Blazer.

Following the sold out premiere and “covid triumph” of Love’s Bitter Mystery at the Ravoli Cinema in June 2022, Scene Studios returns with Blazer – a love letter to the Australian entertainment industry and a five year passion project from local Geelong filmmakers.

Set against the backdrop of 70s Australia, this biographical mockumentary unravels the fickle career of actor John Jefferies in the thick of the Australian New Wave, exploring the importance of family amidst the glitz and blitz of showbiz.

The premise is simple: It has been 50 years since Jefferies first stepped onto set for his iconic role as super-cop Bucky “Blazer” Buchanan – a role that propelled the humble milkman into a whirlwind of fame. However, six years into his career the actor disappears, leaving his friends, family and the nation all asking the question: Where is John Jefferies?

It is a film five years in the making. “The whole idea was creating this lore and hype about Australian media,” director Darcy Broom explains. “It’s a celebration. It’s obviously not Hollywood, and this wasn’t even a low budget film – it was NO budget!”

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Blazer was filmed in the City of Greater Geelong by a group of friends who met in media class. “I’ve been making films with these boys since highschool. There was no script. The whole thing is entirely improvised.”

What started as a project between friends quickly united the community, with friends, family, local comedians and businesses jumping on board. “One day we were filming and found this old station wagon parked on the side of the road. We knocked on a few doors and found the owner who gave us the keys! He was so keen. He’s coming to see the film.”

Blazer will premiere at Platform Arts on February 9th 2024 and will be a ticketed event open to the general public. This world premiere is paired with an open exhibition featuring props, behind the scenes photographs, extended lore and exclusive “tv show” excerpts not seen in the film.

You can see the trailer here.