WWII thriller brings $24 million boost to Docklands Studios and local economy

Melbourne’s Docklands Studios is once again the backdrop for a major international production, with WWII survival thriller Play Dead currently filming on-site using the studio’s world-leading virtual production facilities.

The film, directed by Black Adam and Carry-On filmmaker Jaume Collet-Serra (pictured), is the latest in a growing list of productions to take advantage of Docklands’ advanced LED in-camera VFX stages, operated by NantStudios. The cutting-edge facility – the largest permanent volume stage in the world – is transforming Victoria into 1940s Belgium, where the film is set.

More than just a technical showcase, Play Dead is expected to inject more than $24 million into the Victorian economy, providing significant flow-on benefits to local businesses and workers.

The production is creating more than 300 local jobs, including 160 crew members, 40 cast and extras, and 100 post-production and digital effects roles. A further 10 placements will offer emerging screen talent development opportunities in stunts and virtual production.

Producer Akiva Nemetsky of Nocturnal Entertainment praised Docklands Studios, saying, “Being able to shoot the majority of our film at NantStudios in Docklands, within a world-class facility like Docklands Studios Melbourne, has elevated this production in every way. It’s a testament to what’s possible when great infrastructure meets local talent.”

Filming has also taken place in South Gippsland, further demonstrating the diversity of Victorian locations that continue to attract international productions.

Play Dead stars rising British actor Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place, Franklin) alongside an international ensemble cast, including Oppenheimer’s Matthias Schweighöfer and 1899’s Andreas Pietschmann. It also features Australian talent such as Joel Jackson (Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries), Sean Keenan (Barons) and Don Hany (Ali’s Wedding).

The film joins an impressive slate of recent productions using the Docklands volume screens, including The Survivors (Netflix), All Her Fault starring Sarah Snook, and Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky starring Liam Neeson.

Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks said the production was further proof of the state's global screen appeal.

“This latest production shows that screen is a serious business for our state, one that creates jobs, builds our skilled workforce, generates millions for our economy and showcases Victorian innovation to the world,” Minister Brooks said.

VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher added, “Play Dead is yet another screen production to utilise Melbourne’s LED in-camera volume screens at Docklands Studios Melbourne, engaging our world-class technicians and demonstrating Victoria’s capability for high-end virtual production.”

Attracted to Victoria by VicScreen’s Victorian Screen Rebate and also supported by the federal government’s Location Offset, Play Dead is produced by industry heavyweights including Sam Raimi (Spider-Man, Evil Dead Rise) and Rob Tapert (Xena: Warrior Princess, Barbarian). •