Weaver heads cast of sci-fi series
RYAN Watson will live “every boy’s dream” when he drives a lifesize Hot Wheels car from Geelong to Townsville in coming days.
Having raised almost $25,000 for children’s charity Variety, he’ll also be helping to fulfil plenty of other children’s dreams while he’s at it.
The Geelong born-and-raised Tribeca Financial chief executive is taking part in the 28th annual Variety Bash, taking custom cars for a 4059km spin to raise funds for children facing challenges through sickness, disadvantage and disability. Mr Watson and about 300 other participants will set off on the nine-day trek from GMHBA Stadium at 9am on Thursday.
“It’s every boy’s dream; I’m a grown man, CEO of a business, and I get to drive around in a lifesize Hot Wheels car,” Mr Watson said. “This year we’re aiming to raise $25,000, and we’re at the $21,000 mark so far.”
“I feel it’s really important to give back — especially to kids.”
The Variety Bash is Australia’s largest and longest-running motoring event, having raised more than $24 million for children in need over the past 27 years.
For more information, visit variety.org.au/vic AUSTRALIA’S two- time Oscar-nominated actor Jacki Weaver ( Silver Linings Playbook, Animal Kingdom) heads the cast of the new sci-fi series Bloom.
An original commission for Australian streaming platform Stan, the six-part series is produced by Sony Pictures Television’s Playmaker.
The story takes place a year after a devastating flood has killed five locals in an idyllic country town, and a mysterious new plant appears.
The plant’s phenomenal ability to restore youth is so formidable that attempting to harness it means re-evaluating values.
With finance from Stan and federal funding body Screen Australia, production is now under way in Victoria. The series is created by Glen Dolman, produced by Sue Seeary and shot by AACTA-winning cinematographer Geoff Hall.
It’s directed by John Curran, with the lead cast including Bryan Brown, Phoebe Tonkin and Ryan Corr.
“We’re thrilled to be supporting Bloom and were intrigued by this highly distinctive sci-fi concept,” Screen Australia’s Sally Caplan said.