Mel Gibson is seen on set for the first time as he directs new World War II drama Hacksaw Ridge on location in Sydney  

By Jason Chester For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 22:28 EDT, 13 October 2015 | Updated: 23:02 EDT, 13 October 2015

Mel Gibson was seen for the first time on Tuesday afternoon as principal photography continued on the set of new World War II drama Hacksaw Ridge. 

The 59-year old was surrounded by members of his production team while directing the forthcoming film, which is based on the true story of conscientious objector Desmond T Doss. 

Stationed in the middle of a rain soaked field outside Sydney, Gibson looked intense while handing out instructions to the small group gathered behind him during a short break between scenes.

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Quiet on set: Mel Gibson was seen for the first time on Tuesday afternoon as principal photography continued on the set of new World War II drama Hacksaw Ridge

Quiet on set: Mel Gibson was seen for the first time on Tuesday afternoon as principal photography continued on the set of new World War II drama Hacksaw Ridge

Elsewhere a range of period army wagons, jeeps and tanks lined up in a nearby clearing before being called into action. 

Adding to the set's impressive authenticity, standard issue military tents were erected close to a humble, purpose built farmhouse and barn.

With conditions wet and windy on the exterior set, extras dressed as khaki-clad soldiers shouldered their rifles and clustered together outside the army bivouac. 

In the thick of it: The 59-year old was surrounded by members of his production team while directing the forthcoming film, which is based on the true story of conscientious objector Desmond T Doss

In the thick of it: The 59-year old was surrounded by members of his production team while directing the forthcoming film, which is based on the true story of conscientious objector Desmond T Doss

Ready and waiting: Elsewhere a range of period army wagons, jeeps and tanks lined up in a nearby clearing before being called into action 

Ready and waiting: Elsewhere a range of period army wagons, jeeps and tanks lined up in a nearby clearing before being called into action 

Here comes the boss: Clutching a cup of coffee, Gibson marched past an array of extras and productions assistants 

Here comes the boss: Clutching a cup of coffee, Gibson marched past an array of extras and productions assistants 

Meanwhile a lone actor was observed marching across a nearby field carrying what appeared to be a flame-thrower.  

Hacksaw Ridge will be Gibson’s fifth directorial offering after the mixed critical and commercial successes of The Man Without A Face, Braveheart, The Passion of the Christ and Apocalypto.

The New York born actor and director returned to New South Wales - where he spent much of his early life - in July as he prepared to shoot his latest creative venture.

'I'm so glad to be here again, working here again, bumping into people I've known for years, decades, again... and moving forward - it's been great,' he said during a press conference at Sydney's Fox Studios.  

Chilly: With conditions wet and windy on the exterior set, extras dressed as khaki-clad soldiers shouldered their rifles and clustered together outside the army bivouac

Chilly: With conditions wet and windy on the exterior set, extras dressed as khaki-clad soldiers shouldered their rifles and clustered together outside the army bivouac

Hotting up: One actor was seen brandishing what appeared to be a flame-thrower as he made his way across a muddy field  

Hotting up: One actor was seen brandishing what appeared to be a flame-thrower as he made his way across a muddy field  

Step back in time: Adding to the set's impressive authenticity, standard issue military tents were erected close to a humble, purpose built farmhouse and barn 

Step back in time: Adding to the set's impressive authenticity, standard issue military tents were erected close to a humble, purpose built farmhouse and barn 

'It gives me a particular giggle,' he said. 'I kicked off over 35 years ago here (and) I feel like I've picked up the thread where I left off since last I worked here.'

Starring The Amazing Spider-Man's Andrew Garfield, Hacksaw Ridge is based on the true story of conscientious objector Desmond Doss, who saved 75 men in Okinawa in World War II without ever firing a gun.

'It's about a man who wouldn't touch a weapon and wanted to be part of saving lives in the worst place on earth. I mean Okinawa was an horrific place... there were over 300,000 casualties, mostly civilian,' he said.

Hacksaw Ridge is expected to be completed towards the end of 2016. 

Make way: A tank trundled along a narrow path in a clearing on the set of Gibson's new film

Make way: A tank trundled along a narrow path in a clearing on the set of Gibson's new film

Along for the ride: An actor, dressed in soldiers fatigues, drove a period jeep across the set 

Along for the ride: An actor, dressed in soldiers fatigues, drove a period jeep across the set 


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Mel Gibson directs new World War II drama Hacksaw Ridge

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