The adaptation of John Marsden’s best-selling young adult fiction novels explores how ordinary Australian families deal with the extraordinary challenges of life under occupation.
Following their successful release of the feature film in 2010 (where it became the highest grossing Australian film of that year) Ambience Entertainment began developing the TV series in early 2013 and will now see their project realised as the series hits screens on 23 April.
“This has been a wonderful series to work on,” producer Michael Boughen said.
“While we have remained true to Marsden’s story, we have introduced new characters and opened up the story to involve the families of Ellie and her friends. Being a 6-part series has allowed us to fully explore the characters, and confront the reality of invasion and its consequences; the result is a highly visual, powerful drama.”
Filmed in the Victorian locations of Clunes, the Dandenongs and Barwon Heads, Tomorrow, When the War Began location manager Tim Scott praised the generous participation of the Victorian councils involved saying “Filming is not possible without the assistance and cooperation of the councils and the general public.”
Full interview with Tim Scott.
What locations were selected for Tomorrow, When the War Began filming?
Clunes: This town has a lovely feel and without the assistance of the Hepburn Shire and the local community filming would not have been possible. We spent a week there and with their assistance we were able to close the main street and turn it into a battle field with burning cars, trashed shops etc.
Clunes has a history of filming from the days of Mad Max and Ned Kelly as well as commercials and TV series like Halifax. There aren’t many towns where you can shut down the main street. This was possible here because the highway doesn't go through the centre of this town.
The Dandenongs: this was where we shot Hell (the bush). This location was difficult to find. We needed a remote valley in which the characters found themselves in while factoring in the logistics of getting a film crew into such terrain.
Fortunately we came across this area where we could simply park the crew and walk a mere 25 metres into some lovely bush with a nice little stream running through it. It was logistically pleasing with a remote feel.
Bridge: Strangely enough, it's not easy to get permission to blow up a bridge! Barwon Heads (Geelong council) were most helpful. Again this was logistically interesting as the bridge was kept open to traffic while we were getting the filming done. The sequence looked great – with no damage to the bridge!
Tomorrow, When the War Began starts Saturday 23 April on ABC3.