AS well as filming in York, as reported by Echo News on August 22, the comedy-drama production Overture has been filming in the City of Swan.

Film crew and cast took over Strelley Brook cottage in Herne Hill last week, turning the heritage mud-brick house into an inside set for a day’s filming.

Rex and Lina McCrae, who own Strelley Brook, said the process had made the property busy, with crew members coming in and out through the week.

“York may have the lion’s share of the Overture glory and the brilliance of Bruce Beresford, but most everyone in the production team of this film has eaten minties from my grandmother-in-law’s bone china,” Mrs McCrae said.

“My only touch of complaint was Bruce’s lack of knowledge about the beauty of WA, particularly the Swan Valley and its rich history.”

The cottage is full of quirks and old-time character. As Mrs McCrae said, every wall is left of straight, the floorboards creak, the doors jam, and tall people hit their heads. But the mud brick walls of Strelley are solid and comforting, sturdy in their age, the perfect setting to house a production crew for an outback drama.

Mrs McCrae said Strelley Brook was no stranger to the bustle of a production, either.

“Strelley has played host to a baker’s dozen of ABC productions, a West Fashion photoshoot, a commercial and even a high school media assignment which won some awards,” she said.

“Mr Beresford and the director of photography scanned our little BnB and deemed it suitable for their needs. The paddocks are to play host to the trucks, the neighbours will have semis on their verge and the lady down the road with a hardstand will have the 18-wheelers to contend with.”

The production shot in York before moving closer to Perth, and is being supported by the state government’s WA production attraction incentive and Screenwest. As a whole, the production will inject around $3.5 million into the WA economy.

The cast includes Luke Bracey, Susie Porter, and Nicholas Hammond, and extras were sourced from local talent in York while the production was in town.

Mr McCrae said the production coming to town was nothing but positive for the Swan Valley.

“Like York, the Swan Valley still has the look and feel of an Australian country town, complete with open spaces and wild characters. The Swan Valley is an understated jewel like that,” he said.

“It’s great to have these things happening in our local area, and more people should know these things are going on in the valley.”