Meet the stars | News

THERE are only a small number of people in this world who can say they have appeared on screen with Nicole Kidman and rubbed shoulders with the likes of Geoffrey Rush, but Whitsunday man Philip Larsson is one of them.

Mr Larsson, his wife Kate and their daughters Bronte (13), Siena (10) and Lisha (7) worked on location in Bowen, Darwin and Sydney after being chosen as extras in Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Australia’.

"It was just a great, great experience," Mr Larsson said.

Anyone watching the film should take special notice of the government officials on the wharf who welcome Kidman’s character off the boat from England - Mr Larsson is among them.

The Larssons, who share their time living between Airlie Beach and Bowen, appear several times in the film, including an evacuation scene.

Mr Larsson said the moments on film were fleeting, but creating them was worthwhile.

He said family members spent about a week sitting in a boat near Kidman, which translated to 15-20 seconds on screen and the experience of a lifetime in working so close to a star. Mr Larsson said Kidman looked out for his daughters in the Darwin heat and would say ‘Make sure there’s a brolly for the girls.’

"Nicole is really a lovely lady," he said.

The Larsson girls, who are home schooled, were complimented by producers and have generated interest with some agents.

One of the girls had a credit in the film because she had a line.

However, the line was cut in the editing process.

Mr Larsson said the girls were always keen on acting, now even more so.

The Larssons attended the Sydney premier of the film, where they mingled with stars.

Mr Larsson, who owns Sea View Apartments in Airlie Beach, said he was delighted to see the final result.

"It’s been a long wait," he said.

Mr Larsson saw the film for the second time last Wednesday night in Bowen, along with 260 extras, volunteers and Bowen residents.

"It was even better on the second viewing," he said.

The showing, which Mr and Mrs Larsson organised, raised money for students with special needs in Bowen.

The charity event included finger food, a red carpet and a whole lot of excitement, according to Mr Larsson.

"It was a sensational night," he said.

"Everyone cheered every time they saw someone (they knew)."

Guests gathered after the film to critique it and some people wore replica costumes to those they wore on screen.

"People were buzzing and talking," Mr Larsson said.

"It was very exciting."