Tomorrow: When The War Began – FAQs
Hi, everyone!
There have been a few questions about the Tomorrow: When The War Began movie adaptation that seem to surface regularly, so a list has been compiled with some answers that’ll hopefully help everyone out!
- What is the movie about?
- What is the release date?
- Has a trailer been released?
- Who is the cast?
- Who is the director?
- Who wrote the screenplay?
- What’s the budget?
- What are the major set locations?
- Are there any plans for sequels?
1. What is the movie about?
The movie is based on the novel ‘Tomorrow, When the War Began’, the first book in a series of invasion novels written by Australian writer John Marsden; detailing a high-intensity invasion and occupation of Australia by a foreign power. The novels are told in first person perspective by the main character, a teenaged girl named Ellie Linton, who is part of a small band of teenagers waging a guerrilla war on the enemy soldiers in their fictional hometown of Wirrawee.
More »
2. What is the release date?
At the moment, we can only tell you that the Australian premiere is slated for a September release.
September 2, 2010
3. Has a trailer been released?
Our sources indicate that a short ‘teaser’ trailer will be released in late February or early March ‘around Easter’ on thefix.ninemsn.com.au at 9am AEST on Wednesday, March 31 and be exclusive for 24 hours. More info ».
4. Who is the cast?
Ellie Linton – Caitlin Stasey
Homer Yannos – Deniz Akdeniz
Lee – Chris Pang
Fiona Maxwell – Phoebe Tonkin
Kevin Holmes – Lincoln Lewis
Corrie McKenzie – Rachel Hurd-Wood
Robyn Mathers – Ashleigh Cummings
Chris Lang – Andy Ryan
More »
5. Who is the director?
6. Who wrote the screenplay?
7. What’s the budget?
Currently stands at $20M (AU)
8. What are the major set locations?
Several locations used around New South Wales including Raymond Terrace, Maitland, The Blue Mountains, Dungog and The Luskintyre Bridge.
Fox Studios Sydney was also used.
Take a look at the locations thread in the Tomorrow-Movies.com forum for pictures and in depth discussions.
9. Are there any plans for sequels?
Although nothing has officially been announced, last plans included creating a trilogy of films based upon the first three books in the series (“Tomorrow, When The War Began”, “The Dead of the Night”, “The Third Day, The Frost”). If commercially successful, there is a possibility of a spin off TV series being created, based upon the following four books in the Series (“Darkness, Be My Friend”, “Burning For Revenge”, “The Night Is For Hunting”, “The Other Side of Dawn”).
Questions? Comments? Reply »
Please i beg of you DO NOT turn the last books in to a tv series.
They didn’t turn the larst of the Harry Potter books into a TV series so why are you doing it to the Tomorrow series. I don’t want the last of the books turning into some dum TV serise when is just drags on.
I kinda think the tv series thing is a good idea – as long as they keep it to the books and have the budget to make it good. Actually I’ve always thought it would benefit more from a tv series then movies cause you could put more into it and you wouldn’t have to cut so much. I think film sometimes can be a restriction…But that’s just my opinion.
Ultimately I’m just so HAPPY they’re making it at all, it’s gonna be so great to see it come to life!!!
They also continued Harry Potter as they were internationally sucessful. There is a huge fan base of Tomorrow Lovers from Teenagers to Older people who read them in school. Lets hope that Tomorrow, When the War Began is a highly sucessful film and, when officially announced, they are awarded a budget to create each movie individually.
As for cutting things out, Avatar was a three hour movie. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was two and a half, thats an extreamly long time for a film when the recommended length is one and a half. My point is that although they can’t capture each camp fire discussion or the length of time it takes from Point A. to Point B. they can still incorperate a huge quantity of what happens in the book in the movie if they extend the length.
I thought this was the best movie, I have only recently gotten into the series!! The movie was directed towards teenages but will be enjoyed for the young and old. My favourite scene was Chris and his stoner-told story and i loved the soundtrack!! I felt they chose some great Aussie Artists!! … Powderfinger, Missy Higgins, Temper Trap and Sarah Blasko!! I loved it soo much! I will be quiet disappointed if they do turn the last few books into a TV series, caus ei think people will lose interest, being not as big! I don’t though think it will be nearly as big as Harry Potter, because Harry Potter was more a generation thing… Harry Potter was ‘born’ in England, a lot more direct country. Harry Potter was printed in alot more different languages and was known more around the world. Although the Tomorrow Series could have a more broad audience – because the plot is so much more believeable than wizards.
I loved the books and movie and really hope they either combine some books into one movie or make sure its a good tv series!!
