On the 19th of January Hugh Jackman attended G’day USA (an extension of G’day LA, a promotion of Australian work in America) and treated the lucky 800 attendees to the first sneak peek of the film, Australia.
Two large screens were used to display black and white images of Hugh and Nicole as they are to appear in the film. Presumably these images were taken late December 2006 when the pair attended workshops in Sydney.
“It’s a story set in Australia about Australian characters. It’s about our great land, and it’s about our history. It’s about who we are,” Jackman said. “It’s so good to see Aussies in tuxedos,” he told the assembled Australians. “It’s like the cast of Happy Feet.”
From this event, though still unofficially released, rumours of actors Bryan Brown and Jack Thompson joining the cast appear all the more solidified; now with the exciting addition of David Wenham (Lord of the Rings, Van Helsing, Moulin Rouge!).
sources: Sunday Telegraph, Sydney Morning Herald
January 21st, 2007
We’ve already put several names into the ring of male actors who may be on board for Australia, but here’s another! Bryan Brown, established legendary Australian actor (Gorillas in the Mist, Two Hands) is expected to be in Bowen (one of the shooting locations) at the same time as Kidman, Jackman and Luhrmann. Whether he will be in the cast or not has not yet been confirmed, although Baz has previously mentioned they were negotiating with a well established actor for the third lead, of course Jack Thompson also fits this description.
It is reported that, in addition to Brown, many of the confirmed cast and crew are expected to attend the Nicole Kidman Cup at Bowen’s Ben Bolt Park. It is hoped that either Nicole Kidman or Hugh Jackman will judge Fashions on the Field and that Kidman will be on hand to present the owner of the winning horse with the cup.
“Obviously we have to work around Baz Luhrmann’s shooting schedule, but Baz has said the stars would undertake some meet and greet activities while they were in Bowen”.
We can now offer further news to all those who have eagerly been inquiring as to how they can
become involved as an extra etc, in
Australia.
Representatives from Baz Luhrmann’s production company will be in Bowen approximately two weeks before filming begins. “They will advertise for extras and that will be the time for people to make contact.” It is advised that you only make contact during this period or your query will likely go unanswered due to the sheer wealth of interest.
sources: Townsville Bulletin
January 13th, 2007
