An award-winning comedy written in Footscray may finally screen in its own backyard thanks to a new “cinema-on-demand” model.
The Heckler, written and produced by Footscray resident Steve Mitchell, has enjoyed sold-out screenings at the Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney comedy festivals.
Shot on location in Melbourne, the body-swap comedy is the tale of a stand-up comedian who has his body hijacked by the spirit of a jealous heckler intent on ruining his career.
The Heckler is being launched in Australian cinemas using a new online platform called Tugg.
Anyone can request to “host” one of Tugg’s listed films at their local cinema, but the screening only takes place once a minimum number of tickets are sold in advance.
Mitchell said independent films struggled to make it on to screens without the distribution deals and marketing budgets of American blockbusters.
“The main difference with this model is that patrons must book their tickets in advance … which involves changing people’s behaviour from simply turning up at the cinema and seeing what’s on,” Mitchell said.
The Heckler season will be launched, providing enough tickets are sold, with live comedy at Yarraville’s Sun Theatre on Monday, September 7.
Tickets must be pre-booked by this Friday – go to www.thehecklermovie.com
