Fledgling UK sales agent Goalpost Filmis backing Australian drama Clublandas its first project.

The film, starring BrendaBlethyn, and directed by Cherie Nowlan starts shooting in Sydney at the beginning of nextyear.

Clubland producer Rosemary Blight of RB Films said the coming of agecomedy about a shy and inexperienced young man and his raucous comediennemother had been a five-year labour of love with scriptwriter Keith Thompson.

It also marks the firstproject for Goalpost, founded by former managing director film at Portman,Tristan Whalley, who will also executive produce.

"Clubland has the things you look for in a project. It is distinct,funny and has attracted major talent from the start. It is great for goalpostto kick off with such a strong project."

Blight said the agency wasplaying a crucial role in the film: "It's really important to have a salesagent who understands what we're trying to achieve. We need experience and arecord of success and Goalpost ticks all the boxes."

The film itself will, ofcourse, be the deciding factor in success and Blight is confident it can followthe likes of Look Both Ways and Little Fish in the recent revival ofAustralian film production.

"The story is strong inheart and spirit which films need to succeed in the local market but we'reconfident about international prospects."

Scott Garvie of ShaftesburyFilms in Canada is executive producer onClubland.

The funding partners includeFFC Australia, Palace Films, The New South Wales Film & Television Office, ShaftesburyFilms, Goalpost Film and Australian based private equity sources.

Palace Films will distributeClubland in Australia and New Zealand.