Calloused Hearts Short Film
- 22 Feb 2018
Filming the production of Calloused Hearts, in Jackson, was a dream come true for Maranoa local, Clancy Sinnamon.
What
Multi award winning short film Calloused Hearts captures the dangers of domestic violence in rural communities, told through the eyes of a confused adolescent, Jacob.
Written and directed by Clancy Sinnamon and produced by students from Bond University on the Gold Coast, the film was developed and shot over six days in and around Jackson, South-West Queensland.
Funding from the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) enabled the film to be professionally colour-graded by Kelly Chen from pixilation films, which helped enhance the colour properties of the film and improved its visual appeal. RADF support also assisted in promoting this award winning production.
Calloused Hearts has been shown at Bond University on the Gold Coast and in the Maranoa region.
When
November to December 2016
Where
Jackson, South-West Queensland and Gold Coast, South-East Queensland
Key stats
- Two paid workers
- 18 volunteers
- 500 people at screenings
Investment
$1,500 – Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and the Maranoa Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
Outcomes
- Calloused Hearts was a finalist in and was awarded Best Cinematography at West End Film Festival (WEFF) 2017.
- The production received the Australia Day Cultural Award 2017 from the Maranoa Regional Council.
- Calloused Hearts received positive feedback at its screenings:
A beautifully constructed film of such raw storytelling. Charley
Loved it, a truly Australian film that wasn’t afraid to show the darker side of living in the outback. Andrew
Beautifully shot, brilliantly executed and a heartfelt story. Hannah
- Emerging regional Queensland actor Jake Harrison (as Jacob) was given his first opportunity to work on a film set. Jake has since progressed to star in a documentary on climate change titled The Environmental Cowboy. He has also worked on a short film, Remarkable.
- Calloused Hearts was selected to screen at the Sydney Indie Film Festival in September 2017 and Noosa International Film Festival in October 2017.
Learnings
I hope the film helps start conversations. Clancy Sinnamon
The impact of the production is still being felt. Calloused Hearts has highlighted domestic violence in regional areas and the producer hopes its production will continue the conversation. In the local community, donations were collected at the first screening, raising over $250 for the Murilla Community Centre in Miles. This centre is active in supporting families in the community dealing with the impact of domestic abuse.
The production encouraged the community to work together with local families, groups and business providing products, services, and equipment for the duration of the shoot. It is hoped the film will put Jackson on the map in Queensland and increase tourism to the area.
Tip for others
My advice is to make your project something that has the ability to connect with, inform and inspire a wide audience.
Remember that it’s not always about the finished product, but what you can experience, the connections you make and the learning experience you gain from working with other passionate individuals along the way.
What next?
Experience working on the production and the acknowledgement of the film through awards has increased the profile of the cast and crew. Members of the crew have gone on to work in the film, television and music industry - working on both feature films, television series, for fitness icon Ashy Bines and even releasing an EP.
Being able to work on Calloused Hearts was one of the best experiences of my life, being able to work in one of the most beautiful places in Australia and learning from the crew changed my life. Crew member
Find out more
Erin Cutts
Email: callousedheartsshortfilm@hotmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CallousedHeartsFilm/
Image on case study page: Jake Harrison (as Jacob). Image: Liam Blenkinsop
Banner image: Cinematographer Jesse Lage finishing Day One on set. Image: Liam Blenkinsop