Haven't we all at some point in time fantasized about stepping through a cinema/TV screen and into the world of our favourite movies and television shows? I certainly have!

With its modern, urban setting and stunning harbour, it is easy to see why Sydney leads the way as an ideal and versatile shooting destination. Movies shot here have been set in New York (Godzilla: Final Wars, Kangaroo Jack), Chicago (The Matrix and sequels), London (Birthday Girl), Seville (Mission Impossible 2), Bombay (Holy Smoke), Darwin (Australia), Myanmar (Stealth), Mars (Red Planet) and the fictitious city of Metropolis (Superman Returns, Babe: Pig in the City).

Whether popular landmarks or off the beaten track locations that are often hard to find, you can now explore Sydney in a fun and unique way with the SYDNEY ON SCREEN walking guides. Catering to Sydneysiders as much as visitors, the guides have something to offer everyone, from history, architecture and movie buffs to nature lovers.

See where productions such as Superman Returns, The Matrix and sequels, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Candy, Mission Impossible 2, Mao's Last Dancer, Babe: Pig in the City, Kangaroo Jack, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Muriel's Wedding, The Bold and the Beautiful, Oprah's Ultimate Australian Adventure and many more were filmed.

Maps and up-to-date information on Sydney's attractions are provided to help you plan your walk. Pick and choose from the suggested itinerary to see as little or as much of the city as you like.

So, come and discover the landscapes and locations that draw filmmakers to magical Sydney, and walk in the footsteps of the stars!

A GREAT ALTERNATIVE TO EXPENSIVE TOURS, YOU CAN NOW ENJOY EXPLORING SYDNEY FOR UNDER $10 WITH THE SYDNEY ON SCREEN WALKING GUIDES. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT US AT SYDNEYONSCREEN@HOTMAIL.COM

Subscribe to the blog and keep up with all the latest Aussie film and entertainment news. Read about what the stars are up to, who's in town, what movies are currently filming or being promoted. Locate us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sydneyonscreen and "like" our page!

Sydney on Screen walking guides now on sale!

Click on the picture above to see a preview of all four walking guides and on the picture below to see larger stills of Sydney movie and television locations featured in the slideshow!

Copyright © 2011 by Luke Brighty / Unless otherwise specified, all photographs on this blog copyright © 2011 by Luke Brighty


Sydney on Screen guides are now available for purchase at the following outlets:

Travel Concierge, Sydney International Airport, Terminal 1 Arrivals Hall (between gates A/B and C/D), Mascot - Ph: 1300 40 20 60

The Museum of Sydney shop, corner of Bridge & Phillip Streets, Sydney - Ph: (02) 9251 4678

The Justice & Police Museum shop, corner of Albert & Phillip Streets, Sydney - Ph: (02) 9252 1144

The Mint shop, 10 Macquarie Street, Sydney - Ph: (02) 8239 2416

Hyde Park Barracks shop, Queen Square, Sydney - Ph: (02) 8239 2311

Travel Up! (travel counter) c/o Wake Up Sydney Central, 509 Pitt Street, Sydney - Ph (02) 9288 7888

The Shangri-La Hotel (concierge desk), 176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, Sydney - Ph: (02) 9250 6018

The Sebel Pier One (concierge desk), 11 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay, Sydney - Ph: (02) 8298 9901

The Radisson Plaza Hotel Sydney (concierge desk), 27 O'Connell Street, Sydney - Ph: (02) 8214 0000

The Sydney Marriott Circular Quay (concierge desk), 30 Pitt Street, Sydney - Ph: (02) 9259 7000

Boobook on Owen, 1/68 Owen Street, Huskisson - Ph: (02) 4441 8585


NSW, interstate and international customers can order copies of Sydney on Screen using PayPal. Contact us at sydneyonscreen@hotmail.com to inquire about cost and shipping fees.


All four volumes of Sydney on Screen are available to download onto your PC or Kindle at:
Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.fr, Amazon.de, Amazon.es and Amazon.it


Happy New Year!


HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
MAY YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT START TO 2012…
xox Luke & Michael

Cinema capers for Cate and Co

Cate Blanchett
 Cate Blanchett has taken her family to see The Adventures of Tintin. Picture: Ryan Pierse Source: Getty Images

The Herald Sun reports

CATE Blanchett is clearly on a busman's holiday while she spends the festive season in Sydney with her family.

The Oscar-winning star, on a break from filming The Hobbit, was seen taking her kids to a screening of The Adventures of Tintin.

Tina Arena, Rove McManus and Tasma Walton and actor Teresa Palmer are among other stars who returned to Australia for the festive season.

Starlet flies high Down Under for the holidays

Margot Robbie
Actor Margot Robbie, from Pan Am, is in the Gold Coast for the holidays. Source: Herald Sun

The Herald Sun reports

PAN Am starlet Margot Robbie has been spending her holidays coming to grips with a very different kind of flight.

The former Neighbours girl took to the skies yesterday for an aerobatic Tiger Moth flight on the Gold Coast.

Based in New York for her role as Laura Cameron in the high-flying drama series, Robbie tweeted she was "Loving being back in Australia!".

12 top acts to follow in new year

Celebrities 
Which of these celebrities will take the chance to shine in 2012? Source: Herald Sun

The Herald Sun reports

NEW television shows will give already popular stars a chance to shine even more.

JULIA MORRIS
Since winning Celebrity Apprentice Australia, the mother of two has never been hotter or more in demand. The Channel 9 reality program revealed Morris was more than a one-trick pony and allowed viewers to see a more serious side to her funny-girl persona. Morris, who until recently was living in Britain, is yet to cash in on her career renaissance. Whether she remains hot in 2012 depends on her next TV project, which is rumoured to be as Chrissie Swan's replacement on The Circle. The morning chat show would be a good fit.


ANDREW DENTON
As host of a chat show, variety program and sketch comedy series, Andrew Denton has triumphed. He even succeeded in TV's toughest gig - hosting the Logies. Now, after a short break from the spotlight, Denton is poised to take on another genre, the game show, with Randling on ABC. With his acerbic wit, Denton is sure to be a formidable host.


KEITH URBAN
Finally, we get to see what Nicole Kidman sees in country music star Keith Urban. Sure, we've heard him sing and seen him on the arm of his Hollywood star wife, but until now we've heard very little from Mr Urban. As a judge on Channel 9's new singing competition, The Voice, Urban will be able to reveal more of his personality.


SONIA KRUGER
Dan MacPherson's Dancing with the Stars sidekick is going it alone this year. Channel 9 has lured the bubbly blonde to host a revamped Big Brother and take over Kerri-Anne Kennerley's morning show. With her quick wit and live-TV experience, Kruger is a good choice for BB. It will be interesting to see how she fares stepping into daytime queen Kennerley's shoes.


SHAUN MICALLEF
As host of Channel 10's Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation, Shaun Micallef has won legions of fans. Now he's been given the chance to return to his comedic roots as host of his own news-comedy program, Shaun Micallef is Mad as Hell, for the ABC. Micallef's last project for the ABC was the under-appreciated The Micallef Program. The popularity of Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation will hopefully ensure Shaun Micallef is Mad as Hell reaches a wider audience.


BROOKE SATCHWELL
Matthew Newton's ex-girlfriend is back on TV, joining the cast of Packed to the Rafters to fill the void left by mum-to-be Jessica Marais. Finding fame on Neighbours as a teenager, the actor has been almost a recluse since her acrimonious split with Newton in 2006. An appearance on Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation this year reminded the industry of Satchwell's talent, and word is her guest role on Rafters has been extended after her performance impressed the bosses at Seven.


AJAY ROCHESTER
Ajay Rochester's TV career has been in freefall ever since she was dropped as host of The Biggest Loser. A move to the US, and hopes of being the next Oprah Winfrey, came to nothing. Now Rochester is back as a contestant on Excess Baggage. Nine's reality show spotlights celebrities and ordinary people with weight and emotional issues. Julia Morris turned her fortunes around on Celebrity Apprentice Australia. Rochester will be hoping Excess Baggage will do the same.


