Ashley Zukerman (Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol, Succession) will star in the sci-fi thriller In Vitro that has just wrapped filming in regional New South Wales, Australia. In the lead opposite Zukerman is Talia Zucker (Lake Mungo) alongside Will Howarth (Beast). In Vitro is the anticipated follow-up from Tom McKeith and Will Howarth after their debut feature Beast was nominated for Best First Feature at TIFF 2015. McKeith and Howarth co-wrote the script with Zucker. In Vitro was selected for the Sundance Screenwriters Lab, and has received major production funding from Screen Australia, with support from Screen NSW, Mind the Gap, Fictious, and Arcadia.
On a remote cattle property in the near future, Layla (Zucker) and her husband Jack (Zukerman) have been experimenting with biotechnology and developing new farming methods. It’s a mostly isolated existence for the couple, but when a series of unsettling occurrences take place, they soon discover a disturbing presence on the farm that threatens to upend their lives.
“Our goal with In Vitro is to create a bold sci-fi with compelling characters that expresses something important about the times we live in. We’re so excited to be working on this project with such a great team and are thrilled to be supported by Screen Australia, Screen NSW, and the Sundance Institute”, directors Will Howarth and Tom McKeith said in a joint statement.
In Vitro is produced by Arcadia, the Australian production and distribution studio behind Oscar-nominated Kodi Smit-McPhee’s sci-fi starrer 2067 and horror comedy Sissy, which is set to play opening night in SXSW’s Midnighters section; and Fictious, Howarth’s production and talent management outfit with partner Matilda Comers.
“In Vitro is a dark love story that sent chills down my spine the first time I read it. Teaming with Will and Matilda at Fictious; and with Tom, Talia and Ashley rounding out the dynamic creative team alongside Arcadia – it’s exciting to be collaborating with such experienced and talented storytellers. Combined with the incredible locations like the majestic Snowy-Monaro and our super talented heads of department, we really look forward to bringing In Vitro to the screen.” Arcadia’s Lisa Shaunessy commented.
“We’re thrilled to support this superb writing team working together with Arcadia to create a captivating thriller set against the striking backdrop of regional Australia. In Vitro is set to be a tense ride from start to finish and I’m confident it will enthrall viewers here and overseas.” Screen Australia’s CEO Graeme Mason commented.
“Screen NSW is proud to support the talented team at Arcadia with its Sundance Lab project starring Ashley Zukerman. The production is utilising skilled practitioners and unmatched locations around regional NSW; shooting entirely in Cooma and Goulburn with post-production taking place in Orange and creating up to 127 local jobs.” Head of Screen NSW, Grainne Brunsdon commented.
Arcadia’s Lisa Shaunessy’s (Sissy, 2067) and Bec Janek (Sissy) produce alongside Will Howarth (Beast) for Fictious and Rachael Fung (Little Woods). Comers, Zukerman, Alexandra Burke, Anna Dadic, Michael Agar and Clement Dunn serve as executive producers. Zukerman’s recent credits include his role as Robert Langdon in the Peacock series Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol, the Fear Street trilogy for Netflix and the FX limited series A Teacher with Kate Mara from writer/director Hannah Faddell.