ACTF News

A feature film based on the best-selling Craig Silvey novel Runt will soon commence production with an incredible all-star Australian cast including Jai Courtney, Celeste Barber, Deborah Mailman and Jack Thompson.

Leading the film are two exciting new stars, nine-year-old Lily LaTorre (Run Rabbit Run) and rescue dog Squid in the title role of Runt.

RUNT stars Lily LaTorre and Squid with author Craig Silvey

RUNT is a heartfelt and hilarious contemporary Australian family feature film based on the novel of the same name by Jasper Jones and Honeybee author Craig Silvey. It tells the story of eleven-year-old Annie Shearer and her best friend, an adopted stray dog called Runt, who try to save their family sheep farm by competing in the prestigious Krumpets Dog Show in London.

Produced by See Pictures, RUNT will begin shooting in Western Australia in November, with major production investment from Screen Australia, Screenwest and Lotterywest and the WA Regional Screen Fund. It is co-financed by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF), a collective of West Australian private investors assembled by Birdbath, as well as Screen NSW and Spectrum Entertainment.  

The live-action feature is adapted for the screen by Craig Silvey and will be directed by John Sheedy (H is for Happiness, More Than This) and produced by Jamie Hilton (Breath, June Again).

The cast features siblings in the roles of children Annie and Max. Lily LaTorre (Run Rabbit Run) will play protagonist Annie, alongside her actual brother – newcomer Jack LaTorre as Max. International star Jai Courtney (Jack Reacher, Suicide Squad) is their father Bryan Shearer, alongside Australia’s “Queen of comedy” Celeste Barber (Wellmania, The Letdown) as Susie Shearer.

Jai Courtney and Celeste Barber

The cast also features Deborah Mailman (The Sapphires, Little J & Big Cuz), Australian icon Jack Thompson (The Man from Snowy River, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones), Matt Day (Muriel’s Wedding, Tangle), Tom Budge (Candy, Tracks), Genevieve Lemon (Power of the Dog, The Piano) and Squid as Runt – a dog of indeterminable breed and buckets of charm. Like Runt, Squid is a rescue and has undergone months of training for the role.

The hit novel Runt was released in 2022 and has won several major literary awards including the Children’s Book Council of Australia's Book of the Year for Young Readers and Book of the Year for Younger Children at the Australian Book Industry Awards.

Author Craig Silvey said: “I’m absolutely thrilled RUNT will be moving into production here in Western Australia, with a stellar cast and crew under the brilliant leadership of director John Sheedy and producer Jamie Hilton. I’m a parochial Western Australian storyteller, and I’m especially proud that we will be showcasing the landscapes, architecture, and community spirit of the Wheatbelt region through the town of Upson Downs.”

Producer Jamie Hilton said: “It’s an honour to bring Craig’s beloved story to the big screen with a huge cast of Australia’s most beloved actors. The See Pictures team, our investors, many of our cast and crew, are Aussie parents who are making this joyful movie for our kids and grandkids. We’re trying to channel timeless characters like Babe and Paddington, to create an Australian legend we can all cherish.”

Director John Sheedy said: "To work alongside some of Australia’s most iconic actors is a true privilege and I’m delighted to collaborate with Craig Silvey once again. Together, we are crafting a feel-good movie that promises to take the audience on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from belly laughs to heartfelt moments, all while exuding endless charm.”

RUNT is a See Pictures Pty Ltd production. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screenwest, Lotterywest and the WA Regional Screen Fund. Financed with support from Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF), Birdbath, Screen NSW, and Spectrum Entertainment. Developed with the assistance of Screenwest and Lotterywest. Local distribution and international sales by STUDIOCANAL.