Production of a screen adaptation of the best-selling children's book FING! by Little Britain comedian David Walliams has commenced at Screen Queensland Studios in Brisbane, starring multiple A-list actors including Academy Award-winning New Zealander Taika Waititi and Australia's Mia Wasikowska.

Actor and director Waititi (Jojo Rabbit, What We Do in the Shadows, Thor: Ragnarok) and Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland) are joined by fellow cast members Blake Harrison (The Inbetweeners), Penelope Wilton (Downton Abbey), and Richard Roxburgh (Elvis, Rake).

As an Australian-UK co-production from King Bert Productions and Story Bridge Films, FING! is co-written by BAFTA award winner Walliams, who will also star in the film, as well as Emmy award winner Kevin Celil (Veep).

Queensland’s multi-award-winning director Jeffrey Walker (Apple Cider Vinegar, The Portable Door) is at the helm as director, with production led by King Bert Productions' Jo Sargent and Story Bridge Films' Todd Fellman.

Brisbane's selection as the filming location was secured through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy.

"David Walliams’ FING! is beloved by children around the world, and it’s incredible to see our Production Attraction Strategy supporting renowned Queensland creatives as they bring it to life on the big screen," says Queensland Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek.

"FING! joins recent blockbuster announcements including Voltron, Anaconda and Bluey, which really demonstrates Queensland’s growing reputation as a global film and animation powerhouse.

“This film will showcase the skills of our local screen practitioners to an international audience, while contributing about $16 million into the state’s economy and employing more than 300 Queenslanders during production.”

Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney says FING! is another example of Brisbane’s Story Bridge Films success with international co-productions, such as 2023’s The Portable Door with The Jim Henson Company.

“Global partnerships via co-productions are an increasingly vital factor for film and series financing, and we are so pleased to be supporting King Bert Productions and Story Bridge Films to make FING! in Queensland," she says.

“As well as access to our talented local artisans and designers, the shoot will benefit from the flexibility of Screen Queensland Studios, Brisbane and its proximity to versatile filming locations.”  

FING! follows Myrtle Meek (Iona Bell), a spoiled child who demands a “FING” despite having everything she could wish for. Her parents (Mia Wasikowska and Blake Harrison) embark on a quest to track one down, taking them to the furthest and darkest corners of the jungle. FING turns out to be as much as a destructive monster as Myrtle, who in turn, must battle it out with the evil animal park owner, The Viscount (Taika Waititi), who is determined to own this rarest of creatures. 

The film joins a strong slate of Queensland-made productions including Voltron, Anaconda, Spa Weekend and the feature film debut of Brisbane’s own Bluey. Recent releases include Black Snow (Season 2), Good Cop/Bad Cop, Nautilus, How to Make Gravy, The Lost Tiger and Spit, while Deadloch (Season 2) wrapped production at Screen Queensland Studios, Brisbane in December.

"David and I have always known FING! had potential to be an incredibly cinematic story," says Jo Sargent, an Emmy Award-winning producer who is known for her work on Absolutely Fabulous and Malory Towers.

"Director Jeffrey Walker and co-producer Todd Fellman have shared our vision from day one and it’s been wonderful to work alongside their world class crew in Queensland as we create the creature and story we know and love."

Story Bridge Films’ Todd Fellman says the support and infrastructure provided by Screen Queensland has been instrumental in making this film a reality. 

"As a local, it’s wonderful to continue to produce large scale feature films in my back yard," Fellman says.

"We’re shooting at Screen Queensland’s Brisbane studios and the facilities are incredible. This combined with the talent of our local crew, provides the perfect platform to create a film of international scale and quality.”

AGC Studios from Los Angeles is co-financing and handling worldwide sales and distribution, while Sky is also co-financing, has developed the project in the UK and will premiere the film as a Sky Original on Sky Cinema. 

Transmission Films will release theatrically in Australia and New Zealand, with Stan premiering the film as a Stan Original on SVOD. 

"Following the success of the Stan Original film, The Portable Door, we are thrilled to reunite with Sky, Jeffrey Walker and Story Bridge Films, along with new partners, King Bert Productions and AGC Studios, to bring David’s incredible vision to life," says Stan's chief content officer Cailah Scobie.

"We were instantly captivated by FING!’s charm and originality. It’s a film with universal appeal and we are confident it will resonate with Australian audiences of all ages. We’re delighted to be part of the global release."

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