Synopsis

From the biggest festival to the smallest church social, Kenny Smyth delivers porta-loos to them all. Part philosopher, part comedian and all heart, Kenny is one of the cogs in society’s machinery; a knight in shining overalls taking care of business, just wants to get on with the business with his faithful 'Splashdown crew'. The film lifts the lid on one of Australia’s roughest diamonds Kenny as he juggles family tensions, fatherhood, a trip to Nashville Tennesse as Splashdown's offical representative at the biggest human waste conference in the world, romance and sewage with charm, humour and unflinching dignity. Kenny is a fair dunkum aussie, a true Knight in ... well the stuff he's always in. Kenny's truly is the Dalai-Lama of Waste Management, eternally optimistic and always ready to put others before him. As for Kenny, he loves the job. You could say he's as happy as a pig in ....!

The Soundtrack CD

The delightfully poignant score by RICHARD PLEASANCE (AUGIE MARCH, JIMMY LITTLE, JAMES REYNE, DEBORAH CONWAY, SUZANNE VEGA, KATE CEBRANO, BOOMS CRASH OPERA etc.) complements Jacobson’s singular perspective by drawing on bluegrass elements to create a rootsy, earthy, string-driven soundtrack. The music also features a number of original songs sourced from Jacobson’s trips to Nashville. These locals were not slick session players but more unlikely individuals, such as a banjo-playing sushi chef and an octogenarian singer. Their tracks are raw, but full of emotion and enrich the texture of the film’s soundtrack with an honesty and dignity to match Kenny’s. Listen out also for Kenny’s iconic version of BACHMAN TURNER OVERDRIVE’s 'Takin Care of Business'. ("I don’t do it for the glory." KENNY SMYTH) The original motion picture soundtrack CD from the film "Kenny" is released on the INERTIA label. Available at your local music outlet in August. Track list includes ...

Club Cake National Emblem All Dressed Up & Nowhere To Go Where Do I Belong? Training Super Heavy Duty Man

Outsmarted My Gal’s A Highborn Lady Glad Reunion Day Grande Sestetto Concertante In E Flat Takin’ Care Of Business Columbus Stockade Blues

Getting To The Bottom Of Splashdown-The Man Behind The Business

I commenced life as an apprentice plumber, running the family plumbing business at the age of nineteen and went on to developing a porta loo/corporate bathroom company "Splashdown" into a national company. During my apprenticeship I commenced installing gas heating into houses "moonlighting" to generate much needed additional income being on minimum wages. As I was not old enough to drive my mother used to drive me around to the various sites to monitor the progress of the heating installation teams. I will always have a go at opportunities as and when they present themselves and apply the input/output test as I do in the "Splashdown" decision making process. I believe I fit the category of an Australian having a go. It has been a "pipedream" in supporting an Australian film from concept to theatre based around my business. When the Jacobson brothers who had been friends for a number of years approached me about making a movie I weighed up the risk factor based on the "Splashdown" input/output factor with the added benefit of being able to assist the Jacobson brothers achieve their goals. There is a bit of "Kenny" in every Australian and judging by the initial reactions from test screenings the audience are really getting into the "heart & sole" of Kenny. Thanks for taking the time to review "Kenny" and being part of this fabulous journey with us. Regards Glenn Preusker

