It seems like today is both a good and sad day for Wendy and her family. The good news is that there are several companies offering to make her book to into a film, a short blurb will follow. The sad part is, the loss of their beloved dog of 12 years about 3 weeks ago. Thanks Wendy Orr Diaries

---

November was a very up and down month here. The film news is getting very exciting - there've been offers from several companies, and when we've decided which will be best, the paperwork will be signed and I can tell you who will make Nim's Island, the movie! However the most interesting part has been working with Paula Mazur the producer, and a script writer, to start working on the screen play. Can you imagine how much fun it is to go back and play with the characters and story that have been locked up in a book for the last few years? Of course film has to show us things in a very different way than a book tells the same story, and I am learning to look at it all from many different angles. I feel very lucky!

---

With great news to start off the new year, Wendy has some wonderful news about what company will be making the film of Nim's Island. This is what her blog had to say. Thanks Wendy's Diary

---

Getting closer!
Exciting news to start the new year - I can tell you the name of the company who'll be making the film of Nim's Island. It is Walden Media - which all you 'Holes' fans might recognise as the name of the company who produced that wonderful film, so we're in very good company! Paula Mazur is the producer, and she will be writing it with the screenwriter Joe Kwong - and me in the background. I get to do all the fun things like play with the ideas and talk it over with them, and then they do the hard work of turning it into a screenplay. It's very different from writing a book, so there's a lot to learn, which I'm finding very exciting. So we'll start tomorrow, when it's Monday in Los Angeles. The first thing to do is the treatment - so next month, when I know what that means, I'll tell you about it...

---

Walden Media which had great success with 'Holes' and the recent production 'Around the World in 80 Days', keeps seeking out children's literature to adapt to the big screen and have now aquired three new properties to fast track. These books to film adaptions will be 'Bridge to Terabithia', 'The Giver' and 'Nim's Island'. Here's the quick excerpt from Screenwriters on 'Nim's Island'. Thanks Screenwriters

---

Nim's Island - an Australian novel by Wendy Orr, described as "a heartfelt and hilarious adventure that chronicles the exploits of Nim, a young girl living a high-tech Robinson Crusoe existence on an unspoiled tropical island with her scientist father and her three best friends: a motherly sea lion, a rambunctious iguana and a sea turtle. When Nim's father is lost at sea, the girl must survive alone, while her pen pal, an agoraphobic novelist who lives in New York, must face her fears and come to the girl's rescue."

---

The partnership of Philip Anschtuz's Walden Media and Disney have dissolved. With Walden's parting, it has taken its slate of children lit-based features to Twentieth Century Fox. Disney and Andrew Adamson partnership remains, (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe), Fox and Walden will develop and produce adaptions from Authors, Kate DiCamillo's 'Because of Winn-Dixie', Katherine Paterson's 'Bridge to Terabithia', Lois Lowry's 'The Giver, Wendy Orr's 'Nim's Island' and Adam Mortimer's yet to be published comicbook 'Biblionauts'. A number of people will be scribing, directing and producing these features and for 'Nim's Island', Joe Kwong is scribing the 'Nim's Island''s script for producer Paula Mazur. Thanks Animation Magazine

Walden Media and Twentieth Century Fox have entered into a five picture distribution and production deal. This announcement was made by Hutch Parker, President of TCF and Cary Granat, CEO, Walden Media and president, AFG. The terms of this deal with Walden and Fox, is that they'll together both develop and produce projects of which four of them are based on children's novels with Fox being distributor for those films. The productions will include three novels by Newbery Medal winning authors, Kate DiCamillo's (Because of Win-Dixie), Katherine Paterson's (Bridge to Terabithia), Lois Lowry's (The Giver), Wendy Orr's 'Nim's Island' (named one of the best books for children in 2001) and Adam Mortimer's unpublished comicbook proposal (Biblionauts). Parker said, "Walden Media has shown a remarkable instinct and ability with event children's material, as evidence by what they are doing now with The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and their previous work on Holes. They've already proven to be an excellent partner on Winn-Dixie".. "We believe there is a broad audience eager to see these projects brought to the big screen and plan to move forward quickly on this exciting slate." Granat said this about Fox, "We are partnering with Fox because they share our passion for great famiy entertainment and our vision for delivering resources to parents and educators that will extend the film going experience. Because of Winn-Dixie, which demonstrated to us Fox's willingness to embrace Walden as a member of the team, will serve as a model for all these productions. Each of the film projects are in various stages of development and as are the production for each of these movies, Because of Winn-Dixie, Bridge to Terabithia, The Giver, Biblionauts and Nim's Island. Here's an excerpt from the article on Nim's. Thanks Write News

---

Nim's Island
Paula Mazur (Corrina, Corrina) will produce Nim's Island and adapt the book with screenwriter Joe Kwong. Nim's Island is an adventure that chronicles the exploits of Nim, a young girl living a high-tech Robinson Crusoe existence on an unspoiled tropical island with her scientist father and her best friends -- a motherly sea lion, a rambunctious iguana, and a sea turtle. When Nim's father embarks on a day of research at sea, she begins an unlikely e-mail communication with an agoraphobic novelist who lives in New York City. When a storm prevents her father's return and unpredictable dangers confront Nim and the Island, she must find the resources to survive. At the same time, the novelist begins to realize that her pen pal is not a scientist, but a little girl who is alone and in trouble, she also has to dig down for the courage to leave her safe haven and rescue Nim.

---

At the Online Literature Festival - 2005 Events Information, a number of Author's are featured for September's first day schedule and one of the author's appearing is Wendy Orr. The title of the event for Wendy is 'Playing Nim's Island'. There's a description of the event, Wendy's website, Bio and in her bio a brief update on 'Nim's Island' production. Here's what was said. Thanks learning place

---

Wendy’s current project is acting as a consultant on the screenplay of her book Nim’s Island, which has been optioned as a feature film by the Los Angeles company Walden Media

---

Under the "CHILDREN'S BOOKS and BOOKS FOR PARENTS/TEACHERS/ LIBRARIANS", you'll find a quick excerpt about Wendy Orr about her bio and a quick update on 'Nim's Island''s production. Thanks Book Promotions Newsletter

---

Wendy Orr's dad was in the Air Force so the family moved around a lot. Wendy was born in Canada and grew up in France, Canada and England. After meeting her Australian husband, the couple moved to Australia, where their two children were born. Wendy worked as an occupational therapist until suffering a serious auto accident. She is author of 24 books for children, teens and adults including an ALA Best Book for Teenagers, Peeling the Onion. Her book, Nim's Island (Allen & Unwin 1999) is in development as a feature film with Walden Media and 20th Century Fox, and she has set up a blog just for the book, offering news about the film and suggestions for using the book in the classroom. http://www.nimisland.com/blogspot.com. The book can be found in bookstores in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, USA, Canada, Korea, Spain (in Basque as well as Spanish editions), Italy and Germany, and will soon also be available in Brazil.
http://wendyorr.com

