New Aussie thriller 13 Summers to be filmed in Hervey Bay

The director of a new Aussie thriller with big name actors has revealed why they chose Hervey Bay as the shoot location and how locals can get involved.

Some of the biggest names in the Australian film industry are headed to Hervey Bay next week as work begins on a suspenseful thriller about the relationships of two very different couples.

Bec Hewitt and Georgie Parker are set to star in 13 Summers and director Tam Sainsbury is thrilled with how it is coming together and the support she has received in bringing the film to the Fraser Coast.

Ms Sainsbury, who has also directed feature films Ryder Country and Perfect Messy Love, said the region was beautiful and she had spent plenty of time in Hervey Bay and Fraser Island.

“We became connected with the council and everyone was just so supportive and really excited about it,” she said.

It’s not the first time she has visited the Fraser Coast for a movie set.

Georgie Parker attends the 62nd TV Week Logie Awards on June 19, 2022 in Gold Coast, Australia. Picture: Chris Hyde

Ms Sainsbury was involved in the filming of The Reef, a psychological thriller about a group terrorised by a killer great white shark after their boat capsizes at sea.

Knowing the Fraser Coast was a possibility, Ms Sainbury came to Hervey Bay to do a location scout for the film and landed on beautiful Dundowran Beach, which she described as the perfect spot.

“It has got exactly the kind of houses, like the big beach house and the beach shack and exactly what we need for the characters and the story,” she said.

Hannah Levien grew up in Brisbane, Australia. Born to New Zealand parents, Hannah spent time in both countries.

The story is what made Ms Sainsbury want to take on the challenge of doing the film.

The film involves two couples caught up in an eerie mystery.

“During their annual vacation at an isolated beach, Ben and Vee unexpectedly encounter a mysterious backpacker who draws them into a twisted web of lies, deceit and ultimately, revenge”, a description on its website said.

Nathan Phillips from beloved Aussie horror film Wolf Creek will also star in the film.

Bec Hewitt gets ready for Dancing with the Stars at The Space Dance & Arts Centre. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

While working on much-loved Australian soap Neighbours, Ms Sainsbury was sent the script, one of many she was receiving.

“I thought, ‘I don’t have time, but I’ll read a few pages’,” she said.

“Then I just got completely sucked in and I couldn’t stop reading it.”

In addition to well-known names like Bec Hewitt and Georgie Parker, another star who is on the rise in the United States, Hannah Levien, has also signed on.

Ms Levien is known for her work in TV miniseries Brand New Cherry Flavor and Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.

“We’ve got a really, really great cast who have all done a lot between them,” Ms Sainsbury said.

Tam Sainsbury is the director and producer of a new film being shot at the Fraser Coast.

There are opportunities for people to get involved with the film.

Ms Sainsbury is looking for locals who would help with catering and can be contacted on [e-mail].

For businesses, opportunities in helping to fund the film also exist.

Filming for 13 Summers will begin next week.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said it was an exciting occasion for the region to provide the locations for a film.

“This is an industry I think that has great potential; whether it is the historic streetscapes of Maryborough, our country towns or pristine wilderness, we have many great locations for future productions” he said.

“The council is very keen to explore ways we can encourage future films here.”