Whale Shark Jack: A Deep Dive into Filming and Conservation on Ningaloo Reef
Every film production presents its own set of challenges, but for the underwater sequences in Whale Shark Jack, the stunning backdrop of Ningaloo Reef made the hard work worthwhile. Actors Abbie Cornish and Alyla Browne recently shared their experiences in an exclusive interview, revealing the beauty and significance of this unique filming location.
From Early Fame to Underwater Adventures
Abbie Cornish, known for her breakthrough role in the 2004 drama Somersault alongside Sam Worthington, reflects on how that film shaped her career. "What Somersault gave me was a gateway to real filmmaking and a gateway to what it is to really make a story, no matter what platform it’s on, that holds weight," Cornish explains. "So it kind of gave me everything." Since then, she has built an impressive portfolio, including roles in Limitless, Seven Psychopaths, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
In Whale Shark Jack, Cornish plays Nita, a researcher studying the migratory paths of whale sharks. The film, adapted from a children's book by WA author Kathryn Lefroy, features an unlikely bond between Nita's daughter Sarah, portrayed by Alyla Browne, and the titular fish. A tragedy forces the family to move from sea life to a permanent home in Exmouth, where Sarah struggles to adapt.
Free Diving and Filmmaking Challenges
For Browne, who previously starred as the younger Furiosa in George Miller's Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, the role required extensive underwater work. "I definitely was very committed, because I was, like, 'We need to get this shot, this shot is going to be insane', so holding your breath is a lot about the mindset," Browne says. She explains the physiological aspects of free diving, noting that the sensation of needing air is due to carbon dioxide buildup, not oxygen depletion, allowing divers to push beyond their perceived limits.
To prepare, Cornish, Browne, and co-star Michael Dorman underwent free-diving training in Perth a month before filming began. This preparation not only honed their skills but also fostered a strong sense of camaraderie. "We built our family, we worked with our cast and our crew . . . and we just moved into this environment together, and it was really beautiful," Cornish recalls.
Celebrating Indigenous Culture and Conservation
The film goes beyond entertainment to highlight important themes, including the First Nations connection to country. Cornish emphasizes this as a key reason for her involvement. "I like the fact that we’re not only giving breath to whale sharks, but we’re also giving breath to Indigenous Australian culture," she says. "We’re not looking at a country that was just only born or bred or colonised 200 years ago; this is a long, long, long, long time ago, and to share those places and that cadence and that story was very important to me, I think, as an Australian."
Cornish adds that the film carries a "deep message" about conservation, underscoring the responsibility to preserve natural wonders like Ningaloo Reef for future generations. Browne echoes this sentiment, expressing her awe at the location. "That experience in Exmouth was one that I will never, ever forget in my whole entire life," she says. "And I crave every day to go back there, where this beautiful, vibrant red desert with dingoes meets this turquoise ocean of beautiful coral reef, and it’s so untouched, and it’s got such a great community."
Premiere and Environmental Impact
Whale Shark Jack premieres on April 2 on Stan, offering viewers not only a captivating story but also a visual tribute to one of Australia's most pristine environments. Through its focus on free diving, conservation, and Indigenous heritage, the film aims to inspire audiences to appreciate and protect natural treasures like Ningaloo Reef.