---

Sydney is hosting the next scbwi international writer's and illustrators conference. They list a number of speakers and one is Wendy Orr. Here's the excerpt from Jackie Hoskings - PASSITON73. Thanks Jackie Hoskings

---

Wendy Orr, award winning author working with a Hollywood Producer on the script of her "Nim's Island"

---

Okay, the underwater tank page is pretty cool, just had to include it cause of the awesomeness of how it looks. BTW There are three water tanks available. Thanks Warner Roadshow Studios

With the construction of Australia's only large-scale permanent outdoor water tank on Queensland Gold Coast it's attracting big interest from international film productions. Rod Welford (Arts Minister) said that the State Government had invested $500,000.00 towards the $2.1M tank built at Warner Roadshow Studios. This permanent outdoor water tank is significant for Queenland's film infrastructure as it'll provide Queensland another competative edge in attracting major international films. This tank will allow large-scale above water and underwater filming and is the only facility of it's kind in Southern Hemisphere. Currently, the tank is being used by the multi-million US production 'Fool's Gold', which is being used for shooting water scenes with actors Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson. 'Fool's Gold' Production and Warner Roadshow Studios have also jointly contibuted to the cost of the facility, which was specifically built for use on 'Fool's Gold. When 'Fool's Gold' wraps at the end of March, the facility will remain and will be used for future productions of large-scale water scenes. Mr. Welford said, "As a result of having the water tank facility, the Government's Pacific Film and Television Commission, and Warner Roadshow Studios are currently in negotiations with a number of major studios requiring water tank facilities for the next major films." One of these films include $30M Nim's Island (Walden Media), the others are $150M Sydney to Hobart (Paramount), $100M Voyage of the Dawn Treader (4th film for Narnia Chronicles) and $90M Creature from the Black Lagoon. Warner's tank has been built into the ground and measures 40m x 30m with a gradual depth from 2m to 5m. Backwash from the tank is being recycled and used for stock watering of Warner's Village Theme Parks attraction. Other major productions that have used similar tanks are Titanic, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World and Pirates of the Caribbean. Thanks Inside Film Magazine

Anschutz Film Group has shuffled its exec ranks and promoting a pair of development execs. Douglas Jones has been promoted to exec VP of physical production, he was formerly head of physical production. Evan Turner has been upped to VP of Development and Production and Jackie Levine is now senior VP of production. Both will continue to report to Alex Schwartz who is head of department. Levine, since joining the company in 2004, has over seen a number of productions and will still oversee the production on 'The Dark Rising' and 'Nim's Island'. Thanks Variety

Actors Jodie Foster and Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) are close to making deals to star in 'Nim's Island', a Walden Media film. 'Nim's Island' is about a young girl who accompanies her scientist father to an isolated island in the South Pacific. When he is lost at sea, she communicates electronically with a person she imagines to be a character from a book but is in fact a reclusive author. Joseph Kwong and Paula Mazur have scribed 'Nim's Island', Jennifer Flackett and Mark Levin will be directing and Cary Granat and Paula Mazur are producing. 20th Century Fox will distribute this flick under the Fox Walden banner. 'Nim's Island' is based on the book by Wendy Orr and Kerry Millard. Breslin will also appear in another upcoming film for Picturehouse and HBO Films, 'American Girl'. Breslin is agented by WMA and Coast to Coast, and managed by Envision Entertainment. Foster's repped by ICM. Thanks Variety

Oscar Winner Jodie Foster and Oscar nominee Abigail Breslin are both nearing a deal to star in 'Nim's Island', a fantasy film financed by Walden Media. Variety said Joseph Kwong and Paula Mazur have written the screenplay and both Jennifer Flackett and Mark Levin are slated to helm with filming to begin this summer. 'Nim's Island' is based on the book written by Wendy Orr and Kerry Millard and it's about a young girl who travels with her scientist father to an isolated South Pacific island. When he's lost at sea, she communicates electronically with a person she imagines to be a character from a book but is in fact a reclusive author. Nim's will be distributed by 20th Century Fox's Walden Media banner. Breslin is also scheduled to play in a period film 'American Girl' for Picturehouse and HBO Films. Thanks Daily India

Additional similar articles
obsessedwithfilm.com,

Academy Award winner Jodie Foster has been cast in 'Nim's Island, a Hollywood film adaption based on a children's novel written by Author Wendy Orr. Oscar Nominee, Abigail Breslin, will also be joining Foster in this upcoming film adaption. Thanks Border Mail

Just days after The Gold Coast Bulletin published the first picture of the $2.1M tank, movie producers have been flocking to learn about it and quickly becoming a hot commodity in the movie industry. This MASSIVE tank has been used to film the underwater scenes in 'Fool's Gold', one producer who's worked on a number of big budget Hollywood films contacted The Bulletin and request our picture, (Which was published Wednesday) to send to movie executives overseas. He said, "Nobody has seen aerial pictures of the tank before." Filming also continued at Movie World yesterday with a yellow sea plane beomg hoisted above the 40m x 30m tank with a large crane. Arts Minister Rod Welford said the tank would give Gold Coast the 'competative edge' over other movie making cities. He also said, "This permanent outdoor water tank is a significant addition to Queensland's filming infrastructure and provides out state with another competative edge in attracting major international films to shoot here. The water tank, which allows for large-scale underwater and above water filming is the only facility of it's kind in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere, and also one of only a few worldwide." The State Government confirmed local film executives were in negotiations with international studios. The films in discussion are, $30M 'Nim's Island, Walden Media; $150M US 'Sydney to Hobbard', Paramount; $100M US 'Voyage of The Dawn Treader' (fourth in the series of the Narnia Chronicles) and $90M US 'Creature of the Black Lagoon'. These movies will all require water tanks to film underwater and above water scenes. Mr Welford had also said the State Government had contributed $500,000 to the funding of the tank and the backwash from the tank was being recycled and used for stock watering for Warner's Village Theme Parks. Some have slammed the construction of the tank, which is believed to have a capacity of six million litres. The filming of 'Fool's Gold which stars Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson, will continue until March and will be released next year. Thanks Gold Coast Bulletin

The newly announced full-fledged studio Summit Entertainment has unveiled it's foreign sales lineup for Cannes. Leading off is Roman Polanski's 'Pompeii, which production will begin in Italy this summer. Summit's international division is also representing '360 Pictures' 'I Know Who Killed Me', John Woo's 'Red Cliff, and a pair of Fox Walden fantasy adventure projects, 'City of Ember' and 'Nim's Island' starring Jodie Foster and Abigail Breslin. Summit is also handling sales of it's own productions too, 'Get Some' and 'Step Up 2'. Thanks Variety

