![IMG_0001[1]](https://glamadelaide.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/IMG_00011.JPG)
Caitlin Stasey and Deniz Akdeniz recently had a flying visit to promote their new movie Tomorrow When the War Began and attend the Adelaide premiere. It was Deniz’s first time in Adelaide but unfortunately no time for any sightseeing with media interviews back to back during their brief stay. Caitlin had the previous joy of being in Adelaide during the Crows last grand final win in a car with Victorian number plates. Need I say more except that hopefully her visit this time around can erase those memories. As can be seen by the photo (by Leah McQueen) they were naturally comfortable with each other and the film experience had formed a close bond between them often finishing each other’s sentences.
TJ: How did you get involved with the film in the first place?
CS: Just went for an audition and then got a call back from the director Stuart Beattie. I actually hadn’t read the book before the audition but many of my friends had and were quite excited for me. The whole experience was quite surreal.
TJ: Were you familiar with John Marsden’s novel Tomorrow When the War Began prior to being involved with the film?
CS: I knew it was a war epic that was popular amongst teenagers but I had never actually read the novel prior to my audition. DA: I had read the novel when I was twelve years old as my older brother was actually studying it at the time and encouraged me to read it, though I didn’t understand some of the concepts at the time. I have re read it since then and am a big fan of the series.
TJ: This kind of big budget film is quite novel in Australia how did it feel to be part of this type of production?
CS: It actually didn’t feel like we were on the set of a big budget film. DA: Agree the set had such a laid back vibe and we all got on so well that it didn’t feel like it was anything major. The only time when I got a sense of how big this film was going to be when this massive crane appeared for one of the scenes and there was about 200 people around so that was the standout for me.
TJ: What were the highlights for you working on the film?
CS: Working with each other. We just got on well and developed such a rapport quite quickly. The director Stuart was just great and so generous that he was such a joy to work with. DA: Yes it was definetely a high working with such a great bunch of people and sharing that experience together. Also had a lot of first experiences and doing “boys” kind of stuff like riding a dirtbike.
TJ: How long did the filming take place?
CS & DS: 43 days of filming but 3 months in total working with each other.
TJ: Most of the filming took place around New South Wales, did you have any favourite locations?
CS: I love Dungong. DA: Yeah Dungong was very cool as basically that was where all the scenes were shot for the town of Werribee and we spent most of our time there. CS: Yeah basically they didn’t have to do much to transform Dogong into Werribee as everything was there. DA: Blue mountains was really beautiful as well…. CS: Yes the place we stayed at was lovely
TJ: What was your least favourite thing associated with the film’s production?
CS: The long long hours, though you got use to it. I look back at the experience and don’t think any part of it was negative, most of it was spent laughing. DA: I had never done an action film before so I just enjoyed getting to muck around and yes there were some really early starts. The only thing that got to me was that I sprained my ankle jumping over a fence and spent the rest of the day having to run around and shoot scenes where I am jumping on and off bikes etc. That was probably the only one day where it wasn’t that great.
TJ: So did you have any body doubles then?
CS: Yes we did for some the hiking scenes as it was quite dangerous with narrow cliff ledges with shear drops down. Also I had to have a double for the driving scenes as I don’t have my driver’s licence and can’t drive.
TJ: You are of legal age to be able to drive though. Do you have any intention of getting your licence?
CS: No and I can reduce my carbon footprint that way. DA: More like you can get people to drive you around everywhere! CS: No will be riding bicycles everywhere
TJ: So Caitlin what was it like playing the role of a such a fantastic character like Ellie?
CS: It was daunting but incredibly noble as not many people get the opportunity to act in a role that of this calibre and weight to it…..DA cuts in laughing…. CS: No not fat! There are not many lead female roles that are this strong and I am just shocked that I was allowed to be a part of this process.
TJ: So what’s in store for you in the future? Any plans in the pipeline?
CS: No not at this stage but I’m moving to LA in September but its more of a “hopeful” move not for anything specific. I have an agent and manager over there and will just see what happens. TJ: Looks like you will be part of the Australian Mafia over there. CS: Yes an Australian accent use to be a comforting thing when overseas and now its just annoying as there are so many of us.
TJ: And you Deniz?
DA: Just focussing on this films release and hopefully they will be making some sequels. It would be amazing just to do it all again. As for the future I don’t know whether it will be acting here or overseas so long as its something that i love, that is making films.
TJ: And Caitlin what about you in five years time?
CS: Probably making documentaries about wildlife. I would like to continue acting but I would like to do my own work as well. When you are acting you are just a vessel, but I would like to make films and be in charge of my own work. I think every actor has a desire to do that, and think that what a director does is easy as I can yell at an actor! Seeing Stuart do it and knowing that it was his first time as director just ignited that desire for me to follow in his footsteps.
TJ: What was the red carpet experience like in Sydney?
DA: It was wierd. It was great to see so many people turn out who hadn’t even seen the movie and then to finally watch it with an audience. To hear actual reactions from strangers was pretty cool. CS: Yes it was overwhelming and to know there are so many diehard fans out there.
Check out my review of Tomorrow When the War Began under films reviews with a rating of 3.5/5 stars
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