Cain Thompson & Luke McKenzie

Who are we?

We are a fledgling production company created, to first and foremost; perform in shows that have the capacity to showcase our talent through the strength of good writing and dynamic collaboration... Following through with action, we now recognise our desire to; Work with people who challenge us and inspire us. To gain recognition from our peers for a successful run, and establish our company on the pillars of integrity, reliability and creativity-so as to set a precedence for future endeavour’s. 

As young artists, We have both been shaped and inspired by good storytelling our entire lives, then as producers, we have made a determined commitment and a promise to ourselves, to tell great stories to as wide an audience as possible.

We both believe that storytelling has the power to change the world. It holds up a mirror and connects us to our humanity, reminding all those who witness, the possibilities for hope and change. Its an opportunity to be extricated from the daily grind, and be lost for a couple of hours in laughter, tears and sheer entertainment by delving into the imagination…

MALCOLM ROBERTSON  During his impressive contribution to theatre, film and television, the awarded Malcolm Robertson has directed over a hundred play's and appeared in well over a hundred productions. Malcolm conducted drama workshops at Parramatta prison where he first met and witnessed Jim McNeil's plays, 'THE CHOCOLATE FROG' and 'THE OLD FAMILIAR JUICE'.  Eventually he brought these plays to audiences in Sydney and Melbourne with professional casts to great success. Malcolm has also appeared in such iconic films as THE YEAR MY VOICE BROKE, FLIRTING, and KANGAROO.

LUKE McKENZIE Started working as an actor after finishing drama school in 2004. Before that he played Rugby League professionally and has had a myriad of side roads and paths that all ultimately brought him to his happy place, storytelling. Nominated for a 2012 Logie award for his work on Chanel 9's "Rescue Special Ops" as Lachie Gallagher, he has extensively worked in film and television on such recognised shows and productions as "Underbelly", "Headland", "Gruen Transfer", "A little bit behind" and many more, and on stage in in shows such as"Richard III", "Speaking in tongues", "Big Deal", "Griffin play generator" and more. Luke also has multiple national and international commercials such as "VB" and "Roadies" on air now. In 2011 he ramped up the producing side of the business to finish his short film "love in 235", travelling the festival circuit. Now having optioned an Australian Biography in development as a feature film, he is focussed on producing as a long term goal. With a base set up in Los Angeles, he follows work and passion to where ever it lands him. These plays get his blood boiling, one of the sure signs it is to be a success!

CAIN THOMPSON  Graduated from NIDA in 2006 and during this time worked on a number of memorable theatre productions including Chekovs “Three sisters” directed by George Ogilvie “The Boys” directed by Tamara Cook, “London Cuckolds” directed by Tony Knight, “Cymbeline” directed by Richard Coterell, “The Attic” Directed by Japan’s Yogi Sakate and Tim Daly’s “The Beach” directed by Kevin Jackson. Cain also travelled to Brazil to train and perform Capoeira in the art-forms most prestigious event "Ginga Sem Limite" hosted by Mestre Itapoan.  Cain spent the winter of 2011 branded as the Vitaminwater guy, after starring in the company's big advertising campaign for their new low calorie product. “BRONZER” a film Cain starred in that was shot in the summer of 2011,  is currently in post production and looking forward to a festival showing in the near future (you can find Bronzer on the pozible site). Most recently he was in Melbourne to perform in 'Look Right Through Me', directed by Kate Denbourough at the Malthouse Theatre, a show on the works of Michael Lunig. He is currently preparing to play the lead in the feature film 'Pretense' shooting in Tasmania later this year, directed by James Burton.…........ not to mention his next stage role in “The McNeil Project”.  

ACTING SHOWREEL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k38N1AJpjDs

ACTION REEL

http://vimeo.com/37273217

How do we intend to use the money?

With a production of this nature, the majority of the payments come out of box office sales after the show finishes. However, a large amount of capital is still required up front for rehearsal and pre-production costs. We have dug as deep as we can, and now need a final injection to nudge us over the line!

Some of the costs we need help covering are;

-Wages for technical staff

-Set design and construction

-lighting design

-Props and costumes

-Marketing and publicity officers

-Public liability insurance

-Rehearsal spaces

-Holding deposit on the theatre

-Publicity photography

-Promotional material including design and printing

LINKS

http://www.fortyfivedownstairs.com/