Production has commenced in Western Australia on Emilie Lowe’s sophomore feature film, Dead Centre.

Set in the near future, the neo-Western tells the story of The Hunter (Gabriel Sheehan) who’s tracking an animal terrorising a local homestead. 

When he falls foul of an unauthorised poacher gang lead by The Poacher (Paul Walenkamp), he soon discovers that the animals are not the only threats, but a vicious Australian beast.

Dead Centre explores the concept of interference in local communities, people’s influence on the environment and its long term effects.

Shot entirely across Western Australia with an all-WA cast and crew, the production features a strong contingent of female filmmakers including Stephanie Saunders as first assistant director, Marichka Diachenko as second assistant director, Suzanne Lowe as producer, and Zoe Smith as script supervisor.  

Other Western Australian creatives include Kai Thompson as gaffer and Blade Schoen as sound recordist, alongside a talented wider team.

The film stars Sheehan and Wallencamp alongside Cezara Critti-Schnaars, Kye Cassam, Scott Cathery, Ryan Tierney, Nicole George and Calista Jay and will feature horses, practical effects and stunt work.

Following the success of her debut feature film The Canary, short film Where Dead things Grow, and documentaries Factor Zero and Salt in the Veins, Dead Centre is directed and shot by Lowe, who co-wrote the film with Sheehan. 

“Western Australia has such amazingly diverse landscapes,” says Lowe. 

“I love filming in the rural communities. Everyone has been so generous and welcoming.”

Dead Centre aims to deliver an evocative and compelling story of purpose, redemption, and the consequences of confronting deadly creatures.

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