina plays inmate Sue ‘Boomer’ Jenkins. Prior to Wentworth, Katrina’s guest performances in television showcased her comedy skills in such shows as in LAID for the ABC and MR & MRS MURDER with Shaun Micallef and Kat Stewart. Other television credits include the ongoing role of Sophie Novak in drama series STINGERS for which she received a 2004 Best New Talent Logie Award nomination. She has also appeared in RUSH, NEIGHBOURS, CITY HOMICIDE, BLUE HEELERS, THE GAMES and telemovie LITTLE OBERON. Katrina’s film credits include the Australian rom-com I LOVE YOU TOO; written by Peter Hellier, directed by Daina Reed and starring Brendan Cowell, the 2008 Tropfest short film (runner up) UNCLE JOHNNY and video clips for The Whitlam’s, Dallas Crane and Wendy Matthews. Katrina has appeared opposite Cate Blanchet in the Sydney Theatre Company production of GROSS UNDA KLEIN, which went on to tour internationally to great acclaim.

FLETCHER HUMPHRYS (Scouse the Robber) has come a long way since playing Wez in HEARTBREAK HIGH. Playing guest roles in great Australian shows like A COUNTRY PRACTICE, BLUE HEELERS, NEIGHBOURS & STATE CORONER. Fletcher went on to appear opposite Eric Bana as Chopper's inmate Bucky in Andrew Dominik's powerful, award winning film CHOPPER. He has gone on to feature extensively in a number of film and television shows. Fletcher has appeared in such shows as KILLING TIME, CITY HOMICIDE, JACK IRISH: BAD DEBTS, UNDERBELLY: SQUIZZY, MR & MRS MURDER and CATCHING MILAT. Fletcher had a stand out performance in indie-film CRAWLSPACE by Justin Dix and is in the up coming Australian comedy feature THE MULE.

DANIEL WHYTE (Wolver the Robber) is a Flinders Drama Centre graduate currently based in Melbourne. In Australia, he has appeared in drama TV shows McLEOD'S DAUGHTERS, NEIGHBOURS, WINNERS & LOSERS and UNDERBELLY FILES: TELL THEM LUCIFER WAS HERE. He also worked on Australian feature films 2:37 and DISCLOSURE. In 2010, Daniel worked on the film BEING IN HEAVEN at FOX studios in Sydney - his first starring role in a feature. Daniel has managed to juggle dramatic film work here at home, and something of an action film career in Asia. In Hong Kong, he has performed as action actor in THE TWINS EFFECT, ULTRA VIOLET and the hit Benny Chan film CONNECTED. This culminated in 2013, with the Roger Corman produced FIST OF THE DRAGON, a full blooded martial arts action film shot in China in which Daniel plays lead villain Waylon Thorn. Daniel is a life long student of the Martial Arts and is an instructor at Australian Integrated Martial Arts Academy in Melbourne. He is very much looking forward to venturing into comedy and tackling the role of Wolver in SHOTGUN WEDDING.

JO STANLEY (Amanda the Bridesmaid) is a comedian, writer, actor and presenter. She spent 10 years as one of Melbourne's most loved breakfast radio entertainers on THE MATT & JO SHOW on FOX FM, interviewing superstars, making celebrities out of local listeners and crossing the boundaries of sharing Too Much Information. Her outstanding radio talents are now shared with 52 stations around Australia on the WEEKEND BREAKFAST SHOW.
Jo appears regularly on all networks of Australian television with her unique brand of relatable, honest and intelligent comedy. She writes for newspapers around the country, and prides herself on her excellent grammar, even in SMS communication. As an actor, Jo dreams of playing Cruella Deville.

CASSANDRA MAGRATH (Rena the other Bridesmaid) comes from a long line of performers and dancers. She began acting at age 11, in TV’s OCEAN GIRL AND JANUS. Starring roles in series THE WAYNE MANIFESTO and CRASH ZONE followed, but it was her role as Miranda Gibson in SEACHANGE for which she is most remembered as a young actress. Her breakout role was British backpacker, Liz Hunter, who falls fate to a sadistic serial killer in the 2005 horror hit WOLF CREEK. Comedic roles in Foxtel's SHOCK JOCK and Hamish and Andy’s REAL STORIES as well as guest roles on BLUE HEELERS and WICKED SCIENCE and CITY HOMICIDE. Steven Spielberg's THE PACIFIC, Australia’s MISS FISHER'S MURDER MYSTERIES, NEIGHBOURS, HOUSE HUSBANDS, WINNERS & LOSERS, and feature films HOTEL DE LOVE, SUMMER CODA, THE VANISHED, BIG MUMMA'S BOY and the upcoming romantic comedy 36 QUESTIONS. She is currently reprising her role in the third season of WENTWORTH.