SHANE JACOBSON
Jacobson has made a living out of playing the Aussie knockabout guy. Think hit movie Kenny and TV's Top Gear Australia. Beaconsfield is set to show a very different side to Jacobson, one that could establish him as a top-flight dramatic actor. Jacobson plays Brant Webb in Nine's telemovie based on the 2006 Beaconsfield mine disaster. Lachy Hulme co-stars as Todd Russell. We know Jacobson can do funny. Beaconsfield will show he can do serious, too.


ROB MILLS
Rob Mills has shone on stage in Wicked! and Grease: The Musical, but his TV career is a shambles. The Australian Idol finalist has starred in three TV shockers - Stooged, The Mint and The Singing Bee. Young Talent Time could turn all that around. Mills seems like the ideal choice to host the re-booted youth talent show. If he gets this right, it will be his TV breakthrough, and he'll have a job for years.


ANDREW ROCHFORD
You've got to give TV medico Andrew Rochford points for bravery. The doctor, and former contestant on The Block, has been a welcome regular on The Panel. Now Rochford is set to go to the next level, as co-host of Ten's new brekkie show, Breakfast. Taking on Seven's Sunrise and Nine's Today is no easy matter. Along with controversial New Zealand broadcaster Paul Henry, he can expect to get smashed early on.


LISA McCUNE
McCune has been Australia's TV darling for almost two decades. Now the four-time Gold Logie winner takes on a new challenge. McCune is producing, as well as starring, in new Channel 10 drama Reef Doctors. McCune plays GP Sam Mitchell, who runs a remote island medical clinic. Reef Doctors is her baby. She has played a key role in all the major casting and scripting decisions. She needs it to be a ratings hit.


SHANE BOURNE
Will Shane Bourne be the next Erik Thomson/Dave Rafter? That is the question being asked after the actor/comedian was cast as patriarch Jim Christie in Tricky Business. Nine's family drama looks like Packed to the Rafters meets NZ comedy/drama Outrageous Fortune. We've seen how Rafters boosted the careers of Thomson and Rebecca Gibney. Bourne, last seen on City Homicide and Thank God You're Here, will hope Tricky Business can do the business.

2011: In Memoriam

New Year's Eve is a good time to look back on the year that was, to feel grateful about the people one has shared the year with and to remember those who have passed...

David Knox, TV Tonight, reports

In 2011 we said goodbye to talented actors, writers, directors, producers, presenters, performers, executives, critics and crew.

Some of them like Andy Whitfield, Jay Dee Springbett, Sarah Watt and Blair Milan died far too young.

Others such as Paul Lockyer and his ABC colleagues died in tragic circumstances while working on the job. The death of quiet achievers such as cinematographer John ‘Brolga’ Bowring also rocked the industry. The loss of Bill Hunter was felt across the country….

Cancer took too many: Harold Hopkins, Denise Morgan, Ian Carroll, Michelle Fawdon to name a few.

The death of Jon Blake reminded us of a career never fully realised and a devoted son who cared for him for years.

We also bid farewell to many veterans, Googie Withers, Diane Cilento, Reg Whiteman, Bob Davis, Godfrey Phillipp, Frank Whitten, Robin Oliver. And then there were the international names, some of whom were more aligned with film than television, but who touched us all, including Elizabeth Taylor, Peter Falk, Elisabeth Sladen, Harry Morgan, Cliff Robertson and more.

Here is a roll-call of those we remember…

JANUARY:
Susannah York
Pete Postlethwaite
Geoff Raymond
Bill Erwin
Anne Francis


FEBRUARY:
Sonia Humphrey
Paulene Terry-Beitz
Nicholas Courtney
Len Lesser
Julie Ryles
Frank Whitten


MARCH:
Michael Gough
Jane Russell
Esben Storm
Elizabeth Taylor


APRIL:
Trevor Bannister
Sidney Lumet
John Bowring
Hubert J. ‘Hub’ Schlafly Jr.
Elisabeth Sladen
Blair Milan


MAY:
Sada Thompson
Michele Fawdon
Jon Blake
Jeff Conaway
Jackie Cooper
Bob Davis
Bill Hunter