The Inside Story "It takes a certain kind of person to do what I do. No-one's ever impressed; no-one's ever fascinated. If you're a fireman, all the kids will want to jump on the back of the truck and follow you to a fire. There's going to be no kids wanting to do that with me. So, I don't do it to impress people, it's a job, it's my trade, and I actually think I’m pretty good at it." says Kenny Smyth. So who is Kenny? Kenny is a faithful resident of Melbourne’s colourful west. Only five minutes from his beloved Splashdown office and a hop skip and a jump from his ex-wife and son’s home, life is pretty much mapped out for him. A strong work ethic passed down from a father who always warned "if you don’t put your shoulder to the wheel you’ll end up with the arse out of ya pants" ensures that beyond work, Kenny has little time for anything but rest. But Kenny’s life is his job, his workmates are family and the constant change of scenery from event to event means the job never becomes boring. In real life Kenny is none other than Shane Jacobson who, along with brother Clayton "spent much of the past two years filming "Kenny" alongside an actual toilet rental/delivery company aptly named Splashdown." Splashdown‘s owner Glenn Preusker granted the Jacobson Brothers complete access to all levels of Splashdown's operation, crew and equipment. For those who are not aware, Splashdown (whose head office is located at 27-29 Ballarat Rd, Maidstone Victoria) has 20 years experience in the field of event management. The Splashdown team is headed up by 2 principles; Glenn Preusker and Des Wittingslow, who oversee and ensure the smooth installation of all Splashdown bathrooms. Glenn is based at the companies Head Office in Victoria while Des runs the Sydney operation. The Splashdown team have bathrooms suitable for every occasion ranging from birthdays, smaller private functions, to larger general admission such as music festivals, sporting events and weddings right up to corporate events in all states. Little wonder then that Kenny and his gang are always on the job. And don't go thinking that Kenny's boss Glenn supplies just any old portable dunny for a clients function. One look at Splashdown's website will tell you that these aren't your ordinary 'dunny'. These are toilets or bathroom facilities that many would wish they had in their own home, especially those 5 and 6 Star facilities. The Jacobson Brothers had plenty of praise for Glenn Preusker's support. "Glenn’s enormous support and enthusiasm for the film enabled us to deliver an energy and authenticity normally absent from films of this genre. Every frame of footage is alive with the buzz of actual events and situations Splashdown and our crew had to deal with on a daily basis," director Clayton Jacobson says. "The production value of being able to film these events and festivals is priceless." But not as priceless as Kenny himself. And no where near as priceless as his boss Glenn Preusker, who is by the way, the films sole investor. And that's no crap! One aspect of the film cinemagoers will quickly pickup on is that Kenny must have come from a very colorful family. I note that because he seems to have a witty quote for every occassion. It's a style I'm sure will become known as 'kenny-speak'. "Much of the film’s humour comes directly from sayings and conversations my brother Shane and I overheard between our uncles, father and grandmother at family gatherings. If my grandmother felt something was pointless she would lament "you might as well rub your arse with a brick". She was a tough adorable woman," Clayton Jacobson says noting, "I think many Australians of my generation remember and identify with such Aussie-isms and I was keen to give them an airing. They are playful and funny, but more to the point, they were tools for connection and getting on regardless of one’s problems." By a strange coincidence I was listening to Brian Bennett (Midnight - Dawn presenter) on 5AA just a few days ago and the theme was those old aussie sayings. People were coming up with some doozies. Clayton also revealled that they drew on the Jacobson families rich history. "My Father came from a large carnie (carnival) family. Much of their early years were spent travelling around the country entertaining and trying to make a dollar. Their shortfall was always made up by bartering, offing their services to farmers along the way to mend fences and do odd jobs. Sadly my grandfather died of a heart attack in front of my father when he was only eight. The carnival was sold and my father, along with his mother, sister and four brothers, lived in a small carnival tent until Dad was twenty-three. It was Melbourne’s West in the forties and times were very tough. Often the target of mean-spirited locals, the Jacobson family (or tent people as they were branded) used comedy, wit and resourcefulness to weather the constant condescension and aggression of others, a major theme in our film." It works extremely well, believe me. Strewth, I haven't seen anything as clever, witty or funny since Paul Hogan launched "Crocodile Dundee" on to the big screen. And I've seen some very good Australian comedies in between "Crocodile Dundee" and "Kenny". It's here I must point out that, while it may come as a shock to some readers, Kenny isn't the only person on the job in the film "Kenny". You'll get to meet his dad Ronald, recently announced as a finalist in the 2006 L'Oréal Paris AFI Awards category for Best Supporting Male Actor ("Kenny"). He's a colorful, loveable old codger who offers Kenny plenty of advice about his status in life. "I didn’t put you through school for you to become a glorified turd burglar", he tells Kenny, who with his son is visiting the old fella. Ronald’s a bit of a film star to you know. Honest, it's a fact. His first screen performance was in Nigel Buesst’s "Come Out Fighting" in 1972, where he played a boxing corner man. Ronald secured the role as he was, and still remains, a qualified and active boxing coach. It was his role in "Come Out Fighting" that inspired his then young son Clayton to pursue a career in film-making. The boxing scenes in "Kenny" were also supervised by Ronald and filmed at his Melbourne