Producer Shelley Madison talks importance of female-driven stories with Margot Robbie’s new film ‘Terminal’
As a producer, Shelley Madison is always looking for expressive scripts to turn into captivating films. Being an avid reader since she was just a child, she loves a good story, and she uses this passion every day to entertain audiences around the world.
“Film takes us a world away from reality. We have a chance to dive into someone’s imagination and live with a set of characters, to feel their happiness, sadness, pain, or love. Good storytelling can tap into the heart of an audience and give them a place to reflect on their own emotions and experiences,” she said.
Later this year, Madison’s film Ghosts of War takes a paranormal look at PTSD, telling the story of five American soldiers during World War II who are ordered to hold a French castle formerly occupied by the Nazi high command. Starring Brenton Thwaites (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales), and Theo Rossi (Sons of Anarchy), their assignment spirals into madness when they begin experiencing inexplicable events more terrifying than anything seen on the battlefield.
Madison’s most recent film, being released this week, once again features an all-star cast. Set in the dark heart of London, Terminal follows the twisting tales of two assassins carrying out a sinister mission, a teacher battling a fatal illness, an enigmatic janitor and a curious waitress leading a dangerous double life. Murderous consequences unravel in the dead of night as their lives all intertwine at the hands of a mysterious criminal mastermind hell-bent on revenge. It stars this year’s Academy-Award nominee Margot Robbie, as well as Simon Pegg and fellow Canadian Mike Myers.
The story was important to Madison, as it features a strong female protagonist, a trend that we are finally beginning to see in film. Revenge stories are typically seen with a male lead and having woman at the helm of a fun and original vengeance film with a creative storyline was enough to peak the producer’s interest. The international sales agent for the film was also a company founded by women, and are representing Madison’s next film.
“It’s very important to me as in the film and television industry, representation for women is disproportionally less than our male counterparts. Margot is a great role model, and this is also something she produced. I am happy that I have a hand to play in supporting a project with more gender equality,” said Madison.
Being able to work with such a seasoned team on a compelling story was an opportunity Madison could not pass up. She had been a fan of Robbie’s since Wolf of Wall Street, recognizing the actress as an iconic and inspirational woman and an incredibly talented actress. The film was also the first production under Robbie’s own banner, Lucky Chap. Madison and her production team helped complete the financing so that the film could be made, working alongside first-time director Vaughn Stein (World War Z).
“I really believed in the project and their vision. The film looks stunning and I think audiences will really enjoy it. The whole Lucky Chap team are passionate and hardworking, and I love that they are all friends! Margot is such a talent and naturally beautiful on the inside and out. Everyone was really hard working, passionate and fun to be around.” said Madison.
After the production team contemplated several locations to shoot for the film that seemingly takes place in London, they decided on Budapest, Hungary. Madison had never been to the country, and the setting soon came to be one of her favorite parts of working on the film as Budapest is a magical city with beautiful architecture, underground hot springs, wonderful people and great restaurants.
“We randomly met a local chef (from Budapest) who invited us all to lunch at his house, and not only did he make us an incredible meal, it turns out that he happened to live in the building that had been chosen as one of the locations for the film. Such synchronicity and a unique and fun experience that I will never forget,” she concluded.
Terminal comes out Friday May 11th. The film will be available on all major cable/satellite and telco providers (i.e. Comcast, Charter, DirecTV, Dish, AT&T, Verizon, etc.) and digital platforms (i.e. iTunes, Amazon, Vudu, Google Play, etc.). Check out the trailer here.