JUNE:
Ryan Dunn
Rex Mossop
Peter Falk
James Arness
Godfrey Phillipp
Denise Morgan


JULY:
Sherwood Schwartz
Jay Dee Springbett
Howard Rubie
Googie Withers
David Ngoombujarra


AUGUST:
Russell Armstrong
Robin Oliver
Reza Badiyi
Reg Whiteman
Paul Lockyer
John Bean
Gary Ticehurst
John Howard Davies
Ian Carroll
Francesco Quinn
Annette Charles

SEPTEMBER:
David Croft
Cliff Robertson
Bernie Keenan
Andy Whitfield


OCTOBER:
Jimmy Savile
George Baker
Diane Cilento
Betty Driver


NOVEMBER:
Sean Flannery
Sarah Watt
Peter Roebuck
Ken Russell
‘Killer Karl Kox’
Peter Gwynne


DECEMBER:
Harry Morgan
Harold Hopkins
David Fordham
Carl Bleazby



Apologies if I have forgotten anyone.

Jamiroquai resolves to share the love

Jamiroquai
Jamiroquai at the site where he will be performing the Sydney Resolution New Year's eve
concert at Glebe Island. Picture: Damian Shaw Source: The Daily Telegraph
 
 
The Daily Telegraph reports

HE may have been battling a "big slice of jet lag" but New Year's resolutions were a no-brainer for Jamiroquai yesterday.

"To get laid more, definitely," the playboy Brit smirked.

Spending his 42nd birthday in rehearsals, Confidential caught up with the groovy Jay Kay during sound check for tonight's Sydney Resolution concert - which he will headline with Culture Club.

The Canned Heat singer said he has "never" done a NYE gig before: "I usually just follow straight through (from my birthday) and keep going so this is different, it will be good."

The pop star was smoking and drinking beer throughout the test run and took a liking to the "old white Bentley" parked backstage, which belonged to the concert's promoter Andrew McManus.

If Jay Kay is jet-lagged its safe to say Culture Club frontman Boy George, 50, faces a steep climb, having only flown into Sydney late last night.

There are still tickets available for the Glebe Island mega gig.

Local cinema has gone to the dog after disappointing year at box office

Cashed-up canine ... <em>Red Dog</em> earned $21.1m locally.
Cashed-up canine ... Red Dog earned $21.1m locally.

Karl Quinn, The Age, reports

IT'S been a dog of a year for Australian films at the box office. The hit family oriented movie Red Dog accounted for more than half the local take.

Red Dog has earned $21.1 million locally (it has yet to go on general release overseas), accounting for 2.1 per cent of the estimated Australian box office of $995 million to December 21.

All the other Australian films combined accounted for a further $18 million, for a total local share of $39.1 million, a shade over 3.9 per cent. The 10-year average is 4.2 per cent.

The final figures for the year, which are likely to be released early next month, will be bolstered by Happy Feet Two, from Sydney director-producer George Miller, but are still likely to be down on last year's result.

At the same time last year, total receipts were about $1.08 billion, en route to a record $1.13 billion for the year. That result was bolstered by the performance of Avatar, which took more than $76 million last year and a total of $106 million since its release in December 2009.

James Cameron's blockbuster was one of six films that earned more than $30 million at the local box office last year, but this year only three films, all of them sequels, have passed that figure - the final Harry Potter, the latest Transformers and The Hangover Part 2.

Last year, Australian films accounted for $50.6 million, or 4.5 per cent, of the local box office and nine of the top 100 films. This year, only four Australian films made the top 100. Joining Red Dog were Sanctum, (77th place, $3.83 million), which was produced by Cameron but made on the Gold Coast, Oranges and Sunshine (79th place, $3.73 million) and The Cup (93rd place, $2.67 million). Of those, Sanctum has performed best globally, earning $107 million.

Things look a lot healthier if The King's Speech is included. The film took the bulk of its $31 million local box office this year, but despite having an Australian producer (Emile Sherman), an Australian co-star (Geoffrey Rush) and an English director who considers himself half-Australian as his mother was born here (Tom Hooper), officially it is British.

