Known as 'Band of Brothers' sequel, The multimillion dollar sequel to Steven Spielberg's acclaimed World War II series 'The Pacific' is expected to begin filming in Australia this summer.

With a budget of more than $150 million, the 10-part series is the most expensive ever made in Australia. The news hasn't been officially announced yet but the producers have set up a production office in Melbourne and commenced casting. It is expected to go behind cameras this August with locations to include Far North Queensland, Melbourne and the Northern Territory.

It will employ about 280 Australian actors, including almost 20 male leads and at least 250 in supporting roles or as extras.

AusFilm chief executive officer Mark Woods said a production as big as The Pacific would be a significant boost to the Australian film business.

""A production of the size and scale of The Pacific shooting in Australia would transform the local film industry,"" he said. ""It is a huge production. If it does end up based here, it would be very exciting.""

Source: Stuff.co.nz"