Under blue skies and the backdrop of a spectacular football ground, Yesterday’s Hero began shooting at Lalor Football club this week – but the real story goes deeper than lights, camera, action.
For director Cameron Miller, this isn’t just a movie shoot. It’s a return to his roots.
“The inspiration behind Yesterday’s Hero came from my own dreams about becoming a famous actor as a young teen,” Miller said.
“I had been doing work as extras on multiple movies and always aspired to become an actor. I wanted to deliver a relatable comedy about a struggling young man trying to make his way in the world while still dreaming of bigger and better things to come and one day having my 15 minutes of fame.”
Filming at Lalor was no coincidence.
“Lalor Football Club was an ideal location as Lalor was my home town,” Miller said.
“I grew up in Lalor attending primary school and Lalor Tech. I played a few games when I was younger and became a trainer for the club for a year. It was my home town and it felt like the right place to bring the movie to life.”
The film features footy icon Warwick Capper, cast as a flamboyant, ego-driven local football star.
“Warwick Capper was chosen to play the role of one of the best players in the local football team … with fame coming to him through his local club,” Miller said.
“It shows that fame and celebrity status can come in many forms – from the local footballer best and fairest to Scott Burke, a stand-up wannabe actor going to Hollywood.”
At its core, Yesterday’s Hero is about ambition, setbacks, and unexpected joy.
“Current themes are about learning to become the best version of yourself. Understanding that following your dreams comes with highs and lows … happiness can be found where you least expect it.”
Miller, who grew up on Curtin Avenue, started at Lalor Football Club as a teenage trainer.
“I wasn’t much of a football player – I was a very bad asthmatic,” Miller recalled.
“At 14, I was picked up to be a trainer at Carlton for a book club and did that for five years, looking after another Lalor boy, Anthony Koutoufides.”
