feature film set for Fraser Coast

AN ENERGETIC group of Queensland filmmakers have joined forces to shoot a feature film on the Fraser Coast. The idea was hatched when Sunshine Coast cinematographer, Fisch Rasy and director Tam Sainsbury met while shooting a short film in Brisbane. One of the actors on the shoot, Jeremy Stanford, had written a psychological thriller called Thirteen Summers set almost entirely on a beach location.

The three of them decided, then and there, to team up to bring the script to the screen. They agreed that the perfect place to make the film was the Fraser Coast region because of its incredible beaches and idyllic locations. They set about assembling an exciting cast of local and international actors. Director, Sainsbury is thrilled to show the cast around the local area. "I can't wait to hear what they think of Fraser Island," she said. "A lot of people who travel internationally don't really know how many amazing places are right here on their own doorstep." The local community and The Fraser Coast Council have

welcomed the film with open arms. "We've found the community incredibly supportive and are really looking forward to collaborating with locals," Sainsbury said. Although a lot of the film is being shot on the beach, Hervey Bay locals could well catch a glimpse of a scene being filmed in and around the township. “It will be hard to miss a film crew setting up to shoot.” For cinematographer, Rasy, making a film on the Fraser Coast feels like a homecoming. "I grew up in the Wide Bay area, and as soon as I read the script, I envisioned it being shot on the Fraser Coast,” he said.

“I've always loved the beaches, the community, and find the people so easy to work with." The film is slated to be shot in the summer months: the last week of November and into December. Currently, location scouting is underway, as well as pulling together the crew for the shoot. The Thirteen Summers production team can’t wait to get up to the Fraser Coast and roll up their sleeves. The film has been supported by the Fraser Coast Regional Council and many local businesses. The film has charitable status which means any donation to the film is tax deductable. www.13summersmovie.com