LITHGOW is known as an area of natural beauty with magnificent views, always at the hands of Mother Nature’s unpredictable moods — warm and sunny one minute, freezing cold mist the next.
Which is why producers Charlie Barnett and Michael Magafas chose this region to set the scene for their latest movie, Hounslow - The Legend of the Mountain Witch.
Over a period of three days the cast and crew found themselves in all pockets of the region, from the bush up near the Glow Worm Tunnels to Three Tree Hill and the village of Little Hartley.
Each location set the scene perfectly with Mother Nature playing her role and bringing in the right weather at the right time, much to the pleasure of the director but not so much for the actors.
Friday had everyone up in the Newnes Plateau with cast and crew working late into the night doing the scenes which involved a mystical circle of stones, a special pendant and, of course, the witch and lead actress.
The spot chosen depicts in the movie the haunted forest of Hounslow and the circle of stones is where all time, past and present, exists as one — only while wearing the pendant.
Sunday it was off to Three Tree Hill where a hanging scene took place.
Later that evening everyone congregated in Hounslow (aka Little Hartley) to finish the shoot.
Not only is the region about to be put on the map, again, but local identity Catherine MacNamara braved the mountain weather, and witch, to be part of the crowd calling for the hanging of one of the characters.
“It was a fun afternoon and everyone was very nice to me,” Cathy said.
“What started out a hot day turned windy and wet rather quickly but set the scene perfectly for a hanging.”
Producer Michael Magafas said the area was perfect for such a film and is looking forward to returning and making the whole movie for international release.
“Although this is an Australian production this region can give a familiar feel to anyone, anywhere in the world,” Michael said.
“Aimed at an audience from 13 years and above we are hoping the story theme shines through.
“That is listen to your heart and you own intuition.”
Once the movie teaser picks up finance it will be about three years before it hits the big screen and Lithgow is once again heading for international fame.
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