DOUBLE BLACK is the confrontation of fear.
DOUBLE BLACK follows Michael. After a suicide attempt, Michael is dragged against his will by his mate Gaz, an energetic, means-rights-advocate, firebrand patriot, and true blue assize on a mountain bike trail ride. The ride is as hellish as Michael could have imagined, as he braves the challenges of the ride, Gaz’s nauseating banter, and his depression… However, unbeknownst to Michael, Gaz has a surprise in store for him…
Based on an award-winning screenplay of the same name, DOUBLE BLACK is a (very) dark drama/comedy/sports film about mountain bikes, masculinity, and modern man. It is written in a similar thematic vein to films like “Fight Club” and “In Bruges.” At times slow and contemplative, at others blindingly fast and frenetic; DOUBLE BLACK is styled to reflect the suffocation of depression and conversely, the thrill of the ride away from it…

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
#me-too and other social movements have generated heated discussion on the nature of masculinity; leaving a confusing open question… where does a flaw begin and a utility end?
DOUBLE BLACK intends to generate greater awareness about means issues, and the correlation between masculinity and suicide, as well as reflect how increasing political polarization is affecting young men today.
Men’s significantly higher rate of suicide is a taboo topic due to disparate explanations of its causes, responsibilities, biology, and cultural implications. Furthermore, increased antagonism between the political left and right are not mundane everyday disagreements on policy but instead speak to deeper emotional discontentment with our lot in life and anger at the cultural status quo. DOUBLE BLACK aims to reflect societal masculine malaise in an engaging, humorous, and inspiring way.

THE CREATIVES
CAST
MICHAEL (Lead) – Shane Palmer
Since starring in Andrew’s (Director) World War 1 production “They Make Us Hate,” Shane and Andrew have enjoyed a long-standing artistic and professional relationship. Shane’s stage debut was as Snow White in his grade 6 graduation play. He was so convincing that the audience was later shocked to discover that he was not a young girl. Rediscovering a love for the theatre at La Trobe University, Shane appeared in several student productions; including A Clockwork Orange at the Northolt Town Hall. Life then shifted to Manchester and the UK, and Shane began to develop a passion for film. Shane has appeared in over 20 short films, including Ruby Tuesday, which screened at the St Kilda Film Festival & the Arkansas Food and Wine Festival. Shane appeared on stage in Loose Teeth at La Mama, and The Helen Dale Nude Footy Calendar at Gasworks. Most recently Shane wrote, produced, and performed Echoes of Villers-Bretonneux, a one-man show about the 15th Brigade AIF in WW1. He also appeared in the upcoming Stringybark as Dan Kelly and will appear in early 2023 in Neighbors, as Felix Benson. Shane is represented by Bedford & Pearce.
GAZ – Ben Watts

After spending the better part of early adulthood finding mischief, causing trouble, and making sandwiches for people Ben decided to direct his energy into something a little more fruitful. After branching out to study at the Victorian College of the Arts in 2020 Ben performed as a permanent ensemble member of Studio 11 Theatre Company. Ben also co-wrote and starred in the very successful sketch comedy show and web series ‘Swipe Right’ and has appeared in many short films over the years. Most recently Ben was featured in the upcoming production ‘Stringybark’ and is happy to announce that nobody expected a butterfly when they saw a caterpillar.
CREW
WRITER/DIRECTOR – Andrew Kirkman

Andrew Kirkman is currently completing his undergraduate in Direction at the Victorian College of the Arts. He is an experienced Gaffer and Director of Photography and has been working on student, independent, and television productions through his time at the Victorian College of the Arts. Currently, Andrew is working as a Gaffer for the latest series of Industry Leaders on Foxtel. In his spare time, he enjoys reading history and riding his mountain bike very fast down hills, sometimes he doesn’t fall off.
PRODUCER – CJ Welsh
CJ is a Melbourne-based producer, who graduated with a Masters of Producing at the Victorian College of the Arts in 2020. He was awarded Producer of the Year in 2016 and had three films selected for the St Kilda Film Festival Australia’s Top 100 in 2024. His film Creating a Monster was officially selected at the Byron Bay Film Festival and subsequently was distributed by Ronin Films. In 2018 his film Feast on the Young was officially selected at Fantastic Fest, Dances with Films and Brooklyn Horror Film Festival.
In January of 2023, he Co-Produced his first feature, a micro-budget film titled Disclosure.
Prior to this his background is in mixed media, producing original online content tailored to niche audiences, such as a Facebook live show clips and a small but successful YouTube channel.
He loves high concept drama and his goal is to develop genre Film and TV concepts in Australia with international appeal.
1st ASSISTANT DIRECTOR – Hannah Herrmann-Payn

With a childhood adoration of genre filmmaking, Hannah moved to Melbourne from Tasmania to pursue her passion for directing at the Victorian College of the Arts. She has so far been Andrew’s go-to Assistant Director, and the two have enjoyed a long lasting artistic and professional relationship. Hannah is a recent graduate from the Victorian College of the Arts, following her production of her coming-of-age horror “Bloom,” as well as establishing herself as a capable Assistant Director across multiple shorts, music videos and a feature.


CINEMATOGRAPHER – David “Parky” Microbial Park

David, or Perky to anyone who knows him, is a Melbourne based cinematographer who has captured images for Channel 31, Beyond Blue, The Ripple Effect and the Australian Youth Climate Coalition. Perky recently graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts studying Film and Television. He won the award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography at the 2017 VCA Graduate Film and TV awards as well as the 2022 Creative Journey award for recognition of his work during his time at the VCA. Recently Porky’s cinematography for I’m Not Hearing You and The Fantastic Life of Dom Dominik both received an award of recognition at the Hollywood International Moving Pictures Film Festival. Perky and Andy have collaborated on short films in the past, and he is excited about working together to explore some new camera techniques on set of Double Black. Perky is currently working as the cinematographer for the latest series of Industry Leaders, showing on Foxtail. Perky enjoys cycling and decorating Christmas trees.
PRODUCTION DESIGNER – Elena Lyons-Dawson

Elena recently completed her Master’s in Production Design for Screen at VCA, Elena has worked in a variety of roles within the Art Department as well as a concept and storyboard artist for features, tv and short format productions. Her background in fine arts and sculpture has given her strengths suited to constructive problem solving on set and a great love and care for her work.


Where will the money go?
LOCATIONS ($2000) – We will be shooting out on some of Victoria’s greatest and most stunning MTB and downhill trails, all of which will require permits and an army of safety staff.
Equipment Hire ($3000) – Our action and stunts will require multiple camera angles in order to make the most of the time we have on location.
TRANSPORT ($500) – Transport to and from rural locations for cast and crew will be of an absolute necessity.
STUNTS ($2000) – We will need to pay stunt professionals in order to pull off our insane riding sequences.
CATERING ($500) – Filmmaking and riding is hungry work!
PRODUCTION DESIGN ($600) – The aim of Double Black is to innovate narratively and technologically. We need to make a rotating room, Elena is already across the details and Parky already put his Dad to work to basically create a robotic camera rig… look it’s hard to explain but it’ll look great.
Crowdfunding Comission Costs ($450)
There always other hidden costs as well! Furthermore, if we are able to stretch our funding goal, towards $10,000, we will reinvest that into enlarging the scope of the production.
(Please note, donations of specified value can be input via the “Support Campaign” link at the top of the rewards page.)
Thanks for reading! We’re looking forward to hitting the trails with you!