Australian Newcomer Books Lead in Indie 'Relative Happiness' (Exclusive)

Actress Melissa Bergland is cast in her first North American role, a Canadian co-production that adapts the book by Lesley Crewe.

Melissa Bergland could be the next Rebel Wilson.

The Australian actress, who was nominated for outstanding new talent and most popular new female talent prizes at the country’s Logie Awards, has landed the starring role in Relative Happiness, an indie Canadian co-production.

Deanne Foley is directing the adaptation of the novel by Lesley Crewe, which centers on a Bridget Jones-like character and her extended family in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

Crewe wrote the script with Foley, Iain MacLeod and Sherry White. Jill Knox-Gosse, Lynee Wilson and Alan Collins will produce. Avi Federgreen is executive producing.

Principal photography is slated to begin at the end of October in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Bergland flew into L.A. for a round of meetings in August, signing with Untitled at the end of the month. Two weeks later, she had booked the lead. After the shoot, the actress will return to Australia for Winners and Losers, the show for which she received her acclaim.

Bergland is additionally repped by Mark Morrissey and Associates in Sydney, and attorney Adam Kaller at Hansen Jacobson.