Prima Lux Films, in collaboration with La Rosa Productions, is excited to announce that their latest thriller Freelance has been acquired by Radioactive Pictures for distribution across Australia and New Zealand.

Directed by acclaimed Melbourne-based filmmaker John Balazs, Freelance offers a nightmarish journey into desperation, moral compromise, and terror, drawing comparisons to Joel Schumacher’s 8MM and Brian De Palma’s Blow Out. The film has already made a splash, being officially selected for the prestigious 2024 Monster Fest.

Freelance follows the story of Katie (played by rising star Nicole Pastor), a freelance editor struggling to find her next project in a world where work is scarce and bills are piling up. Strapped for cash and facing eviction, Katie receives a high-paying offer to edit a cryptic and disturbing video for an anonymous employer. What begins as an odd, but seemingly harmless task soon turns sinister when the footage reveals scenes of torture and murder. At first, Katie assumes it’s all just an elaborate piece of fiction, but as more jobs roll in—each paying more and featuring even more graphic content—her life begins to unravel.

Director John Balazs, the visionary director behind Rage (2021), returns with Freelance, offering a timely and disturbing exploration of the gig economy. Freelance captures the isolation and vulnerability that many people often feel in an unpredictable job market, while also playing on the fear of the unknown lurking behind every opportunity.

Nicole Pastor in Freelance. 

“We’re thrilled to partner with Radioactive Pictures to distribute Freelance,” said John Balazs. “They are truly there for filmmakers and have such an impressive reach. We’re looking forward to working together in getting Freelance to a domestic audience.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Prima Lux Films on the release of Freelance in Australia and New Zealand,” said Jessica Butland, Managing Director at Radioactive Pictures. “John Balazs has created a deeply compelling and thought-provoking thriller that masterfully explores the darker side of the gig economy. We are excited to collaborate with such a talented team and look forward to delivering Freelance to discerning audiences across the territory.”

Freelance has already captured the attention of horror enthusiasts, earning an official selection at the 2024 Monster Fest, one of Australia’s premier genre film festivals. This selection speaks to the unique vision of the film and the creative talent behind it. Fans of horror and thriller films alike can look forward to Freelance being one of the must-see films at the festival.

Radioactive will handle distribution across Australia and New Zealand, ensuring that audiences in the region get to experience Freelance on their screens. Thriller fans won’t have to wait long to get a glimpse of Freelance — the official trailer is set to release soon.