Friday, December 10, 2010

Latest filming

G'day! I may be sunburnt, I may be tired and broke but nothing can take away the excitement of the weekend we just had nor the success it was. I still can’t get over the fact that we had the real ‘Old Mary’ back here for the speed trial re-enactment. The owner, Andrew Lidden, has been enormously generous in sending his mechanic, Mark Worley, with the car down to the south east especially for this event. And for Andrew to agree to run this extremely valuable vehicle on the beach for our filming shows the character of the man and the faith he has in what we are doing. (Mark assures me he will make sure every bit of sand comes off her)

When I first laid eyes on Old Mary as she arrived in town on Thursday night, I could see why John Dutton held such affection for her. Even my wife, who is normally indifferent to the looks of a car, was completely taken with her. There is something quite magical about her.

This re-enactment was an event of almost epic proportions (in my estimation anyway) and required the assistance of many people at many levels. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for the co-operation of all those involved. Words just do not seem enough.

The District Council of Grant for the upgrades of infrastructure and for allowing us complete privacy by closing off Brownes Bay for the duration of our filming session. (Special thanks to Richard Ferguson for coming out early Sunday morning to put the road closures in place)

The City Council of Mt Gambier for their ongoing interest and support of our docudrama and in displaying Old Mary at the Blue Lake throughout Saturday.

To Garry and Trish at the Blue Lake pumping station (Aquifer Tours) for their terrific support and enthusiasm. It was a hoot hey!

Mr Henry McCallum, Senior Sergeant of Police for, and on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, for exempting us from the speed limits for the duration of the filming. It was a thrill to hear that engine open up and roar- I think Old Mary was in her element.

Special thanks to Harvey McBain in his Tiger Moth for the most outstanding fly over I’ve ever seen. Just Brilliant!

To the Port MacDonnell CFS for the 1924 Fire Truck (put in place very early by Grant Fensom- Thanks Grant)

The Mount Gambier Vintage and Veteran Car Club- for the crowd of extras! These people have supported this project right from the beginning and the weekend just proved how much. The attention to detail in clothing, games, tea cups, seats, magazines, period racing clothing and head gear, cars, sand castles and even a kite, was just superb. I am the luckiest amateur film maker in the country. There were about 35 to 40 people there including crew, and I didn’t hear one complaint about anything from anyone. Everyone did more than they were asked.

To Morrie Mashado and South West Freight for bringing in the front end loader on the semi. Morrie is an outstanding supporter of this project and he always puts in 150%.

To Norm and Wendy Dowling and Ian (Yogi) and Maria Haines for the use of their vintage cars and for the support they have shown- thank you enormously.

To Allan and Jenny Childs at Dingley Dell cottage for hosting and looking after Mark! Great people and what a great support they are to me.

To Gaynor and Johnny Smith for accommodating Mark (and Old Mary) at their ‘Springs Cottage’ at no cost. How generous is that? Thanks you two! (Mark told me he just loved it there).

And to ‘The Vanguard’ for everything they do for me and for believing in what I am doing. Finally thanks to Providence for the perfect weather and for a safe weekend.

Wow! That sounds like a Logi awards speech doesn’t it. (steady Brenton!)

Rob tells me the footage looks good. Onward we go!

Thanks again everyone!

1 comment:

Unknown said...

What an amazing journey! Can't wait until to view the finished product.