Article - Herald Sun, Tuesday November 25th, 2008

Deborra-Lee Furness, Miranda Otto, Tasma Walton film in secret

THE most secretive film production in Melbourne has wrapped up shooting in rainy Coburg, with a host of well-known Aussie actors taking part in an emotional drama.

A rollcall of well-known Australian actors including Deborra-lee Furness, Miranda Otto, Tasma Walton, Frances O'Connor and William McInnes, have been put through their paces by the film's emotive and demanding storyline.

The movie, directed by Ana Kokkinos, interweaves four stories that follow the adventures of seven children and five mothers during a day and night in Melbourne.

The production company had issued a ban on any press during the shoot, because they said the topic was dark and sombre.

The 35-day shoot wrapped on Friday.

Producer Al Clark, who also produced Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Chopper, said the shoot had gone exceptionally well, despite being shot at 47 different locations within Melbourne.

"The characters all live very different lives, which is why we had to use so many locations, including Coburg, Yarraville, Ivanhoe, Richmond and Seddon," he said.

Clark said all the actors put in stellar performances, even when conditions were less than ideal.

"I wouldn't recommend anyone spend their time late at night outside in Coburg in the rain," he said.

Clark said he hoped the film would be ready to premiere at the Melbourne Film Festival in July.