Victoria’s reputation as a global hub for screen production continues to shine with cameras set to roll next month on a major new feature film from Sony Pictures.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks today announced that the new thriller – yet to be given its title – will be filmed at Docklands Studios Melbourne and on location around Victoria over the coming months.
From producers Adam McKay and Kevin Messick of HyperObject Industries’ (Don’t Look Up and Succession), the film is written and directed by Norwegian filmmaker Tommy Wirkola (Violent Night, Dead Snow).
The movie is set to inject more than $30 million into the Victorian economy, generating almost 700 job opportunities for Victorians, including employing 11 locals in Head of Department roles.
Sony Pictures has a long history of collaborating with Victoria’s screen industry. In 2005, the studio’s feature film Ghost Rider, starring Nicolas Cage, was the first international production to shoot at Docklands Studios Melbourne.
More recently, Sony Pictures has worked with local visual effects companies on productions including Men in Black: International, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, The Equalizer and The Equalizer 3.
The local production was locked in by VicScreen through the Allan Labor Government’s Victorian Screen Incentive program.
Off the back of two record-breaking years for screen production in the state, Sony’s feature film is the latest in a string of major screen projects that have filmed in Victoria this year.
Recent productions include the Liam Neeson action film Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky, the Netflix series Apple Cider Vinegar and The Survivors, a television series adaptation of the novel by Victorian author Jane Harper.
As stated by Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks
“This production will create hundreds of local jobs for screen workers and boost local businesses – from hospitality to security and transport.”
“We’re proud to back this film as part of a pipeline of local and global productions that keep our screen industry buzzing with activity and job opportunities – jobs that are not available everywhere.”
As stated by VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher
“We’re delighted to welcome the production and the Sony team back to Melbourne. We work hard to attract international productions to Melbourne creating employment opportunities and skills development for our thriving local screen sector.”
As stated by Producers Adam McKay and Kevin Messick
“Melbourne offers fantastic filming infrastructure with the Victorian Government’s support, and we know Aussie crews are some of the best in the world. We can’t wait to come down under to Melbourne.”
