preparations completed

Received professional advice and recommendations from over 30 production experts including accomplished producers, directors, composers and arrangers around the world to confirm the relevance and feasibility of the concept

Researched artistic, educational and commercial potential and confirmed its timeliness and relevance to Australians

Compiled reference recordings of Waltzing Matilda variations and other Australian melodies with which to plan a world-class original orchestral score for the film

Secured in-principle agreement from three of Australia’s most distinguished composers (Michael Atherton, Peter Sculthorpe & Ross Edwards) to contribute to a world-class orchestral score for the film

Established contacts with numerous Australian musicians who have recorded their own instrumental versions of Waltzing Matilda and other Australian melodies that could be integrated into a final orchestration

Established relationships with non-Australian musicians and arrangers who have recorded Waltzing Matilda in other parts of the world for other occasions

Received written expression of interest from Michael Atherton confirming intent to proceed. His letter includes a budget estimate for the Sydney Symphony Orchestra to rehearse and record in the Sydney Opera House ~ Atherton is a pre-eminent Australian composer with expertise and professional contacts sufficient to complete the score

Acquired substantial research materials from which to plan visual content ideas for development in the project development phase (location surveying, storyboarding and scripting)

Prepared a Concept Summary that is the 'source document’ recommending the structure and form of the film to be produced with suggestions for ways it can be used to deliver educational content to schools and communities nationwide

Established relationships with leading Australian social researchers whose work impacts upon many aspects of the Being Australian media project

Founded Being Australian Pty Ltd, a registered Australian company to propel outcomes described above while providing products and services to individuals and organisations

Developed a purpose-built online store for the sale of custom Australian-made merchandise unique to Being Australian with the aim of marketing and promoting the venture and its objectives