The best year for Australian cinema locally in dollar terms remains 2001, when a line-up that included Moulin Rouge, Lantana, The Man Who Sued God and Crocodile Dundee in LA earned a record $63.4 million.

Snoop Dogg Arrives In Australia For Summadayze

John Ritchie, Musicfeeds, reports

Snoop Dogg has arrived at Sydney airport ready for his whirlwind tour of Australia. The rap superstar will kick off the tour playing Summadayze New Year’s Eve in Adelaide tomorrow before flying to Sydney to perform at Shore Thing. He then travels to Summadayze in Melbourne on New Year’s Day, Summafieldayze on the Gold Coast on Jan 2nd, and finishes up on the 3rd of January in Perth.

When asked by the Daily Telegraph if he has any new year’s resolutions, Snoop replied ‘yeah, just rock the house out here in Australia right’.

Summadayze National Dates

Dec 31st - Summadayze, Rymill Park

Jan 1st – Summadayze Melbourne, Sidney Myer Music Bowl

Jan 2nd - Summafiedayze Gold Coast, Doug Jennings Park

Jan 3rd - Summadayze Perth, Sir James Mitchell Park & Taylor Reserve

Game of Thrones veteran to direct Thor 2

hemsworth
Aussie actor Chris Hemsworth will be back for Thor 2. Source: The Daily Telegraph

The Herald Sun reports

THE search for a director for Thor 2 has reportedly ended, with Marvel selecting veteran TV director Alan Taylor to helm the sequel.

Taylor's most recent efforts have been for HBO, where he has directed episodes of the period fantasy series Game of Thrones.

Taylor has also directed episodes of the cable series Boardwalk Empire, Mad Men and The Sopranos.


He steps in for Monster director Patty Jenkins, who dropped out of Thor 2 citing creative differences with Marvel, movie news website Deadline revealed.

The sequel, which is due to start filming next spring for a November 2013 release, brings back 28-year-old Australian actor Chris Hemsworth as the hammer-wielding superhero.

Trailer for new Aussie movie Any Questions for Ben? starring Rachael Taylor and Josh Lawson

Actor Hugh Jackmans sweaty shirt raises $US30K

jackman
Charity: Actor Hugh Jackman auctioned off his sweaty shirt following a performance on Broadway Picture: Cameron Richardson Source: News Limited

The Daily Telegraph reports

Hugh Jackman's "sweaty undershirt'' has sold for $US30,000. The Australian actor was performing his Hugh Jackman Back on Broadway show, which was attended by Hollywood stars Scarlett Johansson and Uma Thurman.

Jackman gave a "shout to his friends'' during the concert, according to the New York Post.

At the end of the show, Jackman auctioned off his "sweaty undershirt'' for charity.

According to the publication, Johansson ran onstage and bid $US3,000 for the actor's piece of clothing, but her offer wasn't impressive enough.

The shirt eventually sold for $US30,000.

Jackman performs with an 18-piece orchestra for the Back on Broadway show and sings his favourite songs.

The star also shares some personal stories with the audience.

Mia Wasikowska has a new role in Spike Lee re-make

Alice In Wonderland: Mia Wasikowska
Alice In Wonderland World Premiere... Australian actress Mia Wasikowska arrives on the red carpet.
Picture: AP / Joel Ryan Source: AP


The Daily Telegraph reports

MIA Wasikowska is wasting no time in establishing herself as a next generation Cate Blanchett.

Currently touring the world with Glenn Close promoting Albert Nobbs, she has been offered yet another strong role, this time opposite Josh Brolin.

The 22-year-old Jane Eyre actress is believed to be in line for Spike Lee's remake of Oldboy.

Philanthropist Bill Gates and family attend Christmas Mass at St francis of Assisi in Paddington

The Daily Telegraph reports

HAVING spent a lot of time hiding under cashmere jumpers in the past fortnight, one day Bill Gates was not afraid to be seen was Sunday.

The $59-billion man, his wife Melissa and their three children attended an 8.30am Christmas mass at Paddington's St Francis of Assisi.

