Wonderous Wednesday edition of Favourite Movies

That’s right, although Friday Favourite Movies might be catchier I’m going to save Teresa Palmer’s choices for the end of the week and bring you a director’s double up now. By that I mean the favourite movies of Oscar nominee and Boy director Taika Waititi and the man with the number one movie in the country at the moment, Stuart Beattie. For those of you playing at home, said movie is Tomorrow, When The War Began, which looks likely to make its budget back within the first month of Australian and New Zealand release.

Anywho, I spoke to both of the lads recently and here is what they had to say about their fave movies:

Taika Waititi -"My favourite period is 70s cinema. I love Korean cinema and a little bit of Japanese. I'm not really into my French films, perhaps a little of the British films but not really. But I'm mainly into Korean at the moment. I’m sure it's just the kind of filmmakers you would expect me to be into based on how my films are made. People say `oh, you must love Wes Anderson' and I do, but his films are way more stylish than mine. I like anything that's original. The only thing that I've seen recently that I really liked was The Hurt Locker."


Stuart Beattie -
"Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars, Jaws, Jerry Maguire, Scent of a Woman, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, anything James Cameron, even the documentaries, Tootsie, The Fugitive, Die Hard, Ghost Busters, Back to the Future, Beauty and the Beast."

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Beattie on the brat

He is the wordsmith behind some of the last decade’s biggest blockbusters. Now, Australian screenwriter Stuart Beattie (above) is hoping his directorial debut will trump them all. When you consider all that writer/director Stuart Beattie has achieved, it is a little daunting to realise he's still in his thirties. It is the kind of fact that makes you panic about your own life and immediately starts your ambition ignition.

After moving from Melbourne to Sydney and getting a communications degree, Beattie crossed the Atlantic in the nineties and moved to Los Angeles to break into Hollywood. And break in he did. Whilst studying screenwriting at UCLA, one of Beattie's scripts won a prestigious Diane Thomas Screenwriting Award. He then got his first `big studio gig re-writing an existing script and worked on several Australian projects such as Joey and Kick.

But it was his script for Collateral that first made Hollywood big-wigs stand up and take notice.
``I was cheap and I was hungry,'' says Beattie, of his early days within the industry.
``It was Collateral initially that gave me the break, I sold it to Dreamworks.
``But before that it bounced around from studio to studio and opened a lot of doors for me.''

Collateral went on to become a huge success, starring Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx, and received two Oscar nominations. Then came Beattie's little film called Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl. It went on to earn five Oscar nominations and the franchise has grossed more than $US2.7 billion at the box-office. From there, Beattie went from one huge project to another with Bra Boys, 30 Days Of Night, Australia and G.I Joe: Rise Of The Cobra, to name a few.

Beattie says his goal was always to one day end up in the director's chair.
``I always wanted to be a director and writing was my way of becoming a director.
``I would write screenplays then watch other directors on set.
``It was kind of like my film school.''

It was while watching on the set of $US200 million blockbuster G.I Joe everyday in Prague that he knew he was ready. He wanted his film to be commercial. He wanted it to be genre. Most importantly, he wanted it to be Australian. In many ways he wanted to return to what he considers the golden age of Australian cinema.
``In the seventies and eighties I saw The Man From Snowy River, Gallipoli, Phar Lap, all the Peter Weir and Mad Max films, and there was just a great wave of commercial, purely Australian, movies.
``I was really wanting to get back to that - to make a film that was uniquely Australian, distinctly Australian, but at the same time something people wanted to watch.''

It was shortly after that when he was approached by producers working on an adaptation of John Marsden's best-selling Tomorrow series. Beattie knew he had found his opportunity and he held the movie ransom.
``I said I'll adapt if you let me direct it,'' he says.
``They were fairly willing to entertain the idea.
``I had said no to them for six months and that just kind of made them more convinced.
``I went through a very healthy period of convincing them. I had storyboards done, I stuck together the scene with the helicopter and added temp dialogue, I did up a huge 20 page brief outlining my vision for the film and I even made a poster.''
``I let them know I had a very clear vision.''
That vision saw Beattie make his directorial debut with Tomorrow, When The War Began (above), which is shaping up to be the biggest Australian blockbuster of the year. Based on the first book in the series, it sees a group of rural teenagers become guerrilla soldiers after Australia is invaded by a foreign power. He says the film is unashamedly commercial and hopes it will lead the way for more Australian films seeking commercial, as well as critical, success.
``We had a budget of $AU25 million, but I wanted it to look like we had a lot more,'' he said.
``A lot of it was clever camera techniques, a crew of great technicians and the work of our cinematographer Ben Nott.
``It was a very collaborative process and my gaffer even came with the ideas for a few shots we used.
``There were so many great and experienced technicians on this crew, that when you're surrounded by so much talent it's crazy not to soak it up and use it.''

