Soul FILMS: Perth Western Australia

Martin Wilson continues his rise as one of Australia's most promising young film directors. He has forged an enviable reputation as a feature film style, commercial director who crafts striking visuals and elicits strong performances from his actors. He has been recognised in Australian Creative Magazine as one of Australia's top six young directors nationwide, a noteworthy achievement considering his eastern states counterparts' work with budgets up to eight times larger than his.

For the last eight years Martin has formed a dynamic partnership with producer Angie Smith under the banner of Soul Films. This innovative film company has won numerous local and international awards for both its drama and TV commercial work.

Martin's first foray into directing drama for Soul Films was the highly successful short film, "I Promise". This film went on to win multiple directing awards in both the 'Emerging' and 'Open' categories at the Western Australian Screen Awards and also gained entry into the New York and Sydney Film Festivals.

Martin followed up this success with the 28-minute, 35mm short "Wait 'Til Your Father Gets Home". A stylish, pitch black comedy with horror and thriller elements, it was one of only three out of ninety projects Australia wide that received the prestigious short film funding from The Australian Film Commission.

The film achieved considerable local and international acclaim, winning several awards and gaining admission into a number of prestigious international film festivals including: New York, Boston and Telluride. One of Australia's premier film commentators, Phillip Adams called it "exemplary in every department" and "of the highest professional standard... beautifully crafted, Martin's potential is unlimited".

With the success of these shorts Martin and his producer Angie Smith, teamed with well-known Australian author Dave Warner to produce "Roll". Funded by ShowTime Australia "(Australian pay TV channel)", SBS Independent "(the independent production funding arm of SBS TV, the fifth Australian network)" and ScreenWest "(the Western Australian government film agency)". "Roll" is a visually stunning and exciting, 45-minute gangster comedy, starring Marcus Graham, Tasma Walton and David Ngoombujarra. The West Australian's film guru, Mark Naglazas commented, "The Hollywood-ready stylist Wilson expertly juggles the multiple storylines and Warner's menagerie of eccentric characters in this Tarantino-ish tale about a footballer from the bush whose dreams of AFL (Australian Rules Football) and fortune are thrown into the air during one head-spinning, adventure filled night in the City of Light".