PUNCHLINE
PUNCHLINE tells the story of an unfortunately named man, Jeffery Dahmer, grappling with bringing honour to the family name as he pursues the love of his life, Kylie Minogue.
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Jackson SharpeDirector
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Jackson SharpeWriter
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Chelsea AddisonWriter
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Chelsea AddisonProducer
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Michael WhitmoreKey Cast"Jeffrey Dahmer"
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Rudie ChapmanKey Cast"Kelly Dahmer"Round the Twist
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Olivia BelamirKey Cast"Kylie Minogue"
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Serena RubyKey Cast"Young Kelly"Falling From Gracie
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Graham MurrayKey Cast"Robert Dahmer"
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Bridget MorrisonKey Cast"Tina Mornay"Say (2024), Sunder (2024), Potential (2024)
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James CerchéKey Cast"Bradley Pitt"
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Project Type:Short
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Runtime:14 minutes 43 seconds
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Completion Date:January 31, 2025
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Production Budget:14,000 AUD
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Country of Origin:Australia
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Country of Filming:Australia
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Canon EOS C70
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
Jackson Sharpe is a 26 year old, Independent filmmaker from Melbourne, Australia. Inspired by classic Aussie films of decades past, Jackson has a keen interest in the strange and obscure.
The only thing Jackson loves more than writing about himself in the third person is making compelling stories - stories which can be entertaining, sometimes uncomfortable, and always more personal than he'd care to admit.
PUNCHLINE humorously explores the tension between identity and family, focusing on the emotional toll of growing up feeling neglected. It delves into the superficial insecurities that often mask deeper struggles, while Jeffrey constantly searches for answers about who he really is. As he attempts to break free from his parents' control, the film examines the difficult process of self-discovery and the uncomfortable journey of learning to love—or struggle with—oneself.
I find it intriguing to explore difficult topics through humor. It’s how I’ve processed tough moments in my own life, and it's ultimately what has shaped my approach to directing this story. I believe humor adds levity, which allows space to handle the uncomfortable and process what might otherwise feel impossible. In the realm of storytelling, this approach inevitably leads you to a space of the strange and unpleasent - aspects inclusive in PUNCHLINE which I feel would have been dishonest to shy away from.
The script, initially unfinished, was completed in 2024 through a collaboration with producer and frequent creative partner Chelsea Addison. PUNCHLINE came to life thanks to the contributions of 50 talented creatives, many still in university, and 34 very generous donators.
I’m incredibly proud of the cast and crew for crafting this weird little short film with me, and am extremely excited for audiences to experience it.