The first four family-friendly Fox Walden Films have their release schedule in place. First is 'The Dark Rising' which is to be released on Columbus Day weekend, no longer Sept 8th. The second film is 'Mr. Magorium's Wonderful Emporium' with a November 16th release date. Jodie Foster and Abigail Breslin starrer 'Nim's Island', will hit the theaters on April 25, 2008. And lastly, 'City of Ember', will be released on October 10, 2008. Fox Walden's mandate is to specialize in films for all ages, and maintain it's own creative marketing, publicity and promotional operations. It'll also market and release select 20th Century Fox titles and all Walden Media films. Thanks Variety

Gerard Butler will be joining Jodie Foster and Abigail Breslin to costar in 'Nim's Island' a Fox Walden kids adventure film based on Wendy Orr's novel. Jennifer Flackett and Mark Levin have adapted the screenplay and will also be helming this feature. The Husband-wife directing team are set to begin lensing late July in Australia. Paula Mazur is producing and the movie is set to be released April 28, 2008. The storyline revolves around a girl who lives on a tropical island with her father, a scientist whose boat runs into trouble one day, leaving the girl to fend for herself on the island. She begins emailing the author of a book she's reading and with the author's help, is able to manage. The Trio ultimately unites to save the island from careless tour companies. After filming 'Nim's Island', Butler is also set to star in Lakeshore Entertainment's 'Game', a futuristic thriller which is scheduled to begin lensing in next January. Butler, who starred in Zack Snyder's '300' will next be seen in 'P.S., I Love You' starring opposite Hillary Swank, which will appear in theatres December 21st. Summit is handling international sales on the Walden's film. Thanks Variety

The Hollywood Reporter reports that 20th Century Fox has set release dates for their upcoming Fox Walden movies, a joint venture between Fox and Walden Media. 'The Dark Is Rising' is the first one to be released and expect to see it Columbus Day Weekend of Oct 5th. Next will be Walden and Mandate Pictures co-pro 'Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium', scheduled for a November 16th release. 'Nim's Island', which will be going into production this summer, has a release date of April 25, 2008. Jodie Foster and Abigail Breslin will star in this movie and will be directed by Mark Levin and Jennifer Flackett. Lastely, set for October 10, 2008 is the scifi adventure 'City of Ember', this film is a co-pro with Playtone with Gary Goetzman and Tom Hanks producing. Thanks Hollywood Reporter

Arts Minister Rod Welford welcomes another multi-million dollar international production to the Queenland State called 'Nim's Island'. "Film and television production in Queensland is booming at the moment and it's great our state has been chosen as the backdrop for this fantasy/adventure movie," Mr Welford said. This film is based on Wendy Orr's novel 'Nim's Island' and her award winning book will have Oscar nominated Jodie Foster, and Oscar nominee Abigail Breslin in the lead roles. Welford continued to say that, "The incentives we offer are continuing to bring first class international projects to Queensland and the economic impact of feature films continues to grow. Nim's Island with production expenditure of many millions of dollars, will see continued economic development for the state." Mr Welford said this is the first major feature film that Walden Media, the production company behind the Narnia films, to be shot in Queensland. "The Government's Pacific Film and Television Commission has worked on developing a relationship with Walden Media for over a year and now that work has paid off," he said. "Nim's Island is the second international film project I've been proud to announce in the space of four weeks. It's also the second project made by a studio that hasn't filmed in Queensland before." 'Nim's Island' will be using tropical and island locations in Far North Queenland as well as the facilities at the Gold Coast Warner Studios, including it's new water tank. Rod Welford also said this, "I would like to extend a warm welcome to the writers and directors of Nim's Island, husband and wife Mark Levin (Little Manhattan, The Wonder Years) and Jennifer Flackett (Wimbledon), and producer Paula Mazur,". This film began it's pre-production in early May and will start principal photography in early July for 10 weeks. This film is expected to open in April 2008. Currently, Queensland is experiencing a production boom with a number of major projects scheduled to begin filming before the end of the year. Thanks Pacific Film and Television Commission

In just a little over a few hours since writing about Scottish actor Gerard Butler getting hired for 'The Untouchables: Capone Rising', news of another role he's up for which Variety reports, is that he'll be starring opposite Jodie Foster in the adventure movie 'Nim's Island'. This is Butler's third big casting news in two days, on Thursday he signed up also to star in the futuristic thriller 'Game'. For 'Nim's Island', the story revolves around a girl who lives on a tropical isle with her father, a scientist whose boat runs into trouble one day, leaving the girl to fend for herself on the island. She begins emailing the author of the book she is reading, and with the author’s help, is able to manage. The trio ultimately unite to save the island from careless tour companies. 'Nim's Island' will be directed by Jennifer Flackett and Mark Levine with filming is set to begin in late July in Australia and set to be released in April 2008. With Butler accepting roles left and right, does this mean 'Escape from New York' has been scrapped or delayed? With his heavy schedule for at least 10 months, he'll probably can't find the time to shoot that movie. Also, 'Watchmen' will begin filming soon, the scheduling for both films may conflict, so perhaps he won't be appearing in that one either. Thanks Obsessed with Film

Additional similar articles
moviehole.net, vfxworld.com, ign.com,

Jodie foster is considered Hollywood royalty and yesterday she confirmed that she'll be heading to the Gold Coast to star in a children's film. The Oscar winning actress has signed with Fox Walden to appear in 'Nim's Island'that'll be filming at Warner Roadshow Studios at Oxenford in July. Foster has starred in more than 40 films and and was reportedly paid $15M for 'Anna and the King', one of only a few actors to command such an amount. Foster will also be appearing alongside with child star Abigail Breslin, who recieved an Oscar nomination for 'Little Miss Sunshine' in the film. 'Nim's Island' is based on Wendy Orr's children's novel of the same name. Breslin will play Nim, a young girl trying to find her scientist father who disappeared, and Foster is set to be Alex, a reclusive adventure writer had been enlisted to help find the father. Sources revealed yesterday that Sea World's animals maybe used in the film, which will feature a turtle, sea lion and a marine iguana. The Gold Coast has also lured a number of feature films like Ethan Hawk's 'Daybreakers', which'll be filming in various locations this July and with the majority of it's to be in studio. Distributor Lionsgate Films will handle International sales for 'Daybreakers'. It's going to be a busy year for Warner Roadside Studios, where shooting has begun for 'The Ruins', directed by Ben Stiller with the major animation, 'Animalia'. Thanks Gold Coast Bulletin