Fellow churchgoers were surprised to see the Microsoft mastermind at their local parish but, try as we might, Confidential could not get to the bottom of how much the generous philanthropist left in the collection plate.

Elle Macpherson spotted at Byron Bay

Elle Macpherson
 Card shopping: Elle Macpherson. Source: AFP

The Daily Telegraph reports

WHEN your nickname is The Body it is a tad difficult to go unnoticed without Confidential's spies spotting you enjoying an Aussie holiday.

Plenty of Aussie expats quietly slip back into Oz for the silly season, but Elle Macpherson stood out like a sore thumb among a sea of holidaymakers at Byron Bay over the weekend, despite her best efforts to look as hippy as possible.

Our agents up north saw the supermodel buying Chrissie cards in a newsagency at the paparazzi-free celebrity haven.

Kate Winslet to say g'day, USA style

63rd Primetime Emmy Awards - Press Room
Kate Winslet will be presenting Guy Pearce with an award at the G'Day USA gala. Source: AP


Fiona  Byrne, The Herald Sun, reports

THE celebrity quota at the G'Day USA gala is amping up, with Oscar winner Kate Winslet to present Guy Pearce with the Excellence in Film and Television Award at the event.

Pearce and Winslet co-star in the acclaimed TV mini-series Mildred Pierce.

Both have Golden Globe nominations for their performances.

Retired basketballer Luc Longley will receive his award for Excellence in Sport from his former coach Phil Jackson.

Singing sensations Cody Simpson and Jack Vidgen will perform at the January 14 event.

Gibson finally splits from wife

Robyn and Mel Gibson.
Robyn and Mel Gibson.

The Age reports

Mel Gibson’s three-decade marriage is officially over.

A judge finalised the actor-director’s divorce on Friday from his wife Robyn, who was married to Gibson during his acting heyday and his more recent public downfall.

The judgment entered by Superior Court Judge Mark Juhas keeps virtually all details of the pair’s split confidential. Neither Gibson nor his ex-wife, whose name is being restored to Robyn Moore, attended Friday’s proceedings.

It does not indicate an official date for the former couple’s separation. Robyn Moore did not list a date in her April 2009 divorce filing, although Gibson indicated they had been living apart since 2006.

The former couple have seven children together, but only their 12-year-old son is a minor and subject to a custody agreement.

The Gibsons’ divorce has been dramatically more low-key than Gibson’s custody battle with Russian musician Oksana Grigorieva, who the Braveheart star agreed in August to pay $US750,000 ($A742,537) to settle a bitter dispute and split custody of their young daughter.

Recordings that sounded distinctly like the Oscar-winning director engaged in a racist and sexist tirade were leaked during the couple’s dispute.

Grigorieva accused Gibson of domestic violence and he pleaded no contest, although admitted no fault, to a misdemeanour battery count earlier in March.

Robyn Moore came to her estranged husband’s defence, filing a brief declaration in the Grigorieva case stating that Gibson had never physically abused her or their children.

Lawyers handling the divorce have worked for months to reach a settlement in the case and records show Robyn Moore signed the final judgment last week. Gibson signed it on Wednesday, records show.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Sydney on Screen!


 
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF OUR SYDNEY ON SCREEN FRIENDS
THANKS FOR FOLLOWING OUR BLOG AND FOR SUPPORTING US
WE WHAT WE DO AND APPRECIATE YOUR FEEDBACK
HAVE A HAPPY & HEALTHY NEW YEAR!
CHEERS FROM DOWN UNDER,
LUKE & MICHAEL
XOX

Test your showbiz knowledge! The answers

1.The US$1 million diamond necklace worn by Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge! was made by:
c) Stefano Canturi


2. Who am I?
I was born in Sydney, the youngest of five children. I have a communications degree with a major in journalism from the University of Technology Sydney. I pursued drama at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. I am an accomplished singer, I play piano, golf and guitar, and like to windsurf.
Hugh Jackman


3. What is True Blood star Ryan Kwanten’s middle name:
d) Christian


4. Quote:
Which actor said: "I don't know that I want to do it forever. When it gets too much, I just walk the beaches of Sydney and get calm again. You just grab your surfboard, splash in those waves and feel happy to be alive. That's what really matters."
Toni Collette


5. In 2002, Naomi Watts appeared in the play "Proof" in Melbourne, Australia, with two other well-known Aussie stars. Name the actors!
Heath Ledger & Rachel Griffiths

Test your showbiz knowledge!

