Film (Movies)
Posted April 17, 2007 15:24:00 Updated March 18, 2008 08:35:00
Broome boy lands lead role in movie with Nicole

It is the stuff of dreams; to be plucked from obscurity to star in a movie alongside some Hollywood heartthrobs.

But it is real and it has happened to a Broome boy.

11-year-old Brandon Walters has a substantial role in Baz Luhrmann's new film Australia.

Brandon will be working closely with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman in the epic production, which will be shot in the Kimberley, Northern Territory and Sydney.

The story is about a cashless English artistocrat (Kidman) who inherits an outback cattle station and to save the property has to undertake a huge cattle drive to Darwin. Jackman plays a "rough hewn" drover with whom Lady Ashley falls for.

The cattle drive ends in Darwin during attack on the city in the second world war .

Young Brandon plays the Aboriginal boy Nullah, who lives on Lady Ashley's property and becomes a central figure in Jackman-Kidman relationship. It's a role the director describes as substantial.

Baz Luhrmann says Brandon hasn't acted before but will bring something unique to the role. There was already an on-screen magic between him and Nicole.

Brandon is already in production for Australia in Sydney; he has daily horse riding lessons, music lessons and goes to school with other young actors in a schoolroom on set.

Mr Luhrmann says Brandon will have enormous support from his extended family and school friends. His classmates will be linking up via internet on a regular basis.

St Mary's school has also provided a teaching support officer to travel with the family throughout the shoot and act as a carer and mentor.

Baz Luhrman, who snatched a few minutes between shoots to tell the Kimberley the news about Brandon, says actors like David Gulpilil are also important mentors on set, "uncling" the youngster.

The award winning director spent a great deal of time with Brandon's family in Broome and at communities south of of the town.

He says one of the most special moments for him was sitting around a campfire along 80 mile beach listening to stories being told by Brandon's relatives and watching Brandon play the harmonica.

Australia also features Jack Thompson and David Wenham and should be in cinemas in 2008.

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