World in the know about Victoria’s film industry
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6 April 2009
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Hundreds of thousands of filmgoers across the world are gaining a direct insight into the skill of Victoria’s film practitioners, thanks to the international success of the Nicolas Cage film Knowing – filmed in Melbourne last year.
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Knowing reached the top box office spot in the US, UK and Australia – showcasing Melbourne as a world-class location to shoot films.
Since release the sci-fi thriller, directed by Australian filmmaker Alex Proyas, has grossed $AUD99 million internationally including $2.8 million in Australia alone.
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Knowing used the Melbourne Central City Studios at Docklands, widely regarded as a world-class facility and major weapon in Victoria’s film-attraction arsenal.
Victorian Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings said the State Government supported the screen industry and films like Knowing provide a great indicator of what Victoria has to offer, both in terms of talent and locations.
“Melbourne’s ability to host a significant international production like Knowing and provide the perfect mix of world-class facilities, experienced crew and adaptable locations is a credit to the Victorian screen industry.
“Once again Victoria has proven itself as a leading production destination to filmmakers worldwide. We’re continually garnering the attention of international production companies for our ability to provide skills and service above and beyond expectation. I congratulate Film Victoria on securing this production and its benefits for the state.
“One of our biggest selling points is our inviting lifestyle and culture. Filmmakers and actors from around the world love our relaxed city, which is the icing on the cake for many productions looking for the perfect destination to create their project while living in their temporary home,” Mr Jennings said.
Co-starring Rose Byrne, the thriller about the end of the world was filmed at Melbourne Central City Studios and on-location throughout Melbourne from March to June in 2008. Utilising familiar locales such as Lonsdale Street, Flagstaff Station, Collins Street, the Geelong Bypass, Southbank and Camberwell High School, Knowing recreated modern-day Boston. The production employed over 700 Melburnians and injected an estimated $AUD45 million into the Victorian economy.
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Knowing is one of many international productions Film Victoria has attracted to capitalise on Victoria’s beautiful locations, world-class facilities and highly skilled practitioners. In recent years, the Victorian screen industry has hosted numerous large scale productions such as Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks’ miniseries The Pacific, Charlotte’s Web, Where the Wild Things Are and Ghost Rider which also starred Nicolas Cage.
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