This may be old news to some, but I’ve just discovered Apple’s wonderful Set to Screen series of podcasts. As part of their Education website, Apple has teamed up with director Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge!, William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet) to explore all aspects of creating a feature film.
The film in question is Luhrmann’s Australia, a period piece about an English aristocrat (Nicole Kidman) who inherits a ranch in rural Australia just before World War II. Hugh Jackman also stars. I’d actually heard little about the film as well (what sort of film blogger can I claim to be?), so it’s a good promotional move for Luhrmann to build interest in the film, which will not be released until November.
The educational aspect involves presenting a creative challenge at the end of each podcast, which students have to complete. Winners are chosen and prizes awarded.
I’ve yet to watch these, but am looking forward to checking them out in more detail.
Actually, as someone who’s been following the progress of this movie, Nicole Kidman’s character is the English aristocrat that that inherits the cattle station “the size of Belgium” in Australia. Jackman’s character is a “rough-hewn drover” who helps her move the cattle through the outback and they run into the bombing of Darwin during WWII – and fall in love. Check out this great fan site for everything you ever wanted to know:
http://www.bazthegreatsite.com/australiamovie.htm
Thanks, Bazfan! I’ve made the correction. That’s what happens when you’re blogging from work and trying to type quickly so the boss doesn’t catch you!