Having never professionally studied film techniques, Beattie says he approached directing with a `do-it-yourself' attitude and years of experience he picked up hanging on various film sets. It seems to have worked, with early critical word praising the films balance of action and emotion. But the critics Beattie most cares about are the fans, and author John Marsden.
``He'd never had one of his books made into a movie before and I didn't want to taint it,'' he says.
``That's what I was most nervous about, but thankfully John loves it.
``He has taken his family to see it three or four times.
``And the fans, if you love it as much as the fans do, then I think they recognise you as a fellow fan.''

The series of seven books in total, with a spin-off series adding another three, Beattie realises there is plenty of potential for sequels. But that will all depend on the mighty box-office.
``If people go out and see the film and support it, then we will see,'' he says.
``The actors would get older so the most we could do is two more films.
``I believe that if you haven't said everything you need to say in three films, then your just cashing in and I don't want to cash in. It's not my thing.
``I think three would be great, then it's time for everyone to move on.''

What then, of his beloved Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise that is currently filming a fourth instalment in Hawaii?
``They're making a lot money aren't they?''
``I have nothing to do with it, I wrote the first and then at this point it's just my characters that they're using.''

Beattie says if they did shoot more Tomorrow movies, the first thing he would do is move his family over from Los Angeles.
``I spent five weeks over here on the shoot and that was the hardest thing, being away from them,'' he says.
``I played X-Box every weekend with my kids in America, but it's never enough.''

(Above) Beattie, middle, with two of his leading ladies - Caitlin Stasey and Phoebe Tonkin.

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The missing Linc

(Above) Lincoln Lewis and Rachel Hurd-Wood in a scene from Tomorrow, When The War Began.

From Summer Bay to World War III, Lincoln Lewis, son of Rugby League legend Wally Lewis, is taking no prisoners. When Lewis first got the role of Geoff on iconic Aussie soap Home and Away and had to uproot from his Queensland base to Sydney in 2007, he was not leaving without his books.
They weren't just any books, however, they were the best-selling Tomorrow series by John Marsden.
``I started reading them when I was younger, whenever I had spare time,'' he says.
``I loved the books, always did, and when people would ask me in interviews `what would be your dream role?' I would always say after reading those books, if it was ever made into a TV show or a movie, that would be it.''

Lewis' mother Jacqui says she was `shocked' to find him packing up the books with the rest of belongings to take to Sydney.
``They were the only books he took because he said he wanted to read the series again.
``He was always very into them.
``We had no idea there would be a movie years later or that he would be in it.''

The dream came true when Lewis auditioned for, and got, the role of Kevin in the film adaptation of the first book - Tomorrow, When The War Began. The series follows a group of country teenagers who decide to become guerrilla soldiers after Australia is invaded by a foreign power. Written and directed by Stuart Beattie, the Aussie screenwriter behind hits such as Collateral, Pirates Of The Caribbean and G.I Joe: Rise Of The Cobra, Lewis soon found himself making the transition from small screen to silver screen in the biggest Australian blockbuster of the year.
``I'm trying to find the words, there are so many . . .honoured I guess,'' says the 22-year-old.
``It's an amazing honour because the books are so well loved by everyone and then you have Stuart Beattie at the helm.
``I was honoured that I was lucky enough to even get to audition, let alone get the part.''

The role of Kevin, Lewis says, was especially fun as `he's the guy you love to hate'.
``As Stuart said, he's a complete 180 from Geoff,'' he says.
``Geoff likes to make sure everyone's okay whereas Kevin is all for himself.
``He's just one of the dudes, one of the fellas in the group and he likes to put himself before other people.
``If he's put out he will let you know about it and when things are completely upside down and he has no control, he freaks out.''