Universal Pictures International, the new Universal overseas distribution powerhouse has acquired the right's to the hot Cannes market title 'Nim's Island' for U.K., Spanish, Australian/New Zealand and Latin America. This marks one of the first high-profile multi-territory deals that UPI has struck since UPI's partner Paramount also struck out on it's own in selected territories. "We think 'Nim's Island' is a great prospect, and it is part of our ongoing efforts (at UPI) to continue to acquire first-class properties that will play across international territories," Kosse said. The movie which stars Jodie Foster, Abigail Breslin and Gerard Butler and is being produced by Paula Mazur, is one of the first productions from the new Fox Walden joint venture of Walden Media and 20th Century Fox. 20th Century Fox will be rolling out the film April 25th next year with Summit is handling international sales for the film. 'Nim's Island' is one of the buzzing properties at Marche Du Film and was the centre of an early bidding war among UK buyers. Directing/Screenplay husband and wife team, Mark Levin and Jennifer Flackett are set to start shooting in Australia this July. This movie is based on Wendy Orr's children's book and is set on a secret tropical island under threat from tour operators where a young girl named Nim lives with her scientist father. It's been flagged as "Swiss Family Robinson" meets "Robinson Crusoe" type film. When contacted, the parties involved in making this movie declined to comment at press time. On Thursday, Summit wowed international buyers with presentations to buy the other Fox Walden release 'City of Embers. Thanks Hollywood Reporter

At Cannes, Universal Pictures International has acquired 'Nim's Island' for distribution in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Spain and Latin America territories. UPI picked up the film from Summit Entertainment which is handling the International sales for Walden Media. Jodie Foster, Abigail Breslin and Gerard Butler will be starring in 'Nim's Island' which is set to begin shooting in July. Dave Koss President of UPI said, "This is a fabulous project, and the deal is another example of our continued commitment to boost our slate with multi-territory acquisitions,". Thanks Variety

Cannes filming sales of buyers and sellers are showing signs of peaking. A number of US players are either to announce pictures acquired or sold. With so much money pour into International film business, the competition for the top titles are intense and the most outfits that can afford them are stepping up for aquiring rights before it's even made. With a number of films up for grabs, with some being acquired, a few went into a frenzy of bidding wars. One of the feature films up for bid is the Jodie Foster - Gerard Butler's title 'Nim's Island' which begins production this summer, is likely to have chalked up a number of deals for continental Europe. This film is the first of four titles from Fox Walden, a joint venture between 20th Century Fox and Walden Media, which plan to make family films. A deal with UPI was struck for distribution rights in UK, Oz and New Zealand were clenched a few days ago. Summit is also looking for acquisitions, but only chose one film, James Gray 'We Own the Night'. A number of other films were also featured at the sales, check out the article to see which films they are and who's bought em. Thanks Variety

'Nim's Island' a family-oriented feature film, now have a cast with Jodie Foster and Abigail Breslin have signed on. This feature will be directed by husband and wife team Mark Levin and Jennifer Flackett who've also wrote the screenplay. 'Nim's Island' is based on Wendy Orr's award winning book which tells the story of a young girl who inhabits an isolated Island with her scientist father and communicates with the reclusive author of a novel she's reading. This Walden Media production is set to begin principal photography in early July in the Australian state of Queensland, according to Queensland Arts Minister Rod Welford. This film will be shot at Warner Studios on the Gold Coast and various tropical and island locations in Far North Queensland. The 'Nim's Island' shoot follows the announcement made earlier this month that the Australian Government had upped it's incentives for foreign productions made in Australia to a 15 percent rebate as of June 30th. The State-based incentives are also an addition into attracting productions as well. As a result of this, States Queensland and Victoria are experiencing a bit of a production boom. Filming for Baz Luhrmann's epic 'Australia', had recently started it's Queenslands location shots around the town of Bowen, The HBO's big budget mini-series 'The Pacific' is in pre-production in Melbourne and will be using some Queensland shots, and Ethan Hawke's thriller 'Daybreakers' will begin shooting in Queensland in July. Thanks Reuters

Additional similar articles
u-entertainment.com,

Queensland is fighting back to become Australia's Hollywood with the Sunshine state fast becoming a major player in foreign film production. The Gold Coast's Warner Roadshow Studios has confirmed it has secured a full production schedule for 2007. Listed among the lineup of major features for Warner Roadshow's are 'The Ruins', 'The Daybreakers' and 'Nim's Island' starring two time Oscar winner Jodie Foster and Oscar nominee Abigail Breslin. The horror thriller 'The Ruins' have already started production while the other films will begin shooting in July. Elsewhere in Queensland, the Town of Bowen has Baz Luhrmann's $130M outback action-adventure being shot. With Sydney's Fox Studios caught up to Queenland in enticing major film productions like 'Mission Impossible 2', 'Stealth', 'Superman Returns', and 'Happy Feet'. Michael Lake, President of Warner Roadshow Studios said that Queensland offers a unique locations from jungle settings or waterbased scenes that others state could not rival. "We're running a string of projects that need locations that are very much available in Queensland," Mr Lake said today. We've got a range of projects that seem to be coming through at the moment, both international and also local, that seem to fit the bill here. Queensland is a very film-friendly state." Warner Roadshow Studios had recently built a huge tank for filming realistic water scenes, with the government contributing $500,000 to the $2.1M cost. The Gold Coast studios haven't had a full production slate since 2003. "At the moment we can't fit anything else in," Mr Lake said, "We've got nine projects on the drawing board, from both major US and Australian producers, with potential from the fourth quarter on, going into 2008. We aren't going to get all of those but the way it's looking we'll get some of them. Queensland is really establishing itself as a go-to place for film production. Whilst you can never say it's going to be good forever, for the foreseeable future we're looking pretty good." Thanks News.com.au

Golven Arts has updated their Agency News section in regards to 'Nim's Island' and clients Wendy Orr and Kerry Millard. Here's the excerpt from their site. Thanks Golvan Arts

---

Nim at Sea, written by Wendy Orr and illustrated by Kerry Millard will be published in Australia by Allen & Unwin in June. A new edition of Nim's Island, first published in 1999, will also be reprinted in June. In August 2007 Walden Media will commence shooting their feature film based on the book Nim's Island, written by Wendy Orr and illustrated by Kerry Millard. Jodie Foster will be playing reclusive author Alex Rover, Abigail Breslin will take on the role of the feisty Nim and Gerard Butler will play Nim's father. Filming will take place at the Warner Roadshow studios on the Gold Coast, Australia. See variety.com and gerardbutler.net/news for news of the production. Nim's Island, was published by Allen & Unwin in Australia and Random House in the USA. It has also been published in Germany, Spain, Italy and Korea.

