Local actors picked up for overseas documentary

FOUR local actors from Kucom Theatre will be watched by eyes across the globe in coming months.

Jim Kelly, Connor Scoble, Tom Dray, and Josh Dempster were asked by an American production company to appear in a documentary called Expedition Unknown.

They travelled to Bowen on Tuesday to film in the Bowen Harbour aboard a 15th century replica ship called Notorious.

The same ship has docked at Mackay Marina before, attracting the interest of many, and often mistaken for the ship used in Pirates of the Caribbean, The Black Pearl.

The films art director even offered to buy the boat from the couple for the next movie, however the owners said it held too much sentimental value.

Spending the day aboard Notorious, the four actors were required to dress in attire from the 15th century era and act as members of the crew.

"We actually got to go out on the water, sailed the boat and were filmed by a smaller boat beside us then a drone from above,” Mr Kelly said.

"They had us working on the deck, I was captain on top and then there was a scene where we had to get thrown around at rough seas.

"It was an amazing experience, especially because of the ship, it's just incredible to be on, the others said it was brilliant as well, they'd never had an opportunity like that before.”

The documentary and scenes filmed in Bowen are part of a mini series set in the late 1900s to appear on the Travel Channel.

Each season is viewed by millions of viewers across the world - quite the accomplishment for the local crew.

The episode that the Kucom actors appeared in is due to air somewhere between March and June next year.

Overall Mr Kelly said they were thrilled to be chosen over any other group or nearby region and it was a memorable moment for them all.

"It was an indescribable feeling, very different to being out on stage, you're there and it just feels real,” Mr Kelly said.

"It came quite naturally to us all but we agreed it was a totally different experience to performing in front of an audience.

"But definitely one that myself and the boys will cherish for the rest of our lives and their careers ahead.”