SPREAD THE WORD

New Zealanders and Australians play rivals on the rugby field, but the Kiwi-Aussie series 800Words is proof that we actually work really well together! The co-production is back for season three this week, so we got our hands on some fun facts about the new episodes to getet you ready.

BACK AND FORTH

McLeod’s Daughters star Bridie Carter, who plays Jan, films her scenes in blocks. When she’s finished, she flies from Auckland to her home in Byron Bay, where she lives with her husband Michael Wilson and sons Otis and Tobias.as.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Much of this week’s action takes place at the beach or at sea. But where was it filmed? Initial scenes were shot at Piha and Bethells Beach. The cast also filmed on Auckland’s east coast, where the surf was a little less wild. “We capitalised on the natural beauty that we work in every day,” says actor Erik Thomson, who plays George.

LOOK OUT FOR …

We know Siouxsie (played by Olivia Tennet) as Monty’s gothic daughter. But this week, we find the receptionist almost unrecognisable without her make-up. It’s certainly a refreshing look k for her – we wonder if it will stay?

ACTING OUT

She may play an editor of a newspaper based in Sydney, but Bridie has never had any desire to be a journalist herself. “I’ve only ever wanted to be an actor,” the star insists.

WET AND WILD

Our gorgeous landscapes make Aotearoa a spectacular place to film, but our four seasons in one day can also make shooting tricky. “We had a really wet winter this time,” Erik tells us.s. “We were running around, dodging rain!”n!”