---

Seems the Swedish Distributers went on a shopping spree at Cannes this year with many of the executives citing that the market has been better than anticipated. Distribution NonStop Entertainment secured rights to Palme d'Or Winner 'Four Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days'. Distributor Atlantic Film picked up 'Control', 'The Banishment' and 'Caramel'. Sandrew Metronome picked up several titles, they are 'Blindness', 'How to Lose Friends & Alienate People' a still 'untitled Larry Charles documentary' and Jodie Foster starrer 'Nim's Island'. Svenk bought 'Waz', 'Ashes to Time Redux', 'Burn after Reading', 'Disgraced', 'Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day' and thriller 'The Cottage. If you'd like to see who starred and produced these pics, check out the link above. Thanks Variety

With former starlets now in their twenties appearing in court, rehab and constantly appearing in tabloid stories, it appears that Hollywood is rediscovering the appeal of a fresh scrubbed, wholesome face. The days of the goody vs mean girl high school drama's have played out and today's heroines are to do more than shop, snipe or fight. Beginning with this summer, a whole new crop of movies with teens characters are getting big-studio backing. Some of the endorsed by actresses-producers like Julia Roberts, Jodie Foster and Charlize Theron. Of some of these several teen movies, one is 'Nim's Island', a little girl who survives alone on a remote island with a pocketknife around her neck and in the company of a sea lion and iguana. This heroine will be played by Abigail Breslin in this Fox-Walden's film. 'Nim's Island is set for release in the spring (2008) and is also has the distinction of being the first girl at the center of a kid's action adventure film with a blockbuster budget. There are other movies that bring that new fresh face look, like Andrew Fleming's 'Nancy Drew', starred by Julia Robert's niece Emma Roberts, Charlize Theron and her next feature 'Ferris Wheel' and Warner Bros, trying it's hand at 'Travelling Pants 2', the sequel to the $39M 'The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants'. Andrew goes on and talks about the whole new girl film movement and star Emma Roberts, her career and involvement in this newly evolving genre. The whole genre of girl movies have been shifting and many of the studios and production companies are jumping on the band wagon. Young female oriented movies that gear towards the Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia are more in demand than the latter movies of the 90's of mean, self centered, self absorbed teen plotted movies that have played out since most girls tend to consider themselves tomboys and don't fit in the whole typical pink girl culture. The storylines are for this newly redeveloping genre suggests it's harder but more satisfying to do the right thing and those behind these new films repeatedly mention to offer better role models for these children. Mainstream media executives have pretty much been bowled over by the phenomenal successes of 'The Cheetah Girls' and 'High School Musical' which began on TV. One hope with their upcoming films, is to tap that mother/daughter, daughter/family market that made 'Freaky Friday', 'The Princess Diaries', and 'Legally Blonde' such hits. This article goes on the importance of this new direction and a few of the directors and producers have some very interesting things to say about it. 'Nim's Island' will be part of this new emerging stylized film, with marketing and support by teens, Fox-Walden is throwing major resources behind this novel to film adaption, not only on the financial side but by which stars will be appearing in it. Wendy Orr's 'Nim's Island' is written and directed by husband/wife team Mark Levin and Jennifer Flackett. Walden, has attached a rising young star in the girl business, Oscar nominee Abigail Breslin ('Little Miss Sunshine') to play the young girl with an imagination and magical place, Nim. (She'll next appear in 'Kit Kittredge: An American Girl Mystery') Also rounding up in this stellar cast, is eight-packed Spartan Gerard Butler '300' as Nim's scientist father, along with Jodie Foster as a reclusive novelist who, via email, helps Nim conquer the island. Flackett said, "To get a movie made with an 11 year old girl is a great challenge, when Jodie (Foster) expressed interest, that's when the movie became a reality. What was hard is that there aren't that many girl stars." When Flackett called from Australia while out scouting locations, she said the writer/director team didn't think of Nim as a girl per se, but treated her first and foremost as a hero. She said, "We look for great role models for our daughter, there aren't that many really heroic girls who climb, jump and are incredibly brave." And this similar sentiment is found among the financiers, filmmakers and studio execs that are investing in these movies for girls, that they're making these new films for daughters, nieces or for the memory of the girl they use to be. Thanks Calendar Live

With production ramping up on Jodie Foster's 'Nim's Island' and Tom Hank's 'The Pacific' in Queensland, another overseas film was hoping to stay under the radar. The Dutch feature, 'The Ship Boys of Bontekoe' (well, that's the english translation anyway) cast and crew will be flying into the Sunny State's far north for the next three weeks of filming. Cathy Overett from New Holland Pictures, said that they'll be filming in the Daintree on an island off Cairns and in Port Douglas. This feature is a low budget movie, that's trying to slip in and try and get some locations and crew among all these big American Productions, she told Qconfidential. The film is set in the 1600's and is about a Dutch East India trading ship which blows up enroute from Holland to Batavia (Indonesia). The majority of the film has already been shot in Holland, The 1600's replica of the Dutch ship the Duyfken will be filming for three days here. Thanks news.com.au

With the announcement of Jodie Foster's next film project 'Nim's Island' to be filmed in North Queenland next month, well-placed sources within the NSW government have been muttering that Sydney is being left out in the cold. This isn't just a point of ego, but concerns about the major loss of big dollars from the entertainment business and is troubling those that are closely connected to the NSW government. Sydney had hosted a few films such as, 'The Matrix' Trilogy, The 'Star Wars' Prequels and 'Moulin Rouge. But in the past year, things have been flying for Queensland, 'Fool's Gold', which stars Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey and to 'Australia', the Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman epic feature. Ethan Hawke's will also be heading up to Queensland for 'Daybreakers' and of course, Foster's 'Nim's Island' will be heading into production there too. Foster and her co-star Abigail Breslin will be based in Far North Queensland with some segments to be filmed at Warner studios on the Gold Coast. (And depending on Foster's film schedule, she'll be expected to visit Sydney, to catch up with dear friends such as Russell Crowe.) Thanks Brisbane Times

Thank you Wendy, for adding this Film News Page to your journal. I do greatly appreciate what you said about this site and other GB sites as well and I can't wait to see your movie next year, April seems too far away. :) Thanks Wendy Orr

---

Xenia is much better at summing up all the Nim movie news than I am - it's a very complete history! Once again I'm in awe of people's skill at putting websites together - there are several other Gerard Butler fan sites I've now seen, and they're all excellent. (Meanwhile I'm still struggling with adding links to the links list!)

