Production begins in Sydney and Newcastle on Friday 26 August 05 for director Paul Goldman's (Australian Rules) murderous black comedy Suburban Mayhem.

Suburban Mayhem stars New Zealand's award winning actress Emily Barclay (last seen in the critically acclaimed film In My Father's Den) as a conniving single mum and Michael Dorman (from the award winning television series The Secret Life Of Us) as her besotted boyfriend. Other cast include Anthony Hayes (The Boys), Genevieve Lemon (The Piano), Steve Bastoni, Robert Morgan, Lawrence Bruels and newcomer, Mia Wasikoska.  Leah Churchill-Brown will produce with Jan Chapman in the role of Executive Producer.

Can you really get away with murder?  Welcome to the world of Katrina DeRoche, a 19 year-old single mum who's planning to do just that.  Katrina lives in a world of petty crime, fast cars, manicures and blowjobs.  A master manipulator of men living at home with her father in suburban Golden Grove, Katrina will stop at nothing to get what she wants, even murder.  When her father threatens to contact social services and take away her child, Katrina sets in motion a plan to wreak suburban mayhem that will leave a community in shock and Katrina infamous in a way even she never dreamed of.  

Leah Churchill-Brown said:  "I feel blessed actually.  We have pulled together a superb cast and crew, and our investors have all been enthusiastic collaborators. I believe it's because first time writer Alice Bell has written such a chillingly authentic and funny screenplay, that everyone we've approached has wanted to join us on the mayhem roller coaster ride."

Icon Films CEO Mark Gooder remarked: "Even an experienced script writer would be hard-pressed to match Alice's screenplay for its sheer entertainment and originality. At the heart of Surban Mayhem is a central character so remarkable and audacious that she takes your breath away. There's an energy about this project that continues to excite all of those involved with it and we can't wait to unleash it on the unsuspecting public."

Suburban Mayhem will be distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Icon Film Distribution.  Fortissimo Films will handle international sales. Investors are the Film Finance Corporation Australia, the New South Wales Film & Television Office and PMP Showtime.

Thanks to ''Nancy'