Underbelly hits Redfern
Filming has begun in Redfern’s notorious Block for the new series of the hit television show Underbelly.
Based on the Ned Kelly award winning book Razor by Larry Writer, the fourth season, set in 1920’s Sydney, will be filmed over the next five months in a specially constructed back lot in the historic complex of inner-city terraces.
Redfern residents can expect to be rubbing shoulders with members of the infamous razor gangs that once terrorised Surry Hills and Darlinghurst. Chelsie Preston Crayford and Danielle Cormack will star as Tilly Divine and Kate Leigh, two of the era’s most feared vice queens. The series will focus on their bloody war for control of Sydney’s underground at a time when strict firearms licensing laws meant that razor blades were the weapon of choice for Sydney’s standover men.
Location manager, Phillip Roope, is attempting to recreate a neighbourhood that is very different to Surry Hills today. “The pavements were different, there were no trees, the suburb was not looked after, and it was dustier, starker and barer.”
He says this is why they are filming in Redfern rather than Surry Hills. “The terrace houses are perfect because they have had no work done, because there is no money.” Construction of a permanent set is to supplement what is left of the dilapidated, 130-year-old Redfern properties and some terraces will undergo superficial changes to create an authentic 1920’s atmosphere.
Underbelly received permission to film in The Block after they were informed that the Aboriginal Housing Company’s controversial redevelopment plans had been put on hold for another seven months while their updated development application was approved. “The Block is a remarkable area at this stage,” said Mr Roope, “We just got in under the wire, at the end of a functioning suburb.”
Michael Cummings, a security guard for the set and local resident said “people thought the redevelopment was starting, but it’s just the movies.” He said he could see the excitement on the faces of the locals when management knocked on the doors. “This is good for The Block, it will put it on the map.”
Mr Roope says the project was designed to maximise community consultation and involvement. Everyone was doorknocked, indigenous painting and security firms were hired and film traineeships were offered to indigenous students at Eora TAFE. “We received an overwhelmingly positive response from the community,” he said.
The show will be filmed in six blocks of four days, with two week intervals. Residents were told to expect minor inconvenience on these days as parking is relocated. However local resident Anna Liza is sceptical. “This isn’t the first time Underbelly has filmed in The Block. Last time they were here they blocked the whole street and refused to let me through, they made me so late for uni.” Mr Roope is optimistic any issues will be minimised. He says any problems can be alleviated by forward planning. “It’s about knowing how a place ticks, we’ve done our research, so we know”.
By Jason Marshall
