By LUKE VOOGT
Film-maker Miranda Nation is returning to her childhood home of Geelong so she can shoot a new film – with local talent.
“We’d love to collaborate with as many locals as possible,” she said.
“Not only actors but crew, businesses people or anyone who would like to get involved.”
Miranda recently finished the script for Undertow and will shoot the $2 million film in Geelong during November.
She described it as a dark psychological thriller about a woman who becomes obsessed with a pregnant woman after losing her own baby.
“I think it’s something that touches a lot of people,” Miranda said.
Miranda and producer Lyn Norfor had been working on the film for five years, she said.
They recently scouted locations at Geelong and the Surf Coast.
Miranda said Geelong had an “incredible mix of urban, industrial and coastal landscapes”.
“I just always pictured the film taking place in this part of the world. I find Geelong really fascinating.”
The 39-year-old filmmaker grew up in Highton but left Geelong in 1997 to pursue an acting career.
She played guest roles in Australian dramas including Stingers, Blue Heelers and the Australian film version of MacBeth.
Miranda moved into writing and directing in 2010 with “a passion to create strong roles for women”.
Her recent short film Perception won a Dendy Award for Best Short Film at the 2013 Sydney Film Festival.
“Coming from an acting background, I find working with the actors a very exciting process,” she said.
“This film is the type of opportunity I would have loved to have had as a young person. I hope this can give them a boost in their acting career.”
Miranda was “very excited” about showcasing Geelong in her debut feature film.
Anyone wanting information about opportunities to participate in filming can meet the filmmakers at Deakin University’s Waterfront Campus form 4pm on Wednesday, she said.
Miranda asked anyone interested to email Susie Robinson at susie@omc-group.com.au.
