Project Description

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What is this Sparks show about?

Sparks is a comedy for marriage equality. It goes something like this...

In 2011 a documentary series was commissioned to investigate the people behind Australia’s small businesses. The series sought to identify what drives small business owners to risk everything and strive for success, when often faced with financial and personal ruin.

While shooting the series the crew discovered Gerald Sparks, the owner and operator of Sparks Wedding Services - a struggling wedding planning business. Gerald proved to be a simplistic character who could be defined by one word; love. Gerald’s love and passion for his business is unparalleled and he has dedicated his life to the institution of marriage. Unfortunately, Gerald operates a long way from the world of ideal fairytale weddings and his client-base is filled with the desperate and morally questionable couples who use marriage rather than celebrate it.

The only thing Gerald loves more than his work is his partner David. And though he loves David so truly and deeply, as a gay couple they cannot be legally wed. Through hours of interviews and observation, the series begins to reveal what drives Gerald to work so tirelessly at his small business, when it only serves as a constant reminder of what he cannot have.

Why should it get made?

It's a hilarious mockumentary starring Anthony Gooley, Tom Ballard, Briallen Clarke and Brendan Maclean.

Brendan said, "There are a lot of independent projects out there but Sparks was the first one that felt like it had a purpose. Sharp script writing, relevant to everything I believe in - but really it was because it made me laugh right from the first script read. It’s powerful but not too preachy, hilarious but with heart.”

It's about an issue that we need to get sorted, the rights of everyone to marry who they love. With two bills before parliament right now, we need to do everything we can to encourage our politicians to see that it is time to end discrimination.

Co-Creator Kyran Wheatley said, “Love is love. That’s all there is to it. Doesn’t matter if you’re gay or straight or whatever, there shouldn’t be two tiers of spending the rest of your life with someone.”

You can help to change the hearts and minds of our politicians.

It is time for all Australians to be afforded the same rights.

It is time to end marriage discrimination in Australia.

Love is Love.

What's the money for?

Where do we start? Everything costs.

Luckily everyone who we asked to read the script and get involved liked it so much they've jumped at the chance. Which we are so excited about.

But it's very hard to convince shops to give us stuff for free. So the money will go towards make up and camera cards and printing scripts and the most incredible ties from op-shops and getting around and props and sunscreen and specialist software and camera hire and a big gazebo thingy and a clam thing that Gerald comes out of at a wedding and a red g-string and fake earrings and post-production stuff we haven't started to think about yet and an endless list of things which all stack up.

We need your help to get this made.

Who's involved?

Creators:

• Kyran Wheatley - Producer, Director
  
• Warren Clarke - Writer, Director
  

Cast:

• Brendan Maclean - Gerald Sparks

• Anthony Gooley - Dave Angelino
  
• Tom Ballard - Adam
  
• Veronica Milsom - Siobhan
  
• Briallen Clarke - Anna
  
• Rick Donald - James
  
• Kim Hews - Karen
  
• Paul Armstrong - Paulie
  
• Mark Langham - Tony Angelino
• Russell Smith - Celebrant

Crew:

• Luca Mistretta - Sound
  
• Owen Phillips - Art
  
• James Dall - Camera
• Chris Meier - Camera

• Kyran Wheatley - Executive Producer
• Warren Clarke - Executive Producer
• Luca Mistretta - Co-Executive Producer
• Adrian Mainey - Public Relations
• Drew Mettam - Online