Totally Hollywood Hunks News - Nim's Island Page

---

Fox Licensing & Marketing has been named as Walden's Worldwide licensing agent. This pact covers Walden pictures made under the Fox Walden banner and films to be made by Walden's sister banner, Bristol Bay Prods. On Monday, Fox Licensing is representing a number of upcoming Walden features at the Annual International Licensing Show. The film titles include in this deal are "The Dark is Rising, Nim's Island, City of Ember and The Tortois & the Hippo, This licensing deal will not cover the previous Walden films set up at other studios, which include the Chronicles of Narnia franchise at Disney. Thanks Variety

With the Licensing show opening on Tuesday, the concerns are few, if any major blockbusters slated for 2008 that can match this years mega hits. There were a number of people who spoke of how good of a year this is because of the blockbuster hits like Spiderman and Pirates, though some have expressed that next years lack of properties for the studios that'll make t he same as this year merchandise sales. Not only the studios were present, NBC and ABC were back again this year and for the first time CBS, are making their strongest showings yet as there's more opportunity for primetime licensing. Fox (20th Century Fox) Licensing and Merchandising who'll also had a strong presence for years (The Simpsons) is back in full force as this summer's July opening of "The Simpsons Movie". As there were also talk of percentages of increase and some of the upcoming movies for 2008, there have been some interest, but most part the retailers and licensees will be working hard at the show this year to figure out the best bets for box office and merchandising success in 2008. There are a number of possibilities for movies, from studios like Disney-Pixar, Disney-Walden, 20th Century Fox, Sony, Warner Bros., Paramount and Nickelodeon Movies/Paramount. As this show runs from Tuesday to Thursday, a number of special events were shown like Radio City Rockettes, the unveiling of the new Batman vehicle, and the Mach 5 from Speed Racer. There was also a fashion lline from Miley Stewart of Disney's show Hannah Montana and various other features were shown. There was also talk about the girl's tween business, which is one of the fastest segment of DCP and what'll generate. More lines were talked about from studios, and a global presence at this show is expected to be stronger than ever. Also expected to see are agencies to seek licensing partner for celebrities. As the networks and studios talk about tv programs and movies for promotional licenses, there also was announcement made by Fox Licensing, here's what was said. Thanks Hollywood Reporter

---

Fox Licensing also will announce that it will handle all licensing for Walden Media films. At the show it will be seeking to license Walden titles The Dark is Rising, City of Ember and Nim's Island.

---

Baz Luhrmann's 'Australia' film production has been in the town of Bowen for a number of months and have brought in tourists and much revenue for the area and North Queenland due to the Queenland Tax Incentives which are currently attracting Hollywood and Bollywood productions. IN this interesting article, specifically the read more on 'Australia' (side note: Hopefully that page I'm working on will be finished soon) there are other features that'll be made in North Queensland, one is 'Nim's Island' and here's a quick excerpt from the article. Thanks Gold Coast Bulletin

---

The outlook remains positive with Jodie Foster and Little Miss Sunshine star Abigail Breslin starring next month in the children's adventure film Nim's Island, also to be shot in Queensland.

---

'Nim's Island', a children's book, written by Multi-Award Winning Author Wendy Orr is watching her novel turn into a Hollywood Movie. When Paula Mazur a producer for this film, first read the book to her young son and fell in love with the story, she recognized it's big screen potential. So in 2003, Walden Media optioned 'Nim's Island' and the road to making a feature film begins. For Wendy Orr, this long journey from her quiet home to the bright lights and big budgets of the Hollywood movie world. She's has flown to LA twice to meet with the Production team and to work as a Consultant on the movie. Wendy believes this is also the first time that an Australian children's book has been turned into a Hollywood feature and that the the film created a buzz at Cannes, where it was described as "hot property" and was the subject of a international bidding rights war. 'Nim's Island', which was first published in 1999, has since been released in 5 countries and will have more international releases to coincide with the movie. 'Nim's Island' is a story of a little girl who lives on a tropical island with her father, an iguana, a sea lion and a turtle. According to the Los Angeles Times, this will be the first girl centred kid's action film-adventure film with a blockbuster budget. Orr said, even with the blockbuster budget she won't be bathing in riches, or make millions as some people may think, but the payment will be more than she makes for the average book. Orr will be travelling to Queensland to visit the set during the 10 week filming and she's looking forward to being an extra as is her husband and Nim's Island illusrator Kerry Milliard. Wendy said, "I'm sure it'll be interesting, but I'm not the sort to be star-struck" and that she's more excited by seeing the film making process than meeting the big name stars. Bringing this Hollywood feature to life will be Jodie Foster, Abagail Breslin ('Little Miss Sunshine') and Gerard Butler ('300') where they'll be filming at Warner Roadshow Studios and on location in Northern Queenland next month. Her latest book, a sequel to Nim's Island, is Nim's at Sea will be launched by producer Paula Mazur next month in Queenland. To Wendy, she said that the most exciting part of the process "has been watching other people get so involved with my work, believing in it and loving something I've created. It's a bit like winning a fantastic award. Thanks theage.com.au and Nim's Island Blogspot

As not so well behaved Hollywood girls are in rehab, getting out of jail or just acting out, there's a revolution in Hollywood where Hollywood Studios are grooming a new fresh faced crop of starlets. These girls are lead by sqeaky clean Amanda Bynes and Emma Roberts, who've avoided the latest trends of the now misbehaving starlets. They're outspoken about the temptations that trap and destroying other members of the young Hollywood. So, over the next few months, the world will see Roberts, Bynes and other respectable and marketable young actresses, including Brittany Snow, AnnaSophia Robb and Abigail Breslin, headline major motion pictures. As the articles goes on about what some of these ladies think and which pictures they'll appear in, there is a short blurb on the upcoming film 'Nim's Island', here's the excerpt. Thanks The Courier Mail

---

Breslin, the 11-year-old Oscar nominee for the black comedy Little Miss Sunshine, has signed on to star in two major upcoming films directly marketed for young girls, the fantasy film Nim's Island and Kim Kittredge: An American Girl Mystery. Nim's Island, based on the popular children's novels by Wendy Orr, will be shot in Australia, while Kim Kittredge is based on the American Girl doll line.

