I managed to make it to set a couple of times during the shoot, once to do a cameo, and again for a couple of days to hang out and watch some key scenes being filmed.
Once I’d costumed up I was taken to a closed-off Adelaide highway and had the surreal experience watching characters I’d written some six years ago brought to life. I felt a little guilty too, considering what we put them through later in the script, but the actors didn’t seem to hold that against me (at least at that stage).
I then performed my standard role (look menacing/ beat up someone) and retired to the Hawker Pub to drink with the crew. Quite a great experience. There are lots of photos I’ll be allowed to use later, but until then the buggers in charge (ie. Greg and Producer Steve Topic) would only release one for now. Because I’m in a dressing gown. Thanks guys. I either look like a movie star or a bum.
On set at Hawker – thanks to Cam Oliver for the photo
A week or so later I returned to Adelaide (this time with R & N) and watched a couple of night shoots. I lucked upon the most graphic moment of the film and watched stunned along with everyone else as it played out. When I’d written the scene I’d half-assumed it would never be filmed, but I’d been told to ‘go for it’ — and as I thought the impact was essential for the story and characters (and audience) I did indeed go for it. If anything, Greg’s pushed the scene to the extreme. You’ll know when you see it. I hope it makes it in as it was shot, because it’s one of the most mind-numbingly powerful scenes I’ve seen.
Greg and Sean are now deep into the edit, and the movie’s starting to take shape. There’s still a bit more honing to go (they have weeks of editing yet), but I can see the movie has the potential to be as intense and dark and real as I/we wanted it to be, and yet it’s also perversely more fun than I expected (which I’d chalk up to Greg and John knowing this character so well and playing with him).
I’ll post more when I’m allowed, but until then know everyone’s still working hard to make Wolf Creek 2 as incredible as possible.
For more posts: THE LATEST.
Thanks very much for keeping us updated Aaron, WC2 news is hard to come by at the moment and with good reason (spoilers!) so any nugget of information is gold to a Wolf Geek like myself!
Thanks Marc. Stay tuned because there’ll be more to come!
Brilliant, looking forward to it!
Had the pleasure to do some extra work on this set, amazing experience!
Hey Cameron – thanks for helping out! Having worked for many years as an extra myself (just to get a look at film sets, really), I’m glad you weren’t as bored out of your brain as I sometimes was (Secret Life of Us — I’m looking at you). I’m hoping to be able to post some more information on the flick soon, as we’re in the final stages of editing and have been running test screenings the last few weeks. It’s been amazing seeing an audience respond to the film, I can tell you – lots of jumps, moans and laughs. I think that’s a good thing. No walkouts, which is even better. I’m still not sure of a release date, but I’ll let you all know when I can.