A movie about the relationship between a fish and a lonely senior citizen will begin production in Bundaberg later this year.
Flathead, an independent film inspired by the Bundaberg landscape and the authentic qualities of the locals, is being created by Brisbane-based filmmakers Jaydon Martin and James Latter.
Written by Martin, the story focuses on the character of everyday Australians, and he hopes to include members of the community to accurately represent regional Queenslanders in the film.
"I think a lot if indie films don't represent working people right," Martin said.
"I think Bundy has such a rich history of working people. Depicting that in a very sincere way is what we want to do."
Born and raised in Bundaberg, Latter has always felt passionate about the region and even bares a tattoo with the Bundaberg 4670 postcode.
His recent short film about a historic fish and chip shop in the city, World Famous in Bundaberg, helped connect Latter with Martin for Flathead.
Latter said he hoped he could capture a similar vibe in its production.
"I like to think of Jaydon's script as a film about that guy you see at the end of the bar," Latter said.
"You think about his story, and it tells his story.
"Everybody has a story that's valuable and that's what we are trying to do."
After losing much of his film work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, documentary maker Martin is self-funding the film and working with other filmmaker friends in similar situations.
"Due to COVID I lost most of the gigs I had lined up," he said.
"It's now or never, save money, put my money where my mouth is and go for it."
The pair have been in Bundaberg scouting locations and meeting potential cast members in the lead up to production later this year, having secured Mad Max: Fury Road actor Cass Cumerford for the lead.
