Photo courtesy of Sparke Films.
Source: Sparke Films press release
Special Thanks to Avery Guerra
Filming Wraps on Luke Sparke’s PRIMITIVE WAR
Australian actors Lincoln Lewis, Henry Nixon and Jeremy Lindsay Taylor join Survival Horror / War mash up. Starring Ryan Kwanten, Tricia Helfer, Jeremy Piven, Nick Wechsler
Sparke Films has wrapped main filming for their new feature film, PRIMITIVE WAR.
Written and directed by Luke Sparke (OCCUPATION RAINFALL, BRING HIM TO ME), the film is based on the cult-followed book by Ethan Pettus where a squad of soldiers in 1968 discover that dinosaurs have been let loose in the jungles of the Vietnam war.
A recon unit known as Vulture Squad is sent to an isolated jungle valley to uncover the fate of a missing Green Beret platoon. They soon discover they are not alone.
A stellar cast was announced, which promises: “This ain’t no walk in the park”
The internationally recognized players include Primetime Emmy Award and Golden Globe Winner, Jeremy Piven (ENTOURAGE, OLD SCHOOL), Tricia Helfer (BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, LUCIFER), Screen Actors Guild Nominee Ryan Kwanten (TRUE BLOOD, RED HILL) and Nick Wechsler (THE BOYS, REVENGE).
The film also includes a slew of ensemble talent including Anthony Ingruber (AGE OF ADALINE, INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY), Aaron Glenane (Interceptor, Danger Close), Carlos Sanson Jr (BUMP, LEGACIES), Ana Thu Nguyen (MORTAL KOMBAT 2), Albert Mwangi (TOM SWIFT, BLUEBACK), Adolphus Waylee (NAUTILUS), Marcus Johnson (TALK TO ME, BRING HIM TO ME) and Jake Ryan (SAVAGE, UNDERBELLY).
New cast that has joined the production include Lincoln Lewis (TOMORROW WHEN THE WAR BEGAN), Henry Nixon (HIGH COUNTRY, THE PACIFIC) and Jeremy Lindsay Taylor (UNDERBELLY).
PRIMITIVE WAR is another big swing for Australian director Luke Sparke. “I was captivated by the imagery surrounding Ethan’s book and the story it told. I’ve work hard on capturing that essence but also the grittiness, horror aspects and military edge. My vison is to feel like the characters have walked out of the film ‘platoon’ and into the jaws of the greatest predators the planet has ever known’ said Sparke during pre-production.
Rounding out team Sparke are accomplished producers Carmel Imrie, Carly Sparke, executive producers Geoff Imrie, Luke Sparke and Co Producer Alex Becconsall. Wade Muller (OCCUPATION RAINFALL) is handling Cinematographer duties.
Primitive War author Ethan Pettus adds: “I’m thrilled to see Luke’s interpretation of my work. I know his team is giving this project everything they’ve got.’
PRIMITIVE WAR was filmed on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, and employed a majority local crew and cast topping over 200 jobs and countless services for the area.
Luke Sparke is represented by Ben Levine and Vivek Kolli at Link Entertainment and Mark Morrissey of Morrissey Management. Piven is repped by Laura Pallas at Artist Collective Entertainment and Kwanten is repped by Jennifer Naughton at RGM. Helfer is repped by Gordon Gilbertson of Gilbertson Entertainment and Nate Steadman of Gersh. Wechsler is repped by Gordon Gilbertson of Gilbertson Entertainment and Stephen LaManna from Innovative Artists.
ABOUT SPARKE FILMS
Sparke Films is an Australian based company focusing on an exciting slate of action, genre and character driven films. To date, their list has included the historic two part TV series 'YESTERDAY IS HISTORY', the monster movie 'RED BILLABONG' followed by the alien invasion films 'OCCUPATION' and 'OCCUPATION RAINFALL' starring Temuera Morrison, Ken Jeong and Daniel Gillies and the crime drama BRING HIM TO ME with Barry Pepper, Sam Neill and Rachel Griffiths. Their latest film, the creature feature SCURRY is in post production with a late 2024 release. The company has also announced development is underway on the adaptation of John Birmingham's trilogy to a tv series currently titled 'WEAPONS OF CHOICE' and several other feature films in different stages. For more information visit: sparkefilms.net and lukesparke.com or you can follow either on social media.