The Next Big Thing

The Next Big Thing is a heartwarming, hilarious, quintessentially Australian debut that intertwines a young-love rom-com with a David and Goliath story.

Norm has lived in Norman his entire life. It's the town where he grew up with his dad, went to school, and met his best friend, Ella. But the town is dying: the river has dried up, and with it, all the jobs.

One night at the pub, on the anniversary of his dad's death, Norm announces a plan. He's determined to build a Big Thing – like Coffs Harbour's Big Banana or Ballina's Big Prawn – to drive tourism to the town and give it a future. And to show Ella that she could have a future here too, maybe even with him.

Ella, meanwhile, plans to leave Norman for the big smoke. She's weary of being a big fish in a small pond, especially when that pond is running out of water.

Ella encourages Norm's big idea nonetheless. If it works, Norm will have a four-metre-high reminder of her. And if not, at least they'll have one last perfect summer together.

Will Norm from Norman build a Big Thing in time to save his town and convince the girl of his dreams she belongs here too – or is it too late?