Innovation Minister Louise Asher today announced support for eight screen projects which will generate an estimated $27.3 million in production expenditure in Victoria.
Ms Asher said the Victorian Coalition Government would provide, through Film Victoria, investment support of $760,000 to six Victorian screen projects, which include returning seasons of two popular television series – House Husbands and Please Like Me – and four documentary projects.
Visual effects (VFX) packages for two major productions have also been secured by the Victorian Coalition Government through Film Victoria’s Production Incentive Attraction Fund for Post-Production, Digital and Visual Effects (PIAF PDV).
“Melbourne VFX, animation and design studio Iloura will complete VFX for Gods Of Egypt from Pyramania and Summit Entertainment LLC, filmed in Australia earlier this year, and for Seth MacFarlane’s Ted 2, the MRC/Universal Pictures sequel to the hugely successful 2012 movie Ted,” Ms Asher said.
Ms Asher said the Napthine Government was committed to supporting and strengthening the state’s screen industry.
“Since December 2010, our government has supported more than 165 film and television projects which are expected to generate over $675 million in production expenditure in Victoria,” Ms Asher said.
“This support ensures that the Victorian screen industry remains strong and continues to bring significant economic benefits to the state, including benefits to many local small businesses.
“The selection of a local studio to complete visual effects for the two major US productions acknowledges the expertise of Melbourne’s post-production industry and will provide work for around 130 talented local practitioners.”
Film Victoria CEO, Jenni Tosi said the talent pool of Victorian screen practitioners is impressive.
“Victorian companies and creative talent continue to create engaging projects which appeal to audiences and attract marketplace support,” Ms Tosi said.
“Film Victoria’s incentives, combined with the growing reputation of Melbourne's leading VFX and post-production facilities, contribute to our standing as an attractive production destination for international studios.
“Victoria’s ability to both produce and attract projects of this quality and scale highlights the depth and capacity of the local sector and gives practitioners the opportunity to further develop their skills and experience on high-end productions, which benefits the industry as a whole.”
The eight projects supported by Film Victoria are:
Fiction Television
• House Husbands – Series Four (Playmaker Media)
• Please Like Me – Series Three (Please Like Me Holdings)
Documentary
• Winter at Westbeth (Unicorn Films)
• Love & Marriage in Little India (360 Degree Films)
• Australia – Spaces between Buildings (FremantleMedia Australia)
• DNA Nation (Blackfella Films)
PIAF- PDV
• Ted 2 (MRC/Universal Pictures)
• Gods of Egypt (Pyramania and Summit Entertainment LLC)