Films and Casting TEMPLE pty ltd
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film production, consultancy, casting |
| Founded | August 30, 2000 in Sydney, Australia |
| Founder | Anupam Sharma |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
Area served | International |
Key people | Anupam Sharma (Founder and Managing Director) |
| Products | Film production, consultancy, casting services |
| Website | www |
Films and Casting TEMPLE Pty Ltd is an internationally oriented film production, consultancy, and casting firm based in Australia, operating out of Fox Studios Australia in Sydney. Established in 2000 by filmmaker Anupam Sharma, the company is dedicated to producing a variety of Australian cinema for worldwide audiences and is acknowledged for its pioneering role in fostering film partnerships between India and Australia, with a focus on Bollywood and Indian film industries.
About
Films and Casting TEMPLE commenced operations on 30 August 2000. Their debut feature as Australian producers was Dil Chahta Hai (2001). Following this, they were involved in producing prominent Bollywood titles such as Koi Mil Gaya, Heyy Babyy, Salaam Namaste, and Dhoom, alongside international ventures including the Danish movie At World's End, the Chinese film Love in Hong Kong, and the television series Just Dance.
In 2000, the late Yash Johar enlisted TEMPLE's expertise for consultancy and location services on Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham. Between 2001 and 2002, TEMPLE produced significant Indian television commercials including Bharthi Birth TVC, Scorpio Launch TVC, Hero Honda, and Lays chips. That same year, Yash Raj Films contracted them to supply specialist crew members for Dhoom. In 2003, TEMPLE acted as the Australian production company for the film Janansheen.
Also in 2003, they developed the inaugural guide aimed at facilitating Indian film productions shooting in Australia, which was unveiled in Mumbai by the Australian Tourist Commission. In 2004, led by Anupam Sharma's initiative, a delegation comprising Australian entertainment executives participated in FRAMES 2004 held in Mumbai to enhance cinematic collaborations between India and Australia.
In 2005, Dharma Productions engaged TEMPLE for consulting on Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, while Yash Raj Films retained their services for Salaam Namaste. During 2006-07, they functioned as the Australian production company for projects such as Love Story 2050, Heyy Babyy, and launches for the Van Heusen label.
In 2008, TEMPLE served as the Australian production entity for MTV’s Roadies and created promotional content for Real TV through TACTIC Australia based in India.
To encourage professional exchanges between India and Australia’s film sectors, Films and Casting TEMPLE’s managing director initiated the Australian Film Festival of India in December 2011. The festival attracted support from prominent industry figures including Baz Luhrmann, Bill Bennett, John Winter, and Hugh Jackman. In 2012, Bill Bennett revealed plans to shoot his upcoming thriller in India as part of a collaborative effort. The festival remains instrumental in strengthening Indo-Australian cinematic relations.
In 2012, TEMPLE acted as the Australian production company for Pramod Films’ feature From Sydney with Love, representing a milestone Bollywood production showcasing iconic Australian locations. That year also saw TEMPLE take on roles as both production company and consultant for SBS’s reality series Bollywood Star.
In 2013, commissioned by the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM), TEMPLE produced Indian Aussies, directed by Anupam Sharma. Additionally, they directed the high-impact Jhappi Time campaign—the largest advertising initiative by Destination NSW targeting the Indian market. On 5 December 2013, Indian-origin entrepreneurs founded the Australia India Film Fund (AIFF), selecting Films and Casting TEMPLE as their production collaborator. The fund’s objective is to bolster Indo-Australian film partnerships through multimillion-dollar projects that capitalize on Australia’s 40% producer offset while ensuring a minimum of 90% Australian crew involvement and at least 80% local cast participation. Anupam Sharma was appointed head of films at AIFF.
In 2015, the company completed its inaugural feature-length film UnIndian, directed by Anupam Sharma and featuring Australian cricketer Brett Lee alongside Bollywood actress Tannishtha Chatterjee.
The following year, TEMPLE provided consultancy services for the Spirit of India run and produced the documentary The Run. In 2017, Anupam Sharma directed this acclaimed documentary focusing on politician and ultra-marathon runner Pat Farmer’s journey from Kanyakumari to Kashmir.
By 2018, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced two new projects under Anupam Sharma’s production banner—Honour and Bollywood Downunder. Distributor Forum Films entered into a first-look agreement with TEMPLE to broaden theatrical distribution opportunities for diverse Australian films.
Owner
Indian filmmaker Anupam Sharma is the founder and managing director of Films and Casting TEMPLE, established on 30 August 2000.
Sharma earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of New South Wales in Australia and has contributed scholarly research and a notable thesis focused on Indian cinema.
Acknowledged as an ambassador for Australia Day in 2013 and recognized by Encore magazine as one of the 50 most influential figures in the Australian film sector, Sharma is a filmmaker, writer, and global consultant specializing in Indian cinema.
In 2012, he took on the role of chief judge and advisor for Australia's inaugural ethnic reality TV series, Bollywood Star, working alongside photographer Raj Suri and dancer Dipti Patil.
The year prior, Sharma initiated the An Australian Film Initiative to enhance the presence of Australian screen culture in unconventional markets. This effort began with the annual Australian Film Festival of India, held across cities such as Dehradun, Delhi, and Mumbai. The festival has garnered support from industry leaders including Baz Luhrmann, Hugh Jackman, and John Winter.
Sharma made his directorial debut with UnIndian, featuring Brett Lee and Tannishtha Chatterjee. He is currently developing two projects: Honour and Bollywood DownUnder, both unveiled at a Mumbai event hosted by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian under the auspices of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Asia International Engagement Program.
Work
Production:
- Prem Aggan (1998)
- Kadhalar Dinam (1999)
- Pyaar Koi Khel Nahin (1999)
- Yes & No (short) (2000)
- Beti No. 1 (2000)
- Deewane (2000)
- Hadh Kar Di Aapne (2000)
- Dil Chahta Hai (2001)
- Hollywood (2003)
- Kitne Door... Kitne Paas (2002)
- Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage (2002)
- Janasheen (2003)
- In Conversation (TV short) (2004)
- Heyy Babyy (2007)
- Love Story 2050 (2008)
- Sankham (2009)
- Victory (2009)
- Orange (2010)
- Just dance 2(video game) (2010)
- Crook (2010)
- We Are Family (2010)
- Love in Space (2011)
- From Sydney with Love (2012)
- Being Lara Bingle (2012)
- Indian Aussies: Terms & Conditions Apply (2013)
- UnIndian (2015)
- The Run (2017)
Other work
2018: Audi commercial featuring Virat Kohli
Awards
- Best Documentary award for The Run at the Newcastle Film Festival
Partnerships
Films and Casting TEMPLE actively fosters collaboration between Indian and Australian film industries. The company maintains associations with Global Indian Talent, An Australian Film Initiative, and Bollywood in Australia, all dedicated to strengthening professional connections between these cinematic communities.