What I am currently creating…
I continue to push and strive for a level of quality relative to that of my continually-deepening maturity through life experience, yet also, continue to approach every personal project from an inquizitive, child-like beginner mentality, solely with the aim of learning and absorbing information, aesthetics, styles of storytelling and approaches to technical application of different skills throughout every avenue of filmmaking.
Currently, I am working on showcasing my developed skill-set, specifically in relation to autobiographical documentary-shorts - I believe often the hardest story to tell genuinely, is your own. This is primarily evident within my upcoming surf-documentary-short-film, ‘Pipe Dream’ (TBD). The synopsis: ‘Pushing his passion for both traditional storytelling and surfing, at age 19, Fletcher Turale journeys across the world in order to showcase the most dangerous waves on earth, pushing himself to edge both mentally and physically’. I am currently emphasising and focusing on being as emotionally vulnerable as a storyteller that I can be in order to continue to advance my ability to tell a dramatic and engaging story.
Along with this, my first major fiction based short film, titled ‘The Line We Walk’, is in post production, and serves as a ‘Proof of Concept’ for my first feature film screenplay, which I am continually developing. Centring around the facade of masculinity, ego, and the faces we wear in order to deal with the unrelenting forces of life and death, told through a deeply personal true story. I am continuing to workshop and develop this with some of the best screenwriting mentors in Australia. Initially written between February to August 2022 and sitting currently at 107 pages, ‘The Man with the Blue Beret’ tells the philosophical and internal conflict of an unsung Australian hero and his relationship with those he loves.
Along with these projects, I have an extremely optimistic, motivated and excited perspective of plenty of unannounced plans and projects. All great films start with a first draft, a first step, or the first time that action is called. To continue to portray an honest expression of myself along with a greater quality of product is something I can not only strive for, but promise.
STUDIOCANAL AUSTRALIA & NZ - INTERNSHIP (Production & Development Departments)
Sydney, Australia.
Assistance in production & development of fiction feature-film content, specifically, script coverage & readings, readers reports, finance plan analysis, attending post-production meetings & screenings.
Taken place between early September - late October 2024, under Marcus Gillezeau, AACTA & Emmy-winning producer & Head of Production and Development at STUDIOCANAL Australia & NZ.
THE LINE WE WALK (2025)
Synopsis:
Set in a 1977 Adelaide, a weathered detective's connection with his daughter and inner self comes into the firing line during an intense legal case, causing him to come to terms with his masculinity, existentialism, and love. Based on the feature film screenplay 'The Man with the Blue Beret'.
Dramatic Fiction Short
Written, Directed, Co-Produced & Co-Edited by Fletcher Turale
In Post-Production, Release TBD
FEATURE FILM SCREENPLAY: THE MAN WITH THE BLUE BERET (WORKING TITLE)
Synopsis:
A former detective, U.N. peacekeeper, and single father reflects on his life and a series of crucial events that shaped his identity. Retrospectively, he reflects on his struggles as a father to connect with his impressionable young daughter during a systemic culture of false stoicism & toxic masculinity, both within the cultural norms of the 20th century, police force and his experiences throughout the Cyprus War. A now present day sees him needing to make a crucial decision to impart his wisdom to those he loves, primarily his young grandson, in a world that has drastically changed.
A ‘proof-of-concept’ short film based on this feature screenplay, titled ‘The Line We Walk’ is currently in post-production.
PIPE DREAM (TBD)
Synopsis:
Pushing his passion for both traditional storytelling and surfing, Fletcher Turale journeys across the world in order to showcase the most dangerous wave on earth, pushing himself to edge both mentally and physically as he contemplates the sacrifices he is willing to make to weave a tale that resonates with the core of his being.
Action Sports/ Poetic Participatory Documentary Short
Directed by: Fletcher Turale
In Production, Release TBD
IN BETWEEN DREAMS (TBD)
Synopsis:
Reveling within the antagonistic counter-culture found within surf films of the late 90’s & early 2000’s, whilst also paying homage to the genre’s psychedelic routes of the 60’s, ‘In Between Dreams’ encapsulates the white knuckled adrenaline of surfing the most dangerous wave on earth whilst simultaneously embracing the diverse history and culture of the surrounding environment and the sport at large, acting as montage companion-piece to ‘Pipe Dream’.
Montage/Action Sports Documentary Short
Directed by: Fletcher Turale, D.O.P: Fletcher Turale, Edited by: Fletcher Turale, Starring: Fletcher Turale
In Production, Release TBD
‘Australian Film, Television & Radio School’ Projects:
THORNTON (2024) - AFTRS: 1st A.D: Fletcher Turale - Proof of Concept.
Synopsis:
A neo-noir crime drama centring around the lawyers of an illusive & powerful underworld figure.
(Year 3 Bachelor – Australian Film Television and Radio School - AFTRS)
Drama/Thriller
Written & Directed by: Barney Wilson, Produced by: Melika Azimi, DOP: Tom Xiao, 1st A.D: Fletcher Turale, (Further credits pending)
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR MOTHER (2023) - AFTRS: Director of Photography: Fletcher Turale
Synopsis:
This documentary delves into the complex dynamics between second-generation immigrants and their parents and relatives, exploring the contrasting perspectives resulting from profound cultural, societal, and experiential disparities. It highlights the arduous journey of adapting to diverse societies and examines how these challenges shape the lives of these individuals.
