The Sydney Morning Herald today revealed another location which will be used in the filming of Australia. Camelot, a grand house in Camden on Sydney’s outskirts, will be used for early scenes in Luhrmann’s film, presumably doubling as Nicole Kidman’s character’s English home. “It is a really beautiful house, lovingly restored … and the gardens are looking just amazing,” a source said. The newspaper reported, “Camelot is set among rolling green pastures with horses and well-established cottage-style gardens. Entry to the main house is by a winding, tree-lined drive. The historic mansion was built in 1888, was constructed from brick and has a romantic silhouette of turrets, chimney stacks, gables, arched verandas and projecting bays.” The article was accompanied by the first picture of Hugh Jackman since he arrived in Sydney earlier this week.
It should be noted that, although cast and crew members were visiting the estate, it was only for workshop purposes as filming does not begin until 2007.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald
December 23rd, 2006
Baz Luhrmann has further spoke out about the timeline and locations for the pre-production and filming of Australia. Any day now, several of the prinicple actors are expected to arrive in Sydney, Australia for a pre-production workshop, which will wrap up just before Christmas.
It is no secret that Baz has selected the small Queensland town of Bowen for a substantial portion of location filming. (See our media section for radio interviews). The crew of 200, including its two major stars, are expected to stay in Bowen during the 10 weeks of shooting. Luhrmann said that the $500,000 contribution from the state goverment was a key factor in the decision to shoot there. But one needn’t think the Bazmark camp is living off of state contributions, in return Premier Peter Beattie has said the production will lilkely pump $7 million into Queensland during the ten week filming period. Furthermore residents can likely expect significant tourism opportunities upon the film’s release.
As an additional bonus, more than 100 locals will play roles such as Japanese pearlers and cattlemen, while students will be encouraged to take part in a bid to encourage young talent to stay in Australia. Luhrmann is quoted as saying;
“That is part of what I think Hugh, Nicole and I really share,” … “We’ve been very fortunate. This country gave us an opportunity to play around the world. And now at the point in our careers we are, we feel naturally like you want to give something back.”
Over the next few weeks the number of people in Bowen will be rapidly expanding, due to crew arrivals.
“We shoot at the end of April - actual film rolling at the end of April - but from January, we’ll have large teams of people there… I am what they call in the business, ‘locked and rocked’.”
Finally, we leave you with this tidbit from The Courier Mail, that Australian actor Jack Thompson will also be in Bowen for the shooting in April. We hope to hear more news on casting in the new year, but in the meantime, if you have any information, feel free to contact us.
SOURCES: The Courier Mail, The West Australian, Yahoo! News, The Herald Sun
December 13th, 2006
Nicole Kidman has spoken out for the first time in detail about her involvement in Australia.
“This film is in my blood and, as I said to Baz, I have to make it, there is no choice involved.”
“At the same time you just want to make a good film with great characters rather than dealing with the magnitude of it and just look at it as a good story that I am proud and excited to be involved with.”
“There is something comforting to come back and work with the same people.”
“I feel privileged to be working with great Australian actors and a great director and as Baz said, I can’t wait to get on the horse.”
Baz Luhrmann has also said, “I know that Nicole, Hugh and I and all the various creatives are really excited and honoured to be part of that exchange and are all keen to showcase our country in Australia.”
Source: Sunday Mail
December 2nd, 2006
