Mockbuster, a new Australian documentary that dives into the “weird, fast-paced world of filmmaking” at Asylum, the B-movie studio best known for the Sharknado series and countless low-budget Hollywood copycats, has been acquired by Giant Pictures and will be distributed worldwide.
The film will have its world premiere at the Adelaide Film Festival on October 24, followed by screening at film festivals across North America, with a US theatrical release scheduled for late spring 2026. Umbrella will distribute the film in Australia and New Zealand.
Mockbuster is Anthony Frith’s double feature directorial debut. An Australian whose once-promising film career has dwindled to corporate video work, pitches himself to Asylum to direct the Lost World dinosaur epic.
According to the doc’s description, “Despite all the reasons, the studio known for its guilty pleasure exploitation films said yes. The next release was a reckless take on ‘The Land That Time Forgot’ set on the outskirts of Adelaide, shot in just six days on a budget that could generously be described as ‘ambitious’.”
But Frith not only directed The Land That Time Forgot, he also helmed Mockbuster, a behind-the-scenes documentary that aimed to “capture the beautiful chaos of serious B-movie production.”
Between demanding LA executives, a match but confused cast, and his own lack of self-confidence, the pressure mounts. What emerges is not just a chronicle of a chaotic production, but, according to the synopsis, an “unexpectedly tender portrait of a man chasing a dream amidst the absurd hustle and bustle of genre filmmaking and finding success of a different kind behind the scenes.”
It added: “During filming, Frith follows the brilliantly chaotic trajectory of Asylum producer Brendan Petrizzo and studio founders David Limawy, David Lutt, and Paul Bales as they attempt to keep their prehistoric adventure alive amidst rubber dinosaurs, last-minute rewrites, and caffeinated panic.”
“I went into this project thinking it would be fun to direct a dinosaur movie with ‘Asylum,’ and it would make for an interesting behind-the-scenes documentary,” Frith said. “From the outside, they look like Hollywood punk rockers working fast and loose. But somewhere between receiving the script on Sunday and shooting on Monday, their true genius begins to show. It’s controlled chaos, and this method is how, against all odds, they produce films that audiences come back to see again and again.”
“Mockbuster” will be executive produced by “Tickling” filmmaker David Farrier and acquired by Giant Pictures general manager Nick Sava, who will executive produce alongside Madeleine Schumacher, Alex West, Ty Morse, Phil Labun, Ali Harrison and Cam Rogers.
“‘Mock Buster’ is a love letter to ambition, chaos, and the people who just make movies happen,” said Sava. “Asylum’s business model is legendary and we’re thrilled to finally be able to share a behind-the-scenes look at how they achieved so much success.”
The film was co-written by Frith and Sandy Cameron and produced by David Elliott-Jones, Cameron and Naomi Ball. This production was supported by Screen Australia in association with VicScreen, along with the South Australian Film Corporation and the Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund.
“Mockbuster is a documentary like no other. It’s whimsical, chaotic and ultimately full of heart,” said Screen Australia’s head of documentaries Richard Huddleston. “The team’s singular vision to create the next B-Grade in the footsteps of director Anthony Frith offers audiences a completely original, all-encompassing ticket to the film industry.”
The film is produced by Mostly True Media and Walking Fish Productions. Significant production investment came from Screen Australia in partnership with the South Australian Film Corporation, Adelaide Film Festival, Giant Pictures and Big Screen. This production was funded with support from KOJO Studios, Green Marble Productions, and Time Horse Productions.
