AUSTIN Series 2 is on our screens soon...

Earlier this year, Perform Australia was pleased to coordinate over 300 extras for the filming of Series 2 of 'Austin', a comedy about a young neurodivergent man who is searching for his father. Starring Michael Theo, alongside well-known British actors Ben Miller and Sally Phillips, the show has delighted audiences with its feel-good flavour and heart-warming characters.

In January and February 2025, Canberrans from all over town were digging through their wardrobes for clothing that could represent London in winter or Canberra in summer, depending on the scene they were cast in. For some, this was their first time ever on a TV set, and nerves rattled as they saw all that was involved behind-the-scenes.

Cameras and tech everywhere, crew members wherever you looked... you would never know by simply watching the show itself how many people were involved in making it!

Perform Australia's job was to source people who could sit in cafes, walk down streets, behave like footy fans, pretend to be readers at book festivals, and much more. We put out a call for Canberrans to come to the party - and that, they did! We had some 700 applicants for the places available.

People of different ages and looks were required for different types of scenes - and we'd present our selections to the director of each episode. They'd have a think and say, "No, we need more of such-and-such-type people for this scene" or "That's a perfect mix of faces!" Our task was simply to meet their brief, and their ideas would often change as they went along. So sometimes we'd put people forward, and they'd get knocked back. But that's part of the creative process for the director, as they craft the look and feel of their work. All in a day's casting!

So take a look at Austin when it comes out later this month - no doubt, if you're a local, you'll spot some familiar locations and even some friends!

AUSTIN Series 2 drops on Sunday, July 27, on ABCTV and iview.