An exciting new venture for Ovenden Lodge during 2019 was the growing involvement in the creation of independent short films. I have put together a short “Showreel” to illustrate some of our acting, writing and directing ventures over the past couple of years. It can be seen here.
Hush Darling (2020)
The first film was Hush Darling, which deals with the anxieties of two young men meeting for the first time on a blind date. Directed by SAARA LAMBERG (Innuendo 2017) it is unusual in that all the dialogue is the thoughts going through the heads of the two main characters (Layan, played by LELUM RATHNAYAKE and Simon, ANDRE CHANEY).
In Hush Darling John Couper-Smartt worked as audio recordist and editor – but also got dragged in to act as Simon’s grumpy and disapproving father, alongside ANITA WARDELL as Simon’s mother and DEV SINGH as Layan’s father.
A trailer to Hush Darling can be viewed here.
Hey Doll! (2021)
Following the success of Hush Darling, Saara Lamberg agreed to direct a further short film during a “short stay” in South Australia that became a much longer stay due to travel restrictions resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hey Doll was the result – based on a short story written by John Couper-Smartt.
Further details and links for Hey Doll can be found here.
Inside (2021)
A brief lull in the COVID restrictions allowed the 2021 Filmonik Melbourne Kabaret to go ahead in April. A regular feature of these events is a 72-hour film-making frenzy. One of the results was the film Inside. This also featured SAARA LAMBERG along with two other experienced female actors – JANEY WATSON KRUSE and CLIO LEONARD. It was the first opportunity for John Couper-Smartt to try his hand at directing!
Further details and links for Inside can be found here.
Pick Me (2022)
Following the success of Inside, John planned to re-visit Melbourne during April 2022 to shoot another film in the excitingly challenging environment of Filmonik Melbourne Kabaret. His script for”Pick Me” was designed with the frantic 72-hour film-making frenzy in mind. Unfortunately Covid restrictions meant that John was unable to attend the event and to direct his film – Janet Watson Kruze kindly undertook to cast and direct the film on his behalf.
Further details about Pick Me can be found here
BreakAway (2023)
BreakAway was filmed at Now Productions Studio in Smithfield and on location in Gawler, South Australia during December 2021. It was written and directed by John Couper-Smartt and provided an opportunity to work once more with some talented friends from earlier productions.
Further details about BreakAway can be found here.