23 de December de 2024

ContentFilm : Film & TV : Fireworks International : New Shows

:: Streetsmartz

Streetsmartz follows Vinnie and company around every Saturday – the one day of the week that kids can call their own – in a day-in-the-life format that is unique in both story and production terms. The lines between the scripted drama and reality are deliberately blurred as the action takes place on the day surrounded by real people continuing about their daily routines in one of Australia’s most picturesque and historic port cities.

Meet Vinnie Martino. Brash. Energetic. Fast-talking would-be wheeler-dealer. A kid who has ‘streetsmartz’. Today he is the local tour guide and dog walking business entrepreneur. Tomorrow he’ll be managing rock stars. At least that’s the plan….

But even super-optimist Vinnie has to admit that, while the dream is great, there are some pot-holes slowing his progress along the Street of Life including, Jess and Sammi two younger sisters who comment on his every move in less than glowing terms; Max, the former red-haired singer in his band, now major pain-in-the-butt diva; Pip, a very attractive, but ‘difficult’ cousin from the leafy suburbs who would like to be somewhere (anywhere!) else. Various family ‘complications’ that include a Dad, who does not regard ‘band manager’ as a useful career path.

On the plus side Vinnie has a group of friends who help him in his enterprises including Joey – faithful follower and cheap labour for the dog walking business that later branches out to include Keith (a sometimes naked tortoise), birds, snakes and an alpaca (don’t ask!).

Other friends include Van, a Vietnamese kid who tries to assimilate as an Italian; Darryl Drake, a charming but steel-eyed Irish rock promoter; Vinnie’s best friend and drummer, Stavros; Hellie, a homeless girl with great musical talent; and a collection of street performers, buskers and shop owners who work the streets of Fremantle.

A Great Western Entertainment Production. Produced with the assistance of ScreenWest. Financed with the assistance of Film Finance Corporation Australia.