Canberrans are seriously ambitious actors if the latest frenzied recruitment for extras in TV series Austin is anything to go by.
An incredible 650 applicants applied for the 300 places available in the comedy series (twice as many as last year), which has just begun filming in Canberra.
A second season is being shot around our very own Hollywood back-lot, including Parliament House, Canberra International Airport, National Gallery of Australia and local shops, restaurants and cafes.
Adding some star power to our photogenic city are UK actors Ben Miller (Death in Paradise) and Sally Phillips (Bridget Jones), who have been spotted around town by eagle-eyed locals (Sally Phillips was spotted in Lyneham last Sunday).
All shapes and sizes applied for the extras roles, advertised by Perform Australia late last year, and there’s even a position available for a head double for the back of Sally Phillips’ head (must have long blonde hair).
For those who missed it on ABC, Austin follows the relationship between author Julian and the son he never knew about: Austin. Brief synopsis: A bestselling, but recently cancelled, children’s author has a meltdown when approached by Austin, a neuro-divergent 20-something claiming to be his son; he then realises that embracing the young man may be the path to redemption.
The break-out star of the show is Australian Michael Theo, who is on the autism spectrum and plays the straight-talking, neurodivergent Austin. This follows his debut performance in season one when viewers fell in love with Austin and his extended family.
The first season was filmed mostly in Canberra and put our beautiful city into sharp focus (Hyatt Hotel Canberra featured heavily).
“We are all beyond excited to start filming again, and reunite our joyously neurodivergent family,” actor Ben Miller said.
Filming the second season in Canberra kicked off at the end of last month and is expected to wrap up early March. Extras roles range from 4-hour shifts to 12-hour shifts and all are paid performances. If extras are working during a meal break, catering is provided. Oscars here we come.
At the start of season two, Austin and Julian are still in the UK when Austin’s own publishing career takes off. As his fame grows, he falls under the professional spell of his new agent. To his family’s horror, Austin behaves in a manner unbefitting his true self.
Meanwhile, an Australian production company options Julian’s book Big Bear for TV. Julian, his wife, Ingrid, and Austin return to Canberra. Unfortunately, they find the company wants to reinvent the Big Bear brand – without Julian.
Austin season two will air on ABC TV and ABC iview in 2025.
View Austin trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=R3WNJKKGzwc
