The Federal Government and Victoria State Government have partnered to secure Paramount Television and Anonymous Content’s 10-part television adaptation of Gregory David Roberts’ best-selling novel Shantaram to film in Melbourne, Victoria.
The Federal Government will provide $7.4 million for the production through the Location Incentive program, with the Victorian Government also supporting the production through Film Victoria’s Production Incentive Attraction Fund.
Based on Gregory David Roberts’ acclaimed semi-autobiographical novel, the 10-part series will depict his adventures spanning Melbourne to India following his escape from a maximum-security prison.
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP said he was pleased to support the adaptation of the iconic Australian novel.
“Shantaram is a mesmerising Australian story and this series will bring it to life for a new generation, creating further jobs for our world-class screen industry,” said Minister Fletcher.
“The production is expected to attract more than $55 million in investment, employ around 330 cast and crew and use the services of more than 500 local businesses.”
Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley said he looked forward to the production generating significant employment and skills development opportunities for Victorian creatives.
“We’re delighted that Shantaram will showcase our state and the talent of our creatives to an audience of millions around the world,” said Minister Foley.
“Attracting a production of this scale to Victoria further shows why we are the creative and cultural capital of Australia.”
The series will be filmed at Melbourne’s Docklands Studios, with location shoots in the historic Pentridge Prison in Coburg and other locations. Filming will begin in October 2019.
The Government’s Location Incentive complements the Location Offset and effectively provides a 30% rebate for eligible large budget international productions.
The Australian Government has previously announced $80 million through the Incentive for 6 productions, which will generate nearly $600 million in investment in Australia’s economy.