1.The US$1 million diamond necklace worn by Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge! was made by:

a) Harry Winston
b) Tiffany & Co
c) Stefano Canturi
d) Bulgari

2. Who am I?
I was born in Sydney, the youngest of five children. I have a communications degree with a major in journalism from the University of Technology Sydney. I pursued drama at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. I am an accomplished singer, I play piano, golf and guitar, and like to windsurf. 

3. What is True Blood star Ryan Kwanten’s middle name:

a) Michael
b) Barnabe
c) Steven
d) Christian

4. Quote:
Which actor said: "I don't know that I want to do it forever. When it gets too much, I just walk the beaches of Sydney and get calm again. You just grab your surfboard, splash in those waves and feel happy to be alive. That's what really matters."

5. In 2002, Naomi Watts appeared in the play "Proof" in Melbourne, Australia, with two other well-known Aussie stars. Name the actors!

Top 100 Australian feature films of all time, ranked by total reported gross Australian box office as at March 2011.

Screen Australia reports

The no. 1 Australian film at the Australian box office is Crocodile Dundee (1986), with earnings of $47,707,045.Crocodile Dundee is also no. 54 on the list of top films from any country, not just Australia; no. 1 on that list is Avatar, which has taken over $115 million at the Australian box office since its release in December 2009 (see Cinema: Top-grossing films: Top all time).

Nine new titles entered the top 100 all-time Australian films: Tomorrow, When the War Began (13), Bran Nue Dae (31), Animal Kingdom (45), Kings of Mykonos: The Wog Boy 2 (46), Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole(49), Sanctum (58), Beneath Hill 60 (66), Daybreakers(91), and I Love You Too (97).

New titles in bold.


