Principal photography and casting announcement

TAKE MY HAND

A romantic drama based on a true story.

Written by John Raftopoulos and Dave Paterson 
and directed by John Raftopoulos

Byron Bay, Australia (March 23, 2023) – Principal photography has commenced in Byron Bay on the latest production for Bronte Pictures, Take My Hand, a romantic drama feature film based on the real-life love story of writer-director, John Raftopolous.

The project stars Radha Mitchell (Finding Neverland, Melinda and Melinda, Man On Fire), Adam Demos (Sex/Life, UnREAL, A Perfect Pairing), British actor Bart Edwards (The Witching, The Flatshare, UnREAL), Meg Fraser (Bloody Hell, Barons, Leech) and making his feature film debut, Xavier Molyneux. Former Neighbours star and singer, Natalie Bassingthwaighte (Elvis) is also featured.

Director Raftopolous co-wrote the screenplay with Dave Paterson (2067) based on the extraordinary true love story between himself and the woman he was destined to spend his life with, Claire Jensz, who is Executive Producer on the production.

In Take My Hand, they are Laura and Michael. As a vibrant young Australian woman, Laura forges a successful banking career in London and seemingly has the perfect marriage. Her world is turned upside down when she is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and her husband  starts to show his true colours. When a tragic accident leaves Laura a widowed mother with three sons, she returns home to Australia, and is reunited with Michael, a high school friend and a divorcee with one daughter, who has loved Laura since they were teenagers. In each other with their newly merged family in the small country town they grew up in - the couple’s lifelong search for happiness, peace and mutual love is finally realised.

Laura is portrayed in her adult and younger years by Mitchell and Fraser respectively. Demos and Molyneux respectively play Michael and Young Michael, while Edwards portrays Laura’s first husband, Jason.

In addition to Raftopoulos as writer-director, key production credits include Blake Northfield  (Wyrmwood: Apocalypse, Escape and Evasion, Streamline) as producer, Director of Photography Wade Muller HKSC ACS (Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Escape and Evasion, Occupation: Rainfall). Production Designer Esther Rosenberg (Fear Below), Costume Designer Tracey Rose Sparks (Red Billabong, *X-Men Origins: Wolverine *Art Department) and Hair and Make-Up Designer Billie Weston (Elvis, Westworld, Ticket To Paradise).

Take My Hand is Raftopoulos’ debut feature film. Paterson is an award-winning writer with three short films to his credit.

Radha Mitchell’s representatives are Shanahan Management (Aus), Atlas Artists (US) and  Glaser Weil Fink Jacobs Howard Avchen & Shapiro. Adam Demos is represented by Sophie Jermyn Management (Aus) and Untitled Entertainment (US). Jay Glazer at Neon Kite (US), 42 (UK) and Bloom Hergott Diemer Rosenthal Laviolette & Feldman represent Bart Edwards’.

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BRONTE PICTURES MEDIA CONTACT:

Erin Jameson  |  erin(at)jamesonandco(dot)com  |  +61 419 323 663