Cade Lucas
Having earlier been sighted playing golf in Werribee, Hollywood star Dennis Quaid has gotten back to work, joining the rest of the cast and crew of the new sci-fi action movie, War Machine, on set at RAAF Base Williams in Laverton.
The air force base on the border of Hobsons Bay and Wyndham is where the Netflix thriller is now being filmed after scenes set in Victoria’s high country recently wrapped.
Produced, directed and co-written by Victorian filmmaker Patrick Hughes (The Hitman’s Bodyguard, The Man From Toronto), War Machine follows the final 24 hours of the world’s toughest selection program, as a team of army rangers encounter a threat beyond their imagination.
Alongside Quaid (Far from Heaven, The Right Stuff), Reacher star Alan Ritchson (Ordinary Angels, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare) plays the lead role, with 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), rounding out the cast.
The three month shoot was brought to Victoria with support from the state government through the Victorian Screen Incentive, Victorian Digital Screen Rebate and Regional Location Assistance Funds, administered by VicScreen.
Along with filming locations in Laverton, Bright and Myrtleford in the high country and Docklands Studios, post production for War Machine will also take place in Victoria, with the government claiming the entire project has created 2,100 jobs, engaged 600 local businesses and injected $73 million into the state’s economy, including $7.5 million into regional areas.
“Victoria is in high demand as a screen destination because of our stunning locations, screen business infrastructure, expert local crew and exceptional creative talent,” said Creative Industries Minister Colin Brooks on a recent visit to the Laverton set.
“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.”
Director, producer and writer Patrick Hughes said after making his first film in Victoria, he’d spent more than a decade working overseas.
“However, it’s been a lifelong dream to bring Hollywood-style blockbusters home to Australia,” Hughes said.
“This project is just the beginning; I truly believe there’s no better place than Victoria to make movies.”