Most actors would have been freaking out too about all of the dangerous stunts they were required to do during the shoot, but Lewis says he embraced the opportunity (above).
``All the big action stuff I made sure I was able to do,'' he says.
``Things are on such a grander level - the explosions, the gun fights and the action sequences.''
Although potential sequels are dependant on the success of the first film, Lewis said he would definitely be keen to revisit the role.

In the mean time though, he has just finished shooting his next film Mei Mei alongside Guy Pearce and Claudia Karvan.
But it is no secret this Queensland boy is planning an assault on Hollywood.
``Ultimately I'd love to do what Hugh Jackman has done,'' he says.
``He did a lot of jobs throughout Australia, went over to America, made a name for himself and then brought the industry here to make it bigger.
``But I'm not really too picky and say `I don't want to do this' because in Australia you can't afford to.
``I'm not going to say no to any jobs. I know what it was like driving down to the Gold Coast every few days for auditions when I was 16 and 17.
``I know how long it takes for you to get a job and then when you finally get one, you appreciate it so much more.''(Above) Director Stuart beattie with cast members Andy Ryan, Caitlin Stasey, Phoebe Tonkin and Lincoln Lewis.

Tomorrow, When The War Began opens on Thursday, September 2.

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Tomorrow, When The War Began day!

Since it is less than two days until the release of Tomorrow, When The War Began I figure it’s time to start getting you all majorly excited. That is, if you aren’t already. Which you should be. Therefore, I’m officially declaring this as Tomorrow, When The War Began day and prepare yourself for a swag of related stories. Starting with the lovely Phoebe Tonkin (below), who plays Fi in the film.I interviewed her at the Queensland premiere last fortnight and the next day over breakfast in Southport. As well as talking about the movie and future projects, all the usual stuff, we broached the big one - Phoebe Tonkin’s favourite movies.

“I’ve always loved Pretty Woman, that’s probably my favourite. I saw Shutter Island recently which was really good. Princess Bride, oh and Girl Interrupted is also amazing. I love Julia Roberts so anything with her in it really.”

There you have it. In case I haven’t mentioned it already, Tomorrow, When The War Began rocks and you can watch my video review of the film here.

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TWTWB gets politicool

It is the election issue that has got the country divided and the upcoming release of Tomorrow When The War Began will not ease any concerns about border security. Based on the best-selling series of novels from John Marsden, the film sees a group of teenagers become guerilla soldiers after Australia is invaded by a foreign power. Writer/director Stuart Beattie (above) was on the Gold Coast yesterday to promote the film and said although the books were published in the nineties, no one could have guessed border security would still be such a hot topic.

“It’s not refugees in the film, but the defense experts we talked to painted a very scary picture for us. It’s one of those things where we’re the beloved country, the lucky country where we’ve got so much and so many others have so little. We should be grateful and always remember that we have it better than anyone, we’ve never had a war on our own soil. If you take away anything politically from the film it’s that we’re so lucky and we should appreciate what we have, because we have so much.”

Although both the books and the film depict soldiers of Asian appearance, the invading country is never named and Beattie said `it’s not about who’s invading us’. “It’s about the main characters and what happens to them when their homes have been taken and their families have been locked up,” he said. “How do they react and how do they survive? That’s where the real drama is. And because they’re high schoolers to me it would feel inorganic to get into all that other stuff because teenagers would not be privy to the politics that’s going on. If I was making a film about the Prime Minister and his cabinet and a bunch of SAS soldiers then okay, we would need to say who this is because that’s what they would be talking about. But they’re teenagers trying to survive and the whole thing about the enemy is it doesn’t matter who they are, they’re here now and lets deal with it.”

(Above: Caroline Russo, TWTWB's Andy Ryan and Movie Mazzupial at the premiere after party)

Amid one of the battle scenes in the film, the key protagonist Ellie, played by Caitlin Stasey, comes across a mural of Captain Cook and the aborigines meeting for the first time. Beattie said the story of a country invading Australia and taking over the land might invoke comparisons to our nations history.