It won’t be a TV “show” as such like Underbelly or anything like that, i think the mean they’ll make it into a Mini Series over like four weeks of a movie legnth/ hour long speacial or something like that, not like a traditional series or anything. At least I hope so XD
i agree..they would be so much better made into films aswell..a tv series spin off would not work
I agree, TV series just would NOT work, especially if the movies ARE successful and the cast don’t the tv series in which case it would ruin the authenticity of the story. PLEASE make the whole series into films !! Then u could leave the Ellie Chronicles for tv series if needed.
i totally agree with you DO NOT make it a tv series please i love the books and the movies make them all into movies
Please please please don’t make it a series!!!!!!!!!
please DO NOT turn the last 4 books in the series make them into movies aswell. we need to see everything on the movie screen
Oh, finally we have news..
Australian premiere in september ?
Awesome..
tv show wudnt b bad bt it dends on how the movie goes
The release date has been set for September 2: http://www.encoremagazine.com.au/tomorrow-confirms-september-release-1210
I can’t wait!!!!!!
The budget is $25m. Australian dollars.
I thought it was 38.9 million?
A friend of mine in Australia got me hooked on this series (I am in the US) and I am hoping we will be able to see this in the US. This will be a tough one to condense into a film setting but from what I have seen in snippets it looks to be awesome
They’re going to have to make the last one’s into a tv series because Tomorrrow is going to be know where as successful as Harry Potter.
You can’t exactly predict that. When the film is released, it will attract a lot of Australians as it is both set in Australia and based on a world reowned Australian author and a highly anticipated book.
and written by a world reowned Australian author*
What sources indicate about the trailer? Do anyone know anything about it?
I just saw the pre-vewing of the film in melbourne and it was amazing! The characters are well acted and Stuart Beattie has managed to capture the right emotions to pull it off and make it believable. it does actually follow the book quite closely which was a good effort. The country scenes were captured perfectly, the cinematography was very well done in these scenes. In the last scene where they blow up a tanker to destroy a bridge there is a little to much comedy which was generaly really quite good throughout the film except for this scene. i give the film so far a 8/10 a truly great australian film!
Any questions about the film?
There have been a lot of complaints that the actors are ‘too pretty’, particularly in regard to Caitlin Stasey playing Ellie.
Did they do their roles justice?
1, Yes they definitely did do their roles justice!
2, The most funny scene was Ellie and the gang arrive at Chris’s house they find him high on pot.
3, I was actually I little disappointed in the cliff-hanger because it was not serious enough, I’m not sure if the director was trying to capture their youth and inexperience but it just seemed to light hearted.
4, the soundtrack was not too bad although there were a couple of tracks that were to playful and not really dark enough make it more realistic. But there were a few great songs. Overall it was ok.
5, The scenes in hell were pretty good apart from the special effects of the snake in one of the sleeping bags which was horrible, but they might possibly take that out, but I doubt it. There is one scene which I would watch the movie five times over just to see, which is when Ellie is standing on a hill in the bush looking down at the town and realizing that she must fight any way possible to help out and if possible slow or cripple the enemy.
In regards to Caitlin Stasey being too pretty for the role they are most definitely incorrect. I do agree yes she is gorgeous but she played the role really well and she really does get away with it. Fiona is the blond bombshell in this film and Stuart has obviously chosen her because she clearly is supposed to be the good looking one, and so the audience acknowledges this easily.
It’s great to hear positive remarks from those who have seen the screening of the film. Thankyou for answering the questions asked, it really does settle a few nerves in the stomachs of waiting tomorrow lovers.
Ohh that’s great!! The movie sounds very faithful to the book, that’s awesome I can’t wait to see it!! I’m getting more and more excited!
So… asking a few questions is fine?
1) how was the chemistry between the actors?
2) your favourite funny moment in the movie?
3) how was the cliffhanger?
4) and the soundtrack?
5) and the scenes in the Hell?
thank you
x
yea those r good questions, i wonder wt music thy will have? hopefully it goes well with the movie. i cnt wait for the third movie where they get caught and kevin farts.lol will thy add that 2 the movie?lol
Still no news on the release date of the trailer?… Anyone?
Any more questions?
Thank you so much for answering! The movie sounds amazing! I think I’ll love that scene of Ellie too, can’t wait to see it!
1) How was the opening? Does the movie show Ellie going at Homer’s? And Ellie’s conversation with Lee on the phone? I thought it was a pretty funny scene.
2) Was the trip to the Hell just like the books? (I mean the scenes at Tailor’s stitch, when they were looking for the clearing..)
3) Does the movie show some scenes at the creek too? (i.e. when Homer talks to Ellie about Fi, a very funny scene!)
4) Was the showground scene well handled?
5) And the lawn mower’s one?
thank you again
x
oh i forgot my last question lol.
is this a scene of the movie? http://www.theherald.com.au/multimedia/images/large/630167.jpg if so, which one?
yes it’s at the begining. It’s basically a part of the introduction to her character.
