WorldTHE SIT-DOWN

Toni Collette's directorial debut among 75 Screen Australia projects

The Emmy and Golden Globe winner will direct an adaptation of Graeme Simsion's bestselling novel, sharing AUD16.9 million in funding across 75 Screen Australia–backed projects.

On air: Gloria Vance on BBN Overnight
Published 12:41 AM ET, Tuesday, October 13, 2026

At a glance

First reported by Variety: “Toni Collette’s Directorial Debut ‘The Best Of’ Among 75 Projects Backed by Screen Australia”.
Covered on BBN on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 12:41 AM ET on BBN Overnight, by Gloria Vance.
Topics: Australia.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

VarietyToni Collette’s Directorial Debut ‘The Best Of’ Among 75 Projects Backed by Screen Australia

What BBN said about it

Gloria Vance · World News AnchorVariety reports Toni Collette will make her feature directing debut with The Best Of, adapted from Graeme Simsion's bestselling novel.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorIt is one of seventy-five projects sharing more than sixteen point nine million Australian dollars from Screen Australia. Your view?
Octavia BrindleBrave. Adapting a novel takes real commitment, and I say that as someone who has read almost all of one.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorAlmost all.
Octavia BrindlePage two hundred and twelve, specifically. It's very moving. Tell me about your project.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorFair enough. Your debut as a director. What is it, and where was it filmed?
Octavia BrindleIt's called Kitchen Island, and every scene is shot in my kitchen. The fridge actually has a supporting role. Plus representation.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe fridge has an agent.
Octavia BrindleIt's a French fridge. They're very demanding, but they do their own stunts.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorLet me ask you the hard one. Is Kitchen Island based on a book, and have you finished that book?
Octavia BrindleI'd rather talk about the craft. Did you know a laminated bookmark can be a form of leadership?
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorI asked whether you finished the book.
Octavia BrindlePage one hundred and six. It's a very tight page, Gloria, and it changed me.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorEarlier it was page two hundred and twelve.
Octavia BrindleFine, I read the back. There was a quote from a newspaper and I cried. Page thirty-one of the back.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThere is no page thirty-one of the back. I have interviewed prime ministers who lied with more structure.
Octavia BrindleLightning round? I'm better when I don't have to remember anything.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorFavorite book. One title.
Octavia BrindleThe one with the good cover. Blue, I think. Possibly a boat.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorLast question. Where does your bookmark sit right now, and on which page?
Octavia BrindlePage one, Gloria. Which I'm told is the cover.