HBO Days of Abandonment to film in NSW

HBO feature film Days of Abandonment, starring Natalie Portman, will film in New South Wales.

The project is based on the novel of the same name by Elena Ferrante (My Brilliant Friend).

Natalie Portman plays Tess, a woman who abandoned her own dreams for a stable home life, and in turn abandoned by her husband. As a result, her world is thrown off its axis. The cast also includes Rafe Spall (Long Story Short) and Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds).

The film has received support of $3.4m from the federal government’s $540 million Location Incentive program.

Minister for Communications Paul Fletcher, said, “Days of Abandonment will directly create more than 200 jobs for cast and crew, 500 extras roles, and use the services of an estimated 400 businesses across New South Wales when they begin filming in July.”

NSW Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin, said, “NSW is the creative heart of Australia, employing 56 per cent of the people in our screen industry and there is no better place for production of this feature film.

“The NSW Government’s Made in NSW fund is supporting Days of Abandonment. This production will showcase the talent and expertise of our incredibly talented actors, producers and crew to showcase, and at the same time stimulate our local economy by bringing jobs right across the trades, hospitality and transport sectors who support them.”

Maggie Betts is writer / director and the film will employ female creatives and crew across all levels of the production.

“We are very appreciative to have the opportunity to safely film in Australia alongside the talented people who live and work in the country,” said Executive Producers Maggie Betts, Celine Rattray, Sophie Mas and Len Amato.

“Everyone has been so welcoming and we look forward to a successful production.”

Filming will take place in Sydney and regional New South Wales.

The film is likely to screen via Foxtel / Binge but yet to be confirmed.