Exclusive first-look at John Balazs’ Freelance

Exclusive first-look at Nicole Pastor in Freelance.

by Matthew Eeles

Melbourne filmmaker John Balazs has called action on his new mind-bending psychological horror, Freelance, a follow-up to the director’s 2021 bloody and brutal revenge thriller, Rage.

Written by New York-based screenwriter Mike Gerbino and based on his short film of the same name, Freelance follows Katie, a down-on-her-luck video editor who takes on a mysterious, well-paying job cutting snuff films. As her work progresses, Katie becomes haunted by visions of those victimized within the films.

Katie is played by Nicole Pastor in her debut lead role, following memorable performances in Alex Proyas’ short film Box and Ruby’s Choice. Pastor also stars in Matthew Holmes’ upcoming feature film, The Cost, which had its premiere at Monster Fest in November 2022.

Nicole tells Cinema Australia that she became obsessed with the script after her first reading.

“It was actually such a quick read for me. I couldn’t put it down. It was refreshing to read a script like this and it not be a typical or predictable story within this genre,” says Nicole.

“There were so many moments while reading where I could see myself in Katie, especially when she would say something sarcastic or sassy. She relies on the kindness of strangers and acts on her emotions. She’s flawed and vulnerable but very strong. We get to see her struggle as her morals are compromised, and she starts to do things she wouldn’t normally do out of desperation and fear. I could understand why she did the things she did. To survive.”

Nicole says that the dark and often intense narrative within Freelance pushed her as an actor physically, mentally, and emotionally.

“I’m blessed and grateful to have this opportunity. It’s not every day one gets to lead a film. The story also introduces some other really great characters that come in and out of Katie’s life.”

It’s an actor’s dream to work with an actor’s director, and Nicole tells Cinema Australia that she and Freelance director John Balazs clicked from the outset, which has made the shoot such an enjoyable experience so far.

“John and I just get what each other is wanting for each scene, and we work fairly quickly,” says Nicole.

“John is so passionate and hardworking. John has been great at getting the most out of me as a performer, and I’ve felt safe, comfortable, and free to really give Katie heart and soul. This has been a challenging role, but I’m thriving. It’s nothing I can’t handle,” Nicole laughs.

Starring alongside Pastor in the film are Hannah Brooke, Jasper Bagg, Stephen Degenaro, and rising star Jordan Fraser-Trumble, who was cast in Freelance after the producers saw his incredible co-lead performance in The Cost, which is due for release later in the year.

Freelance is produced by Marlane Ghmed and Vikki Blinks and is currently shooting in and around Melbourne. Freelance marks the second feature film collaboration between Prima Lux Films and executive producer Adam La Rosa. Filming is expected to conclude toward the end of May.

Keep an eye on cinemaaustralia.com.au for updates, but for now, here are a few exclusive stills from the film as well as behind-the-scenes shots.