Archive for October, 2007
Both Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman are racking up the frequent flyer miles as they fulfill obligations in America in between filming commitments on the set of Australia.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Kidman and Jackman are working full-time at Fox Studios in Moore Park to complete filming. Both are expected to remain in Sydney until the end of next November, when filming is scheduled to finish. Despite industry speculation that Luhrmann was running behind schedule and beyond budget on his spectacular film, reports from the set suggest otherwise. “The studio is happy,” one insider said, adding the Hollywood heavyweights behind the film had been pleased with the progress of the movie.
In other news, add Aaron Pedersen to the growing cast list for Australia. Though the local identity’s latest role is on tv police drama City Homicide during the show’s downtime he has remained in Sydney after landing a role in the star-studded film.
sources: Sydney Morning Herald, Herald Sun
October 22nd, 2007
Baz Luhrmann has unleashed a pink spotlight over the country by illuminating the set [click for larger] of his motion picture Australia to support breast cancer research and the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s annual Pink Ribbon Campaign.
The mythical homestead ‘Faraway Downs’ featured in the film, and housed on Stage 7 at Sydney’s Fox Studios, forms part of the 2007 Estée Lauder Global Illumination program. Since this project was launched by Evelyn Lauder in 2000 hundreds of famous landmarks in over 40 countries have been lit pink to raise funds for breast cancer research and awareness of the disease.
For more illuminating information please visit nbcf.org.au.
Also visit thebreastcancersite.com and for one click a day you can help fund free mammograms.
image: James Fisher
source: nbcf.org.au.
October 10th, 2007
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Tourism Australia is in discussions with Baz Luhrmann about creating a massive marketing campaign centering on Australia. The campaign would highlight areas other than the usual major attractions, and possibly incoporate the movie’s romance to promote Australia as a romantic destination. A spokesman for 20th Century Fox said Luhmann would be “thrilled” to work with the tourism body, but Tourism Australia has so far declined to comment.
On a separate note, two ‘unofficial’ trailers for Australia have recently been posted on You Tube. One is entitled Australia Trailer and the other Australia Trailer: Fair Dinkum Version. They are both entertaining spoofs and worth a look!
Sources: The Sydney Morning Herald, You Tube
October 5th, 2007
Last month, Nicole Kidman was interviewed by The Kimberley Echo about her impressions of Kununurra. Kidman was full of praise for the region.
“This is a magnificent part of Australia. Like most people growing up in the cities on the east coast, I knew the Kimberley region was big and impressive, but until I got here and started to experience it I really didn’t understand the scale and wonder of it all. I feel privileged to be here working on the film ‘Australia’, because many of our scenes have been shot in the early morning or at dusk when the colours are so dramatic. It’s breathtakingly beautiful and I’ll remember its glory forever. The sunrises and sunsets are a spiritual experience and I am in love with boab trees now.”
Kidman also said that her role as Lady Sarah Ashley was a challenging one, “Yes it is a challenging role. As well as wearing the constricting costumes of the period, I have to maintain an English accent, do a lot of horse riding and have had to learn to muster cattle. But it has all been an adventure which I will always remember and which is ultimately what I am seeking from my life - adventure and exploration of this beautiful world.”
Source: The Kimberley Echo
October 1st, 2007
