Behind the Scenes of “Primitive War” Producer Carmel Imrie’s Vision

 In Australia’s rapidly evolving film landscape, few productions have sparked as much excitement as Primitive War. Produced by Carmel Imrie alongside director Luke Sparke and SparkeFilms, the project delivers a thrilling blend of science fiction, action, and adventure  anchored by a bold creative vision that pushes the limits of Australian genre filmmaking.

Yet beyond its pulse-pounding visuals the dinosaurs, explosions, and high-stakes combat  lies a deeper story of passion, perseverance, and production mastery. This is the world of Primitive War through the eyes of Carmel Imrie, whose leadership and creativity helped turn an ambitious concept into cinematic reality.

Bringing a Bold Concept to Life

Primitive War is far more than a typical sci-fi action film. Adapted from Ethan Pettus’s acclaimed novel, it immerses audiences in the chaos of the Vietnam War era  where soldiers face not only the brutality of conflict but the unimaginable terror of prehistoric creatures deep in the jungle.

When Carmel Imrie came aboard as producer, she immediately saw both the challenges and the enormous potential of the project. Turning such a high-concept story into a grounded, emotionally resonant film demanded equal parts artistry and precision  qualities Carmel has refined over years of working across independent and studio productions.

“It was about bringing authenticity to the chaos,” Carmel reflects. “Even with fantasy elements, the emotion and environment needed to feel real and believable.”

Balancing Realism and Imagination

One of Imrie’s most significant contributions was ensuring that Primitive War remained authentic despite its fantastical premise. Working closely with Luke Sparke, she helped build a production process that blended traditional filmmaking craftsmanship with advanced visual effects technology.

From coordinating large-scale jungle shoots to synchronizing the efforts of departments spanning creature design, sound, and visual effects, Carmel’s steady hand kept the production unified and efficient.

Behind the scenes, Sparke Films utilized a hybrid of practical effects and cutting-edge CGI to bring the film’s dinosaurs to life. Still, as Carmel emphasizes, Primitive War is ultimately a human story about soldiers confronting not only external monsters, but the internal toll of war.

The Sparke Films Ethos: Passion with Precision

As a core member of Sparke Films, Carmel Imrie plays a crucial role in shaping the company’s creative direction. Under Luke Sparke’s leadership, the studio has become synonymous with Australian-made films that compete confidently on the world stage from Occupation and Occupation: Rainfall to Scurry and now Primitive War.

Carmel’s meticulous approach to resource management, creative collaboration, and storytelling integrity ensures every project meets the highest standard. Her ability to fuse artistry with production efficiency positions her as one of the standout producers driving the next wave of Australian cinema.

“What drives us at Sparke Films is the belief that Australian stories can be global stories,” says Carmel. “We want the world to experience the creativity coming from our corner of the industry.”

Buzz, Festivals, and Fan Excitement

Even before its full release, Primitive War has generated significant buzz across online communities, fan forums, and genre film festivals. Early previews have praised its immersive world-building, emotional performances, and technical prowess  strong indicators of audience enthusiasm.

Carmel and her team have prioritized a grassroots promotional strategy, engaging directly with fans through social media, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage shared via Sparke Films’ channels. It’s part of Carmel’s philosophy of direct-to-fan storytelling, creating a genuine and interactive connection between creators and audiences.

Looking Ahead: A Producer’s Vision

For Carmel Imrie, Primitive War is more than a milestone  it’s a statement about the potential of Australian filmmaking. Her commitment to innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity ensures that fresh voices and emerging talent remain at the heart of every production.

With projects like Primitive War, Carmel and Sparke Films are proving that Australian cinema can compete with the world’s biggest franchises without losing its unique cultural voice.

Experience “Primitive War”

Audiences can soon experience Primitive War on major streaming platforms including Prime Video and Apple TV, following its festival circuit debut.
To learn more about Carmel Imrie’s work and her journey as a producer, visit her Screen Australia profile.