Due to the UK's tax rebate rules, films need to shoot some scenes or handle part of post-production locally.
For *Spider-Man*, the special effects—handled by Industrial Light & Magic—are staying stateside. Everything else, like rendering, dubbing, scoring, and editing, is heading to David Heyman's Working Title Films in the UK.
Dunn's post-production crew, led by Morgan Carey with his stellar 98-point production skills, has already shipped out to England to start on the film's initial rendering and color grading.
The movie doesn't lean heavy on effects, and as a commercial flick, it's not chasing artsy, picture-perfect shots. Three or four months of post should do it.
Dunn's taking 20 days off before joining them in the UK.
On October 29th, Christopher Nolan's *Memento* wrapped first.
By November 3rd, *Girl, Interrupted* finished shooting too. Sam Mendes, just 34, earned the cast's unanimous respect. His professionalism and dedication proved once again why the Brits are so reliable.
Two days later, Dunn borrowed James Cameron's private jet and flew to Australia with his girlfriend, Natalie Portman.
Natalie's buzzing—not just her first private flight or her first trip Down Under, but she's thrilled to spill about filming *Girl, Interrupted*.
It's her first real shot at flexing her acting chops as an adult.
"Director Mendes said I did great—good enough for a Golden Globe nod, maybe even an Oscar!" Natalie beams.
Dunn grins. "He's just hyping you up, pushing you to do even better."
"No way!" She puffs up, fists clenched. "I *was* good! Even Nicole said so—she told me she couldn't have pulled off that kind of intensity at my age!"
"Nicole?" Dunn shakes his head, teasing. "She's my date, you're my girlfriend. Long as she's got a brain, she's gonna butter you up."
"You're full of it!" Natalie glares, teeth gritted. "Dunn, how are you this shameless? Dates and girlfriends—you think every pretty woman in Hollywood's gotta orbit you?"
Dunn chuckles, pulling her close and whispering, "So, in Australia… how're we crashing?"
"Huh?"
Natalie's face goes beet red, her words stumbling out as she shoots him a pleading look. "I… I'm not ready yet."
Dunn rolls his eyes. "Come on, last year we'd have sealed the deal if your mom hadn't meddled."
"That… that was different! I was new to dating, clueless." She turns away, pouting.
Dunn smirks. "What, we're doing the platonic thing now?"
Natalie giggles, tilting her head up. "Why not?"
He shrugs casually. "Guess I'll just crash with someone else at night."
"You promised no more Naomi!" Her brow furrows.
"I know—there's still Nicole, right?" Dunn grins, lowering his voice. "Plus, Australia's got plenty of beauties…"
"You… Dunn, you jerk!"
She lunges, pinching his side.
---
Nicole Kidman plays tour guide, showing Dunn and Natalie around Sydney for two days. Then it's time for their meet-up with Mel Gibson.
It's an "Aussie Gang" tradition—every November, the Aussie actors gather to chat work, bond, dish on Hollywood, and lend each other a hand.
The ringleader? Mel Gibson, no question.
Dunn's an outsider, but scoring an invite to the "Aussie Gang" inner circle—straight from Mel Gibson himself—says a lot.
In Hollywood, the "Aussie Gang" are foreigners. Dunn's brash vibe and young résumé make him a misfit with plenty of the old guard too.
Teaming up, joining forces—it's how you survive in this town.
Mel Gibson sees Dunn's potential and pull. He wants the "Aussie Gang" leaning on a powerhouse like him to climb higher.
The "British Gang" and "Aussie Gang" might both speak English, but the UK's tight with the U.S.—practically siblings. Australia? More like a distant cousin.
The Brits have deep roots and clout in Hollywood. They don't need outside help—just stick together, and they've got a solid spot.
The Aussies? Different story. Back in Hollywood's golden age, they got the same cold shoulder as people of color. It's only softened in the last decade or two.
Still, it's not enough.
The "Aussie Gang" is tiny. Star power? Just Mel Gibson and Nicole Kidman. Directors and producers? Barely register.
Mel's been pushing for Aussie actors to break through in Hollywood. Then he spotted Dunn, this young hotshot director.
Dunn flipped Nicole Kidman's rep—from box office poison and tabloid bait to one of Hollywood's elite actresses.
Mel can't prop up the gang alone. He needs backup, and Dunn's his ace.
Dunn's got his own angle too. Mel Gibson's a draw, sure, but the "Aussie Gang"'s untapped potential is what he's after.
No Jewish roots, no fancy pedigree, no old college buds—Dunn's clawed his way up on raw talent alone, with next to no outside help.
Having the "Aussie Gang" as a heavyweight ally? That's a game-changer for him.
A partnership where they lean on each other? Win-win.
Natalie's sharp—she clocked Mel's play early and RSVP'd for Dunn.
She plays it cool, all wide-eyed and innocent, like she's just starstruck. Her Jewish background might spook Mel, so she keeps it low-key.
At Mel Gibson's estate, Natalie gasps, "Wow, this place is huge!"
The butler smiles. "Miss Portman, if you're up for it, you could hunt in the jungle over there sometime."
"That's part of the estate too?" Her eyes go wide.
"Of course. Everything you can see from here belongs to Gibson Manor." Pride flickers in the butler's expression.
Dunn takes her hand, grinning. "How about we buy a place like this in Australia someday?"
Natalie smirks, half-teasing. "I'd rather snag one in California."
Dunn breaks a sweat.
Australia's got space to spare—even in Sydney, a sprawling estate like this wouldn't top $10 million.
In California? Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch—smaller than this—runs over $100 million!
"Pfft!"
Natalie shoots him a playful glare. "Kidding! Let's go—the guy at the door… looks like Mr. Gibson."
It's getting dark, hard to tell.
As Dunn and Natalie reach the estate's fountain, a tall figure strides toward them.
Dunn's never met Mel Gibson in person, but that silhouette? It's unmistakable—Hollywood's reigning top star, Mel Gibson!
"Welcome, welcome! Director Walker, you being here—it's my greatest honor!"
Mel picks up the pace, hand outstretched, all warmth and charm.
Dunn laughs. "Mel, no need to be so formal. Call me Dunn."
Mel belts out a hearty laugh, pulling Dunn into a big bear hug like they're old pals. He doesn't leave Natalie hanging either. "Miss Portman, thanks for making this happen."
Natalie's all poise and grace, curtsying slightly with a smile. "Mr. Gibson, it's *our* honor to be invited."
Dunn sneaks a surprised glance at her.
This girl—she's got serious game.
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