“I thought it was important to acknowledge that it’s not the first time this has happened,” he said. “Having Ellie acknowledge just for a second, amidst all this craziness, that she’s on the other foot now and look at that in a whole new light. I didn’t want to make it all about that, I just wanted it acknowledged.”

After the film’s Queensland premiere on Sunday at Jupiters Hotel and Casino for the Australian International Movie Convention, the stars and Beattie had the opportunity to relax on the coast and have breakfast together in Southport yesterday. Sydney-based actress Phoebe Tonkin, who plays the character of Fiona in the film, said being back on the coast was like coming home. Tonkin was based on the Gold Coast for three years where she played one of the main characters in children’s show H20: Just Add Water.

“I lived in Broadbeach for six months with the girls from the show and we trained at Southport pool, so it’s great to be back here,” she said. “I filmed at Warner Roadshow Studios and there were always big films coming into be made there because this is such a beautiful place to shoot. It looks great on camera and has all the locations.”

Tonkin and co-stars Caitlin Stasey, Linoln Lewis and Andy Ryan, along with Beattie, are now in Brisbane promoting the film. Although Beattie, who is based in L.A, said it was great to be able to spend some time back in Australia, what he was really excited about was the election.

“It’s so exciting to be here for that and to get to go into an election booth,” he said. “I haven’t been in the country for an election campaign in a long time. I’ve decided who I’m voting for, but I’m going to keep it under my hat.”

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We still call Australia home?

The stars of Tomorrow When The War Began swapped Molotov cocktails for alcoholic ones when they celebrated the Queensland premiere of the film at Jupiters Hotel and Casino tonight.Writer/director Stuart Beattie walked the red carpet along with producers Andrew Mason and Michael Boughen, and stars Caitlin Stasey, Lincoln Lewis, Phoebe Tonkin and Andy Ryan, who play guerrilla soldiers in the film. The glitzy premiere launched the start of the Australian International Movie Convention, which is being held at the casino this week.

Beattie said it held special significance to him to hold the premiere at the convention. “It’s great to be back here again, because this is where I first announced that we would making the film last year,” he said. “It’s a real honour to be able to adapt these books and I was grateful for John (Marsden) trusting me with this.” Despite having penned blockbusters such as the Pirates Of The Caribbean trilogy and G.I Joe: Rise Of The Cobra, this is the directorial debut for Beattie.

The film is based on the best-selling series of novels from John Marsden, which follow a group of teenagers who decide to become guerilla soldiers when Australian is invaded. Lincoln Lewis, son of rugby league great Wally Lewis, plays one of the film’s protagonists and said it was `awesome’ to have a premiere in his home state. “I’m so happy to have the premiere not just in Queensland, but on the Goldy where I grew up,” he said. “I’m pretty nervous actually. I was very lucky to be cast in this, I was happy to just audition for it. But all of the reviews we have been getting so far have been really positive.” Lewis said he would be interested in appearing in the film’s sequels, but it would depend on `box office results and audience reaction’.

Former Neighbours actress Caitlin Stasey plays the film’s heroine Ellie Linton and said it was `incredible’ as there are rarely opportunities to play a female action hero. "Every girl wants to feel they can amount to someone of this calibre,” she said. “Most of the action movies are for males, so it’s great to play Ellie and prove that you don’t have to be a romantic heroine to be a heroine.”

More than 1000 people packed Jupiters Theatre to watch the movie, which was introduced by Beattie and the cast and crew. Last week the Hollywood Stock Exchange – an artificial money market which allows punters to trade ‘movie stocks’ and ‘star bonds’ using imaginary dollars, tipped Tomorrow When The War Began as one of the five Australian films likely to gross more than $US20 million each at the US box office.

The film itself was, I'm glad to say, truly fantastic. My full review is coming tomorrow sometime and I'm interviewing Tonkin, Lewis and Beattie in the morning so stay posted for that. Besides speaking to them on the red carpet, I chatted with the cast at the after party tonight and everyone, seriously everyone, is lovely and sincerely passionate about what they are putting out.

