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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.

  • Jackson Sharpe
    Director
  • Jackson Sharpe
    Writer
  • Chelsea Addison
    Writer
  • Chelsea Addison
    Producer
  • Michael Whitmore
    Key Cast
    "Jeffrey Dahmer"
  • Rudie Chapman
    Key Cast
    "Kelly Dahmer"
    Round the Twist
  • Olivia Belamir
    Key Cast
    "Kylie Minogue"
  • Serena Ruby
    Key Cast
    "Young Kelly"
    Falling From Gracie
  • Graham Murray
    Key Cast
    "Robert Dahmer"
  • Bridget Morrison
    Key Cast
    "Tina Mornay"
    Say (2024), Sunder (2024), Potential (2024)
  • James Cerché
    Key Cast
    "Bradley Pitt"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 43 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 31, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    14,000 AUD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Canon EOS C70
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Jackson Sharpe

PUNCHLINE is the collaboration of creative duo & good friends, Jackson Sharpe (Writer & Director), and Chelsea Addison (Writer & Producer).

We first paired as a creative duo during our studies, and we continue to work together now in our 20s. This film is our biggest project to date.

Jackson Sharpe is a 26 y.o. Independent filmmaker from Melbourne, Australia. Inspired by classic Aussie films of decades passed, 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.

Chelsea Addison is a 22 y.o. passionate screen professional. Currently working as an advertising producer, her skills in production have complimented Jackson's creative vision. Following the project from script to screen, PUNCHLINE is her most ambitious project to date.

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Director Statement

PUNCHLINE explores the tension between identity and family with a healthy dose of satire and cynicism. Focusing on the emotional toll of growing up feeling neglected, it delves into the superficial insecurities that often mask deeper struggles.

Protagonist Jeffrey constantly searches for answers. As he attempts to break free from his parents' shadow, we examine the difficult and uncomfortable process of self-discovery.

I find humour an intriguing method to disarm the audience and explore difficult topics with honesty. 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 humour adds levity, which grants us the space to confront what we find uncomfortable and process what might otherwise feel impossible. As writers and directors, it allows us to enter into a space where the audience is vulnerable. In the realm of storytelling, it allowed me to approach difficult topics which I feel would have been dishonest to shy away from.

We worked with over 40 cast & crew thanks to the support of our friends and family. Our core team blew us away with their unique talents and passion for storytelling – Editor & Colourist Conor Elder, Cinematographer Alessia Chapman, and Production Designer Charlie Stamatogiannis. We also worked with ‘Round the Twist’ star from the early 2000s Rudie Chapman, and Sydney Film Fest’s ‘Rising Talent’ 2024 winner Bridget Morrison.

We’d love to share our stories from production with you. We have so many to tell. From sleeping our entire crew in regional Victoria for three nights in the middle of Winter, to shooting in a deceased estate that we were lucky enough to have to ourselves for an entire week, borrowing an aunty’s sex swing no questions asked, and somehow convincing Yiayia that we needed to borrow her car for the week.

We have lived and breathed this project since kick off in early 2024, and we’re so thrilled to be sharing it with you now. We hope it connects with you as much as it did our cast & crew. We certainly had an incredible time making it.

Thanks again and happy viewing.

Jackson & Chels