RankTitleDistributorRelease dateBox office ($)1
1Crocodile DundeeHoyts1986$47,707,045
2AustraliaFox2008$37,555,757
3BabeUIP/Universal1995$36,776,544
4Happy FeetRoadshow2006$31,786,164
5Moulin RougeFox2001$27,734,406
6Crocodile Dundee IIHoyts1988$24,916,805
7Strictly BallroomRonin1992$21,760,400
8The DishRoadshow2000$17,999,473
9The Man from Snowy RiverHoyts1982$17,228,160
10The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the DesertRoadshow1994$16,459,245
11Muriel’s WeddingRoadshow1994$15,765,571
12Mao’s Last DancerHopscotch/Roadshow2009$15,440,315
13Tomorrow, When the War BeganParamount2010$13,480,012
14Young EinsteinWarner Bros1988$13,383,377
15LantanaPalace2001$12,286,683
16GallipoliRoadshow1981$11,740,000
17The Wog BoyFox2000$11,449,799
18The PianoMiramax1993$11,240,484
19Mad Max 2Warner Bros1981$10,847,491
20Green Card (Australia/France)Roadshow1991$10,585,960
21The CastleRoadshow1997$10,326,428
22ShineRonin1996$10,167,416
23Phar LapHoyts1983$9,258,884
24CrackerjackRoadshow2002$8,618,107
25The Man Who Sued GodBVI2001$8,546,867
26Ned Kelly (Australia/UK)UIP/Universal2003$8,365,984
27Looking for AlibrandiRoadshow2000$8,280,335
28KennyMadman2006$7,778,177
29Babe: Pig in the CityUIP/Universal1998$7,771,751
30Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (Australia/US)UIP/Universal2001$7,759,103
31Bran Nue DaeRoadshow2010$7,680,192
32Knowing (Australia/US)Icon2009$7,588,162
33Rabbit-Proof FenceBecker/Ocean2002$7,562,439
34The Man from Snowy River IIHoyts1988$7,415,000
35Lightning JackRoadshow1994$6,439,819
36Wolf CreekRoadshow2005$6,080,571
37ChopperPalace2000$5,912,119
38Two HandsREP1999$5,478,485
39Reckless KellyRoadshow1993$5,444,534
40Mad MaxRoadshow1979$5,355,490
41JindabyneRoadshow2006$5,302,912
42The CraicRoadshow1999$5,265,935
43Picnic at Hanging Rock2BEF1975$5,120,000
44Dirty DeedsHoyts2002$5,083,187
45Animal KingdomMadman2010$5,000,018
46Kings of Mykonos: The Wog Boy 2Paramount2010$4,900,524
47Strange BedfellowsBecker2004$4,816,495
48Breaker MorantRoadshow1980$4,735,000
49Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’HooleRoadshow2010$4,730,018
50Alvin PurpleRoadshow1973$4,720,000
51AntarcticaIMAX1996$4,604,182
52Japanese StoryPalace2003$4,520,000
53Mad Max: Beyond ThunderdomeWarner Bros1985$4,272,802
54Charlotte Gray (Australia/UK)UIP/Universal2002$4,188,497
55Puberty BluesRoadshow1981$3,918,000
56The Crocodile Hunter: Collision CourseFox/MGM2002$3,892,095
57Charlie & BootsParamount2009$3,857,743
58SanctumUniversal2011$3,835,606
59Little FishIcon2005$3,829,869
60Fat PizzaRoadshow2003$3,651,320
61Ten CanoesPalace2006$3,511,649
62Africa’s Elephant KingdomIMAX1998$3,491,995
63MalcolmHoyts1986$3,483,139
64The DelinquentsGreater Union1989$3,370,650
65The Sum of UsUIP1994$3,327,456
66Beneath Hill 60Paramount2010$3,215,751
67Samson & DelilahParamount2009$3,188,931
68Romper StomperRoadshow1992$3,165,034
69KokodaPalace2006$3,138,501
70BoytownRoadshow2006$3,135,972
71We of the Never NeverHoyts1982$3,112,000
72Bright Star (Australia/UK)Hopscotch/Roadshow2009$3,110,560
73My Brilliant CareerGreater Union1979$3,052,000
74Evil AngelsWarner Bros1988$3,006,964
75Paradise RoadRoadshow1997$2,970,653
76Look Both WaysDendy/Footprint2005$2,969,712
77The Hard WordRoadshow2002$2,957,456
78CosiRoadshow1996$2,896,980
79CaddieRoadshow1976$2,847,000
80Sirens (Australia/UK)Buena Vista1994$2,780,639
81Death in BrunswickRoadshow1991$2,725,169
82BootmenFox2000$2,720,302
83Me Myself IBVI2000$2,698,330
84The Wiggles MovieFox1997$2,678,686
85The Heartbreak KidRoadshow1993$2,658,819
86Storm BoyRoadshow1976$2,645,000
87Dating the EnemyUIP/Total1996$2,620,325
88Romulus, My FatherDendy/Footprint2007$2,589,674
89The BankFootprint2001$2,515,917
90HostageRoadshow1983$2,455,000
91DaybreakersHoyts2010$2,448,050
92Dead CalmWarner Bros1989$2,444,407
93Careful, He Might Hear YouHoyts1983$2,431,126
94They’re a Weird MobGreater Union1966$2,417,000
95The Year of Living DangerouslyUIP/MGM1982$2,393,000
96Oyster Farmer (Australia/UK)Becker/Sherman2005$2,383,051
97I Love You TooRoadshow2010$2,362,832
98The Big StealHoyts1990$2,351,628
99Bad EggsRoadshow2003$2,317,820
100Gettin’SquareHoyts2003$2,292,587


Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA) with the assistance of the Australian Film Commission. Compiled by Screen Australia.

Notes:
Includes Australian productions and productions with overseas partners where creative control is shared (i.e. with a mix of Australians in key creative positions).
1. Earnings are in current dollars (i.e. not adjusted for inflation). Cumulative box office, as reported on 20 March 2011 in the MPDAA master report. These figures are updated on an ongoing basis therefore there may be discrepancies with previously published data. Estimates have been used for films released before 1988 where gross box office is unknown.
2. Including re-release through Ronin.