Holidaymakers were baffled to see a house built on previously unspoiled beach land at South Durras. They need not have worried though, as it was revealed that the house was built for an upcoming film set and would be removed once filming was complete. The house, although a new addition to the beach, was weathered to appear old for the film by designer Mary Maybury, from Manly.
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The film would be set in the summer of 1960, and told the story of a young girl and her widowed father. The $2.4 million film was co-produced by George Ogilvie, of Canberra, and Hilary Furlong, of Sydney. It had the working title of The Bee Eater and when released was renamed The Place at the Coast.
Scenes were shot around South Durras, Nelligen and Moroya with Furlong stating the area was chosen because of its great visual appeal, simplicity of the houses and the wonderful environment.
The film would employ about 100 extras during the six weeks of shooting, in addition to the cast of 20.
The filming was expected to boost the economy in the area and Furlong believed locals would enjoy the process and end result.
"It will be thoroughly entertaining and I'm sure the locals and the regular holiday makers here will appreciate it, particularly," she said.