Speaking of passionate, you may remember at the start of this year I did and extensive interview with the Spierig Brothers, Peter and Michael. As a massive fan of their work, I saw one of them at the after party tonight (I have no idea which one) and totally made a fool of myself by doing the gushing fan thing. He remembered me, but by then it was too late as I had already exploded into a ball of geekiness and had to apologise and excuse myself. He thought it was funny. Me? Mortifying. AND when I went to leave, who should I get stuck in the elevator with? Both of the bloody Spierig Brothers! I said "I'm sorry for before, I will try to gush from a distance this time" and they laughed. But instead of taking the opportunity to ask about Dark Crystal, what did we talk about? Shoes. And the colour purple. Please excuse me now while I get the shotgun and take myself out the back.

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War, Sanctum, Mark Wahlberg . . .it's going to be a crazy week

Hello beloved children! I have some exciting news for you; the Australian International Movie Convention kicks off at Jupiters Hotel and Casino, Gold Coast, Australia tonight and I will be there covering all the exciting juice to come out of it. The convention runs until Thursday with executives from all the top studios in the world coming to screen their films, hold panels on issues affecting the industry, seminars, trade shows, premieres and sneak peeks. It’s going to be a crazy, but very exciting period and I will be posting as often as I can. Here are some of the things to look out for:

-The event launches tonight with the Queensland premiere of Tomorrow When The War Began with all the stars and crew walking the red carpet. I will update you later tonight with what happened at the premiere and after party, but you will have to wait for the review in a few weeks time (sorry). On Monday morning I will be hanging out with the film's writer, director and producer Stuart Beattie (the lad behind screenplays for Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise and G.I Joe: Rise Of The Cobra) and the film’s stars Lincoln Lewis and Phoebe Tonkin, so stay posted for extended interviews of that.

-Later on Monday I will be trotting back to the convention command centre to find out what else has been happening and I will attend a screening of the sure-to-be-brilliant The Girl Who Played With Fire. Insert excited squeal here.

-Tuesday will kick off with a screening of Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, followed by some other exciting things which I can’t really tell you about just yet.

-Wednesday is the big one and I mean BIG one. I got an unexpected call from Alister Grierson last week, who’s the director of James Cameron’s underwater 3D epic Sanctum (Cameron, Grierson and Wight pictured above on set). He’s a pretty awesome dude and after meeting with him dozens of times over the past year and a half, we’ve stayed in touch and he is surprisingly not a douche baggy film type and actually ENJOYS keeping the progress updates coming.

Anywho, he told me exclusively that they will be screening the first-ever footage from Sanctum at the event on Wednesday morning. It makes sense, Cameron blew delegates away when he showed exclusive footage from his blockbuster Avatar last year, now, 12 months later, he is set to do the same. Star of the Sanctum, Rhys Wakefield, and producer Andrew Wight will attend the event when Universal Studios will present the scenes. Sanctum, filmed on the Coast earlier this year, is in post-production in Melbourne where the visual effects and final touches are being added.
 Grierson said it will be 'very exciting' to have people see the footage.

''It won't be the fully finished version but what you will see will be in 3D. Universal pictures are really excited and pumped up to do the release and it's rare an Australian film gets this amount of positive review and anticipation before it's out. We're doing some pick-up shots and have built a mini set here for visual effects, so we're very close to finishing.''

Although he and executive producer Cameron will not be attending the convention, Grierson reckons they've had amazing support from their American partners.

"I flew over to LA and screened a version for Jim about a month ago and he really enjoyed that. He had some tips on how to improve it and a few nips and tucks.''

So following that world exclusive screening, I will then get to interview Will Ferrell and MARK FREAKIN’ WAHLBERG when they come to the convention for the Australian premiere of The Other Guys at Event Cinemas, Robina. Excited as I am about seeing the film and meeting Ferrell, it’s no secret I’m slightly obsessed with Wahlberg and it has been one of my dreams to meet him in person so. . . eeeeeeeekkk!

-Thursday is the final day and I will still be coming down from the combined Wahlberg/Ferrell high of the night before. However, I do have an interview locked in with schlock kind George Hamilton about his new 3D film Bait. Yes, you may have heard of it, a tsunami washes a bunch of sharks into a supermarket and people need to escape. So bad it’s good, you know.

That’s a rough outline of what I have planned and what you can expect from me over the next few days. Like I said, I’ll be posting regularly, but I will also be tweeting like a mad dog and you can follow me here. There are a few things I can’t divulge, so be sure to stay tuned as there’s a bunch of exciting stuff happening that will blow your peuny minds. For the full lo-down on AIMC and the agenda, click here.

