STORY SPIN: Interview with Spin Out writer-director Tim Ferguson

STORY SPIN: While writing his rom-com Spin Out, director Tim Ferguson was happy to do exactly what the studio told him.

Unlike most recent Australian films, there’s a good chance that filmgoers might actually have heard of Spin Out when they come across the poster in the cinema foyer.

Backed by Sony from script stage, the film is something of a rarity for a local film: set in the bush during a raucous Bachelor and Spinster Ball, Spin Out strives to be a formulaic romantic-comedy designed primarily for a female audience.

Billy (Xavier Samuel) is a larrakin, ute muster-loving country boy who is shaken when his life-long pal Lucy (Morgan Griffin) threatens to leave for a life in Sydney. During the evening he has to decide if he is man enough to change and make good on his constant flirting with her.

Face Off: Xavier Samuel and Morgan Griffin as the film’s romantic core.

The film’s co-writer/co-director Tim Ferguson is best known as a founding member of the comedy troupe the Doug Anthony All-Stars, which is still touring to great acclaim. He also teaches screenwriting at New York University.

Here, Ferguson speaks frankly about the making of Spin Out, its intended demographic, the value of test screenings and taking script notes from the studio. He also addresses cultural cringe, an enduring affliction the Australian film industry can’t seem to shake.

Please enjoy.

 

Click play below for the interview with Tim Ferguson

 

Click play below for a trailer for Spin Out