1) How was the opening?
It was ok although there were a couple of parts that were not very good e.g. Ellie is cutting wood with a chainsaw to show the audience that she is a capable country girl, but she is doing it incorrectly. I’m from the country so it just kind of stood out for me, but most people would not notice it. The opening soundtrack is not great but they could have done worse. It was pretty good apart from that.
2) Ellie’s conversation with Lee on the phone?
This is in the film and it was well acted with Ellie being really nervous about it.
2) Was the trip to the Hell just like the books? (I mean the scenes at Tailor’s stitch, when they were looking for the clearing.)
Yes some of it is in the film but not all. They manage to find the clearing really easily. In the clearing there is a waterfall and various boulders (large rocks) and a little bit of sand and a grassy area.
3) Does the movie show some scenes at the creek too?
Yes there are a couple of scenes but not that many. It’s really not a large part of the film because they have to fit in all the rest.
4) Was the showground scene well handled?
At first it seems poorly handled then a few bad things happen and it brings it to life a bit more so over all it was quite well done!
5) And the lawn mower one?
This was done very well. It is there to show the audience that even though they are young they are capable especially Ellie. I think this also helps to show the audience her leadership ability and how she is or will be the leader of the group.
is or was there actualy a movie about this??? ive read all seven series ………. and there soooo awesome!! i honestly cried when i fineshd the other side of dawn i highly recomend this book!!!!!!!!! u have to read it
ohh where can you veiw this trailer or what ever it is? im sooo keen to see it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qxb8rgq_Un8
im just moving on to the ellie chronicals! haha they sound awesome! its like after the war fineshes and it tels you about her life after the war… then!!! the enimies and the boarder gets out of controll again it sounds great
I’ve read all three of them and im sure you won’t be displeased.
is there any word on what the soundtrack will be?
thanks
Apparently it will include music from the Temper Trap, Sarah Blasko and Missy Higgins, see link.
http://au.youth.yahoo.com/girlfriend/entertainment/article/-/7031455/tommorrow-when-the-war-began-watch-teaser-trailer/
no tv show cos that’d involve watching tv.. movies way better
Where did you see the movie, George? How did you see it?
Are there gonna be any more screenings?
i saw it at the melbourne central cinema’s. no i really doubt there will be any more screenings. usually when they have come up with a trailer they have finished the final parts of post production so i very much doubt they need any more input from random civilians. My brother went to movies to watch a film with and friend and was approched by someone asking him if he would like to attend a screening the folowing week and my brother asked what it was about because they would not tell him what the film was called and so he guessed what it was and invited myself.
What is the movie rated (PG, M, etc.)?
M, for violence, drug use and coarse language, according to Event Cinemas’ website. That’s good, cos I thought it might be MA
turn it into a tv series and all the followers will leave
if you had to start from the begining, if it was a tv series, What would be the one or two things you would change and why?
I see the date is now 8th August in Sydney with all the cast present. I was so pleased to read the positive review by George Coles.Being a UK fan of Caitlin and having seen the trailers I never had any doubt that she would do credit to the role of Ellie.If it hadn’t been for following Caitlins career i would not have known about the books which i have now bought and read them all.They were just excellent.Does anyone out there if and when we can see it in the UK?? I’ve no doubt it’s going to do well at the box office,world wide.This is a great opportunity for the young cast and the Australian film industry.,
I love this series, I grew up with them. I was so excited when I found out it was becoming a movie last year though i moved to the UK to work for a year and want to know if I can see it in the UK before I get home in four months.
Hey, thanks for the info.
Im 11 and I read the first two tommorow books. I love them to death and would marry them if I could!! LOL!!!
I am so excited about the movie and am gonna be even more excited about a tv series!!!!!!!!
tHANKS
hey im doingna project on the movie and iw as wondering if the was a soundtrack being released that i could use for extra points on my project thanks
It’s not yet clear if a soundtrack will be released.
You can find more information about all the songs here: http://tomorrowmovies.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=multimedia&action=display&thread=1765&page=1
Maarten
Hi,
I read the books back whenthey came out when I was 11 and I’m now 23, just read them all again and remembered why they stuck in my head all these years. I’m an avid reader and I have to say, the entire story is completely gripping start to finish, I love every single one of those books!
However, i’m on my way back to the UK and would would really like to know:
WHEN THIS WILL BE RELEASED IN ENGLAND?!?!?
I really hope someone can help because i’ve scoured the web and found nothing.
