Fortissimo Films has picked up Australian high school drama Wasted On The Young, the debut feature from hot up-and-coming director Ben C. Lucas.

Set in an elite high school, the film revolves around two step brothers – one a geek and the other a member of the school’s cool clique – who find their lives at the mercy of their classmates following a tragic chain of events. Oliver Ackland (pictured) (The Proposition) and Alex Russell and play the two brothers, while Adelaide Clemens (X-Men Origins: Wolverine) plays their friend. 

The deal with Australian production outfit WBMC covers worldwide rights outside Australia and New Zealand. Following an introduction by consultant producer Scott Meek, the deal was negotiated by Fortissimo chairman Michael J. Werner and the film’s producers Janelle Landers and Aidan O’Bryan.

“In his debut film, Ben has so succinctly captured the innocence, beauty and danger of youth. It’s a film for a new generation but has relevance for all generations. We are extremely excited to be involved with this powerful new film and filmmaker,” Werner said.

Lucas has previously directed several well-received shorts and documentaries and won the ZTudio What IF? Award for his screenplay All Flesh Must Be Eaten.

WBMC, run by Landers and O’Bryan, was established in 2000 and produces films, television and new media content.

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