---

Back Stages weekly roundup of productions that are currently casting or accepting submissions for the LA area. Please read the opening paragraphs on the link, as they contain important information. And now onto why this article from CNN is on this page. You'll find that 'Nim's Island' is one of the feature films on the list. Thanks CNN

starletsviews.com gave a quick short news blurb on 'Nim's Island', they said that Abigail Breslin will be starring along with Jodie Foster and Gerard Butler in 'Nim's Island'. Thanks starletsviews.com

At Zack's Entertainment Zoo, he's listed his Top 100 list of what to look forward to in 2008. At number 59 is... 'Nim's Island'. But he's listed Russell Crowe as starring instead of Gerard Butler... Anyways, great to see it on the list. :) Thanks Zack's Entertainment Zoo

Nim's Island's video split and screen graphics will be done by Filmview Services. Here's the excerpt from their news page. Thanks Filmview

---

Filmview has been asked to do a double role running the video split AND the Screen Graphics on the feature film "Nim's Island". Based on a childrens book, the film starts shooting at the end of July in Queensland. Not to worry if you are still requiring crew elsewhere though, Filmview can run up to 3 video split kits at once anywhere you need. Nim's Island will involve large amounts of on set chroma key and compositing as there are various animals involved that won't always be on set. Filmview is looking forward to this to get extra use out of compositing software that we carry standard in our kit.

---

The State of Queensland has much to offer in regards to landscapes for A-list Blockbusters that are currently being shot in Australia. 'Nim's Island' is one of films mentioned in this blog. Here's the exerpt, thanks Guerriero Della Luce.

---

Oscar winner Jodie Foster is Port Douglas-bound for the filming of Hollywood blockbuster Nim's Island. Industry insiders have confirmed Foster will be present at Port Douglas in July and August for location shoots on what is reputed to be the biggest budget girl's action-adventure ever and one of the biggest budget shoots to hit Australian shores. Location scouts are assessing sites for the production, with sites believed to include Lizard Island, while studio shots will be filmed on the Gold Coast. Child star and Oscar nominee Abigail Breslin will play the lead Nim in the film alongside Jodie and also the gorgeous Gerard Butler. Nim’s Island is based on the book of the same title by Australian-based author Wendy Orr.

---

Entertainment Playhouse, a new business in Springfield which specializes in runway programs, modelling and fashion as well as drama programs for people of all ages and is the base for companion business, Performing Artists' Management. Jillian Rollo, who runs The Playhouse, said she expects strong growth in the area as there are alot of children there. In this short article, 'Nim's Island' (as well as 'Daybreakers') is mentioned as the production is looking for extras, here are the excerpts. Thanks Quest News

---

The agency needs Vietnamese, Malaysian, Indonesian and Islander extras for the film Nim's Island, which is to star Jodie Foster and Abigail Breslin.

Eccentric-looking, fair-skinned extras aged 16 or over are needed for Daybreakers which is to feature Guy Pearce, Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe, Sam Neill and Claudia Karvan. The extras are needed now as the films are about to go into production on the Gold Coast.

For details, phone Ms Rollo on 0410109493 or Ms Parry on 0400000707.

---

Abagail Breslin spoke with Tattle by phone while spending time in New York for the junket on 'No Reservations' who she costars along with Catherine Zeta-Jones and Aaron Eckhart. During this interview she spoke about her time on the set and what she likes and who she'd like to star as, there was also a short mention on 'Nim's Island, here's the excerpt. Thanks Philly.com

---

If you think your 11-year-old has a busy schedule, last week Abigail wrapped shooting on "Kit Kittredge: An American Girl Mystery" on Monday, traveled to New York for a few days of press for "No Reservations," spoke to Tattle by phone on Friday (the preparation for that alone would be daunting to most children) and then flew to Australia on Saturday for a three-month shoot on "Nim's Island," where she'll star with Jodie Foster and Gerard Butler. "There are a lot of animals in the movie," she said, implying that was a good thing. She added with a laugh, "I was telling everyone I was going to Bris-bayne, but it's really Bris-bin. . . . I'm so excited," she said. And with that, she was off.

---

Steven Bowerman, a Brisbane artist, is working on the film 'Nim's Island'. This blog covers a bit on his history of how he got involved with the film and when he joined the animation department. It also discusses a little on his personal history, of where he's lived and his artwork. The blog is quite interesting, check it out, fascinating how he got involved in with this movie. Thanks beinart.org

CafeFX a Feature film visual effects facility is launching a character-animation division that will be lead by Academy Award Nominee animation supervisor, James Straus. The idea for this new unit came out of film 'Pan's Labyrinth' as the company created the characters for it, Company's CEO Jeff Barnes said, "We started getting a lot of interest in more character-animation work." The history of how this came about, of what software is being used and adding more animationers and specialized workers for software and hardware is quite interesting, more can info about this is in the link above. With the new capabilities also being available for production at Sententia Entertainment, Strau's first project for CafeFX will be character creation for Director's Frank Darabont's film 'The Mist', an adaption of Stephen King's scifi story. Also in production at CafeFX are visual effects for 'The Kite Runner', 'John Adams' and 'Nim's Island'. Recent credits for CafeFX include, 'Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer', 'Spiderman 3' and 'Evan Almighty'. Strauss was nominated for an Academy Award for his contribution on best visual effects for 'Dragon Heart' and he also served as directing animator on 'Shrek'. Thanks Hollywood Reporter

VFX's CafeFX is branching out into character animation which will be helmed by Academy Award Nominated Animation Supervisor James Strauss who's previously worked on 'Shrek'. Strauss has said that he's happy and eager to work with CafeFX as there's a dynamic combination of talent and advanced technical resources and feels priviledged to be a part of that momentum. The new division was created due to the participation of it's work on the film 'Pan's Labryinth' and CEO Jeff Barnes had many nice things to say about Strauss, his work and upcoming participation in CafeFX. Besides discussing about the building of this new division, discussion of it's first project of Director Frank Darabont's adaption of Stephen King's 'The Mist', also on the agenda of upcoming VFX work will include 'The Kite Runner', 'John Adams' and 'Nim's Island'. CafeFX previous work can be seen in 'Evan Almighty', 'Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer' and 'Spiderman 3'. CafeFX's sister production company, Sententia Entertainment (which hepled produce Pan's) will also be taking advantage of this newly created division. Thanks AWN

Alphonso McAuley will be appearing in 20th Century Fox/Walden Media's film 'Nim's Island', with stars Jodie Foster, Abigail Breslin and Gerard Butler. McAuley who's also appeared in 'Glory Road' and 'Fat Albert' will be playing Foster's flamboyant assistant. Production is set to begin in August in Australia and Jennifer Flackett and Mark Levin are directing. Thanks Variety

According to Variety, Walden Media has cast Pride's Alphonso McAuley to star in the upcoming film Nim's Island which is based on Wendy Orr's novel of the same name. The story revolves around Nim's Island, which is a magical place ruled by a young girl's imagination and it's an existence that mirrors that of her favorite literary character, Alex Rover the world's greatest adventurer. But Alexandra, the author of the Rover books, leads a reclusive life in the big city. When Nim's father goes missing from their island, a twist of fate brings her together with Alexandra. Now they must draw courage from their fictional hero, Alex Rover, and find strength in one another to conquer Nim's Island. Jodie Foster, Abigail Breslin and Gerard Butler will be headlining the film and McAuley will be playing Russell. Jennifer Flackett and Mark Levine will co-direct and shooting begins in Australia next month. Thanks Movie Web

