Heath Davis of Glenbrook wrote and directed the independent dramatic comedy Book Week and got it on the big screen by “stalking” some actors, pulling in favours and local crowdfunding.
On Sunday the cleverly executed and very funny film was warmly received at the full house premiere at Katoomba’s Edge Cinema, where many young extras turned up to see themselves on screen.
The film tells the story of a bitter and twisted author putting in as little work as possible in his day job as an English teacher. The genesis came from Davis’s time as a substitute teacher at Katoomba High and other western Sydney schools. He doubts they will have him back if this movie isn’t a hit.
Local filmgoers will recognise shots of the Carrington, the Savoy, Katoomba High and Blackheath. Davis said his main character was something of an anti-hero – “a self saboteur” – in the vein of Mad Men’s Don Draper.
“We don’t necessarily have to like him, he’s identifiable to a lot of people.”
