Hollywood returns to Docklands
Cast and crew of a new sci-fi action movie have made their way to Docklands Studios as the film enters its final stages of principal photography.
War Machine is produced, directed and co-written by Victorian filmmaker Patrick Hughes, who made The Hitman’s Bodyguard and The Man from Toronto.
War Machine follows the final 24 hours of the world’s toughest selection program, as a team of Army Rangers encounters a threat beyond their imagination.
The production filmed scenes around Bright and Myrtleford in Victoria’s high country and has now moved to Laverton RAAF base and Docklands Studios Melbourne.
As the film’s director, Mr Hughes said that he is excited to be shooting in Australia after years of working internationally.
“It’s been a lifelong dream to bring Hollywood-style blockbusters home to Australia,” he said. “This project is just the beginning; I truly believe there’s no better place than Victoria to make movies.”
The film’s lead is Alan Ritchson, who recently starred in Guy Ritchie’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.
Ritchson is playing alongside a star-studded cast, including Dennis Quaid from Breaking Away, AACTA Award-winner Jai Courtney, and rising Australian actors Blake Richardson, Keiynan Lonsdale, and Daniel Webber.
“Victoria is in high demand as a screen destination because of our stunning locations, screen business infrastructure, expert local crew and exceptional creative talent,” state Creative Industries Minister Colin Brooks said.
“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.”
The film is creating 2,100 job opportunities for Victorians and engaging 600 local businesses, ranging from specialist screen businesses to accommodation and hospitality providers, and it will spend $73 million in the Victorian economy.
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 State Government’s Victorian Screen Incentive, Victorian Digital Screen Rebate and Regional Location Assistance Funds, administered by VicScreen.
The movie will be distributed in Australia by Roadshow Films and released internationally by Netflix in 2025. •