Nicholas Jaquinot as Max in Lenore.

New psychological thriller, Lenore, is currently in shooting in Melbourne.

Directed by David Ward, who also co-wrote the script alongside Josie Hoss (Morgana), Lenore unfolds over the course of one restless evening, as troubled documentarian Max delves into the dark truth behind the fate of beloved online performance artist Lenore. The horrifying revelations he uncovers push him to the brink of his sanity.

Lenore stars Nicholas Jaquinot (One Punch) as the main character, Max, a loner filmmaker whose obsession with online performance artist Lenore leads him down the rabbit hole and tests his reality.

Ruby Duncan (Glitch) plays the titular Lenore, a performance artist whose life evolves within the online world, with adoring fans falling in and out of love with her persona and her outrageous evolution… for all the world to see.

Samuel Macdonald (Short Distance), Caithlin O’Loghlin (Call Connect) and Scott MacKenzie (Neighbours) co-star.

Lenore marks the feature film directing debut for Ward – a multi disciplined artist, known for short films such as Dorothy (2014), Womb (2013) and has worked in the theatre, dance, commercial spaces, as well as being a visual artist.

Lenore is inspired by the tales of Edgar Allen Poe.

“Lenore has been a real labour of love for everyone involved,” says Ward.

“The entire cast and crew who have made the film have gelled beautifully and we are just having a ripper time. I am incredibly proud of what we are achieving with limited resources, limited time, limited budget and I feel unbelievably lucky to have been afforded the opportunity to put this together. Lenore is something so unique, singular and could only be made by this group of people at this time.”

Ward also serves as co-producer alongside Madeline French (Triple Oh!) and Riley Sugars (Hatchback).

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Madeline French is a Melbourne-based actor and producer and has worked in producing on multiple projects for musician Masked Wolf, co-producing the Aria-nominated Tones and I music video Won’t Sleep, as well as an upcoming web series, Triple Oh!.

“It’s exciting to be able to bring this captivating film to the world,” says French.

“When David and I met through our wonderfully visionary DOP Shaun Herbertson, I instantly felt a bond and excitement to help bring this film to life. David’s vision along with the highly visual element meant I know we have something unique on our hands.”

Riley Sugars has recently had success with his AACTA-nominated short film, Hatchback (2022) which he directed, co-wrote and produced. Sugars also directed, wrote and co-produced short film Rabbits (2019), which toured on the festival circuit internationally. He worked on the Sundance award-winning feature film, Shayda, location managed the feature film Wog Boys Forever (2022) and was recently a producer and assistant director on an upcoming four part comedy series, ‘Til You Make It.

“I initially joined the project as an assistant director. When I first met director David Ward, I was instantly impressed by his organisation, intellect, and understanding of what he wanted to do with the material. But most importantly, I was captivated by his complete passion and devotion to the project,” says Sugars.

“Subsequently, I became a producer and feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside this talented and diverse group of individuals. The cast and crew are all making significant contributions, with brilliant ideas flowing rapidly. At times, the set has taken on a life of its own. Each morning, I eagerly bounce onto the set, filled with pride to be working in the field I love.”

Shaun Herbertson serves as cinematographer, with original score set to be done by lead guitarist and songwriter of the band Daughters, Nick Sadler.

Coral Jamieson serves as costume designer, Keren Dobia serves as production designer and Ali Rae as head makeup artist.

The film will continue production into late June.

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