(Year 2 Bachelor – Australian Film Television and Radio School - AFTRS)
Non-fiction/Observational Documentary Short
Directed by: Casey McCosh, Director of Photography: Fletcher Turale, Producer: Michaela Chung, Written & Edited by: Riti Ramanujachari
OF THE LAST REEL IN-FRONT OF YOU (2023) - AFTRS: Gaffer
Synopsis:
We follow a projectionist as he recounts key moments in his life.
Observational/Poetic Documentary Short
Directed by: Yan Geng,1st AD: Barney Wilson, DOP: Tom Xiao, 1st AC: Felix Leung, Producer: Wentian Jin, Gaffer: Fletcher Turale, Anthony Zhang, Production Designer: Charli Bowers, Wentian Jin, Sound Recordist & Designer: Zac Cutcliffe, Composer: Ray Lin.
(Year 2 Bachelor – Australian Film Television and Radio School - AFTRS)
Sydney Film Festival - 2024 - Offical Selection
GATORLAND (2024) - AFTRS: 1st AC: Fletcher Turale - Proof of Concept.
Synopsis:
A washed-up children’s television star has a drug-fuelled encounter with some of his puppet cast mates.
Dark Comedy/Drama
Directed by: Jude Palmer-Rowlands, Written by: Liam Uhlmann, DOP: Edward Wright, Producer: Keira Briggs, Sound: Liam Uhlmann, 1st AC: Fletcher Turale,
(Year 3 Bachelor - Australian Film Television and Radio School - AFTRS)
MISSED MESSAGES (2022) - AFTRS: Director of Photography: Fletcher Turale
Synopsis:
A young man comes home from a night out to discover many missed messages on his answering machine, plunging him into what he thinks is a life or death showdown with his neighbour.
Fiction Drama/Black Comedy Short
Directed by: Jude Rowlands, Director of Photography: Fletcher Turale, Producer: C.Sean Cheng, Written by: Gabe Thurley, Edited by: Edward Wright.
(Year 1 Bachelor – Australian Film Television and Radio School - AFTRS)
MATRIARCH (2023) - Non AFTRS: Gaffer: Fletcher Turale
Synopsis:
After the passing of a loved one, Charlie sets down a dark path with the hopes of getting them back.
Horror Micro-short film
Directed by: Nathan Burney, Written by: Nathan Burney & Thomas Riethmuller, Produced by: Nathan Burney & Nameer Alashqar, DOP: Nameer Alashqar, 1st AC: Barney Wilson, Gaffer: Fletcher Turale, Sound: Thomas Riethmuller
WORTH FIGHTING FOR (2024) - AFTRS: Gaffer
Synopsis:
We explore Adrian Mouhajer's experience as they jump into the MMA cage for the first time, as well as the challenges and triumph that ensue.
Observational Documentary Short
Directed by: Barney Wilson & Jude Rowlands, DOP: Olivia Tremul, Edited by: Gabriel Thurley, Sound: Alison Cowan, Gaffer: Fletcher Turale
THE RUBBISH TRUCK (2023) - AFTRS
Synopsis:
A poetic micro-documentary displaying a young woman’s first memory. (Year 2 Bachelor Image Assessment)
Non-fiction Poetic/Observational Documentary Micro-Short
(Year 2 Bachelor – Australian Film Television and Radio School - AFTRS)
Directed by: Fletcher Turale, Director of Photography: Fletcher Turale, Edited by: Fletcher Turale
We all start somewhere…
I have been making films for as long as I can remember. Fond memories of using our home-video camera to make movies with my friends all throughout my early-childhood are extremely prominent within my mind. Whether it was recreating battle scenes or creating haunted house “horror” films; this was what sparked my love of filmmaking and more specifically, storytelling.
Deeply inspired by the films shown to me during this period, I began to question as to why and how I could continue to improve, entertain, question and continue to learn, whilst further exploring my burning desire to tell stories. As I grew, matured and continued to explore as many avenues of the field as I could, I knew it was time to start creating. I would read and watch anything and everything I could, something I continue to do to this day- to always learn through a childlike wonder.
But it came to a stage in which theory could only get me so far. It was time to apply some of this new-found knowledge. At age 15, I began to work on projects far more seriously. Exploring documentary, surf-videography, family-drama driven fiction, and deeply-personal introspective autobiographical documentary-shorts all taught me to wear every hat of the production process and distill my specific passions towards direction and screenwriting. To work alongside actors and talented crew, connecting through human emotion to create a synthesis of ideas translating to a powerful on-screen performance gives me a pleasure like nothing else.
Essentially, I discovered my vocation. That was filmmaking. That was directing. That was screenwriting.
Within these years (between 15-17), I took the time to put any form of ego or pride aside, and gave in to the concept of progression and learning. This allowed me to garner some attention for these shorts, coming with numerous awards and accolades- further reinforcing my passion and motivation of a once-unattainable goal, and reaffirm a journey I still continue to travel on.