CJ FORTUNA (Pablo the Robber) has for the past 20 years been working in the entertainment industry producing a full body of work in many different fields, including film, television drama, sketch comedy, live stand-up comedy and over 15 TVC's.
Credits include writer/performer on Seven network's HAMISH AND ANDY, guest roles on NEIGHBOURS, STINGERS, BLUE HEELERS, Working Dog's ANY QUESTIONS FOR BEN and most recently played the bad guy in a brand new comedy feature THE HECKLER.
TODD MORGAN (Bradley the Shoulder to Cry On) since graduating from the New Zealand Drama School in 2005, Todd has gone to work in TV, Film and Theatre on both sides of the Tasman. Some of his notable credits include Peter Jackson's KING KONG, LES MISERABLES, SHORTLAND STREET (NZ's answer to HOME AND AWAY) and ABC's MISS FISHER'S MURDER MYSTERIES.

OTHER CAST WILL BE ADDED AS WE GO.
THE CREW
DARREN McFARLANE (Writer/Director) - after completing his PhD in Polymer Chemistry Darren pursued a career in the film industry. With over 15 years experience, he has produced short films such as SAW, directed music videos, short films and a TV Pilot called WHAT WEAR WHEN.
ROD SAUNDERS (Writer/Director) - is a Melbourne playwright. His most recent play FURIOUSLY FERTILE featuring Daniela Farinacci (LANTANA) and David Tredinnick (THE SECRET LIFE OF US) toured the Eastern States. His pilot sit-com THE HAPPY MAN was produced by Ruby Entertainment and funded by Film Victoria.
MICHELLE VENUTTI (Producer) - has an impressive list of film and television credits on local and international productions alike, specialising in production and art department. Her credits include Spike Jonze’s feature film WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE, Alex Proyas’ THE KNOWING, HBO’s Epic Mini Series THE PACIFIC, Paramount Pictures’ CHARLOTTE'S WEB and many, many more. Michelle Production Managed the 2012 Tropfest winner LEMONADE STAND directed by Alethea Jones and is now keen to use her vast knowledge and experience to produce Shotgun Wedding.
DAN MAXWELL (DOP) - is an award winning Director of Photography with over 20 years experience. He was the DOP on ABC Comedy UPPER MIDDLE BOGAN SERIES 1 & 2 and the Steadicam Operator on features NOW ADD HONEY and PREDESTINATION. Check out Dan's website to see how awesome his work is: http://www.danmaxwell.com.au
How The Funds Will Be Used

We need your generous help and support to make the film.
Our Wedding Registry, shown to the right, lists all the possible "gifts" you can pledge if you wish to support our Wedding Production.
Your "Wedding Gifts" will help pay for our:
Magnificent reception centre - Quat Quatta.

Fight scenes involving the Bridal Party.
Pretty bridal dresses that get ripped to shreds.
A limousine chase.
Slow motion shoot-out with exploding props.
State of the art Production Design, whizz bang cameras and lighting equipment.
Sound Recording, grading, post production...there's so much more.
The funds raised will be used in the production of the film.
We have put in $5000. We need another $5000. Any surplus funds beyond the target will be spent on enhancing post-production, opening titles and additional marketing for international festivals.
If you wish to be part of our Wedding Production please press the "Pledge Now" button and follow the prompts.

As an added incentive to pledge your support to our film Darren is throwing into the Wedding Registry his prized TOY COLLECTIBLES and MOVIE MEMORABILIA. That's right!
Vintage Star Wars 12" Action Figures from Kenner - Luke Skywalker (in the box), Darth Vader, Boba Fett (in the box), Han Solo and Chewbacca.
A set of NEVER BEFORE SEEN photos from the short film SAW, a copy of the script and storyboards.

