Producers will be in Warrnambool  this week to confirm  more locations and will take time out for an information session tomorrow to explain the project.

Filming is expected to start on May 19 at various locations including Stingray Bay beach with Middle Island in the background where the story originated about an eccentric chook farmer offering his Maremma dogs to protect the endangered penguin population.

Other filming locations include Liebig Street, Flagstaff Hill  Maritime Village and  Thunder Point. 

The information session will be at Flagstaff Hill on Wednesday from 3pm to 6pm.

Applicants will be asked to complete   registration forms and have their photograph taken.

The production company will respond later after final production and extras requirements are determined.

Warrnambool tourism services manager Peter Abbott said extras must be available for work between May 19 and 31.

“Formal notice will be made for road closures once confirmed but one date is already set — Liebig Street between Koroit and Timor streets will be closed on  May 20 from 7am til 7pm,” Mr Abbott said.

“This closure will be for vehicle traffic and parking.

“Pedestrians will be able to walk the area but may be asked to move from set areas as the filming progresses down the street.

“Some businesses along these streets will be directly involved in filming and we have started making contact with them.”

Other planned closures will be on the corner of  Merri and Kelp streets, Viaduct Road, walking tracks between Stingray Bay and Thunder Point and the car parks and roads at Thunder and Pickering points.

Actor Shane Jacobson plays the role  of  Mortlake chook farmer ‘Swampy’ Marsh. The production company will do the majority of  filming around Warrnambool, but will use a Docklands studio set-up to resemble Middle Island  with dogs interacting with trained penguins. A fox has also been trained for the project.

The movie is scheduled to be launched next year to Australian and international audiences  and is expected to trigger a huge increase in tourism for the region.

pcollins@fairfaxmedia.com.au