- Published:
- Sunday 27 October 2024
Cast and crew of new sci-fi action movie War Machine – secured in Victoria by the Allan Labor Government – are now rolling cameras at Laverton’s RAAF Base Williams after wrapping up filming in Victoria’s spectacular high country.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks today joined Victorian director, writer and producer Patrick Hughes to visit the set of the thriller from Lionsgate and Netflix, which is filming in Victoria for three months – backing thousands of local film jobs.
Produced, directed and co-written by Victorian filmmaker Patrick Hughes (The Hitman’s Bodyguard, The Man From Toronto), War Machine follows the final 24 hours of the world’s toughest selection program, as a team of Army Rangers encounter a threat beyond their imagination.
The production filmed scenes around Bright and Myrtleford in Victoria’s high country and the production has now moved to Laverton and Docklands Studios Melbourne. Post-production will also take place in Victoria, including at local visual effects (VFX) studio Framestore, showing the state’s world class digital and visual effects capabilities.
Reacher star Alan Ritchson (Ordinary Angels, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare) plays the lead role, alongside a stellar cast including Dennis Quaid (Far from Heaven, The Right Stuff), AACTA winner Jai Courtney (The Suicide Squad), and rising Australian actors Blake Richardson (Mystery Road: Origin), Keiynan Lonsdale (The Flash), and Daniel Webber (The Dirt).
War Machine is creating 2,100 job opportunities for Victorians and engaging 600 local businesses, ranging from specialist screen businesses to accommodation and hospitality providers. The film will spend $73 million in the Victorian economy, with an estimated $7.5 million being spent in regional Victorian communities.
Written by Patrick Hughes and fellow Victorian James Beaufort, War Machine is produced by Todd Lieberman (Wonder and The Fighter) and Alex Young (Shotgun Wedding), with Executive Producers Victorian Greg McLean (Wolf Creek, Jungle), Rich Cook and Valerie Bleth Sharp (Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes).
The production is just one of several major screen projects filming in the state including the Peacock series All Her Fault and the Sony Pictures feature Beneath the Storm which recently wrapped at Docklands Studios Melbourne.
War Machine was attracted to Victoria through the Labor Government’s Victorian Screen Incentive, Victorian Digital Screen Rebate and Regional Location Assistance Funds, administered by VicScreen. War Machine will be distributed in Australia by Roadshow Films and released internationally by Netflix in 2025.
This production is among many major screen projects filming in the state, including the Peacock series All Her Fault and the Sony Pictures feature Beneath the Storm, which recently wrapped at Docklands Studios Melbourne.
The Labor Government’s screen strategy has so far created 29,000 jobs and generated $1.25 billion in direct economic expenditure in Victoria, securing the state’s reputation as a global destination for screen and games production.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks
“Victoria is in high demand as a screen destination because of our stunning locations, screen business infrastructure, expert local crew and exceptional creative talent.”
“War Machine is part of a robust pipeline of screen productions filming in Victoria this year, creating jobs, boosting local business and showcasing Victorian creative talent, locations and technical skills to a global audience.”
Quote attributable to Member for Laverton Sarah Connolly
“Having War Machine film here in Laverton is a huge win for our local community, creating jobs and boosting the local economy while showcasing our state’s top locations and talent.”
Quote attributable to Member for Point Cook Mat Hilakari
“This production is not only bringing big names to Victoria but also supporting local businesses and workers, demonstrating the significant benefits of the screen industry to Melbourne’s west.”
Quote attributable to VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher
“War Machine is a prime example of how Victorian screen talent, and their original content is globally sought after. Audiences world-wide are set to be captivated by this incredible film made by Victoria’s screen industry.”
“This large budget action thriller is proof that our high concept, original ideas and incredible production capabilities are attracting increasing international investment into our growing screen economy.”
Quote attributable to Director, producer and writer Patrick Hughes
“Since directing my first feature, Red Hill, in High Country, Omeo, back in 2010, I've predominantly been working on projects internationally. However, it's been a lifelong dream to bring Hollywood-style blockbusters home to Australia. This project is just the beginning; I truly believe there's no better place than Victoria to make movies.”
Quotes attributable to Executive Producer Greg McLean
“War Machine marks the debut project from Huge Film, a proudly Victorian-based production with the goal of creating elevated action, thriller and horror stories for global audiences.”
“As local filmmakers, we are incredibly proud to work alongside such committed international partners such as Lionsgate, Netflix, and Hidden Pictures, as well as the Victorian Government through VicScreen, the Australian Government and our phenomenal cast and crew.”