Principal photography has concluded on A Day for Losers starring Jacob Sartorius, Dakota Lotus and Benji Krol. This bold coming-of-age comedy is the brand-new feature film from internationally acclaimed Melbourne-based writer-director J G Clarke (Numbered Lives) and production companies Clarke Films and Cardinal Motion Pictures.
Produced by Clarke (Land of Bad, Numbered Lives) and David Lightfoot (Land of Bad, Numbered Lives ), the film was shot exclusively on location in Melbourne, Australia, with a multi-week schedule at Melbourne High School.
The story delivers a fresh, unapologetic take on high school life, blending sharp wit and authentic dialogue. The key cast bring with them more than 80 million followers on their social media accounts, set to highlight the city of Melbourne and the independent Australian film industry.
Director J G Clarke said:
“Given the guys huge social media reach, there’s been incredible reach across channels with millions of views already for the behind-the-scenes footage. We really hope this will translate into audience numbers in the cinema with people getting behind this talented young cast.”
Whilst in Melbourne the cast enjoyed time out at Baller’s Nightclub, The Osborne and Zekkai whilst staying at the prestigious Royce Hotel. Sartorius celebrated his 24th birthday whilst in Melbourne and was treated to a surprise lunch of burgers from Royal Stacks and cupcakes from The Cupcake Queen.
For Krol, it was a return to the country where he spent a lot of time as a teen with his family and father who was engaged as a Professor in Queensland. This was Lotus’s first time in Australia, with the Disney star keen to return for more projects down under.
“It’s been such an incredible filming process, I’ve enjoyed my experience so much. I can’t wait for everyone to watch A Day For Losers, it’s going to be incredible.”
– Dakota Lotus
Set within the rigid MacArthur Military Academy, the film follows a disillusioned cadet, Ryan (Lotus), who impulsively promises the girl of his dreams that he can throw the ultimate high school party. Ryan’s only hope to pull his plan off is to team up with the school’s most unlikely outsiders. The film explores themes of empowerment, identity, and the joy of embracing one’s differences.
“We’ve been having the time of our lives making the film, and I just really hope everyone will watch it.”
– Jacob Sartorius
A Day for Losers is Clarke’s follow-up to his directorial debut, Numbered Lives, a psychological thriller starring Golden Globe winner Jeremy Piven. The film garnered 34 international festival awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. Clarke’s shift from thriller to comedy showcases his versatility while maintaining his focus on authentic, character-driven narratives.
A Day For Losers will now enter post-production with a release date set for 2026. The three key cast will return for the premiere which will be held in Melbourne, Australia.
Website: https://www.clarkefilms.com/ and https://www.cardinalmotionpictures.com/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/j_g_clarke
Hero image photo credit: Omar Rivera
PRODUCTION DETAILS & TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Synopsis: At MacArthur Military School, where social cliques reign supreme, disillusioned cadet Ryan has recklessly promised the girl of his dreams he will throw the party to end all parties, but his only hope to pull it together is to win over the most unpopular kids at school… one by one.
Year: 2026
Genre: Comedy
Language: English
Country: Australia
Content Warning: CTC
Director: J G Clarke
Screenwriter: J G Clarke
Producers: James Clarke, David Lightfoot
Cast: Jacob Sartorius, Benji Krol, Dakota Lotus
