Wake in Fright, Mad Max 2, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, NFSA gems

'Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior' car at Silverton and me

Film
The National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) website has some interesting movie and film records as you would expect.

I was surfing around the web tonight and found this interesting link from the NFSA's blog about some of the famous movies that have been filmed in and around Broken Hill.

The 1971 film 'Wake in Fright' directed by Canadian Ted Kotcheff is a famous and, in my opinion, a quite harrowing 'drama/thriller' set in and around Broken Hill and Silverton.  When I realised the prominence Broken Hill and Silverton play in the film, I decided it was time to see it.  I found a copy of the DVD at  the Broken Hill Video Ezy when I visited earlier this year.  I imagine it's not everyone's cup of tea, and if you don't like cruelty to animals (which I don't), it may not be for you.  You need to see some of the credits at the end of the film for more of an explanation about what I'm referring to.  It's R rated (most definitely in my opinion).

The Palace Hotel Broken Hill

'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert' (1994), directed by Stephan Elliott, is another famous Aussie film which was shot, in part in Broken Hill. The Palace Hotel was also used for some of the filming.  I've seen this film a number of times and enjoyed it.  It's great if you like comedy, drama and a musical all mixed together.  (Adult themes, R rated).

'Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior' (1981), directed by George Miller, is the other very well known film which was shot in and around Broken Hill and Silverton.  I must say I haven't seen that one yet.  It's an adventure, action, thriller which isn't really my scene.  It's R rated, but I don't know any more than that.

Anyhow, the NFSA's blog has this interesting article 'A Broken Hill time capsule', about these and some of the other 35+ films that have been shot in the Broken Hill/Silverton/Far West region.  Here's the link to the story.

Happy reminiscing, cheers, Jane D

Film, Movies and the Broken Hill Film Studio

Enterprise


Broken Hill Film Studio

In March 2011 Broken Hill's $2.3 million dollar film studio was opened.  What a great idea.  It involved converting the former Eyre Street Power Station into this impressive new piece of the City's infrastructure.  Marketing of the venue has followed with the aim of enticing film producers to use the venue for their movie ventures.  But the space will also be available for other activities and projects such as events, exhibitions, education, installation artworks.  I'm sure the list could go on.

In the future, it is hoped that another $9 million dollars will be raised so as to create a multifunctional studio development across the whole power station site.

Since its opening and with little usage, Broken Hill City Council (Council) engaged consultants at a cost of around $100,000 to put together a prospectus which asked for submissions from businesses to develop the studio precinct.  By the closing date in mid 2012, Council was pleased to receive five responses which they are now considering.

As well as being financially viable proposals, the ultimate aim is to attract tourists to Broken Hill.

Me with the famous Mad Max II vehicle at Silverton

Council originally had hoped to bring back a Mad Max film crew for the next, 4th, Mad Max movie Fury Road to use the studio, but with recent rains ending dry conditions, the area was deemed too green by director George Miller.  The area no longer provided the beautiful orange/red dirt/desert "look" sought as a back-drop for filming.  The film will now be shot in the Rebublic of Namibia.  The loss was a blow to the studio venture, however, Broken Hill Mayor Wincen Cuy was quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald in August last year saying that the loss would "affect the community as a whole ... losing potential marketing associated with that film."  He went on to say that "Broken Hill's had a film industry for 30 years and it will continue." 


Broken Hill Film Studio Precinct



As we can see, the wheels are in motion with a number of new ideas and proposals being considered.

It's a case of "watch this space ...."

If you have a need for a film studio, I'm sure Council would to be pleased to hear from you.  I will provide some contact information shortly regarding this.

Cheers, Jane D