boxing Gym. Ironically Kenny’s sparring partner in "Kenny" is in fact the star of "Come out fighting" Michael Karpaney. "I do the same thing, except 30,000 feet in the air", say Flight Attendant and "Kenny" love interest, Jackie. The two met while Kenny was travelling on a QANTAS flight to the USA where he was representing Splashdown at the International Pumper and Cleaner Expo in Nashville Tennessee (or as Kenny affectionately calls it, "Poo HQ"). In real life Jackie is of course, best known as Eve von Bibra, a principle singer and songwriter for the popular group The Chantoozies. Eve and the band are also signed to join the Countdown Spectacular National tour with twenty eight other acts mid 2006. She studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Returning to Australia, she was accepted into the Victorian State Opera at the age of eighteen. Eve has appeared in the feature films "The Big Steal" and "Father". Kenny's right hand (about to get married) man is Pat played by Victorian College of the Arts graduate Chris Davis who has appeared in over 20 theatre productions playing at the Malthouse and La Mama Theatre and on TV in "Stingers", "Blue Heelers" and "Frontline". Ian Drydan, who lives in Ocean Grove with his wife and three children is a far cry from the whingeing, paranoid character Sammy he plays in "Kenny". The film marks his first foray into feature film. Ian’s wife Kim Dryden also plays a small but memorable role in "Kenny" as the character Jenny. Morihiko Hasebe, who lives in Japan where he holds a prominent position as Senior Creative Director for one of Japan’s leading advertising agencies is 'The Sushi Cowboy'. Morihiko Hasebe starred in Clayton’s award winning 23 minute short "Tanaka", which travelled extensively on the international festival circuit. Mori’s performance in "Tanaka" captured the attention of Japanese director Hiroshi Ishikawa who immediately cast him in the Japan feature film "Su-ki-da" ("I Love You"). Mori’s role in "Kenny" was written specifically for him. The relationship on screen between Kenny and Mori’s character 'The Sushi Cowboy' is based in part on the friendship he and Clayton have shared over their years of collaboration. The final member of the cast is Kenny's onscreen screen son played by Jesse Jacobson who is in fact, the son of director Clayton Jacobson. Jesse has appeared in many of his father’s earlier works, however "Kenny" marks Jesse’s first feature film role. What's that you are thinking? Have I missed someone out? Bugga me! I have too. He's the shy, modest and unassuming ( I know that for a fact because I was lucky enough to meet him when he made a quick visit to Adelaide recently) star of "Kenny". The man who's motto is, "I don’t do it for the glory", Kenny Smyth a.k.a Shane Jacobson, recently announced as a finalist in the 2006 L'Oréal Paris AFI Awards category for Best Male Actor ("Kenny"). Shane's thirst for entertainment took hold early when he joined the Melbourne Gang Show Theatre Troupe at the age of 10. The boy Shane honed his skills performing on stage here in Australia and in the Phillipines. At age 18 Shane began his comedy career with regular theatre restaurant, stand-up and MC gigs. The corporate world soon took advantage of his command of comic character immersion, hiring him to play to huge corporate functions impersonating business icons and luminaries. Shane's acting career began with appearances in prominent Music Videos, Short Films and TV Commercials. Shane also performed Warm-Ups for all the major TV networks and as Half Time Entertainer for the Victorian Titans basket ball team. In 1999 he secured a radio gig with Melbourne’s Gold FM on a segment called The 60 Minute Challenge where he created the character voice of 'Sergio The Hairdresser'. "Kenny" marks the big fella's feature film debut. Finally, I'd like to personally congratulate each and everyone associated with "Kenny". The cast, the production team and Splashdown deserve much kudos. "Kenny" is another fine example of aussie ingenuity, inventiveness and cleverness that is once again finding its way back into our film industry. I hope that the 'critics' give "Kenny" a fair go. It is a unique film that is decidely Australian and a film I have no hesitation in recommending to all Australians. The judges agree to. At the 2006 Peoples Choice IF Awards "Kenny" (which has taken $AUST7 million at the box-office) picked up Best Feature Film, Best Script, Best Sound and Best Box Office Achievement. And at the prestigious L’Oréal Paris 2006 AFI awards Shane Jacobson picked up the top gong for Best Actor in a feature film. The Verdict "If you're wondering how they could make a film about Human Waste Management and stretch it out for over 100 minutes, all will be revealed when you go to see "Kenny", the witiest and probably the funniest Australia movie since "Crocodile Dundee". The storytelling is so well done it wouldn't offend a nun. After all, the Pope does it; The Queen does it and The President of the United States of America does it. Hell! They most probably did it on the moon. But not as good as Kenny does it. Cinema's Australian of the Year will have you in stitches. You'll never look at a dunny in the same way again. Funny! Clever! Very Recommended. 4 STARS." The Cast

Shane Jacobson Eve Von Bibra Ronald Jacobson Jesse Jacobson Chris Davis Ian Dryden Morihiko Hasabe

... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Kenny Jackie Father Son Pat Sammy Sushi Cowboy

The Crew

Director - Producer/Camera A/Sound/Editor Producer Co-Producer Writers Editor/Technical Support/Camera B Production Manager/Director’s Assistant Sound Designer/Music – SFX Editor Sound Mixer Music Supervisor DIGITAL FILM & HD Post Production Visual Effects Legals

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Clayton Jacobson Rohan Timlock Shane Jacobson The Jacobson Brothers Sean Lander Nicole Bardy Craig Carter Peter Smith Norman Parkhill Richard Pleasance Digital Pictures Melbourne Digital Pictures Iloura Bryce Menzies

Run Time 103 minutes Rated M [AUST] Copyright ©2006 - Thunderbox Films - All Rights Reserved Copyright Protected ENDURING© - Impact Internet Services & The Movie Pages - All Rights Reserved