Thanks
xxx
i don’t think they should make the last four into a TV show!! the first was a terrific movie, they can’t ruin it for everyone
This was one of the best movies’s i’ve ever seen! it was done so well. so much action. loved it all the way through..
the movie was awesome. one of the best movies i have seen in a while. turning it into a tv serious would ruin the movies and the books. it would just turn out like the rest if the crap thats on tv these days.
i absolutely loved the series of books and now im on a working visa in the uk and NEED to know if and when it will be released over here!!!please anyone??
No international release dates have been confirmed yet. All you can do is to keep an eye on the official facebookpage, the fan page on facebook, and this site.:)
I’m with Sharnee. I grew up with these books – I’ve read the whole series at least six times completely through (especially the first three books), and now live in Berlin, Germany. The books have been translated into German, along with many other languages, so I’m really hoping the movie gets released here. Otherwise I’ll have to wait to get the DVD sent over for Christmas. Hell, we’ve waited more than ten years for the movie – I think I could hang on another few months.
Only three of the 10 books have been translated into German in the last decades….. That tells you a lot about the still limited international potential or focus… (The German speaking territories have a population of almost 100 Million). If you want to see the complete series on a screen you must ‘vote’ for a TV-Series. There will never be enough funding…and time…. to film all the books as theatrical movies… And by the time we might arrive at No. 5 (halftime of the complete series as of today!) the main actors will have to be changed for the 1st or even 2nd time (because they would all be well in their 30s and moms and dads by then….). The Tomorrow Series… and Ellie Chronicles are the best books ever. The story is smart, complex, deep, very emotional and thankfully quite long. The books should all make it to the screen (small screen) and I mean many, many hours of captivating, intelligent and sometimes even ‘dark’ TV-entertainment!
Everyone, the movie was insanely awsome and just blew my mind! I didn’t read the books but i loved the acting, the action and the atmosphere created. I love this movie and I plan to tell all my friends about it. I also plan to follow sequels if they are created. I am going to buy the movie as soon as it comes out and im pretty sure im going to go see it in the cinemas for the third time soon. So thank you everyone involved in the production for creating a great movie! Thanks!
movie was the best, loved it so much <3 big fan of the books too
i was wondering about the chronicals, is there any thoughts on those?
the tv series is a very bad idea it would be really annoying you have to make the last books movies cus they are the best books
Hey – you know I did a bit of site searching and discovered that the film industry *may* be willing to shell out for 5 (yes thats right 5) feature films so yeah. Just a rumor but if these films get really sucessfull and start turning in the big bucks – maybe just maybe we can get a sliver of hope that there will be a 4th and 5th film. So lets give these movies our ultimate undivided support (I’m gonna get all my friends together within the first week of release and go see that movie at least 3 times – Yay ! for box office ratings (For the second (hopefully there will be) movie lets try and get over 7.7 Million in the first two weeks) !
but there not even sure if there will be a sequel at all – I hate to be the pessemist here, but is it even possible (I’m hoping like hell that there will be)
If Australia can spend 145 Mill (?) on 1 vote for World cup (sorry footy fans but – when there is a whole creative & performing arts population continually neglected )- I believe 2010 latest arts contribution for Australia was 4 million. Other countries have wealthy, altruistic benefactors supporting their film industry.
TOMORROW WHEN THE WAR BEGAN was ***** rating – awesome! Have bought several DVD’s for friends as I so believe what a wonderful movie it is. Proudly Australian.
Many viewers – old and young are here because of war and many others – remember the very real 1939-45 possibility. The movie gave a return of scary goosebumps to the elderly Australian generation, viewing it with their teenage grandchildren! BRAVO TO JOHN MARSDEN, THANKYOU CAST & CREW…more please – but a longer, wider distribution for sequel release.
I honestly think turning the remaining books into a tv series will just ruin the whole thing, it’ll be like ‘lost’ when it just drags on and on, and never ends. I love the books and the movie already ripped of the books, please please please bring them all into movies, whether or whether not it takes you years to do it, it’d be so much better.
THIS MOVIE IS SH!T HOUSE! CANCEL WHOLE SERIRES PLEASE!!!!!
reece……what is your problem? Read the books (or audio books). Just give it a try some day. After reading the book you will be able to like the movie at least a little. The movie had to do a lot of ‘cuts’ and slight changes to the story and they tried to make it more commercial, broader. It got a different feel than the books but it still is o.k. But you can’t understand the full story and characters and depth of it at all if you never read the books. The book should always be read before the film…. If you wrote this because you read the books and were disappointed by the movie I can sympathize a bit. Personally I would have preferred a harder, darker version with Ellie also as frequent narrator… closer to the books.
[...] film has the look, feel and budget of Hollywood, coming in at an estimated $20 million AUD, with action sequences and particularly, a truck chase, staged on a grand [...]
[...] film has the look, feel and budget of Hollywood, coming in at an estimated $20 million AUD, with action sequences and particularly, a truck chase, staged on a grand [...]