By KATH GANNAWAY
HEALESVILLE teenager Michael Hardinge appreciates the power of the big screen.
On Saturday 1 June when the credits roll after the premier screening of The Escape Plan, at The Memo in Healesville, his name will be up there as writer, producer and director.
Michael, an 18-year-old VCE student, is a director and CEO of Momentum Studios Australia, a new Healesville-based film and sound production company which has just completed the 15-minute action drama … with a twist of comedy.
He’s seen lots of films at Healesville cinema over the years and says he wanted to launch the film on the big screen not only to show the sort of quality the company can produce and to thank the people who helped make it happen.
“I’ve always wanted to go into film and sound and thought that instead of working for someone else, I would work for myself and try to achieve my dreams that way,” he said.
The film features local actors, including family friend Chris Martin who has an impressive resume working with, among others, Steven Spielberg and Mel Gibson.
There will be plenty of familiar Yarra Valley locations to spot, including Lilydale Airport and Mocha and Lime café in Healesville.
“We have really tried to get the community involved by using local actors and locations to promote how great the valley is,” Michael said.
The Escape Plan is the action film Michael said he has always wanted to do, but not in the stereotypical action format.
“It has all the action you would see in a really fast-paced action film, but with a comedic aspect,” he said.
After the launch in Healesville, the film will be pitched to film festivals.
Tickets will be available on the night, if not sold out, at The Memo or Upper Yarra Arts Centre or phone 5966 5160.
