When Sally Hepworth discovered on her local Facebook community group that the highly anticipated adaptation of her novel The Family Next Door was being filmed just a stone’s throw from her home, she felt a rush of excitement that few experiences can rival. After all, it’s not every day a beloved author’s work is brought to life on screen, and she could hardly contain her curiosity.
However, the first detail that caught Hepworth’s eye upon arriving at the film set was a large truck emblazoned with the word “prosthetics” on its side. The sign left her momentarily puzzled and intrigued.
Author Sally Hepworth, nestled between talented actors Bella Heathcote and Teresa Palmer on the bustling set of The Family Next Door. Credit: Jane Zhang
“Initially, I thought, ‘that doesn’t sound like my book. Maybe they’ve changed it and introduced some prosthetic limbs. That’s unexpectedly cool. I can roll with that,’” Hepworth reflected, surprising even herself with the open-mindedness of her reaction.
As it turned out, the productions were entirely separate; the “prosthetics” truck was for a different horror film, completely unrelated to her deeply emotional domestic thriller centered around life in a bayside Melbourne cul-de-sac.
Deterred but not defeated, she and her boyfriend decided to explore a bit further around the scenic bay, hoping to uncover more activity, more vans, and potentially more crew members. “I was thinking this has got to be it,” she said, optimism flickering once more. Yet, they found themselves once again mistaken.
Ultimately, Hepworth located her crew at the iconic Beaumaris Lifesaving Club, a key location for the adaptation. However, by the time she arrived, her initial enthusiasm had waned, and she felt a rush of self-doubt wash over her.
“I approached the security guards and casually asked, ‘Oh, are you filming something down there?’. They replied, ‘Yeah, but no one’s allowed in’. At that moment, I thought ‘the universe says no’. I turned to walk away, feeling somewhat disheartened. However, my boyfriend, ever the supporter, interjected, ‘This is Sally Hepworth’. To our surprise, they responded, ‘Oh, you can come on in’.”
The Family Next Door marks Hepworth’s fifth novel, a milestone achievement for the acclaimed author.
Sitting at the cozy lifesaving club at Half Moon Bay, flanked by stars Teresa Palmer and Bella Heathcote, Hepworth’s joy and disbelief at being part of this adaptation are palpable. The screenplay, crafted by Sarah Scheller—known for her work on The Letdown—and directed by the talented Emma Freeman of The Newsreader fame, is set to make its debut on the ABC next year, signaling a new chapter in Hepworth’s literary journey.
What themes does Sally Hepworth hope to convey to audiences through the film adaptation of *The Family Next Door*?
**Interview with Sally Hepworth on the Adaptation of *The Family Next Door***
**Interviewer**: Welcome, Sally! It must be thrilling to see your novel *The Family Next Door* being adapted for the screen, especially so close to home. Can you share what your initial reaction was upon discovering the filming location through your local community group?
**Sally Hepworth**: Thank you! It was an exhilarating moment, truly unlike anything I’ve experienced before. When I found out they were filming just a stone’s throw away from my house, I felt a rush of excitement. It’s not every day that one’s work gets brought to life like this!
**Interviewer**: That’s wonderful to hear! You mentioned being intrigued by a truck with “prosthetics” written on it at the filming site. What was going through your mind when you saw that?
**Sally Hepworth**: (laughs) It was definitely a surprise! My first thought was, “That doesn’t sound like my book.” I found it amusing and slightly puzzling. I even thought, “Maybe they’ve introduced some prosthetic limbs or something unexpectedly cool,” and I surprised myself with how open-minded I was about it. I just thought, “Hey, I can roll with that!”
**Interviewer**: It sounds like you’ve embraced the creative liberties that an adaptation might take. What do you hope audiences will take away from this film as they step into the world you’ve created?
**Sally Hepworth**: I hope they dive deeply into the themes of complex relationships, the intricacies of love, and the tension of the unknown that lies within the chaos of life. *The Family Next Door* explores those dynamics in a very real way, and I hope the film brings that to life visually and emotionally for a broad audience.
**Interviewer**: It seems like it’s going to be a compelling adaptation! Given that you’re closely watching the process, are there any aspects of the filming that you’ve found particularly fascinating?
**Sally Hepworth**: Absolutely! Being on set, surrounded by such talented actors like Bella Heathcote and Teresa Palmer, has been a highlight. Watching the way they bring the script to life and interpret the characters has truly been illuminating. Each day offers a new perspective on my own writing, which is incredibly rewarding.
**Interviewer**: do you have any advice for aspiring authors who dream of having their work adapted one day?
**Sally Hepworth**: Keep writing and stay true to your voice. The journey from page to screen is unpredictable, but if your story resonates, there’s a chance it could find its way to a wider audience. Embrace every part of the process – the excitement, the uncertainties, and the surprises!
**Interviewer**: Thank you for sharing your insights, Sally! We can’t wait to see *The Family Next Door* on screen.
**Sally Hepworth**: Thank you! I’m looking forward to it as well!