NOBODY could doubt that league and union are in the genes of Jackson Mullane — and he has mixed that love with his competing love of film production.
The Cronulla resident's sporting heritage is indisputable.
He toured with the Waratahs in 2006, while his father Greg, uncle Mick and cousins Zac and Jye are former Sharks players.
Jackson Mullane's sights now are set well beyond the runner-up status he achieved at the 2014 Tropfest for a film he directed — Red Nuts.
It was about a man who did not have long to live and the choices he made.
Now Mullane is set to create a 12-minute film about grassroots rugby league using professional actors and game representatives.
The film — Baby Boy — will examine the role rugby league has in the lives of underprivileged children in Australia, and how sport can provide a chance for disadvantaged communities to overcome the cycle of poverty.
The film will star Louise Harris, an award-winning actor of Snowtown fame, and Georgia Flood of Anzac Girls, House Husbands and Wentworth.
The filmmaker is working closely with the NRL to cast players who can relate to what it is like to overcome adversity, but who can physically add to the script's action sequences. NRL manager Tony McFadyen is supporting the film.
"It's easier to cast professional actors than to find footy players who can act," Mullane said.
As far as Mullane himself is concerned, he hopes to get the film screened eventually at various film festivals.
He plans to begin shooting it in late August.
"What I really want to do is a feature-length rugby league film," he said. "Australians don't always respond to films but they do respond to footy."
A percentage of the film's profits will go to The Smith Family to help disadvantaged children.
Details: pozible.com/babyboy
