First look at Angelina Jolie filming Unbroken in Queensland

THE first scenes in the production of the Second World War epic were shot in Moreton Bay. They depict subject Louis Zamperini's 47 days adrift at sea.

Angelina Jolie watches filming of Unbroken at Moreton Bay. © 2013 - Universal Pictures. Picture: Vince Valitutti

PRODUCTION has started on Angelina Jolie's war epic Unbroken in Moreton Bay.

The first behind-the-scenes images from the film show silmmed-down versions of actors Finn Wittrock and Jack O'Connell lying in a life raft and Jolie supervising filming.

Actors Finn Wittrock and Jack O'Connell in Moreton Bay during the filming of Unbroken.. Picture: Vince Valitutti

Jolie directs the film, which is based on the novel recounting the incredible life of Second World War veteran Louis Zamperini who survived 47 days marooned at sea and as a Japanese POW. Zamperini was also an Olympic runner.

She is reportedly filming in Moreton Bay from a floating rig, which can be partially seen in the image below.

Angelina Jolie on the set of Unbroken in Moreton Bay. © 2013 - Universal Pictures. Picture: Vince Valitutti

Published in 20101, Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption spent more than 145 weeks on The New York Times' bestseller list.

Random House is planning to publish a young-adult version of the book

Unbroken is due for release in the US on Christmas Day, 2014 and in Australia on January 8, 2015.