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News February 2, 2016

Sapphires movie becomes animated series

Sapphires movie becomes animated series

An animated version of the 2012 Australian box office hit movie The Sapphires is in final production in Sydney.

Independent film and TV production company Goalpost Pictures, who made the $19 million grossing movie, are in partnership with kids production company Sticky Pictures. They will make 26 musical comedy-drama episodes, each lasting 22 minutes, and aimed at kids aged 7 to 12 and their families.

Kylie du Fresne from Goalpost Pictures said, “The Sapphires has been a wonderful journey and we are delighted Sticky Pictures is partnering with us to reach a brand new audience.

“We are thrilled to be working again with writers Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson; the magic that was created on screen for the original movie looks certain to appear again with the TV series, which, like the movie, will have a phenomenal soundtrack.

“The characters in The Sapphires are strong and inspiring role models and it is exciting for us to see the connection with a young audience.”

The movie was based on a real life indigenous music group from the 1960s, touching on racism, sexism, power struggles and the effects of war.

It centred around Gail (Deborah Mailman), Julie (Jessica Mauboy), Kay (Shari Sebbens) and Cynthia (Miranda Tapsell) who are discovered by a talent scout (Chris O’Dowd), and travel to Vietnam in 1968 to sing for troops during the war.

It grossed $14 million in Australia and $5 million abroad. The movie also won 12 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, premiered at Cannes Film Festival and was released in over 16 countries. Its soundtrack through Sony Music hit #1 on the ARIA chart and went double platinum. It featured the vocals of Jessica Mauboy, Jade Macrae, Lou Bennett, Juanita Tippens and Darren Percival.

The new animated series will feature contemporary storylines as the series follows the four teenagers on their musical misadventures in a fictional rural Australian town. “It will capture all the fun, warmth, sass and sweetness” of the movie, producers say.

According to Sticky Pictures’ CEO and Executive Producer Donna Andrews, “We know this animated series will be a winner with local and international audiences. (It) will stay true to the award-winning elements of the feature film however with contemporary storylines, fresh soulful music and animation it will take on a whole new feel that will be enjoyed by lovers of the movie and will win itself a new generation of fans.”

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