Since these shorts, I have simply learnt more. Grown more. Experienced more; and more importantly, learnt how to translate these things into a more powerful story.
Regardless of the sometimes crude construction, the core elements, passion and heart of storytelling remains just as strong as now. Within reflection today, I look back in acceptance of the place I was in within the “journey” at the time, and more-so, I look back with pride. A pride of showing the same unrestricted and honest creative vision. The same vision as today. Unfortunately, due to copyright restrictions; something I didn’t consider whilst passionately (and naively) making these films at the time, most of these films are now privatised. Though, these films can be distributed privately to anyone who is curious (via. email: turalef@gmail.com).
Despite this, I think it’s vital to be able to reflect on where my journey began- to then be able to dictate and see where my career will head. To learn from my past is vital in grounding my ego, reaffirming my passions, and silencing my self-doubt. To remember how this started, to remember my true passion, love, and why I decided to start on this journey in the first place.
Along with my personal projects, I am always willing to work and collaborate. I have been extremely fortunate to work on multiple commercial productions including the likes of Mitsubishi (alongside production company, KOJO) and Wirra Wirra Wines. I am grateful to be able to choose the commercial work I connect with on an emotional level, to subsequently give my best in order to elevate the subject matter.
NOT HERE, NOR THERE (2021)
Synopsis:
During his final year of high school, director, Fletcher Turale, drops all commitments and takes an introspective solo trip across the Australian outback in order to re-evaluate his life ambitions.
Dir. Fletcher Turale (Age 17), Shot, Edited, Starring: Fletcher Turale (Age 17)
Autobiographical Documentary/Adventure Short
Winner: Oniros Film Awards New York: Best Adventure Film (February 2021) Winner: Oniros Film Awards New York: Best Drone Video (February 2021) Winner: Best Inspirational Film: Vegas Movie Awards (March 2021) - Award of Excellence, Winner: Best Drone Video (March 2021) - Award of Prestige, Winner: Independent Shorts Awards: Best Microfilm (February 2021), Winner: Independent Shorts Awards: Best Young Filmmaker (February 2021), Winner: Cannes World Film Awards: Best Road Film (March 2021, Winner: Top Shorts: Honourable Mention: Best Young Filmmaker (March 2021) Winner: Los Angeles Film Awards: Honourable Mention: Best Young Filmmaker (March 2021) Winner: Festigious International Film Festival: Best Young Filmmaker (March 2021)
WIRRA WIRRA - 2021 VINTAGE (2021)
Synopsis:
A commercial video showcasing the South-Australian winery ‘Wirra Wirra’, along with their journey through the 2021 vintage. Supported by an interview from chief winemaker Paul Smith, in order to showcase the steps involved with creating masterful wines.
Dir. Fletcher Turale (Age 18)
Commercial video
NAMELESS & SHAMELESS (2021)
Synopsis:
A journey through the remote surf breaks of South Australia, featuring some of the regions best surfers, waves and shark-ridden waters.
Dir. Fletcher Turale (Age 18)
Montage/Action Sports Documentary Short
Featuring: Josh Lindsay, Matt Carter, Will Felkl, Mitch Andrewartha, Max Longhurst, Jamie Fennell, Matt Lindsay & Cooper Stankovic
BARRY DU BOIS - NOTHING CAN FRIGHTEN A TRITON (2019)
Synopsis:
Barry Du Bois, Australian designer, building expert and television personality takes you through the fundamentals of the new 2019 Triton styling, performance and MiTEC capabilities to celebrate Mitsubishi Motors Australia's 40 year anniversary. Nothing Can Frighten a Triton.
Dir. Kent Smith (KOJO)
Produced by: KOJO
Production Assistant: Fletcher Turale (Age 16)
FLOW STATE (2019)
Synopsis:
A documentary-short analysing the connection between passions and happiness explored through the introspection of multiple surfers.
Dir. Fletcher Turale (Age 16)
Montage/Action Sports Documentary Short
Winner 2020 - Fletcher Turale - People’s Choice Award: Scotch College Film Festival.
21 HOURS UNTIL MIDNIGHT (2019)
Synopsis:
Two estranged brothers come together to settle their differences after the news of an ‘end-of-world’ event occurs.
Dir. Fletcher Turale (Aged 16)
Fiction Narrative Drama Short
Starring: Jim Martin, Fletcher Turale
Winner: Los Angeles Film Awards: Best Young Filmmaker (Fletcher Turale - November 2019), Winner: Independent Short Awards (LA): Best Young Filmmaker (Fletcher Turale - December 2019), Winner: Five Continents International Film Festival: Best Young Director: Fletcher Turale (December 2019), Winner: South Film and Arts Academy Festival: Young Director Honourable Mention in a Short Film (December 2019),
Finalist: Florence Film Awards (December 2019), Semi-Finalist: European Cinematography Awards, Semi-Finalist: New York Cinematography Awards
SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL (2018)
Synopsis:
A young man grapples with the grief & guilt of losing a loved one who may not be gone.
Writ. & Dir. Fletcher Turale (Age 15)
Fiction Horror/Drama Short
Starring: Jim Martin