The world of film has come knocking on Redland doors once again, with a large-scale, student-produced musical being filmed in Victoria Point this week.
Residents of Lamb Close opened their garages, their kitchens and their hearts to the cast and crew of more than 60 university and TAFE students, who filmed the 10-minute feature Blueberry Lane in the cul-de-sac this week.
Producer Ryan Malyon-Trapp and writer-director Peter Ireland are in their third and final year at Griffith University, completing a bachelor of film and media production and will submit the finished film as their graduate piece.
The film is being put together on a shoestring budget of less than $7000, coming from student donations and a few local sponsorships, with the team still hoping to secure further support.
Ryan, 20, of Norman Park, said Lamb Close was not only aesthetically perfect for shooting, but the residents had been wonderful.
"Peter and I had to drive around Brisbane a lot before we found this street, which is the perfect location for its low-set houses, few trees, no footpaths or power poles and a decent length to allow for all the equipment, and we've been amazed and very grateful for how everyone has been happy to help," he said.
"For school holidays it's wonderful, people have just taken the kids out for the day and we've had ideal conditions."
It came as possibly the biggest surprise to Tom Richards, 20, whose father owns JJ Richards trucks where he is usually a garbage collector, and whose services and truck were volunteered by his father to help with the film for three days.
"I didn't really think this was what I was signing up for, garbage collector with film roles on the side," Tom said.
The musical follows the fortunes of garbage collector Fernando, who falls in love with the resident at number 55 Blueberry Lane through the garbage she throws out.
"I have to say it's very realistic. We often fall in love with residents we collect from, then resolve it all with singing and dancing at the end," Tom said, tongue in cheek.
Former Ten Tenors singer David Kidd is playing Fernando, and said learning some of the gears on the truck had been one of the best parts of his involvement with the project.
"I finished touring with the Tenors 18 months ago and have been looking to try new things in the arts scene since then, and this is a wonderful project," David said.
"I'm actually really jealous of the people who live here in Lamb Close, with their underground power lines, it's a beautiful part of the world.
"And the people here have been amazingly accommodating. They wait until we call 'Cut!' then come scurrying out to go out. It's like a much more fun version of Ramsey Street."
Most of the cast and crew are fellow and junior students from the film degree at Griffith University, costume and design students from South Moreton Bay TAFE and other industry trainees.
But the project is close to home for makeup artist student Meghan Weir, 18, of Redland Bay.
"I had already done my work experience at the Wella Trend Vision hair show and the Konc Hairdressing show, but I couldn't pass up this opportunity," Meghan said.
"It's a very different experience to the fashion shows, with very different deadlines but I love the buzz of working on set, especially so close to home!"
As producer, Ryan also had the help of his aunt, Redland City Deputy Mayor Toni Bowler, who door-knocked all the residents to ask their permission for the project to go ahead.
Bill and Kay Pernice, at number one, were thrilled to find themselves designated HQ for the production team, with their garage turned into a makeup studio and a large marquee set up on the front lawn.
"We've got the grandkids here on holidays and we've been popping out whenever the dancers start up," Kay said.
"The crew are using the garage, the kitchen and the bathroom, and they're all cleaner than they've ever been! The kids are really a credit to themselves and their parents."
Bill said he had enjoyed having so many appreciative takers for his vanilla slice, and was looking forward to seeing the final product.
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