Warner Bros. Australia have secured the rights to adapt the iconic song.
Image: Michael Hili.
Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia have today announced secured the exclusive international rights to adapt Paul Kelly's seminal track, How to Make Gravy, into a Christmas film. Speech & Drama Pictures, helmed by screenwriter and director Nick Waterman and platinum selling, Aria Award winning musician and screenwriter Megan Washington, are set to work on the adaptation.
The beautiful Australian ballad takes on a conceptual nature, sharing the story of a prisoner named Joe who pens a letter to his brother Dan, whilst longing to be reunited with his family for the holiday season. Written and recorded 25 years ago, Kelly recently re-recorded the track for his first ever Christmas album, Paul Kelly’s Christmas Train.
“In Australia, December 21st is known as Gravy Day. Few songs have risen to cult status and secured a date on the festive calendar, which is why Paul Kelly’s How to Make Gravy is so special. It’s a privilege to be given the opportunity, alongside our partners Megan and Nick at Speech & Drama, to unravel the mystery and meaning captured in Paul’s now iconic lyrics and bring this incredible story to the screen.” shares Michael Brooks, Managing Director of Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia.
Waterman and Washington add, “Paul’s beautiful song is the perfect recipe for a feature film. It’s characters are already beloved by many who have imagined the story behind Joe’s letter themselves – there’s so much to be found in the space between what he must be feeling in prison at Christmas and what he writes in his letter to his brother. This song holds a special place in our hearts. It’s an honour to bring it to life.”