Photoplay signs director Warwick Thornton

Award-winning director, screenwriter and cinematographer Warwick Thornton is set to join Photoplay for representation in Australia and New Zealand.

A performance driven director with a flair for shooting drama and unearthing new talent, Thornton is a versatile storyteller who can write, direct and shoot his own work. A proud Kaytetye man, he was born and raised in Alice Springs. It was here he found his voice as a filmmaker.

Thornton’s latest film The New Boy (2023) starring Cate Blanchett and Aswan Reid, premiered at the 2023 Cannes International Film Festival and won the Golden Frog for Best Feature Film at the 2023 EnergaCamerimage International Film Festival. It also took home the Spotlight Award at the 38th American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) Awards in February.

The director and photographer behind Australia’s pivotal Yes23 campaign, You’re The Voice, featuring John Farnham and led by The Monkeys, Thornton is excited to focus on commercial projects that allow him to tell thought provoking stories.

On joining Photoplay, Thornton says: “I have a voice, and Photoplay is a great new outlet to tell my stories. I trust their nurturing team and look forward to navigating their world with all the support and encouragement they bring.”

Underlining his adaptability behind the camera, Thornton’s television series include outback vampire hunting hit Firebite and the ABC’s Mystery Road, of which he wrote, directed and shot several episodes. His series The Beach gave viewers an intimate portal into one man’s journey of healing and reconnection to country. His film essay We Don’t Need A Map challenges viewers with its political and poetic exploration of Australia’s national identity.

No stranger to making films about the obstacles faced by First Nations people, Thornton’s other notable credits include multi award-winning Australian western Sweet Country (2017), Indigenous horror documentary The Darkside (2013) and his first compelling feature drama Samson and Delilah (2009). His work as director of photography on hit musical The Sapphires (2012) further underscores his ability to present diverse and exciting Indigenous stories.

Says Oliver Lawrance, executive producer, Photoplay: “We had a great time working with Warwick on Sweet Country and welcome the chance to collaborate again. We feel privileged to add Warwick’s unique voice to our roster and to introduce his versatility as a writer, director and cinematographer to our industry friends and collaborators.”

To view Warwick Thornton’s reel click here.

Photo Credit: Photograph by Ben King