In the mean time, to catch up on Tomorrow When The War Began you can read my previous posts here, here and here, on Sanctum here, here, here and here, and The Other Guys here. Enjoy.

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And so, the war begins....today

That's right ladies and gents, the first official trailer for the film adaptation of John Marsden's popular novel Tomorrow, When The War Began debuted on Seven Sunrise this morning. And it looks....impressive! Darn impressive!

The young cast, cinematography, music and what I could see of the action looks great. Lord, I hope they pull this off. Either way, I think they can count on a lot of peoples box office dollars after this swashbuckling trailer. Kudos.

Tomorrow, When The War Began is tagged with a September 2 release date worldwide.

To find out more about the film, cast, production etc check out my previous posts here, and here.

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Full Tomorrow, When The War Began cast breakdown

Last fortnight I promised a full Tomorrow, When The War Began cast breakdown when announced and here I am deliverin’. In order of importance;

Caitlin Stasey is Ellie Linton

As discussed, the Neighbours and Sleepover Club actress is taking the reigns as Ellie, the leader of the group and narrator of the story. If the entire franchise and Ellie Chronicles spin-off plays out on film, Stasey could be onboard for a total of 10 films. Damn.

Deniz Akdeniz is Homer

Seriously, could this guy look anymore like how Homer is described in the books? The answer is no, and fingers crossed Akeniz will be able to inhabit the role as Ellie’s best friend as well as he does physically. He’s also another cast member (along with Pang) to have a background in martial arts, previously a Victorian Jiujitsu Champion.

Rachel Hurd is Corrie McKenzie

The English actress makes her Australian debut as one of the teenage, guerilla fighters. A big break for her, no doubt, but if the original flick is as successful as the filmmakers hope Hurd won’t be coming back for the sequels. Well, her character at least . . .gah, I shall say no more! She’s an interesting addition to the line-up as she’s probably the most accomplished of all the actors on the list, starring as Wendy in Peter Pan a few years back and alongside Ben Barnes in the highly anticipated gothic tale Dorian Gray.

Chris Pang is Lee

(Above L-R: Pang, with co-stars Deniz Akdeniz, Lincoln Lewis and Andy Ryan)

Ellie’s main love interest throughout the series, Lee is one of the more intelligent, deeper characters and hopefully Pang is able to bring that across like he did in The Home Song Stories. He’s certainly going to be able to kick some invader ass on the big screen as the rising star has 12-years of traditional Chinese martial arts training. Hmm, that’s someone you want to have around when a foreign power invades.

Phoebe Tonkin is Fiona Maxwell

Tonkin is trading in her flippers for a rifle and a few grenades for the role of Fiona. The sweet, girly, prim and proper member of the bush kids, Fiona starts off as just another member of the group but comes into prominence through the later novels in the series. One of the most lovable characters, seeing the feminine girly-girl adopt the guerilla-fighter approach should be one of the most entertaining aspects of the movie, if done right. Tonkin is one of the stars of the hugely popular Aussie television show H20: Just Add Water playing one of the three key mermaids.

Lincoln Lewis is Kevin Holmes

A role built perfectly for the Home & Away actor and Dancing With The Stars contestant. Starting out as Corrie’s loyal boyfriend, the slightly obnoxious Kevin originally gets on Ellie’s nerves before proving himself later in the original novel. He goes on to become one of the most influential characters in the series and like Hurd, Lewis could be in for a lengthy franchise. No word yet on whether Lewis’ sex-tape will make it on the DVD release as a very `special' feature.

Andy Ryan is Chris Lang

What I wouldn’t have given to have Chris Pang playing Chris Lang, oh the hilarity that would have ensued writing this post. Moving on, this fella has pretty much been plucked from obscurity for the role so there’s not a whole lot I can tell you.

Ashleigh Cummings is Robyn Mathers

(Above: Cummings, left, with co-star Phoebe Tonkin)

By far one of my favourite characters who contributes to one of my favourite scenes of the enitre series, 16-year-old school girl Cummings has been chosen to play the part of gutsy, fierce and hilarious Robyn. Ellie's other best friend to Homer, Robyn is a character with a huge personality and will surely light up the screen, if depicted like the warrior she is.

