MAGPIE - A FEATURE FILM
SHORT SYNOPSIS
Lockdown.
A man mourning the death of his wife over 12 months ago moves into a new house – hoping to forget his recent tragic past.
In an attempt to ease his pain, he turns to online dating for comfort – not realising that he is making contact with a dead former inhabitant of his home, bent on moving back in at whatever the cost.
A supernatural cyber/horror/thriller where Unfriended meets Wuthering Heights, MAGPIE is a tale of grief, love and redemption that asks if the only way forward is to stop looking back – and if the very thing we fear is what will ultimately save us.
'Why does thou sit upon my grave
And will dead lips to speak?
Why does thou weep upon my grave
And will not let me sleep?'
THE UNQUIET GRAVE
MAGPIE is a story with significant market appeal set to capitalise on the dearth of content created by the current global environment – and offers a rare and unique opportunity to become involved with a finely crafted, beautiful yet chilling feature film set to find a niche market share, now and into the future.
Shooting to commence OCTOBER 26, 2020
MAGPIE - NOW IS THE TIME
Since the advent of the COVID 19 pandemic, the film industry in Australia has shut down. Simultaneously the consumption of content via the online platforms e.g. Netflix, Stan, Amazon Prime et al has increased.
Now is the time to make a low budget, beautifully crafted film – inspired by, and set during a lockdown. A film ‘written back’ from the restrictions in place.
A ‘genre’ film that will appeal to the thirsty streaming platforms and gain traction with an international audience.
The savvy team behind MAGPIE recognised opportunity and have developed a nimble production designed, and to be shot accordingly.
To find out more click on the contact tab below:
THE TEAM
DARREN MARKEY - WRITER/PRODUCER
DARREN MARKEY - WRITER/PRODUCER
DARREN MARKEY - WRITER/PRODUCER
Darren started out as a playwright, working alongside people such as acclaimed actress Diane Cilento and Oscar nominated Tony Shaffer before becoming a screenwriter/brickies labourer.
He completed his first screenplay LILLY, and travelled to Los Angeles where he got lost in a giant martini, somewhere on Sunset.
On returning from LA, Darren wrote, produced and directed the pilot episode of THE BLESSED - an eight part television series , before going to develop a slate of feature film projects including THE UNLIT - a supernatural thriller due for release in 2020.
Darren’s psychological horror script, THE TUTOR, did the rounds at Cannes 2016 and is slated for production during 2021. His Icelandic saga - THE PLOVER'S CRY is presently in development.
KATE WHITBREAD - PRODUCER
DARREN MARKEY - WRITER/PRODUCER
DARREN MARKEY - WRITER/PRODUCER
Kate Whitbread is a producer of feature films, television series, television commercials, live theatre and events. Her company KWFilms develops and produces content with a focus on female audiences worldwide.
Kate’s feature film credits include THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME, THE CATERPILLAR WISH, SURVIVING GEORGIA and DEEPER THAN BLUE.
Kate produced and directed the supernatural thriller THE UNLIT - due for release in 2020.
CHRIS PENDER - DIRECTOR
DARREN MARKEY - WRITER/PRODUCER
CHRIS PENDER - DIRECTOR
Chris is a freelance filmmaker, having graduated from Swinburne University of Technology's film and television department, with a focus on directing, producing, and writing. His graduate film, RUTHLESS, has won numerous short film awards and was picked up by distributor Gonella Productions.
Chris appeared in and co-produced a low-budget indie feature called THE DREAM CHILDREN - which premiered at the 2015 Melbourne Queer Film Festival to sell-out audiences.
Chris also worked as a professional theatre actor and producer in a previous life, appearing in and co-producing over twenty productions.
Chris is excited at the prospect of directing MAGPIE, and working alongside Darren, Kate and Lorne Film