JO STANLEY and her incredible FOX FM WEEKEND BREAKFAST team have offered a tour for 2 people into the studios and join them for their Saturday morning radio program in Melbourne. Included will be the original headphones worn by Jo Stanley and Matt Tilley from the No. 1 rating morning breakfast show - THE MATT & JO SHOW.
The Challenges
The Gravy Boat
You will receive a very special THANKS on our Facebook page for your incredible support. Follow us and our progress with UPDATES on cast, locations and behind the scenes photos.
The Sugar & Cream Set
You will receive an Exclusive Access to behind the scenes footage on Vimeo. A very special Wedding Thank You Card - sent to your address and signed by the Directors. A very special THANKS on our Facebook page for your incredible support. Follow us and our progress with UPDATES on cast, locations, behind the scenes photos.
The Salad Bowl with Salad
You will receive an Exclusive Access to the Completed Film and behind the scenes footage on Vimeo. Thank you credit in our film. A very special Wedding Thank You Card - sent to your address and signed by the Directors. A very special THANKS on our Facebook page for your incredible support. Follow us and our progress with UPDATES on cast, locations, behind the scenes photos.
The Soup Tureen w Clams
You will receive a Movie Poster signed by the Directors. Exclusive Access to the Completed Film and behind the scenes footage on Vimeo. Thank you credit in our film. A very special Wedding Thank You Card - sent to your address and signed by the Directors. A very special THANKS on our Facebook page for your incredible support. Follow us and our progress with UPDATES on cast, locations, behind the scenes photos.
Champagne Flutes & Moet
The only way to celebrate a WEDDING. You will receive a DVD copy of the film and a Movie Poster signed by the Directors. Exclusive Access to the Completed Film and behind the scenes footage on Vimeo. Thank you credit in our film. A very special Wedding Thank You Card - sent to your address and signed by the Directors. A very special THANKS on our Facebook page for your incredible support. Follow us and our progress with UPDATES on cast, locations, behind the scenes photos.
The Espresso Machine
You will receive 2 Tickets to the Exclusive cast/crew screening of the film. A DVD copy of the film and Movie Poster signed by the Directors. Exclusive Access to the Completed Film and behind the scenes footage on Vimeo. Thank you credit in our film. A very special Wedding Thank You Card - sent to your address and signed by the Directors. A very special THANKS on our Facebook page for your incredible support. Follow us and our progress with UPDATES on cast, locations, behind the scenes photos.
The Mixmaster w Pavlova
You will receive an EXCLUSIVE DVD copy of the film and Movie Poster signed by the Directors, Cast & Crew. 2 x Tickets to the Exclusive cast/crew screening of the film. Exclusive Access to the Completed Film and behind the scenes footage on Vimeo. Thank you credit in our film. A very special Wedding Thank You Card - sent to your address and signed by the Directors.
The Large Dinner Set
This is a GREEK WEDDING. Plates will get smashed. You will receive all of the A$300 + Reward offerings PLUS: A set of Photos from the shoot. A signed copy of the Director's Script and Storyboard. An additional 2 tickets to the exclusive cast/crew screening of the film.
FOX FM Tour w Jo Stanley
You and a friend will get to have a tour of the WEEKEND BREAKFAST SHOW with Jo Stanley. Get to watch them in action and create their show. PLUS you will receive the original headphones used by Jo Stanley and Matt Tilley from the highly successful No. 1 rating morning radio show - THE MATT & JO SHOW. You will also receive an Associate Producer credit in the film and all the A$300 + Rewards.
Dark Side of the Force.
"No, Luke...I am your FATHER!" You will receive a Vintage 12" Darth Vader Action Figure and Darren's favourite character Vintage 12" Boba Fett in his box. An Associate Producer Credit in our film. Plus all the A$300 + Rewards.
The Millenium Falcon
"You've never heard of the Millennium Falcon?...She's the ship that made the Kessell run in less than 12 parsecs." You will receive a Vintage 12" Han Solo Action Figure and Vintage 14" Chewbacca Action Figure. An Associate Producer Credit. Plus all the A$300 + Rewards.
The Flatscreen Plasma TV
You will receive all of the A$300 + Rewards PLUS: An Associate Producer Credit. A very special invite for 2 to a dinner party with the filmmakers and Jo Stanley in Melbourne. Opportunity to have your script edited by Rod and Darren. Opportunity to visit the set and/or be an extra in the film if filming has not been completed.
Use the FORCE, Luke!
The FORCE is strong with this one. You will receive Darren's prized Vintage 12" Luke Skywalker Action Figure from Kenner - still in the box! An Associate Producer Credit in our film. Plus all the A$300 + Rewards.
SAW - The Short Film
"How much blood would you shed to stay alive?" Own a piece of the short film that started an incredible horror film franchise. A DVD copy of the SAW short film. A copy of the script and storyboards. A framed set of NEVER BEFORE SEEN photos from the film shoot. An Associate Producer Credit in our film. Plus all the A$300 + Rewards.