The film is currently shooting in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales and around Victoria. For a more in-depth breakdown check out my previous post Tomorrow, When The War Began today! here.

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Tomorrow When The War Began today!

It’s like a dream! Seriously, I think I need to slap myself because I have literally been dreaming of a movie adaptation of one of my favourite book series of all time – the Tomorrow series. And now it’s coming true! Next you know I’ll be marrying Mark Wahlberg and all my fantasies will come to fruition. Sigh.
Anyway, to celebrate the first book in the series, Tomorrow When The War Began, hitting the big screen I thought I’d give you the comprehensive low down on everything related to the film version. And I do mean everything.

The Plot
If by some chance you have been living under a rock for, like, ever and don't know the plot of arguably the best Australian book series then you deserve a slap. Followed by a kick. Then an explanation. John Marsden’s best-selling series of books, the Tomorrow series has sold nearly 2 million copies in Australia and New Zealand. It spans seven books with a spin-off series titled The Ellie Chronicles across another three novels. As much as I'd love to detail the plot of each of the books, that would contain too many spoilers and ruin things for you down the track. If you want that though . . . check out the Wikipedia entry here. Anywho, the the first novel, Tomorrow When The War Began, follows a group of outback teenagers who decide to wage a guerrilla war after Australia is invaded by a foreign power. It's an amazing book and if you haven't read any of the entries in the series I recommend you get on it.

The Team
Pick me, pick me! Sorry, I couldn't help myself. What an impressive, juicy team! The film is being directed by Stuart Beattie who is making his directorial debut and had this to say;

"I was instantly attracted to this project because I was looking to make a character-based but commercial action movie set in Australia that could compete on the international stage. Tomorrow has all the action, but also has the heart. Ellie and her friends are all wonderful, complex, engaging characters who make the ride worth so much more than the price of admission."

The only way to make this baby is to have it as a teen action blockbuster, and Beattie is certainly the man to do it. He's also wrote the screenplay for the flick and his past screen writing credits include Australia, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and Collateral. There’s loads of action, romance, suspense and drama throughout the series making for a promising recipe for box-office success.

The Cast
There’s been only one name confirmed so far and that’s 19-year-old Aussie actress Caitlin Stasey (above) in the lead role of Ellie Linton. Linton is the integral character in all of the books, so Stasey will have her work cut out for her playing the leader of the group. This will be her feature film debut, with her previous acting credits including recurring roles on Neighbours and The Sleepover Club. She also starred as Snow White in the UK's Theatre Royal production of the classic fairytale. Personally, I think she’s a pretty awesome choice as not only is she one of the only decent actresses on Neighbours, it’s also great to have an Aussie lass in the lead role of one of the most popular Australia novel series where the story in itself is so quintessentially Australian. She had this to say on her casting:
"I was ecstatic! I have a lot of respect for Ellie's character and feel privileged to be playing such an inspirational young female role"

Nicely put. Director/writer Stuart Beattie had this to say about Caitlin's casting:

"There was an exhaustive audition process and I have been privileged to see some very talented young actors. Caitlin captured the perfect balance of intelligence, vulnerability and strength that is essential to this character."

No news on who any of the other cast members are yet but fingers crossed mega Queensland talent Matthew Scully (below, right) will land a role as Homer or one of the other lead males. He was amazing in Storage and would be perfect as Homer, no?
Getting It Going
Paramount Pictures will handle distribution and marketing of the film in Australia and New Zealand. Principal investor Omnilab Media, through its production arm, Ambience Entertainment is taking on the first novel in the series. Whether the remaining six novels and three follow-up books will also be made in to films depends on the success of the first, and the ability to chronogenically freeze the lead cast members so they’re not 50 when the franchise finally wraps up. With production investment from Screen Australia and assistance from the
NSW Dept of State and Regional Development, Tomorrow When The War Began will be produced entirely in Australia with production scheduled to commence principal photography in the Hunter Valley at the end of September. It's scheduled with a 2010 release date in Australia and dear lord, I hope it's made properly. If so, it could turn out to be an Australian classic, just like the novels.

You can check out some more info on the flick in a piece I did for Empire online. Enjoy.

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