Australian actor Anthony La Paglia will join David Wenham in the cast of producer Robert Connolly's writing and directing debut The Bank, which is in production in Melbourne throughout August and September.

Axiom Films is handling world sales on the thriller, which is set in the world of high finance. Production company Arenafilm's distribution outfit, Footprint Films, has local rights.

Connolly produced Rowan's Wood's critically acclaimed The Boys and Samantha Lang's not-yet-released Monkey's Mask, along with John Maynard, who will have sole producing credit on The Bank this time around.

The film is being financed by the Australian Film Finance Corporation, Victorian's film agency Cinemedia and pay-TV outfit the Premium Movie Partnership.