)
Science-fiction action thriller War Machine today descends on Laverton’s RAAF Base Williams in Victoria after the Netflix and Lionsgate production wrapped up filming in the state’s high country in the past few weeks.
War Machine, which is produced, directed and co-written by Victorian filmmaker Patrick Hughes (The Hitman’s Bodyguard, The Man From Toronto), is filming in Victoria over three months with production kicking off last month.
The shift to RAAF Base Williams today comes on the heels of earlier location shoots around Bright and Myrtleford in Victoria’s high country. The sci-fi thriller follows the final 24 hours of the world’s toughest selection program, as a team of army rangers encounter a threat “beyond their imagination”.
Reacher star Alan Ritchson (Ordinary Angels, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare) plays the lead role, alongside 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).
Backed by VicScreen, the production is estimated to create 2,100 job opportunities in the state and engage about 600 local businesses, ranging from specialist screen businesses to accommodation and hospitality providers.
The movie production is estimated to spend $73 million in the Victorian economy, with $7.5 million of this being spent in regional Victorian communities.
Co-written by 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 Greg McLean (Wolf Creek, Jungle), Rich Cook and Valerie Bleth Sharp (Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes).
“Since directing my first feature, Red Hill, in High Country, Omeo, back in 2010, I've predominantly been working on projects internationally,” says Hughes.
“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.”
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.
“War Machine is a prime example of how Victorian screen talent, and their original content is globally sought after,” says VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher.
“Audiences worldwide 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.”
War Machine will be distributed in Australia by Roadshow Films and released internationally by Netflix in 2025.
The state government says its screen strategy has so far created 29,000 jobs and generated $1.25 billion in direct economic expenditure in Victoria, boosting the state’s reputation as a global destination for screen and games production.
“Victoria is in high demand as a screen destination because of our stunning locations, screen business infrastructure, expert local crew and exceptional creative talent,” says Victoria’s Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks.
“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.”
)