Wendy Orr has updated her Nim's Island Blog Spot, apparently Nim herself has contacted her to let her know she's got a My Space site now. Visit Nim's My Space Page, check it out, it's quite nice. Thanks Wendy Orr's Nim's Island Blog Spot
http://www.myspace.com/nimsisland

Nim's Island has cast Huckleberry Finn. Perth Now reports that Sean Keenan from Nine Network's children's show Lockie Leonard has landed the role of Nim's imaginary friend, Huckleberry Finn and will star along with Abigail Breslin, Jodie Foster and Gerard Butler. The film is based on Wendy Orr and Kerry Millard's book Nim's Island, the fantasy tale that tells of a young girl Nim who lives on an isolated island with her scientist father. The Sunday Times spoke with Sean and he remarked that he has to learn to speak with an American accent. This film is being directed by Jennifer Flackett and Mark Levine and production begins at Warner Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast tomorrow. Thanks Perth Now

There are four new projects heading to the Gold Coast for production. Yesterday, Arts Minister Rod Welford announced that Subdivision, K9 (26 part kids Tv series), My America (Documentary) and Sea Patrol (2nd series) are scheduled to be shot later this year. With these productions, the combined cost is $24.5M with the economic impact for the area is $44M as well as provide valuable training and employment for Queensland cast and crew by creating approximately 800 jobs. Also mentioned briefly is Nim's Island, here's the quick excerpt from the article. Thanks Gold Coast.com

---

Big-budget children's film Nim's Island, starring double Oscar winner Jodie Foster and child-star Abigail Breslin, is set to start in the Warner Roadshow Studios at Oxenford next week.

Ms Foster is said to have arrived on the Gold Coast.

---

Actor Jay Laga'aia will have a cameo role in the upcoming film Nim's Island. Jay, who's best known for his role as Tommy Tavita on Water Rats has been diversifying his roles lately. He'll not only appearing in the upcoming feature film Nim's Island but also on Ethan Hawke's movie Daybreakers and Chris Nyst's Crooked Business. Here is what the article says about his appearance in Nim's Island. Thanks Gold Coast.com

---

Laga'aia is best known as Tommy Tavita in the long-running television series Water Rats and has picked up work on another two major films being made at the Gold Coast's Warner Roadshow Studios, vampire flick Daybreakers and children's film Nim's Island.

"I'm playing a senator who is 'for' the humans in Daybreakers and in Nim's Island I think I'm going to share a scene with Jodie Foster in a cameo role as the helicopter pilot," he said.

---

Wendy Orr updates her Journal, she's been asked how a person can become an extra on Nim's Island as she, her husband Tom and Kerry Milliard have been cast in the film. Wendy states in her blog, that she doesn't know the process as her route to becoming one started nine years ago while beginning to write the book. Thanks Wendy Orr Journal

It seems that Hollywood has a love affair with Australia and it started with Stanley Kramer's On The Beach outside of Melburne in 1959. So when Tinseltown comes to visit, Australia rolls out the red carpet and Oz's towns and cities regularly play host to Hollywood (and our own) moviemakers to make the Australian landscape familiar worldwide. Currently there's a number of big film projects that are or will be hitting our shores with stars such as Jodie Foster, Tom Hanks and Ethan Hawke just to name a few. Baz Luhrmann is in Kimberly, Western Australia filming his epic movie Australia, with Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman near the town of Kununurra. Luhrmann had finished filming scenes in the small Queensland town of Bowen on the Whitsunday coast. Soon to be filming is Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks miniseries The Pacific. Jodie Foster's latest film project Nim's Island is currently filming in Port Douglas and Matthew McConaughey/Kate Hudson's movie Fool's Gold had just finish filming up north as well. In the past, the state had played host to The Matrix Trilogy, Star Wars prequels, Moulin Rouge and Mission Impossible, just to name a few of the films made in various locations in Sydney. Australia is hot with Hollywood filmmakers and with this fascination, it will draw more and more tourists to our shores. The article does talk a bit more on Nim's Island and here are the excerpts from the article. Thanks Brisbane Times

---

Queensland is currently flavour of the month with Hollywood. Jodie Foster's latest film project, Nim's Island, has begun filming in Port Douglas, showing off tropical north Queensland, while Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey have just finished filming Fool's Gold up north as well, in idyllic locations such as Cairns and Lizard, Fraser and Hamilton islands, and Hervey Bay.

....

For Nim's Island, Foster and co-star Abigail Breslin, who played the cute child in recent hit Little Miss Sunshine, will be based in far north Queensland, but some segments of the film will also be made at the Warner studios on the Gold Coast.

---

Wendy Orr has updated her Nim's Island Blog Spot. She said she'll be away for the next week to visit with 'Selkie' and the other animals. Yes, she's heading off to the set of Nim's Island and is currently packing. Have lots of FUN Wendy! And of course your Hubby and Kerry too. :) Thanks Nim's Island Blogspot

Gerard Butler.net reports that there's an update at Walden Media's Site and that there's a new release date for Nim's Island. April 4, 2008 is now the new date. Thanks Walden Media and GB.net

Steven Spielberg's epic World War II 10 part television mini-series The Pacific will begin filming on Friday. The reported budget for this series is $150M US and will shoot in two separate locations in Port Douglas, a farm near Mossman and Rocky Point with parts of the series to be filmed in Melbourne and regional Victoria (Melbourne Central City Studios). The scheduled release for this series in the US is 2009. Queensland Arts Minister, Rod Welford, predicts that this production will inject about $60M into the local economy and will create more than 1000 jobs. The Pacific is just the latest production to film in Queensland, Baz Luhrmann's outback epic Australia was recently in Bowen and currently Nim's Island is filming on the Gold Coast. Thanks News.com.au

Premiere Peter Beattie and Arts Minister welcome the production of The Pacific, an HBO 10 part epic miniseries which Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman are producing through Playtone and Dreamworks Television. They both discuss how this production will improve and have a positive economic impact in North Queensland in producing jobs and employment for more than a 1000 people in various areas of filming production. Also discussed are other films that the Pacific Film and Television Commission has brought into Queensland. Such films as Fool's Gold, Dutch film The Ship Boys of Bontekoe, Nim's Island, Daybreakers, Baz Luhrmann's epic Australia which finished filming in Bowen and upcoming features Subdivision, the documentary My America and tv programs Sea Patrol and K9. Thanks Queensland Government

Additional similar articles
bymnews.com,