Storm Boy: behind the scenes

Director Shawn Seet on the challenges and opportunities of bringing iconic Australian story Storm Boy to the silver screen in 2019.

"It was like they'd read the script," Seet says of filming a particular scene with the orphaned pelicans that star in the film.

Not that the birds steal the show, with Seet praising Finn Little's performance in the titular role: "he embodies the character."

Seet also talks about adapting the 1963 book for modern audiences; how this film will differ from the beloved 1976 feature; working with animal and child actors; cinematography and soundtrack.

Storm Boy opens in Australian cinemas 17 January 2019.