Copyright Variety
“Mockbuster,” an upcoming Australian documentary that dives into the “eccentric, fast-and-loose filmmaking world” of The Asylum, the B-movie studio best known for the “Sharknado” franchise and numerous low-budget Hollywood copycat films, has been acquired by Giant Pictures for worldwide distribution. The film is set to have its world premiere at the Adelaide Film Festival on Oct. 24th followed by a North American festival run and a U.S. theatrical release late spring 2026. Umbrella will distribute the film in Australia and New Zealand. “Mockbuster” marks the — double — feature directorial debut of Anthony Frith. With a once-promising film career flattened to corporate video gigs, the Australian decided to pitch himself to The Asylum to direct a lost-world dinosaur epic. As per the doc’s description, “Against all reason, the studio famous for its guilty-pleasure exploitation films, says yes. What follows is a madcap production of ‘The Land That Time Forgot’ in suburban Adelaide, shot in just six days on a budget that could generously be described as ‘aspirational.’” But Frith wasn’t just directing the “The Land That Time Forgot” — he was also helming the behind-the-scenes documentary “Mockbuster,” aimed at “capturing the beautiful mess of full-blown B-movie filmmaking.” Between demanding LA executives, a game but bewildered cast, and his own self-doubt, the pressure builds. What emerges is not just a chronicle of chaotic production, but according to the synopsis is an “unexpectedly tender portrait of chasing the dream through the absurd hustle of genre filmmaking — and finding a different kind of success behind the scenes.” It adds: “Throughout the shoot, Frith navigates the gloriously chaotic orbit of Asylum producer Brendan Petrizzo and studio Founders David Rimawi, David Latt, and Paul Bales, as he attempts to keep a prehistoric adventure afloat amid rubber dinosaurs, last-minute rewrites, and caffeinated panic.” “I went into this project thinking that directing a dinosaur movie for The Asylum would be fun, and that it would make for a hilarious behind-the-scenes doc,” said Frith. “From the outside, they look like Hollywood’s punk rockers, working fast and loose. But somewhere between receiving the script on Sunday and shooting on Monday, I started to see their true genius: controlled chaos – a method that, against all odds, produces movies audiences keep coming back for.” “Mockbuster” is executive produced by “Tickled” filmmaker David Farrier, and was acquired by Nick Savva, general manager of Giant Pictures, who also serves as executive producer alongside Madeleine Schumacher, Alex West, Ty Morse, Phil Laboon, Ari Harrison, and Cam Rogers. “’Mockbuster’ is a love letter to ambition, chaos, and the people who somehow make movies happen anyway,” said Savva. “The Asylum’s business model is legendary and we’re thrilled to finally share a behind the scenes look at how in the world they’ve managed to succeed in such a big way.” The film was co-written by Frith and Sandy Cameron, and produced by David Elliot-Jones, Cameron, and Naomi Ball. It was supported by Screen Australia, with the South Australian Film Corporation and Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund, in association with VicScreen. “Mockbuster is a one-of-a-kind documentary – offbeat, chaotic and ultimately, full of heart,” said Screen Australia head of documentary Richard Huddleston. “Following director Anthony Frith, the team’s singular vision to create the next B Grader gives audiences an entirely original, access all areas ticket into the film industry.” The film is produced by Mostly True Media and Walking Fish Productions. Major production investment came from Screen Australia, in association with South Australian Film Corporation, Adelaide Film Festival, Giant Pictures and VicScreen. It was financed with support from KOJO Studios, Green Marble Productions and Time Horse Productions.
