Lilley series visits Bond
THERE were more than a few students staring out the window at Bond University yesterday as Logie-winning actor, writer and director Chris Lilley filmed scenes for his new Netflix series at the Varsity Lakes campus.
Lilley was sighted on set near the campus coffee shop in character, sporting a long red-haired wig and a double denim shirt and jeans outfit over what appeared to be a ‘fat suit’.
Excited students hoping to grab a selfie with the secretive actor were promptly moved on by security, with a strict no photos or video rule in place for the shoot.
The series appears to have an “around the world” theme, with casting calls for local actors and extras from the US, Canada, India and several Asian countries issued since cameras began rolling on the project in March and insiders say they’re not done casting yet.
“They’ve been filming 12-14 hour days in multiple locations at the Bond campus, including out on the grass and in lecture theatres,” an insider said.
Lilley, who appears to have multiple roles in the series, was spotted dressed as a woman, standing on stilts and wearing a wig during another scene.
He was also photographed in character on a location shoot in northern NSW last month. The Logie-winning actor and writer wore a giant afro wig, sunglasses and an African-inspired kaftanstyle-top during that shoot.
The production has also filmed at Platinum Nightclub in Broadbeach and an old house at Tweed Heads.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the series will deliver a $6.35 million boost to the local economy and employ up to 250 cast and extras and 100 crew during its twomonth shoot.
The 10-episode comedy project is one of two original Australian Netflix series currently in production on the Coast. Elsa Pataky stars in the other project, supernatural crime drama Tidelands.
Netflix executives will visit Queensland in November as part of Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s bid to convince the streaming giant to film more shows here.
Lilley’s project and Tidelands were lured here after the State Government tipped in funds as part of its $50 million Production attraction strategy.