ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
Singer-songwriter Paul Kelly has unveiled a bold new project today in Melbourne where he plans to write, direct and star in an upcoming biopic about the life of AFL legend Paul Kelly.
Mr Kelly also revealed plans to compose the much-anticipated film’s soundtrack, which will feature Kelly and other stalwarts of the Australian music industry such as The Meeting Tree.
The project was red-lighted by Screen Australia and streaming service Stan, both of which initially agreed to fund the ambitious idea but got cold feet upon seeing the script.
“So I’ve had to fund the project myself – with the help of some friends in high places,” said Kelly.
“The budget is modest, somewhere around six or seven thousand, which is pretty shoestring when you’re talking about a feature film shot on 16mm. But if Nick Dave can do it, so can I,”
“I haven’t approached Paul Kelly to see if I have his blessing to make the film yet, but I’m sure he’d be on board with the whole thing. It’s going to be very flattering for him!” said Paul Kelly.
The Advocate reached out to Paul Kelly for comment but have yet to receive a reply.
However, his former teammate Tony Lockett was weighed in on the film.
“Like I said to Paul Roos when he said he was going to win a premiership with the Swans,” he said.
“I’ll believe it when I see it.”
More to come.
