NEW SONY PICTURES FILM GIVES VICTORIA A STARRING ROLE

Tommy Wirkola 

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.  

Sony Pictures’ upcoming untitled thriller, from producers HyperObject Industries’ Adam McKay and Kevin Messick (Don’t Look Up and Succession) and writer/director Norwegian filmmaker Tommy Wirkola (Violent Night, Dead Snow), will film in Melbourne. 

The production 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.  

The untitled thriller will be the first major international film from Sony Pictures to shoot in Victoria since Ghost Rider, starring Nicolas Cage, in 2005. Melbourne’s screen infrastructure was a key factor in Sony Pictures choosing Melbourne as its production base. 

Most recently VicScreen supported Sony Pictures through various VFX projects in Victoria with companies such as Framestore working on Men in Black: International, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Jumanji: The Next Level, Peter Rabbit, and 65 and Luma Pictures working on The Equalizer, and The Equalizer 3.  

The production was attracted to the state by VicScreen the Victorian Government’s creative and economic screen development agency through its Victorian Screen Incentive.  

Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks said, “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.”  

VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said, “We're delighted to welcome the production and the Sony team back to Melbourne. We work hard to attract inter-national productions to Melbourne creating employment opportunities and skills development for our thriving local screen sector.”  

Producers Adam McKay and Kevin Messick said, “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.”