Filming for the Hollywood action thriller Empire City will commence in Melbourne this month. The decision to film in the Victorian capital comes after producers explored locations worldwide. The film, starring Gerard Butler, is set in New York and will showcase Melbourne as a stand-in for the iconic city.
Location scouts have expressed confidence in Melbourne’s ability to transform into various settings. The film follows a contemporary kidnap plot akin to classics like Die Hard. Butler plays firefighter Rhett, who must navigate a hostage crisis within a landmark New York building alongside his police officer wife, Dani, portrayed by Hayley Atwell, known for her roles in the Mission: Impossible series and the Captain America franchise.
Location Choice Driven by Resources and Support
According to Marc Butan, chief executive of MadRiver Pictures, numerous locations were considered for the project. Earlier this year, he and director Michael Matthews visited various sites to evaluate their potential. Ultimately, they chose to collaborate with local producer Paul Currie and his team due to Melbourne’s resources and talent pool.
Butan noted, “What you need is the urban streets… the set dressing, the ability to build here, to hire most of the crew locally. It ticked all the boxes that we were looking for.” The film’s production will also benefit from the Victorian Screen Rebate provided by VicScreen. While the exact financial figures remain confidential, this incentive is based on a percentage of the total production expenditure in the state. Additionally, the federal government offers a location offset to further support the project.
Significance of Melbourne’s Film Industry
The choice to film Empire City in Melbourne highlights the city’s growing reputation as a viable location for major film productions. The combination of urban landscapes, skilled labor, and government incentives make it an appealing destination for filmmakers.
As the production gears up, anticipation builds for how Melbourne will creatively embody New York City on screen. The collaboration between local talent and international stars promises to bring an exciting new dimension to both the film and the city’s cinematic landscape.
