Aussie hacker telemovie seeks geeky props

An Australian telemovie currently in production for Channel 10 is in need of some sentimental geeks as it looks to replicate the Melbourne computer-hacking scene of the late '80s.

(Credit: cmd.exe image by n3wjack's world in pixels, CC BY-SA 2.0)

Janie Parker, an art director working on the new telemovie about hackers, called Underground, is currently building several set pieces, and needs the help of the local community to supply any period technology that has been collected over the years.

"To help tell the story, we need to accurately replicate the equipment that was used. We are searching for people that may collect this equipment to loan, sell or hire to us," Parker said.

The art director is looking to get hold of old Commodore 64 machines, Amstrads and IBM PCs for the production.

"In our story, the hackers get into various organisations, including the US military/police/university via the use of a modem. We will need to replicate this by programming codes to make these visuals.

"Also, in the project we have a scene where we are recreating a computer market. We will be making up several tables of equipment from the period. This is a scene where we would like collectors to bring along their equipment and be an extra for the day," she added.

Parker wrote to Linux Australia president John Ferlito today to enlist the help of the sentimental members of the Linux Australia community.

She told ZDNet Australia that any assistance that Australia's geeks can provide would be appreciated.

Underground is currently in production by Matchbox Pictures, and is being directed by Australian director Robert Connolly. Connolly's previous work has included direction of several episodes of ABC TV's The Slap, starring Melissa George, and the 2009 thriller Balibo, starring Anthony LaPaglia.

If you can help with the production, please email Janie Parker.