Schapelle (film)
| Company type | Television film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television, Film |
| Founded | February 9, 2014 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Television film |
Schapelle is a television film from Australia that premiered on the Nine Network on 9 February 2014 and subsequently aired on New Zealand's TV One on 20 February 2014. The production was overseen by Stephen Corvini of Fremantle Media Australia, scripted by playwright Katherine Thomson, and directed by Khoa Do. It presents a dramatized portrayal of the real-life events surrounding Schapelle Corby. The narrative draws from Eamonn Duff's book Sins of the Father: The untold story behind Schapelle Corby's ill-fated drug run. However, this source was later legally challenged, resulting in a $50,000 damages payment for unauthorized use of family images and further defamation settlements with members of the Corby family under confidential terms.
Plot
At Bali airport, Australian national Schapelle Corby is detained for carrying 4 kg of marijuana.
Cast
- Krew Boylan portraying Schapelle Corby
- Denise Roberts as Rosleigh Rose
- Jacinta Stapleton in the role of Mercedes Corby
- Colin Friels playing Mick Corby
- Vince Colosimo as Corby's legal representative
- Russell Kiefel cast as Malcolm McCauley
- Peter Harvey appearing as himself (archival TV footage)
- Karl Stefanovic appearing as himself (archival TV footage)
- Mike Munro appearing as himself (archival TV footage)
Production
The filming process for Schapelle took place during the latter half of 2013. Key scenes were shot at locations including Kerobokan Prison, the Indonesian High Court, and various spots along the Gold Coast, Queensland. During production, the project was known under the working title Doc McGee.
Initially planned to debut on Monday, 10 February at 8:30 pm, the telemovie was instead broadcast one day earlier on Sunday due to unfolding developments related to the actual Schapelle Corby. This scheduling positioned it in direct competition with the Seven Network's INXS: Never Tear Us Apart. The telemovie attracted a nationwide audience of approximately 1.02 million viewers, while Seven's program garnered a larger audience of about 1.97 million. It was subsequently re-aired on its originally intended Monday evening slot. The combined consolidated viewership eventually reached 1.96 million. A further repeat occurred on Sunday, 28 May 2017, coinciding with Schapelle Corby's release following completion of her incarceration for drug offenses.
In New Zealand, the screening of Schapelle was accompanied by news segments drawing parallels between a domestic drug smuggling case and Corby's situation.
Awards and nominations
| Award | Category | Nominee | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| AACTA Award (4th) |
Best Guest or Supporting Actress in a Television Drama | Denise Roberts | Template:Nom |
| Logie Awards (57th) |
Most Outstanding Actress | Template:Nom |